I agree with akai, Maya Miki by far. She's a genuine talent. She plays a variety of roles in film and in theater. In interviews, she's so young at heart and carefree while still being professional. I want to be her when I grow up hehehe.

honorable mention: Kanako Yaganihara--she hasn't been in many dramas, but she is a wonderful character actor who has a terrific sense of comedic timing. I also respect her for making a place for big girls in mainstream Japanese media. She's the only successful, young girl her size that I remember seeing on Japanese TV.
Since i don't have one favorite here is my list
Yui Aragaki
Ohgo Suzuka
Tabe Mikako
Fukuda Saki
Ayase Haruka
Uneo Juri
Kitano Kii
i also like Kitano Kii...amazed with her acting in LIFE

also Ueno Juri, Toda Erika, and Shida Mirai..

actually,,Horikita Maki is lovely too..it just i don't think she is good in choosing dramas for her..-there are too many,,and some are not good for me..>_<
Truly Great, i only know of the girl from Yamato Hadeshiko Shichi Henge and I can't even remember her name. :D I know others but she made an impression.
1. Iwasa Mayuko- I love her role as Hibari in Hana Kim and I been biased for her ever since then lol.
2. Toda Erika- I love her role in Liar Game and her acting is always superb.
3. Yui Aragaki- She plays such sweet calm roles.
My favorite J-actress is Hikari Mitsushima
For the most awesome drama Soredemo, Ikite Yuku


and the incredibly original movie Love Exposure




This actress clearly doesn't care about looking cute onscreen, she really seem to love acting and I respect that. There are too many J-actress who only care about being "Kawaiii" even when they cry or when they are supposed to get angry. She is REALLY different.
Yeah, Hikari Mitsushima is good. Loved her in Love Exposure, and she is the reason I started watching Soredemo, Ikiteyuku.
Other favourites are: Miho Kanno (great actress) Hirosue Ryoko (old favourite, always cute!), Matsu Takako (loved her in Love Generation and Hero), Inoue Mao (so pretty), Kitano Kii (amazing in Life).
I like Horikita Maki, Kitano Kii, and Fukuda Saki. ( I'm not familiar with that many Japanese actresses)
Shida Mirai is the best actress,
she really good too for her age but yeah i couldnt put more than five answers so i only had five choices to pick but shida is really cute and great in acting i just finish her drama with yamada yuu and it was so cute and funny totally different from her role in 14 year old mother...she going to be a big star in the future
My favourite is Chiaki Kuriyama since I saw her the first time in Kill Bill <3 In Battle Royale and Kagen no Tsuki she was also awesome! *-* But since I saw Love Exposure I began to like Hikari Mitsushima really much too *-* She's an awesome actress!
Horikita Maki I can't think of anyone else right now xD
@ crazyangel i love ur avi. i wish hiro would start acting again. as for my faves i like erika toda, maki horikita and of late karina has been added to my list.
ChenBaoZhu wrote: My favourite is Chiaki Kuriyama since I saw her the first time in Kill Bill <3 In Battle Royale and Kagen no Tsuki she was also awesome! *-*

But since I saw Love Exposure I began to like Hikari Mitsushima really much too *-* She's an awesome actress!


I I just watched Kill Bill a few days ago and it couldn´t get out of my mind ;)
She really is an great actress ^^
Ueno Juri, of course, but my one and onlu favorite is....

Hikari Mitsushima : she is such a powerful actress.
Love Exposure -amazing, so many different emotions, such a complexe and strong character .
Soredemo, Ikite Yuku : She is true. That's all. You can see yourself in her shoes. Incredible female lead acting with Eita.
Hara-kiri (aka Ichimei) : Beautiful, pure, and painful. Again with Eita for co-star JUST GO SEE THAT MOVIE !!!
Erika Toda Hitomi Kurihara Arisa Fujisaki Rina Koike