UlasanAnime.com – A recent article on Biglobe discussing the “prettiest” seiyuu prompted a look at a related poll about “cutest” voice actors. This raises the question: what truly differentiates “cute” from “pretty,” and how do the poll results reflect these distinctions? Rather than delve into the potential biases of Biglobe polls, this analysis will use the poll results as a framework to discuss various voice actors, offering random observations along the way.
There seems to be an unspoken consensus that Marina Inoue is considered attractive, a notion seemingly supported by the “Pretty Poll.” Similarly, Yoko Hikasa can be seen as a looker, particularly with the right styling, though her appeal might diminish once she speaks. Tomatsu Haruka presents a more complex case. She possesses the ability to pull off a swimsuit gravure book, a feat not all seiyuu on these lists can manage. However, there’s a potential drawback: the gravure book might elicit sympathy rather than admiration. Among the members of Sphere, she might possess the most well-rounded appeal.
Kana Ueda offers a different persona, reminiscent of a Showa-era idol. Her demeanor appears more mature, and while her prettiness is debatable based solely on magazine photos, an external link might offer further insight. It’s also noted that Nakahara Mai is surprisingly absent from this particular list.
Rie Tanaka, who ranked in the top five of the Pretty Poll, has been seen in person and appears more grounded and “normal” than her photographic representations. She projects an image of a capable professional, adept at meeting client expectations, and her charm is largely a result of audience projection.
The discrepancy between real-life appearance and portrayals in film and photographs is a recurring theme. While post-processing plays a role, it’s observed that seiyuu often appear in less flattering attire during casual broadcasts. Itou Kanae, for instance, is noted as being too small to make a definitive judgment.
Minori Chihara, another seiyuu seen in person, is genuinely considered pretty, making her relatively low ranking on the poll surprising.
Maaya Sakamoto’s inclusion on the list is somewhat puzzling. While not unattractive, her in-person appearances have varied from normal to slightly aged. The question arises whether she is younger than Rie Tanaka.
Horie is definitively described as more cute than pretty, embodying an almost exclusive cuteness. Her ability to maintain a youthful persona, particularly the “17-year-old” image, is noteworthy.
Regarding Itou Shizuka, the only observation is that late-night activities and alcohol do not seem to be beneficial for her facial appearance.
Kana Hanazawa, still in her prime, is consistently perceived as cute and sweet.
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Other seiyuu seen in person include Noto, whose appeal transcends photographs, and Kikuko Inoue, the founder of the “17-year-old club.” Nana Mizuki appears younger than her age, possibly due to having less to lose. Chiwa Saito, on the other hand, is seen as having been cuter in the past and no longer carries herself with a youthful air.
Among the Pretty Poll list, potential candidates for “pretty” include Yukana, Haruna Ikezawa, Kotobuki Minako, and Atsuko Tanaka. Chiaking is also mentioned in this context.
Nonaka Ai’s appearance on the list, amusingly placed next to Sakura Nogawa, is appreciated. Both are considered more cute than pretty.
Kaori Fukuhara and Ryoko Shiraishi are perceived as genuinely pretty. Mikako Komatsu might have potential after a makeover, and Fujimura is suggested as a spiritual successor to Ueda.
In the “Cute Poll,” Kana Hanazawa’s top ranking is unsurprising, with the exclusion of LOL Okamoto and other male participants. Yukarin is noted for her ability to project cuteness, despite not being inherently so, relying on a performer’s persona. Her large ears, particularly when angled towards the camera, are likened to the Ferengi, fitting her persona.
Ai Kayano is considered by some to resemble someone they know, albeit with a wider face. While she can pass as cute, her high ranking is questioned.
Haruka Tomatsu is versatile, capable of appearing both cute and uncute, which could be a strength for her acting potential. Her ability to embody various looks is a significant asset.
Yuka Iguchi is seen as a normal-looking individual who could potentially be cute. This is presented as the most favorable compliment.
Aoi Yuki is acknowledged as having the potential for cuteness, with the future determining whether she achieves the level of Nana Mizuki or something even more remarkable.
Horie’s placement at number nine on the Cute Poll is agreed upon.
Ayana Taketatsu is perceived as both cute and pretty, but her down-to-earth demeanor leans towards cuteness, possibly influenced by a recent viewing of her gravure video.
Ogura Yui, among the top 10, is considered deserving of a higher rank, especially given her youthful appearance.
The same sentiment, albeit in a different context, applies to Itou Kanae.
Toyosaki’s charms are not immediately associated with cuteness, but her inclusion is accepted.
Kugyuu is described as possessing an old-school charm rather than inherent cuteness, with a unique presentation style. However, her looks are questioned, suggesting a need for in-person observation.
Aya Hirano, seen in person, is definitively pretty, and her appeal might extend to cuteness. Houko, Mamiko, and Rina Satou are similarly perceived as leaning more towards prettiness than cuteness.
From rank 39 (Kana Ueda) to rank 16, there appears to be a balanced distribution of cuteness. Uesuka Sumire at rank 40 is considered cute, and most individuals from that point upward are generally perceived as cute. While the opinions on Nakahara and Kobayashi lean towards prettiness, their inclusion is understandable. Mariya Ise’s cuteness is acknowledged, possibly in a similar vein to the character “Stockings.”
Mayako Nigo’s representation is noted, along with the broader impact of the iM@S franchise and live performances. Increased fan exposure through public appearances is seen as a factor in popularity poll representation.
The distinction between “pretty” and “cute” in these polls appears to be subtle, with “pretty” having a more specific connotation that still overlaps with “cute.” It functions almost as a sub-category. Allowing for some flexibility in translating Japanese terms like 可?? (ka-wa-ii, cute) and 綺?? (ki-rei, pretty) makes the distinctions somewhat understandable.
Ultimately, the takeaway is to approach Biglobe polls with a degree of skepticism and not to take their results too seriously.
