You Inoue was a highly regarded Japanese voice actress known for her versatile performances from the 1970s until her death in 2003. Born Yumi Shitsukawa on December 4, 1946, in Tokyo, she was active in the industry for nearly three decades and became a beloved figure in classic anime. Her career was marked by a remarkable ability to portray both intelligent women and energetic young boys with equal skill. In addition to voice acting, Inoue was also a screenwriter, a dancer, and a fortune teller who used the name Ray Hoshiko. She passed away on February 28, 2003, due to pulmonary edema related to cancer.

Inoue's path to voice acting began with a passion for modern dance and theater, which she pursued during her time at Waseda University. After a brief stint with a theater group, she found her way into voice acting, making her professional debut in the series Seton Animal Chronicles: The Bear Cub Jackie. Despite initially finding anime work challenging, she quickly became a staple in the industry, impressing colleagues with her precision and rarely making mistakes during recordings.

Throughout her career, You Inoue built an extensive filmography, taking on a wide array of memorable characters. She is perhaps best known for her role as Sayla Mass in the groundbreaking series Mobile Suit Gundam and its subsequent movies, including the Mobile Suit Gundam movie trilogy and Mobile Suit SD Gundam's Counterattack. Her association with the Gundam franchise also included voicing the characters Kikka Kitamoto and the robot Haro. Another of her iconic roles was as Ran in the long-running series Urusei Yatsura, including the special It's Spring! Take Off!, a part that showcased her dynamic vocal range as the character shifted from sweet to furious. She also took on lead roles like the mischievous eldest brother Osomatsu Matsuno in the Osomatsu-kun series and its associated specials.

Her work spanned numerous other popular series of the era. She voiced Ivano in Macross 7 Plus and Gepelnich in the wider Macross 7 franchise. In the super robot genre, she played Reika Sanjo in Muteki Kōjin Daitarn 3, Cairo in Tōshō Daimos, Manabu Karui in Future Robot Daltanious, Peachy in Toshi Gordian, and both Hiro (Hiroshi) Oumi and Hiroshi Taikai in Gold Lightan - The Golden Warrior. Her versatility extended to comedic roles like Jyako Amano in High School! Kimengumi, as well as parts in fantasy and action series such as Neris in The Legend of Lyon: Flare, Sophine in BAOH, and Queen Zurline in Shōnen Santa no Daibōken. She also took on roles in dubbing foreign films and TV dramas, providing the Japanese voice for actresses like Sally Field and characters in films such as Top Gun.

Beyond her performance work, You Inoue was a creative force in other areas. She wrote scripts for television programs and created quiz questions, drawing on her diverse talents. Her passion for dance also remained strong, and she performed on prestigious stages like the National Theatre. Known for her intellectual, energetic, and caring personality, she was a cherished colleague who would often cook for others, with her spicy curry becoming a legend among fellow voice actors. Her life was marked by a sense of adventure, including a 15-month solo trip through India, which deeply influenced her. You Inoue's legacy is defined by the many classic characters she brought to life and the warmth and professionalism she brought to the industry, leaving a lasting impact on anime culture.