Actress Yui Ichikawa (40) announced on Instagram on May 31 that she will be leaving her longtime agency Ken-On.

Alongside a photo of cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji, Ichikawa wrote, "I would like to thank everyone for their continued warm support. As of today, May 31, I will be leaving Ken-On."

She expressed gratitude to the agency, saying, "I sincerely appreciate them for guiding me into acting when I was an inexperienced 15-year-old who knew nothing, and for supporting me and walking alongside me for so many years."

Ichikawa explained her decision saying, "As I reach a milestone year and reflect once again on my future, I decided that I want to challenge myself in a new environment." She added that details regarding her future activities and inquiries will be announced at a later date.

Born in Tokyo on February 10, 1986, Ichikawa made her acting debut in the drama 'Shibuya-kei Joshi Pro Wrestling.' Since then, she has appeared in numerous works including 'Gokusen,' 'Ju-on,' 'NANA2,' and the NHK taiga drama 'Gunshi Kanbei.'

Ichikawa is married to actor Shigeyuki Totsugi.