May 26 is the birthday of Maeno Tomoaki (前野智昭), a popular voice actor who launched his career in the 2000s and has previously won the Best New Male Actor award at the 4th Seiyu Awards.

During 2025–2026 he has continued to deliver a steady stream of work, including Gekijouban Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ TABOO NIGHT XXXX, Binan Koukou Chikyuu Boueibu Highcara!, and Isekai no Sata wa Shachiku Shidai, as well as Japanese dubbing work on international productions such as Aru Hi, Ohimesama ni Natte Shimatta Ken ni Tsuite and ARCO.

In celebration of his birthday, the website Anime!Anime! ran a poll asking readers: “Which character voiced by Maeno Tomoaki is your favorite?” Approximately 80% of voters were women, and the largest age group was those in their 30s (around 30%), followed by those under 19 and those in their 20s (roughly 20% each).

No. 1 — Haku from Akatsuki no Yona (暁のヨナ)

Taking the top vote with approximately 14% was Haku, the young man from the Wind Tribe who serves as Yona’s childhood friend and sworn guardian. Haku had previously ranked 8th in prior polls but this year climbed all the way to No. 1.

Fans commented: “I first got to know Maeno through the character of Haku — both his strength as a warrior, the soft side he shows toward Yona, and the hidden emotions woven through even casual dialogue, all brought out so completely through his voice and performance.” And: “Ever since I read the manga I always hoped that if the anime came out, Haku would be voiced by Maeno — and when I actually heard his voice it exceeded every expectation. It felt as if Haku had just stepped off the page.”

The boost in votes likely stems from several factors: the manga concluded in December 2025, a continuation anime was announced, and an original-key-animation exhibition “Akatsuki no Yona Dai Genga Ten” was held in Sendai during fall 2026.

No. 2 — White Blood Cell (Neutrophil) from Hataraku Saibou (はたらく細胞)

Climbing from 4th place last year, White Blood Cell received approximately 12% of the vote. The character is a body cell whose mission is to protect the human organism — combining a gently doting side that looks after new Red Blood Cells with an unstoppable ferocity when facing enemies.

Fans said: “Such an impossibly cool older-brother type, yet completely in sync with Maeno’s voice.” And: “I love the ‘pathogen-detecting’ vibe — his low, calm voice combined with the combat intensity at just the right moment is truly the best.” Some fans also mentioned that Maeno had cosplayed as the White Blood Cell character at events.

No. 3 — Yamabushiki Kunihiro from Touken Ranbu ONLINE (刀剣乱舞ONLINE)

Holding third place for the second year running with approximately 10%, Yamabushiki Kunihiro is a Tōken Danshi (a sword transformed into a human) created as a copy of the legendary blade Yamabushiki. He is often anxious about his identity as a “replica,” giving him a complex and quietly compelling personality.

Fans said: “He was the character that first drew me to Maeno — the vocal expressiveness he brings to Kunihiro’s elegance and gentle melancholy is extraordinary.” And: “I first met him in the game, and I always felt as if he was right there beside me. Maeno’s voice makes him feel warm and real.”

Other Highlighted Characters

• Camus from Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ — fans enjoyed the contrast between his refined noble persona and his tsundere undertone, as well as the warmth hidden beneath the cool exterior
• Yayoi Haru from Tsukiuta. THE ANIMATION — stood out for a performance that rose above the other roles Maeno voiced in the same series, capturing a caring older-brother figure who watches over the group’s members
• Schubert from Classicaloid — a genuinely unique character who claims to be Beethoven, though he is perpetually swept up in chaos; the scenes where he flies off on a dragon are unforgettable for fans
• Arc from Gaikotsu Kishi-sama, Tadaima Isekai e Odekake-chuu — although the character is a skeleton in full armor with no visible face, fans praise Maeno’s ability to convey emotion purely through voice, and the show is awaiting a second season

Full Top 10 Poll Results for 2026

• No. 1 — Haku (Akatsuki no Yona)
• No. 2 — White Blood Cell / Neutrophil (Hataraku Saibou)
• No. 3 — Yamabushiki Kunihiro (Touken Ranbu ONLINE)
• No. 4 — Veldora (Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken)
• No. 4 — Camus (Uta no☆Prince-sama♪)
• No. 6 — Zhongli (Genshin Impact)
• No. 6 — Momoki Tamate Reito (Binan Koukou Chikyuu Boueibu Highcara!)
• No. 8 — Kizaki Reiji (World Trigger)
• No. 8 — Crocodine (Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibouken 2020 version)
• No. 8 — Dojo Atsushi (Toshokan Sensou)
• No. 8 — Hio Hokuto (Ensemble Stars!)
• No. 8 — Yukina Kō (Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi)
• No. 8 — Rosemary (Delicious Party Pretty Cure)

(Poll period: May 14–20, 2026)

This year’s results show that fans have a particular affinity for strong warrior characters, while votes also spread across a wide variety of character types — idols, beastmen, and skeletons alike — reflecting the breadth of Maeno Tomoaki’s career.

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Source: aniani