is a Japanese actress and singer. She has an older sister named Ai Maeda.

She is perhaps best known in the west for her role as Noriko Nakagawa in the controversial 2000 film Battle Royale, which she reprised for its sequel Battle Royale II: Requiem. She graduated from Hosei University in 2008.

Filmography

Films

  • Gamera 2: Attack of Legion (1996)
  • School Ghost Stories 3 (1997), Mayuko Fujii
  • Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999), young Ayana Hirasaka
  • Saikano (2006)
  • Aokigahara (2012)
  • Kawa no Nagare ni (2021)
  • Frontline: Yokohama Bay (2025)
  • The Specials (2026), Riko

Television

  • Aoi Tokugawa Sandai, Sadako (2000)
  • Fūrin Kazan, Ritsu (2007)
  • Gochisōsan, Sakurako Muroi (2013)
  • Shinya Shokudō, Sachiko's Sister (2014)
  • Kuroshoin no Rokubei (2018), Tenshō-in Atsuhime
  • The Return (2020)

Anime

  • Cosmic Baton Girl Comet-san, Comet (2001)
  • The Cat Returns, Yuki (2002)

Discography

Studio albums

  • 1999: Winter Tales
  • 2000: Boys be... original soundtrack
  • 2005: we are PARAN MAUM -- Paran Maum (as drummer)
  • 2005: Linda Linda Linda original soundtrack (as drummer of Paran Maum)

Singles

  • 1999: Gomen Ne
  • 2000: Daijōbu (part of the Boys be... original soundtrack)
  • 2000: Genki no SHOWER (This song can also be found on the original Japanese Yu-Gi-Oh! anime soundtrack.)

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In addition, Aki Maeda was originally cast to voice Anzu Mazaki (Téa Gardner) in Yu-Gi-Oh!! Duel Monsters (titled Yu-Gi-Oh!! in the West), but Maki Saito voiced Anzu in all of the episodes.-->

Awards

  • 2001: Newcomer of the Year, Awards of the Japanese Academy: Battle Royale

References

  • Aki Maeda Fansite