In this article (10 Most Popular Anime Voice Actors and Actresses), I’ve talked about the rising popularity of anime voice actors (Seiyu), and how focusing on them can enhance your anime viewing experience. Today, I want to zoom in on one of the most popular female voice actors currently in the industry. The woman in the spotlight is Kana Hanazawa, who is not only at the peak of her career but also acclaimed as one of the all-time greats.
Kana Hanazawa is renowned for voicing a diverse range of characters, such as Nadeko Sengoku from Monogatari Series and Mayuri Shiina from Steins;Gate. Though she often lends her voice to cute, feminine characters, she’s also capable of portraying strong-willed characters, proving her wide acting range.
Now, let’s delve into 10 best anime characters voiced by Kana Hanazawa. You might find your favorite anime or character on this list. If you come across a character you love, I highly recommend exploring other anime featuring characters voiced by Hanazawa.
10. Nagisa Kubo (Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible)
In this list of the Best Female Anime Characters Voiced by Kana Hanazawa, I cannot miss the heroine of the 2023 anime, Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible, Nagisa Kubo (久保渚咲). An anime adaptation of Nene Yukimori’s manga, this series features one of Hanazawa’s most recent and representative roles.
Kubo is a first-year high school girl. Hanazawa’s sweet voice perfectly matches Kubo’s physical appearance, enhancing the believability and charm of her character. The anime’s protagonist, Junta Shiraishi, is virtually invisible to everyone around him. Still, Kubo easily recognizes him, frequently teasing and showing an endearing interest in him.
One aspect that tickles the audience’s hearts is the contrast between Kubo’s academic prowess and her poor cooking skills. This juxtaposition of traits further enriches her character, making her even more captivating to viewers.
9. Red Blood Cell (Cells at Work!)
When discussing popular anime characters voiced by the renowned Kana Hanazawa, one can’t overlook her role as Red Blood Cell (赤血球) in the quirky and innovative series Cells at Work!. Broadcast in 2018 and 2021, Cells at Work! tells a fascinating anthropomorphic story of trillions of cells tirelessly working 24/7 inside a human body, with a particular focus on immune system cells. Hanazawa’s character, Red Blood Cell, stands as a main figure in this unique narrative.
In the context of the anime, Red Blood Cell resembles a delivery worker, tirelessly transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. Her uniform consists of a black short-sleeved T-shirt topped with a red jacket, and she’s easily recognizable with her short red hair, red hat, and jacket.
Despite being notoriously directionally challenged and often ending up lost — a rookie error that adds humor and charm to her character — Red Blood Cell remains pure-hearted and hardworking. Her earnest efforts, coupled with Hanazawa’s voice, endear her to fans of the series.
8. Manaka Mukaido (Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea)
In the realm of popular anime characters voiced by the talented Kana Hanazawa, Manaka Mukaido (向井戸まなか) from the acclaimed coming-of-age, fantasy anime Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea in 2013-2014 stands out as a noteworthy mention.
Manaka is one of the main heroines of the series. She is a middle-school second-year student living in a particular undersea village, a part of the world of the sea. With her auburn-brown hair and gentle demeanor, she is a character who is adored almost as if she were an Imoto (little sister).
Although Manaka can be indecisive and somewhat timid, she is always earnest in everything she does. A protagonist Hikari has feelings for her, which adds a layer of complexity to her persona. One of the major turning points in the series is when Manaka goes missing, an event that left all viewers missing her deeply. Hanazawa’s skilled performance adds depth to this lovable character, bringing out her endearing vulnerability and determination.
7. Rika Orimoto (Jujutsu Kaisen 0)
Among the array of popular anime characters voiced by the esteemed Kana Hanazawa, Rika Orimoto (祈本里香) from the popular dark fantasy anime movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0 holds a significant place. Rika Orimoto is the heroine from Jujutsu Kaisen 0, the origin story of the Jujutsu Kaisen series. At first glance, casting Hanazawa as this adorable girl may seem fitting. However, fans were surprised because Hanazawa was also responsible for voicing the character’s other aspect – a Special Grade Vengeful Cursed Spirit.
Rika, who had promised to marry the movie’s protagonist, Yuta Okkotsu, when they were young, tragically loses her life in a traffic accident right in front of him. Following this event, she becomes a vengeful cursed spirit, possessing him and transforming into the Special Grade Cursed Spirit that is so powerful she’s referred to as the Queen of Curses. She reacts excessively to anyone she perceives as a threat to Yuta, delivering swift punishment without hesitation.
Okkotsu’s character is voiced by the legendary Megumi Ogata, renowned for her role as Shinji Ikari in the Evangelion series. The interplay between Hanazawa and Ogata is one of the highlights of the show. The ability to seamlessly portray both the cuteness of the girl and the horrifying, monster-like voice of the curse truly showcases Hanazawa’s skills as a voice actress.
6. Akane Tsunemori (Psycho-Pass)
Akane Tsunemori (常守朱) from Psycho-Pass is one of the popular characters voiced by Kana Hanazawa. Akane Tsunemori is the main protagonist of the dystopian cyberpunk anime series Psycho-Pass. This show is set in a futuristic society where citizens’ psychological states, personalities, and the probability that they will commit crimes are quantified using a system called the Sibyl System.
Akane is a young woman who, fresh out of college, joins the Public Safety Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Division as an Inspector. Despite her innocent appearance and initially naive demeanor, Akane possesses a strong sense of justice and a sharp mind, which prove crucial in her line of work.
The vocal performance by Kana Hanazawa truly brings the character to life. Hanazawa perfectly captures Akane’s transformation from a naive rookie to a determined, morally-grounded inspector. Her voice lends an air of genuine earnestness and strength to the character, making Akane one of the most compelling characters in the series.
5. Kanade Tachibana/Angel (Angel Beats!)
Kanade Tachibana (立華かなで), also known as Angel (天使) from Angel Beats!, is the heroine of the 2010 anime series Angel Beats!, set in an afterlife high school. She serves as the student council president, and although she initially comes across as emotionless and even villainous, her true nature evokes a deep sense of poignancy as the story unfolds.
Small in stature and white hair, Angel is often the target of attacks by other characters who resist the system of the afterlife. In response, she employs a unique set of defensive abilities called Guard Skills, including “Hand Sonic”, which allows her to produce a blade from her wrist. These powers, combined with her unflappable demeanor, make her a formidable figure within the afterlife high school.
Kana Hanazawa’s performance brings depth and complexity to Angel’s character. Her voice work excellently portrays Angel’s transition from an emotionless figure to a character who elicits great empathy from viewers. Hanazawa’s nuanced performance encapsulates Angel’s hidden emotions and the ultimate sadness of her character, making her one of the most memorable roles in the series.
4. Mayuri Shiina (Steins;Gate)
Mayuri Shiina (椎名まゆり) is one of the main heroines in the highly acclaimed science fiction anime series, Steins;Gate. Noted for its suspenseful narrative, the series has earned a significant reputation among anime fans, many of whom have found solace in Mayuri’s soothing voice, perfectly portrayed by Kana Hanazawa.
A 16-year-old high school student in Akihabara, Mayuri is the childhood friend of the main character, Rintaro Okabe. Her gentle, easy-going nature and optimistic outlook bring a sense of tranquility to the suspenseful series. Often perceived as a bit of an airhead due to her laid-back demeanor, Mayuri’s character embodies a ray of sunshine in the series’ intricate web of time travel and science.
One of Mayuri’s charming idiosyncrasies is her unique greeting, “Tutturu~!”, a phrase that’s fondly remembered by the anime’s fans. Hanazawa’s voice adds an endearing quality to this catchphrase, making it one of the signature sounds of the series. With her portrayal of Mayuri, Kana Hanazawa skillfully delivers the gentleness and warmth of the character, highlighting her ability to bring to life a wide range of roles in the anime universe.
3. Ichika Nakano (The Quintessential Quintuplets)
A main heroine from the uniquely conceptualized romantic comedy anime The Quintessential Quintuplets, Ichika Nakano (中野一花) is the eldest of quintuplet sisters who are all high school seniors. She is known for her distinctive asymmetrical pink short hair.
Although she has a playful and somewhat mischievous demeanor, she possesses a caring and responsible nature befitting an eldest sister. Her teasing antics are endearing, and her nurturing personality brings a warmth to her character that perfectly suits Kana Hanazawa’s voice acting.
Like her sisters, Ichika harbors feelings for the main character, Futaro Uesugi, but out of consideration for her sisters, she tends to suppress her own emotions. This aspect of her personality, combined with Hanazawa’s voice, evokes a sympathetic response from the audience, prompting them to root for her.
Adding to her complex personality, Ichika balances her studies with a budding acting career, showcasing her ambition and dedication. This character balance – a teasing trickster, a considerate sister, and an ambitious student – is brilliantly embodied by Kana Hanazawa, further illustrating her versatility as a voice actress.
2. Mitsuri Kanroji (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Mitsuri Kanroji (甘露寺蜜璃), from the extremely popular series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, is a recent addition to Hanazawa’s repertoire of beloved characters. Known for her distinctive pink curly hair and ample bust, Mitsuri is the Love Hashira, one of the Hashira, who are among the most powerful swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps.
At the age of 19, she’s a remarkable character who, despite her feminine demeanor, possesses extraordinary physical strength that greatly surpasses ordinary people. This unique combination of cute maidenly personality and overwhelming physical strength is magnificently portrayed by Hanazawa.
Always energetic and kind, Mitsuri loves to eat a lot, reflecting her vivacious spirit and physical strength. As the Love Hashira, she wields a unique Nichirin Blade that bends like a whip, reflecting her breathing technique, the Breath of Love. This technique, combined with her flexible sword, makes her a formidable opponent in battles against demons.
There were initial concerns that no voice actor could quite capture the essence of Mitsuri Kanroji, given her unique characteristics. However, these concerns were allayed by the remarkable performance of Kana Hanazawa. Her performance as Mitsuri adds a unique charm to the character and continues to expand her range of character types. Her ability to combine the gentle, maidenly traits of Mitsuri with her fierce strength as a Hashira provides yet another demonstration of Hanazawa’s impressive voice acting abilities.
1. Nadeko Sengoku (Monogatari Series)
Regarded by many as one of Kana Hanazawa’s most outstanding voice acting roles, Nadeko Sengoku (千石撫子) stands as a unique heroine in the highly acclaimed anime series, Monogatari Series.
Featured prominently in the arcs Bakemonogatari and Otorimonogatari, Nadeko Sengoku is an emblematic figure among a host of unique and charming heroines. She embodies the archetype of an extremely shy and introverted young girl, always hiding her eyes behind a hat and bangs. Yet, her intense affection for the protagonist, Koyomi Araragi, lends an intriguing complexity to her character.
Her transformation into attire like Buruma (gym shorts) or a school swimsuit sent shockwaves through the anime community, while her ensnarement in classmates’ romantic affairs and her possession by a snake apparition adds thrilling elements to her character development.
Hanazawa’s perfect portrayal of Nadeko’s inherent timidity, her darkness, her adorable charm as an Imoto figure, and her comedic flair demonstrates her exceptional acting talent. There could not have been a better choice for this multifaceted role than Hanazawa, who vividly brings Nadeko Sengoku to life.
Further, the theme song Renai Circulation, performed by Kana Hanazawa in character as Nadeko Sengoku, has also left a significant imprint on anime fans, solidifying her role in the annals of beloved anime characters.
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