Wakana Okuma

Wakana Okuma
大熊 和奏
Born (2001-04-13) April 13, 2001
Saitama Prefecture, Japan
NationalityJapanese
Occupations
Years active2021–present
AgentKen Production
Notable workLove Live! Superstar!! as Shiki Wakana
Height156 cm (5 ft 1 in)
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Years active2022–present

Wakana Okuma (大熊 和奏, Ōkuma Wakana, born April 13, 2001[1]) is a Japanese voice actress and singer currently affiliated with Ken Production.[2]

She is best known for her role as Shiki Wakana, member of fictional idol group Liella! in the Love Live! Superstar!! media franchise. In late 2024, she launched her solo music project under the name Spileben.

Biography

Born in Saitama Prefecture,[2] Okuma developed an early interest in performance arts, beginning jazz dance at the age of five. Influenced by her teacher’s love for the J-pop group Arashi, she performed creative dances to their music. After a brief hiatus following her teacher’s departure during her elementary school years, Okuma resumed dancing in middle school, exploring modern and contemporary dance styles.[3]

Her passion for voice acting emerged in elementary school after watching Hunter × Hunter, where she was inspired by female voice actresses portraying dynamic characters like Gon and Killua. Determined to pursue voice acting, Okuma enrolled in a public high school specializing in performing arts, a decision guided by her mother’s advice to build a strong foundation in stagecraft before entering a voice acting agency.[3] During this period, she studied classical ballet, stage production, sound engineering, and lighting, gaining a comprehensive understanding of theater. After graduating high school, Okuma auditioned for voice acting agencies and joined her current agency, solidifying her path in the industry. Her fascination with voice acting stemmed from its ability to bring characters to life through voice alone, without relying on physical appearance. She also expressed admiration for the craft’s professionalism and the thrill of seeing her name in the credits.[3]

Okuma debuted as a voice actress in 2021, with a minor role in the Japanese dub for Marvel movie Eternals.[4] In 2022, she was announced as the voice of Shiki Wakana, second generation member of the fictional idol group Liella! from the animated series Love Live! Superstar!!.[5] As a member of Liella!'s second generation, Okuma quickly gained popularity among fans for her vibrant performances.[3]

On August 30, 2024, Okuma announced her solo music project, Spileben, with its name representing both her artistic vision and the collaborative efforts of her team.[3] Okuma and her team wanted the project to showcase a bold, confident persona, distinct from her earlier "cute and wholesome" image in Love Live!. Her debut EP as Spileben, entitled Joshō (序章, lit. 'Prologue'), was released digitally on October 30, 2024, and physically on November 2, 2024.[3]

In 2025, she became part of the Love Live! special group AiScReam, whose song "Ai Scream!" became a viral hit on social media worldwide.[6]

Discography

EPs

  • Joshō (2024) – as Spileben

Filmography

Anime

Video games

  • Love Live! School Idol Festival (2023–2024) – Shiki Wakana
  • Sega Net Mahjong MJ (2024) – Daisangen
  • Stellar Blade (2024) – Mother Sphere
  • Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (2024) – Shokushin
  • Mahō Shōjo no Majo Saiban (2025) – Nanoka Kurobe
  • Kioku no Kenban (2025)

References

  1. ^ Maiden Vol.6 TV Guide Voice Stars Special Edition, Tokyo News Service, published April 2, 2025, page 77, ISBN 978-4-86701-984-9
  2. ^ a b "Wakana Okuma Official Profile Page". Ken Production (in Japanese). Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "ソロプロジェクト「Spileben」とは？ 表現に明け暮れた高校時代から自撮りが苦手な素顔まで！／声優・大熊和奏さんインタビュー". Buzztok News (in Japanese). January 8, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  4. ^ "エターナルズ　－日本語吹き替え版 –". Fukikae Kingdom (in Japanese). Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  5. ^ "Liella! 2期生キャスト4名が決定！". Love Live! Superstar!! Official Website (in Japanese). May 12, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  6. ^ "＜コラム＞TikTok時代のバズる条件とは――「ループ×可愛い×シュール」をキーワードに紐解く". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). April 11, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
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