The April 2025 issue of Seiyu Grand Prix (published by Shufunotomo Infos) was released on March 10, featuring the annual "Seiyu Meikan 2025 Male Edition" as a special supplement. Following the record-breaking 1,099 female voice actors listed in the female edition, the male edition also reached an all-time high with 691 actors, bringing the total number of featured voice actors to 1,790.

Since its first supplement release in 2001, which featured only 370 voice actors (145 men and 225 women), the number has increased 4.8 times over 24 years.

The Expanding Opportunities for Voice Actors

The voice acting industry continues to grow, with more roles in TV anime, video games, dubbing for foreign films and dramas, singing careers, TV appearances, and commercial work. This growth is reflected in the Seiyu Meikan, which tracks and documents the expanding industry.

In 2001, the first Seiyu Meikan supplement featured only 145 male voice actors.
Since then, the number has increased every year, reaching 691 in 2025, making it 4.8 times the original number.
The female edition also saw a similar increase, from 225 in 2001 to 1,099 in 2025.

What’s Inside ‘Seiyu Meikan 2025 Male Edition’?

The 2025 edition includes profiles of 691 male voice actors, featuring:

Headshots
Notable roles
Birthdates
Hometowns
Blood types
Hobbies and special skills

How Many Voice Actors Exist in Japan?

According to a November 2022 press conference discussing Japan's invoice taxation system, it was reported that over 10,000 people in Japan identify as voice actors.

Editorial Insights on the Growing Industry

The Seiyu Grand Prix editorial team attributes this surge to the increasing popularity of voice acting as a career:

“Being a voice actor has become one of the most desired professions today. With more appearances in TV shows and commercials, their presence continues to expand. The growing number of featured actors in Seiyu Meikan reflects this trend.”

They also highlight the continued importance of print media:

“Our guide serves as the ultimate voice actor database, valued not only by fans but also by industry professionals. As the industry continues to expand, the number of featured voice actors breaks records every year.”

Historical Growth of Male Voice Actors in ‘Seiyu Meikan’

2001 145
2004 353
2008 452
2015 500
2020 595
2025 691

Source : ORICON NEWS