Aki Maeda is a Japanese actress and singer who was born in Tokyo on July 11, 1985. While she is widely recognized for her live-action film roles, particularly as Noriko Nakagawa in the controversial film Battle Royale, she has also contributed to anime as a voice actor. Her entry into the entertainment industry began in childhood after she was scouted at the age of seven.

Maeda's career as a voice actor started in 2000 when she took on the role of Maria in the animated film The Boy Who Saw the Wind. This project marked her debut in voice acting. The following year, in 2001, she voiced the title character in the television anime series Cosmic Baton Girl Comet-san, playing the role of Comet. These two roles represent her most prominently cited voice acting credits from the early 2000s.

In addition to these parts, Maeda is also known for her voice work in the 2002 Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns, in which she voiced the character Yuki. Her filmography as a voice actor, while not extensive, includes these notable titles produced by major studios. Her career is otherwise defined by her extensive work in live-action film and television, as well as her pursuits as a singer and musician.