Female Voice Actor Population Continues to Grow as “Voice Actor Directory” Female Edition Reaches a Record High for the 15th Consecutive Year, Up Fivefold Over 25 Years

The number of female voice actors continues to rise, as reflected in the Voice Actress Directory (JP: 声優名鑑, Seiyu Meikan). The March issue of Seiyu Grand Prix (JP: 声優グランプリ), released on the 10th, includes its signature supplement, Voice Actor Directory 2026 Female Edition, which features a record breaking 1,135 female voice actors.

This figure surpasses last year’s record of 1,099 and marks the 15th consecutive year in which the directory has reached an all time high. When the directory was first published as a supplement in 2001, it listed only 225 female voice actors. Over the past 25 years, that number has increased more than fivefold.

According to the editorial department, this growth reflects the expanding demand for voice actors. While supporting the popularity of anime, voice actors are increasingly cast in television programs and commercials, with their fields of activity continuing to broaden.

The Expanding Scope of Voice Actor Careers Reflected in Numbers

Voice actors are now active across a wide range of fields, including television anime, video game character voices, dubbing for foreign films and overseas drama series, music activities, television appearances, and commercial endorsements. The growing number of professionals listed in the Voice Actor Directory serves as a clear numerical indicator of this expansion.

Since its debut as a supplement in 2001, the directory has steadily increased its number of listings. The female edition surpassed 500 entries in the 2008 edition and exceeded 1,000 entries for the first time in the 2022 edition, drawing significant attention. The record has continued to be updated each year, culminating in the 2026 edition, which lists 1,135 female voice actors, more than five times the number featured in the original edition.

The latest edition comprehensively covers profiles of all 1,135 individuals, including photographs, representative works, birthdays, places of origin, blood types, hobbies, and special skills. The directory spans 100 full color pages and is presented as a definitive archival reference.

It has also been reported that more than 10,000 people in Japan currently work under the title of voice actor. This figure was disclosed during a press conference held in November 2022 calling for a review of the invoice system.

Regarding the continued increase in listings, the editorial department explained that voice acting has become one of the most popular aspired professions, with opportunities in television programs and commercials increasing dramatically. The Voice Actor Directory functions as a powerful database that leverages the strengths of print media and is widely used not only by fans but also by industry professionals. As the scope of voice actor activity continues to expand, the number of listings is expected to keep reaching new record highs each year.

Source : ORICON NEWS