Despite appearing in only one major arc, Alice Nanase has a surprisingly enduring legacy in the fandom.
In the crowded landscape of Japanese-inspired solo projects, Alice Nanase carves a distinct identity. The name itself is a juxtaposition: "Alice" evokes Lewis Carroll’s dreamy innocence and curiosity, while "Nanase" (often associated with the number seven, a digit of mystery and luck in East Asian culture) suggests a layered, possibly fractured, modernity. Alice Nanase doesn’t just perform or write; she constructs a world. Whether through haunting vocaloid-adjacent ballads or melancholic J-pop anthems, her work asks: What happens when the rabbit hole leads to a cyberpunk city instead of a garden?
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – A compelling blend of dark fantasy and pop vulnerability.
If you look up her album art or MV storyboards, expect:
This aesthetic is highly Instagram-friendly but never feels cheap. The attention to small details (like the Romanization of her name as "7-nanase" in hidden track titles) rewards repeat listening/viewing. alice nanase
No discussion of Alice Nanase is complete without acknowledging Rean Cropp from To Your Eternity (Season 1 & 2). While the anime is famous for the silent, stoic protagonist Fushi, Rean serves as the emotional anchor of the "Jananda Island" and "Renril" arcs.
Nanase was tasked with a difficult challenge: Rean starts as a spoiled, cowardly noblewoman forced into a brutal gladiator system and evolves into a resilient, compassionate leader. In the hands of a lesser actor, Rean would have been annoying. In Nanase’s hands, she became tragic.
Signature Scene: In Episode 12, when Rean cries out for Fushi to save her despite having been cruel to him earlier, Nanase’s voice cracks with a realism rarely seen in dubbed anime. She doesn't just cry; she hyperventilates, stutters, and lets the arrogance drain from her tone until only raw fear remains. Critics noted that Nanase’s performance single-handedly turned Rean from a hated character into a fan-favorite survivor.
In a seiyuu industry often criticized for typecasting (high-pitched screams for girls, deep gravel for boys), Alice Nanase represents a return to naturalism. She does not sound like an "anime character." She sounds like a real person who happens to be in an anime. Despite appearing in only one major arc, Alice
Her journey from the idol stages of Wake Up, Girls! to the hallowed recording booths of Studio Ghibli is a masterclass in perseverance. She is not the loudest seiyuu, nor the most famous. But for fans who appreciate subtlety—who listen for the crack in a voice rather than the scream—Alice Nanase is currently the most exciting talent working in Tokyo.
Listen carefully to her next role. You will hear the future of Japanese voice acting.
Are you a fan of Alice Nanase? Which of her roles—Rean, Akane, or her Ghibli character—made you first notice her talent? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Title: The Quiet Anchor: Why Alice Nanase is the Unsung Hero of Oshi no Ko This aesthetic is highly Instagram-friendly but never feels
In a story defined by reincarnation, celestial twins, and the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry, it is easy to get swept up in the supernatural drama of Oshi no Ko. We obsess over Aqua’s quest for revenge, Ai’s tragic legacy, and the explosive trajectories of Kana and Akane. But in the background of the Lala Lai Theatrical Company arc, there is a character who quietly steals the spotlight—not through flashy acting or dramatic twists, but through the sheer, relatable power of being the "normal" one.
I’m talking about Alice Nanase.
While she hasn't had the screen time of the main cast, Alice serves a narrative function that is absolutely crucial to the story’s grounding. She is the audience surrogate, the hard worker, and the unfortunate reality check. Here is why Alice Nanase deserves way more love.