Reina Ueda, born on January 17, 1994, in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, has established herself as a prominent voice actress and singer known for her versatile vocal range and compelling performances. She began her professional career in 2012 after joining the talent agency 81 Produce, quickly making her mark in the competitive world of anime voice acting. Her breakthrough came in 2014 when she landed her first main role as Naru Sekiya, the protagonist of the anime series Hanayamata, a performance that showcased her ability to bring energy and warmth to leading characters. This early success set the stage for a series of notable roles that would define her career.
In 2015, Ueda's talent was recognized on a major scale when she received the Best New Actress Award at the 9th Seiyu Awards, a prestigious honor that highlighted her as one of the most promising newcomers in the industry. She followed this achievement by taking on diverse roles across multiple genres, including Mira Yurisaki in the science fiction series Dimension W and Hane Sakura in the motorcycle-themed comedy Bakuon!!. Her voice work in the long-running Pokémon franchise as Mallow in Pokémon: Sun & Moon brought her international recognition, as she voiced the cheerful and resourceful character for several seasons. She also portrayed Shiori Shinomiya in the workplace drama Sakura Quest and Akane Shinj? in the tokusatsu-inspired anime SSSS.Gridman, demonstrating her range from slice-of-life to action-oriented roles.
Beyond her voice acting, Ueda has pursued a parallel career as a singer, releasing her first mini-album in 2016, which allowed her to showcase her musical talents. She later released her first solo single in 2018, further expanding her artistic footprint. Her dedication to her craft has kept her consistently active in the industry, with one of her most recent major roles being Mayu Nekoyashiki, also known as Cure Lillian, in the 2024 magical girl series Wonderful PreCure!, a part of the beloved PreCure franchise. Through her steady rise from a newcomer in 2012 to an award-winning voice actress and singer, Reina Ueda continues to captivate audiences with her performances, solidifying her place as a respected figure in Japanese entertainment.