Saori Hayami has been named the No.1 female voice actor in ORICON NEWS’ inaugural Favorite Voice Actor Ranking Female Edition, following a year in which anime topics such as the blockbuster release of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Arc Chapter One Akaza Returns dominated the entertainment scene.

In 2025, ORICON NEWS conducted its first ever Favorite Voice Actor Ranking for both male and female voice actors, shining a spotlight on the performers who support Japan’s thriving anime industry. In the commemorative first ranking for female voice actors, Saori Hayami claimed the top position. She is widely known for her roles as Shinobu Kocho in Demon Slayer and Yor Forger in SPY×FAMILY.

A Familiar Voice Across Anime and Television Narration

Taking first place in the very first edition of the ranking is Saori Hayami. In 2025, she appeared in numerous leading and main roles, including Shinobu Kocho in Demon Slayer, Yor Forger in SPY×FAMILY, Fuji in With You and the Rain, and Hana Tabata in April Showers Bring May Flowers.

Among her many performances, respondents particularly praised her emotionally charged portrayal of Shinobu Kocho in the theatrical film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Arc Chapter One Akaza Returns. While the film features intense battles such as Akaza versus Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka, as well as Kaigaku versus Zenitsu Agatsuma, the fierce confrontation between Upper Rank demon Doma and Shinobu Kocho stood out as one of the most powerful scenes. Shinobu became a defining character of the film, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Fans commented on Hayami’s performance, saying, “I have heard many different sides of Hayami’s voice, but her acting in the Infinity Castle Arc was incredible. I could truly feel Shinobu’s anger, sorrow, and pain” (Tokyo, woman in her 20s). Another respondent shared, “I first knew her from Cure Felice, but now she is everywhere in anime, commercials, and narration. There is hardly a day when I do not hear her voice, and I love how soothing that tone is every time” (Tokyo, woman in her 40s). Many praised the wide emotional range she expresses through her gentle voice.

In addition, Hayami has long served as the narrator for the TBS variety program, which airs every Thursday evening. Her voice has become deeply familiar to viewers, earning recognition as a voice that feels natural and comforting in everyday life.

A National Treasure Voice Recognized Across Generations

Ranked second is Masako Nozawa, the legendary voice actor who became a major topic this year after being selected as a Person of Cultural Merit, the first voice actor to receive the honor. In the anime Dragon Ball DAIMA, which aired from October 2024 to February 2025, many characters such as Vegeta and Piccolo were recast when their bodies were de aged for story reasons. However, Nozawa continued to voice the protagonist Son Goku, maintaining her iconic role until the end.

Fans expressed deep admiration, with comments such as, “Dragon Ball simply would not exist without that voice. Goku and Nozawa are inseparable” (Tokushima, man in his 30s). Another wrote, “She elevated the status of voice acting as a profession and her influence on society is immeasurable. Even at her age, she remains active and energetic, which is incredibly inspiring. I hope she continues for many years to come” (Fukuoka, woman in her 40s). Others described her as a national treasure of Japanese anime, praising her unmatched ability to portray lively young boys.

In July, Nozawa also attended the closing event of Marunouchi TOEI, Toei’s last directly operated theater, which ended its 65 year history due to redevelopment. At the event, she energetically performed the Kamehameha pose in front of fans and media. Now 89 years old, she continues to take on new projects, including the theatrical film Me and Roboco and Disney’s Zootopia 2, making her future activities a topic of great interest.

Veteran Voice Actors Loved for Decades

Ranking third is Megumi Hayashibara, while Noriko Hidaka placed fifth, marking two cast members from the anime Ranma 1/2 in the top five. Both Hayashibara, who voices Ranma, and Hidaka, who voices the heroine Akane Tendo, reprised their original roles from the 1989 broadcast in the new television anime produced 32 years later. The second season, which aired this year, delighted long time fans.

Fans praised Hayashibara with comments such as, “She has appeared in so many iconic works like Pokémon and Detective Conan that there is probably no one who has never heard her voice” (Okayama, woman in her 20s). Others recalled her influence during their youth, while Hidaka was described as a voice synonymous with classics such as Touch and even familiar car navigation voices. Both voice actors continue to enjoy broad support across generations.

Performances in 2025 Hit Titles Shape the Rankings

From sixth place onward, the rankings reflected strong performances in this year’s hit anime titles. Atsumi Tanezaki placed sixth for her role as Anya Forger in SPY×FAMILY Season 3. Aoi Yuki ranked seventh for her portrayal of Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries Season 2. Maaya Sakamoto ranked tenth for her role as Rafau in Chi. On the Movements of the Earth.

Fans praised Tanezaki’s incredible range, noting how completely different her voices for Anya and Frieren sound. Aoi Yuki was commended for her intense, immersive acting style, while Sakamoto received acclaim for her transparent singing voice and her ability to portray emotionally complex male characters.

While veteran voice actors such as Nozawa, Hayashibara, and Hidaka maintain enduring popularity, Saori Hayami’s exceptional performances clearly resonated with audiences this year. All of the top ten ranked voice actors have multiple projects scheduled for 2026. Megumi Ogata, ranked eighth, will appear as Yuta Okkotsu in the upcoming anime Jujutsu Kaisen Culling Game Arc Part One. Tanezaki will reprise her role as Frieren in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2, while Aoi Yuki will return as Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries Season 3. Attention now turns to how these roles will influence next year’s rankings.

TOP 10

1st：Saori Hayami
2nd：Masako Nozawa
3rd：Megumi Hayashibara
4th：Kana Hanazawa
5th：Noriko Hidaka
6th：Atsumi Tanezaki
7th：Aoi Yuki
8th：Megumi Ogata
9th：Akari Kito
10th：Maaya Sakamoto

The survey targeted individuals primarily active in voice acting, including animation and dubbing. Responses were collected from 1,000 men and women aged from their teens to their 50s across Japan.

Source : ORICON NEWS