It’s the end of an era for one of Japan’s most beloved characters.

Today, Japanese voice talent Megumi Hayashibara revealed they will no longer be the voice of Hello Kitty. In 1990, the talent began voicing the character in the anime film Hello Kitty no Oyayubi-hime. Over the decades, Hayashibara continued portraying the character in other anime films, OVAs, and various projects.

Outside of Hello Kitty, Hayashibara is best known for their work as Jessie in Pokémon, Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Faye Valentine in Cowboy Bebop, and Lina Inverse in Slayers. Hayashibara’s blog about exiting the role can be found here.

The announcement comes on Hello Kitty’s birthday (November 1). Next year, Sanrio will celebrate the character’s 50th anniversary. A Hello Kitty animated/live action hybrid film is currently in development with New Line.