Atsuko Maeda

Atsuko Maeda, promotional image for Time Machine Nante Iranai, her third solo single, in 2013

Atsuko Maeda (Japanese: 前田敦子 Maeda Atsuko) is the narrator, as guest appearance, of the 25th Pikachu short of the Pokémon anime.

Biography

Maeda was born July 10, 1991 in Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan. She was described as a shy and quiet child growing up, but at 14 years old she auditioned for a new "idol" group in Akihabara, Tokyo. The group, AKB48, was to be produced by the well known lyricist and producer Yasushi Akimoto. In December, 2005, Maeda was accepted to be part of the first generation of AKB48 members along with 20 other girls. By 2007, Maeda was named "ace" of the group. She appeared on all 27 AKB48 singles that were released while she was a member, and for the vast majority of them she stood in the front position of the dance formations. Further, Maeda was twice voted the Most Popular AKB48 Member in the group's yearly "election", where fans vote for their favorite member.

During her time as an AKB48 member, she was able to act in various dramas and movies. She won various awards for her acting as well, the most prestigious being the 35th Japan Academy Awards' Popularity Award, for her work in the movie Moshidora.

In March 2012, Maeda announced she would be leaving AKB48 to focus on acting work and she officially left the group on August 27, 2012. Since her departure from the group, she has participated in various acting roles, one of which was as narrator for the 25th Pikachu Short.

Other non-Pokémon roles

Films

• Ashita no Watashi no Tsukurikata (2007)
• Densen Uta (2007)
• Nasu Shōnenki (2008)
• Documentary of AKB48: To Be Continued (2011)
• Moshidora (2011)
• Documentary of AKB48: Show Must Go On (2012)
• Kueki Ressha (2012)
• 1905 (Production cancelled February 2013)
• Documentary of AKB48: No Flower Without Rain (2013)
• The Complex "Kuroyuri danchi" (2013)
• Aki to Fuyu no Tamako (2013)

Television dramas

• Swan no Baka!: Sanmanen no Koi (2007)
• Shiori to Shimiko no Kaiki Jikenbo (2008)
• Taiyō to Umi no Kyōshitsu (2008)
• Majisuka Gakuen (2010)
• Ryōmaden (2010)
• Q10 (2010)
• Sakura Kara no Tegami (2011)
• Hanazakari no Kimitachi e 2011 (2011)
• Majisuka Gakuen 2 (2011)
• Saiko no Jinsei (2012)
• Kasuka na Kanojo (2013)

Trivia

• Maeda is a big Yomiuri Giants fan (baseball team)
• She donated 1.25 million yen to Green Cross International in 2009

External links

• Official website

This article is part of Project VA, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on voice actors in Pokémon animation and Pokémon games.