The voice acting landscape in Japan just witnessed a monumental shift. ORICON NEWS released its first-ever favorite voice actor ranking, and Saori Hayami has emerged victorious, claiming the number one position among female seiyuus. This achievement is particularly impressive considering she outranked industry legends who’ve shaped anime for decades.
A year defined by Demon Slayer
While Hayami’s voice can be heard across countless beloved series, including her iconic portrayal of Yor Forger in SPY×FAMILY, it was her performance as Shinobu Kocho that truly sealed her victory. The latest Demon Slayer theatrical release, Infinity Castle Arc Chapter One: Akaza Returns, became a cultural phenomenon, and fans couldn’t stop praising Hayami’s emotionally charged work during Shinobu’s confrontation with Upper Rank demon Doma. Viewers specifically highlighted how she conveyed layers of anger, sorrow, and pain through Shinobu’s deceptively gentle tone, creating one of the film’s most powerful moments.
Legends still standing strong
The ranking wasn’t just about new talent overtaking the old guard. Coming in second was the incomparable Masako Nozawa, who at 89 years old continues voicing Son Goku in Dragon Ball DAIMA. Fans described her as a “national treasure,” and this year she made history as the first voice actor to receive the Person of Cultural Merit honor in Japan. Megumi Hayashibara rounded out the top three with her return as Ranma in the Ranma 1/2 remake, proving that some voices are truly timeless.
The survey included responses from 1,000 participants across different age groups throughout Japan, focusing on performers active in animation and dubbing work. Other notable names in the top rankings included Kana Hanazawa, Atsumi Tanezaki (voice of Anya in SPY×FAMILY and Frieren), and Aoi Yuki.
With major anime releases scheduled for 2026, including new seasons of Frieren and Jujutsu Kaisen, next year’s competition promises to be even fiercer.
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