Maeno Tomoaki Birthday Commemoration! Most Favorite Character? 3rd Touken Ranbu Yamanbagiri Kunihiro, 2nd Genshin Shou Ri, 1st is… “Impressive Singing Ability”, “Skillfully Plays Dual Roles” <2025 Edition>

On May 26th, we celebrate the birthday of Maeno Tomoaki-san!

Maeno Tomoaki-san made his voice acting debut in the 2000s and received the New Actor Award at the 4th Seiyuu Awards.

From 2024 to 2025, he has been active across a wide range of media, including TV anime and films, such as *Touken Ranbu Kai -Kyoden Moyuru Honnouji-*, *”Tsukiuta.” Gekijouban RABBITS KINGDOM THE MOVIE*, *Gekijouban Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ TABOO NIGHT XXXX*, and *Binan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu High School!*.

To celebrate Maeno Tomoaki-san’s birthday, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “Which is your favorite character voiced by Maeno Tomoaki-san?” for the second consecutive year. We announce the results. We received 189 responses during the survey period from May 17th to May 21st.
The gender ratio was approximately 20 percent male and 80 percent female, making it primarily female. Regarding age, approximately 35 percent were under 19, and about 20 percent were in their 20s, indicating a focus on younger age groups.

Camus from “UtaPri”, with a New Film Out, Takes the Top Spot!

Rank 1

The 1st place goes to Camus from *Uta no☆Prince-sama♪*. With a support rate of approximately 17 percent, he rose from 4th place last year.

Camus is a young man from a noble family who served the queen overseas and is a member of the idol group QUARTET NIGHT. Readers were drawn to his ability to effortlessly switch between his two personas: “I was drawn to how he skillfully plays both the butler and the count. Just when you think he’s acting 紳士 (shinshi – gentlemanly) with polite manners, he’ll turn around and insult you with ‘This commoner!’ (Kono Gumin ga!), that gap always gets me” and “Beyond his acting, which changes modes completely, his singing ability to perform highly difficult songs with dignity is also breathtaking. Maeno-san himself often wears Camus merchandise daily, showing his deep love for the character.”
The current screening of *Gekijouban Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ TABOO NIGHT XXXX* also contributed to his rise in the rankings. “With the movie out this year, there were stage greetings, and I’m so happy I got to hear Maeno-san’s love for Camus directly! I’ve been a fan for nearly 12 years, but I’ve fallen in love with Camus all over again seeing his new charms.” The excitement around the latest film, which depicts QUARTET NIGHT’s live performance, clearly boosted his rank.

Rank 2

Coming in 2nd is Shouri from *Genshin*. Although he dropped from the top spot last year, the result was decided by a mere handful of votes.

“He has style and dignity, but also a bit of a clueless side… Especially in *Genshin*, he often doesn’t carry Mora (the currency) and just says ‘I don’t have any Mora’ when it comes time to pay. That side of the ‘sensei’ (teacher) is part of his charm” and “He’s the character who first introduced me to Maeno-san. His intelligent and calm voice drew me in, and I remember looking up who this voice belonged to!”
His activities outside the game also garnered attention: “I really enjoy watching his YouTube and other videos. The official radio show has finished its run for now, but I’m hoping for new projects!”

Rank 3

In 3rd place is Yamanbagiri Kunihiro from *Touken Ranbu ONLINE*. With a support rate of approximately 10 percent, he dropped one spot from 2nd place last year but remains in the top 3.

“He’s cynical, always wearing a hood and looking dishevelled because he has a strong complex about being a ‘copy’ (utsushi) modelled after another sword. But he’s kind at heart, showing concern for his companions, which I really like” and “Maeno-san’s low voice perfectly suits Kunihiro’s personality, which carries a shadow.”
As he is one of the characters available to choose at the start of the game (“initial sword” – shokitou), passionate comments came from long-time fans as well: “The initial sword is always special! I was moved by how his voice, even when he undergoes the drastic change into his true ‘Kiwame’ form, still retains the original atmosphere.”

More Comments!

For Veldora from *Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken*, comments included: “His boisterous laugh, befitting the free-spirited Storm Dragon Veldora, is simply irresistible! He perfectly nails the part of the strongest, yet frivolous and adorable, character.”
For Onigashima Houou from *Kenka Banchou Otome*: “The legendary Banchou who took over the yankee school in less than a month. While he’s often seen as scary, he’s truly like a big brother (anikihada) and cares for his companions. When he’s training, his strength shines through, but I’m captivated by his gentle voice when interacting normally.”

For Fukutomi Juichi from *Yowamushi Pedal*: “He’s the captain of Hakone Academy’s cycling team. His catchphrase is ‘Ore wa tsuyoi’ (I am strong), and he once caused an opponent to crash because of his obsession with victory. The episode where he goes to apologize to the opposing school afterwards left a strong impression on me.”
For Arc from *Gaikotsu Kishi-sama, Tadaima Isekai e Odekakechuu*: “The protagonist who ended up in a game-like other world with a skeleton avatar. He wants to live quietly without standing out, but he’s so kind-hearted that he can’t ignore bad people or those in trouble and gets caught up in trouble. His kindness shines through in his voice.” There were also votes for titles that have had new productions announced.

In the 2025 edition, *Uta no☆Prince-sama♪*, with its movie currently showing, leaped to the top. It turned out to be a ranking where many characters with appealing “gaps” in their personalities ranked highly.
Don’t miss the overall ranking on the next page!

Ranking Top 10

[Which is your favorite character voiced by Maeno Tomoaki-san? 2025 Edition]

1. Camus 『Uta no☆Prince-sama♪』
2. Shouri 『Genshin』
3. Yamanbagiri Kunihiro 『Touken Ranbu ONLINE』
4. Hakkekkyuu (Kouchuukyuu) 『Hataraku Saibou』
5. Hidaka Hokuto 『Ensemble Stars!』
6. Veldora 『Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken』
7. Rosemary 『Delicious Party Precure』
8. Asahina Natsume 『BROTHERS CONFLICT』
9. Hak 『Akatsuki no Yona』
10. Doujou Atsushi 『Toshokan Sensou』
11. Hayami Hiro 『Pretty Rhythm Rainbow Live』

(Survey Period: May 17, 2025 – May 21, 2025)

Next Page: Full Ranking Revealed
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