by January 17 marks the birthday of Ueda Reina, one of Japan’s most talented and versatile voice actresses. Known for her ability to portray a wide emotional range—from quiet vulnerability to intense passion—Ueda Reina has built an impressive career since her debut in the early 2010s.
To celebrate her birthday in 2026, Anime! Anime! conducted a large-scale reader survey, continuing the tradition from previous years. Fans were asked a simple but meaningful question:
“Which character voiced by Ueda Reina do you like the most?”
The results clearly highlight her popularity, her growth as a performer, and the deep emotional impact of her characters across anime, films, and games.
About Ueda Reina: Career Highlights and Achievements
Ueda Reina began her professional voice acting career in the early 2010s and quickly gained recognition for her distinctive voice and expressive acting. Her talent was formally acknowledged when she won:
- Best New Actress at the 9th Seiyuu Awards
- Best Supporting Actress at the 15th Seiyuu Awards
Over the years, she has consistently appeared in major anime productions, theatrical films, and popular game franchises, becoming a familiar and beloved name among anime fans worldwide.
Major Roles and Activities in 2025–2026
Notable Works in 2025
In 2025, Ueda Reina delivered memorable performances in a wide range of titles, including:
- “Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc” – a highly anticipated continuation of the franchise
- “Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans – Urdr Hunt: The Little Challenger’s Trail” (Special Edition)
- “I Want to Eat Me, the Monster” – a psychologically intense and emotionally heavy series
Her performances during this period further demonstrated her ability to balance subtle emotional expression with powerful dramatic moments.
New Projects in 2026
In 2026, Ueda Reina expanded her activities even further:
- She voiced the main character in an animation created as part of the Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Project, which aired on January 1, 2026.
- Volume 3 of her radio program, “Reina Ueda’s Secret Box,” is scheduled for release on January 25, 2026, delighting long-time fans.
Survey Overview: Who Participated?
The survey received 1,366 responses between January 9 and January 13, 2026.
Demographics Breakdown:
- Gender Ratio: Approximately 70% male, 30% female
- Age Groups:
- Around 40% were under 19 years old
- Approximately 25% were in their 20s
These numbers show that Ueda Reina continues to enjoy strong support from a young and highly engaged fanbase.
Top 3 Favorite Characters Voiced by Ueda Reina (2026)
1st Place: Reze
“Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc”
Support Rate: ~28%
Taking the top spot is Reze, the heroine from Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc. Reze is introduced as a cheerful café worker who grows close to the protagonist, Denji. However, beneath her bright exterior lies a complex mix of loneliness, sadness, and inner conflict.
Fans praised Ueda Reina’s performance for capturing this contrast perfectly. Many commented on how her gentle tone subtly conveys Reze’s emotional pain, making her character deeply memorable. Others highlighted iconic moments and lines, especially the heartbreaking final scene, noting how a single line carried layers of emotion.
The film itself was a massive success, grossing over 10 billion yen, and Reze’s popularity surged alongside it.
2nd Place: Chinatsu Shikano
“Ao no Hako”
Support Rate: ~12%
Coming in second is Chinatsu Shikano, a calm and dedicated senior admired by protagonist Taiki Inomata. As a rising star of the girls’ basketball team, Chinatsu embodies discipline, quiet determination, and emotional restraint.
Fans praised Ueda Reina’s subtle acting, especially her ability to convey emotions through breathing, timing, and silence rather than dialogue. Many noted that Chinatsu’s quiet strength and hidden vulnerability could only be expressed so convincingly through Ueda Reina’s unique voice.
Although she dropped one position from last year’s ranking, Chinatsu remains one of Ueda Reina’s most respected and beloved roles.
3rd Place: Kanao Tsuyuri
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”
Support Rate: ~7%
In third place is Kanao Tsuyuri, a swordswoman of the Demon Slayer Corps and the adopted daughter of Shinobu Kocho. Known for her emotional restraint, Kanao slowly learns to express her feelings after meeting Tanjiro.
Fans appreciated how Ueda Reina portrayed Kanao’s gradual emotional growth, particularly in the Pillar Training Arc. Many were deeply impressed by the contrast between Kanao’s usual soft voice and her explosive rage during battle scenes in the Infinity Castle Arc, currently showing in theaters.
Viewers expressed strong anticipation for her future appearances in upcoming chapters.
Other Fan-Favorite Performances
Ueda Reina’s versatility is further highlighted by votes for many other characters, including:
- Shizuka (Takopi’s Original Sin) – praised for emotionally intense crying scenes and gentle moments with her pet dog
- Yaotome Hinako (I Want to Eat Me, the Monster) – admired for her delicate portrayal of despair and fragile hope
- Akiyama Haruno (mono) – loved for her soothing voice and playful drunken scenes
- Gigi Andalusia (Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway’s Flash) – noted for her mysterious blend of innocence and seduction
Her upcoming film “Circe’s Witch,” set for release on January 30, 2026, also received early attention from fans.
Top 10 Rankings – Favorite Ueda Reina Characters (2026)
- Reze – Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc
- Chinatsu Shikano – Ao no Hako
- Kanao Tsuyuri – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Mayu Nekoyashiki / Cure Lilian – Wonderful Pretty Cure!
- Hinako Yaotome – I Want to Eat Me, the Monster
- Honami Mochizuki – Project Sekai Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku
- Hanabi – Honkai: Star Rail
- Akane Shinjo – SSSS.GRIDMAN
- Ganyu – Genshin Impact
- Miyo Saimori – My Happy Marriag
Why Ueda Reina Continues to Shine
The 2026 rankings clearly show that Ueda Reina excels at portraying characters with emotional depth, inner conflict, and subtle growth. From blockbuster anime films to quiet, character-driven stories, her performances consistently leave a lasting impression.
Each role showcases a different side of her talent, proving why she remains one of the most respected and admired voice actresses of her generation.
