Each year, Oricon publishes a list of celebrities who were on everyone's radar throughout the year. After gathering responses from their readers from November 30th to December 2nd, Oricon Style is finally ready to reveal their fifth annual 'The Most Active Faces of The Year' ranking!

Coming in first place due to their overwhelming sales and exposure by the media is none other than AKB48. Second place went to the child actress Ashida Mana, who won over the hearts of people throughout Japan with her sweet smile, followed by the FIFA Women's World Cup champions Nadeshiko JAPAN. These women dominated the top three spots in the ranking with their hard-working attitudes, making them the top faces of 2011.

There is little doubt as to why AKB48 climbed up to the top of this year's chart. Each of the five singles the idol group released this year surpassed one million units in sales. In addition to their vigorous musical activities, the members of AKB48 have boosted their popularity and overall familiarity by appearing on television countless times; starring in multiple commercials (with member Oshima Yuko monopolizing the number one spot in terms of endorsements); individually debuting as soloists, actresses, and models; and even debuting a brand-new sister group based in Fukuoka named "HKT48". Their omnipresence in entertainment news this year prompted one male reader in his 40s to comment, "They've flourished so much that there isn't a day that you don't see them in the media!"

Seven-year-old actress Ashida Mana dominated the ranking with a huge number of votes as well, due in part to her many appearances in both movies and dramas this year. The drama "Marumo no Okite" - which led the child actress to become the youngest lead� in Japanese drama history - pulled in high ratings for Fuji Television, and also created a sensation with the adorable theme song "Maru Maru Mori Mori". Ashida's popularity has skyrocketed, prompting a solo CD debut, countless commercial endorsements, and even a spot as an MC on the NTV program "Meringue no Kimochi".

Third place winners Nadeshiko JAPAN won over the entire nation with their dramatic victory at the Women's World Cup for soccer. Their "don't give up until the end" attitudes gave Japan courage and hope following the devastating disaster in March. After representing Japan and earning an international honor, the players of Nadeshiko JAPAN began appearing more often in the media, including television shows and commercials. It's been said that the team is looking to earn the gold medal in the London Olympics next year to continue their winning streak.

Without further ado, check out the rest of the top 10 ranking below!

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< Oricon's Top 10 Faces of 2011" >
01. AKB48
02. Ashida Mana
03. Nadeshiko JAPAN
04. Arashi
05. KARA
06. SMAP
07. Sawa Homare (captain of Nadeshiko JAPAN)
08. Takei Emi
09. Kanjani8
10. Suzuki Fuku

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Who would've made your top ten list? Let us know in the comments!

Source: Oricon