Yahoo Japan launches anime character voice navigation feature.

Tokyo, Japan—LINE Yahoo Corp (4689.T) introduced a premium voice navigation feature for its Yahoo! Car Navigation app. 

The feature incorporates character voices from the popular TV anime series "My Hero Academia" and costs JPY 550 ($3.66) monthly.

Users of the navigation application can download character voice guidance after accessing the "Oshidora" feature through the menu button on the app's main screen. 

The service includes navigation instructions and exclusive voice content featuring characters Daiki Yamashita's Izuku Midoriya and Nobuhiko Okamoto's Katsuki Bakugo.

The company's navigation app, which has recorded more than 24 million downloads since its 2014 launch, will offer the voice guidance feature for one year starting October 25, 2024. 

The subscription service automatically renews monthly unless canceled two days before the renewal date.

Payments for the premium feature are processed through Apple's App Store or Google Play, depending on the user's device platform. 

The base navigation application remains free and is available for iOS and Android devices.

The new feature launch coincides with the app's 10th anniversary and comes ahead of the planned final season of "My Hero Academia" in 2025. 

The anime series, based on a manga by Kohei Horikoshi, has achieved global success, with comic sales exceeding 100 million copies worldwide.

LINE Yahoo representatives said the company aims to enhance its service offerings for safe and enjoyable driving experiences, though specific plans for additional character integrations were not disclosed.