Who was the most “oshi” female voice actor of 2025? Hanazawa Kana, Ueda Reina, Hayami Saori, Sakura Ayane, Uchida Maaya… Diverse activities are the reason to support them! [Anime! Anime! General Election]

2025 was a year brimming with countless anime, from TV series and theatrical films to streaming originals. Before we knew it, while keeping up with shows and attending events, the year has drawn to a close.

At Anime! Anime!, we once again held our annual year-end project, the [Anime! Anime! General Election]. This time, we conducted a reader survey focusing on the ‘voice actors’ who breathe life into characters.

We invited votes for both the ‘voice actor you think was most active in 2025’—those who left an impression through lead roles, popular works, stage performances, and reading dramas—and the ‘voice actor you most recommended’—ones you became a fan of this year or personally wanted to endorse—separately for male and female categories.

From November 15 to December 17, we received responses from 2,364 people. The gender ratio was about 30% male and 70% female, with more females. The age distribution was approximately 25% under 19, 30% in their 20s, and about 15% each for their 30s and 40s.

In this article, we announce the final results for the ‘most recommended female voice actor’.

Gallery: Featured Voice Actors

■ Spotlight on the Shining Voice Actors!

1st Place

1st place is Hanazawa Kana, with a support rate of about 17%.

In 2025, she played main characters in many works, such as Houshou Reiko in Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de (which can be translated as The Detective is After Dinner), Queen in TO BE HERO, and Mashiro in Mattaku Saikin no Tantei to Kitara (Seriously, Lately Detectives Are…).

Readers commented: “From delicate heroines to energetic boys, gentle mothers, evil masterminds, and even mysterious creatures… It was a year that made me realize she can truly play anything. I enjoyed not only her beautiful lines that utilize her clear voice quality but also her sharp, intimidating tones and outrageous screams.” Another said, “Xiao Hei in the movie Luo Xiao Hei Zhan Ji 2: Bokura ga Nozomu Mirai (also known as The Legend of Luo Xiao Hei 2: The Future We Desire) is 8 years old, and in the series airing from October, he’s 10 years old. Even though it’s a slight difference, you could really feel that he had grown a bit compared to the movie. Just like with Tsunemori Akane in PSYCHO-PASS, Hanazawa-san is really skilled at portraying growth!”

Others noted, “I usually don’t pay much attention to voice actors, but whenever a performance strikes me and I check the credits, I feel like I keep seeing Hanazawa Kana’s name,” showing votes from non-voice actor fans as well. Some readers pointed to her diverse activities: “I also enjoy her variety TV shows and radio programs, and I pre-ordered her collaboration sake. I want to keep supporting Hanazawa-san next year too!”

2nd Place

2nd place is Ueda Reina, with a support rate of about 11%.

Ueda Reina stood out in heroine roles for popular works, with readers frequently mentioning Kano Chinatsu in Ao no Hako (Blue Box), Kuze Shizuka in Takopi no Genzai (Takopi’s Original Sin), and Reze in Gekijouban Chainsaw Man Reze Hen (Chainsaw Man the Movie: Reze Arc).

Comments included: “The intensity in the final episode of Takopi no Genzai was amazing. It felt like the emotions directly hit my body, and I was swept away all at once.” and “In Reze Hen, I was captivated by her mesmerizing voice that seemed to melt into my ears. It’s no wonder that Ueda-san’s lines were used in Kenshi Yonezu’s theme song IRIS OUT.”

There were also comments from new fans: “I started seriously watching anime this year and was drawn into Ueshama’s charm through the radio show Ueda Reina no Himitsu Bako!” and from long-time supporters: “I’ve been paying attention since she played a staggering number of multiple roles in Tesagure! Bukatsu-mono. I’m really happy about her recent active work. Thank you for always giving us so much感动!” Votes came from a wide range of fans.

3rd Place

3rd place is Hayami Saori, with only a few votes difference from 2nd place.

This year, she played main characters in a wide range of roles, from latest works like Fuji in Ame to Kimi to (Rain and You) and Tabata Hana in Busu ni Hanataba wo. (Flowers for the Ugly) to popular series like Yor Forger in SPY×FAMILY Season 3.

Many comments touched on her role as Kochou Shinobu in Gekijouban Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Jou Hen Dai Isshou Akaza Sairai (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie – Infinity Castle Arc Chapter 1: Akaza’s Return): “In the battle against Douma, her sister’s enemy, I thoroughly enjoyed Hayami-san’s intense and passionate performance.” and “Shinobu-san’s anger was palpable, and I thought this was truly a fight with all her heart and soul.” It seems many readers were emotionally invested in watching the battle.

You can follow Hayami Saori on X (formerly Twitter) for updates.

Also, a fan who loves her goods said: “Her unique and cheerful personality glimpsed through radio and events becomes more charming the more you know her. This year was her 10th anniversary as an artist, with active live performances. It was a year with Hayami-san close by. The stuffed toy with (早) embroidered on its face also well represents Hayami-san’s unique sensibility, and I can recommend it without reservation!”

Moving on to 4th place, Sakura Ayane, comments included: “Not only in anime, but through radio programs like Sakura Ayane Ronri x Lonely, I was able to understand Sakura Ayane-san’s way of perceiving things. She tackles various issues like support for truancy students and their families, and I respect her as a person.” “I learned about her through radio this year and started supporting her. She’s someone who can impress even me, who hardly watches anime.” “Because on the radio show Nikkun Sakura Ayane ~Tensai, Amamiya Takaono ni Naru 100 Nichikan~, she achieved the feat of 100 consecutive days of broadcasting.”

For 5th place, Uchida Maaya, comments were: “In recent years, she has had more opportunities to play characters with lower voices, and along with the surprise of ‘Wow, she can play such characters too!’, my ears feel happy.” “When she served as the ceremonial first pitcher for professional baseball, she was also talked about as the Hawks’ goddess of victory. As she reaches the milestone of her 15th anniversary since her voice actor debut, I’m confident she will advance even further as an artist. Please let me support you for a long time to come!”

In the “most recommended female voice actor” edition, comments highlighting not only character performances but also daily communications and activities like radio, variety shows, and SNS were noticeable. Another characteristic is that many are also active as artists.

Next time, we will announce the results for the “male voice actor you think was most active.” Don’t miss it!

■ Ranking Top 10

(Response period: November 15 to December 17, 2025)

Next page: Rankings up to 20th place revealed

Written by Takahashi Katsunori

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