The first half of 2013 has already come to an end. When looking back at those six months, many new faces graced the world of entertainment with their fresh and outstanding performances. As usual, ORICON STYLE used this opportunity to ask 1,000 people the question, "Which actress had her big break in the first half of 2013?"

All the actresses seen below definitely deserve to be in the top 10, but the first place is a bit surprising when looking back at an earlier ranking in January.

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It's the young actress Nounen Rena (19) from NHK's morning drama 'Amachan' who ranked first this time. Why is that surprising? Nobody had her on the radar when Oricon asked people to predict which actress will have their big break in 2013 earlier this year. On the other hand, it's not really that surprising when considering the great popularity of the NHK morning dramas. Many actresses have already experienced a huge boost in their popularity after starring in one of them.

Nounen began her career as a fashion model in 2006. She made her debut as an actress in the hit movie 'Kokuhaku' in 2010. For her role in 'Amachan', she had to win against a tough competition of 1,953 young women in the auditions. The fresh and comical drama about a young shell diver who eventually becomes the member if an idol group is written by comedy expert Kudo Kankuro. It's loved by men and women from all generations and Nounen's performance already earned her a high rank on the lists of people's favorite actresses.

Her biggest charm point is her untainted and pure acting. She is able to convey all sorts of emotions straight out without having to rely on exaggerated changes in her expressions. It's really convincing when she acts out various emotions. The almost theatrical elocution of Kudo's comedies are no problems for her at all, instead she completely loses herself in her role and shines even more. The strong support from the female viewers could definitely allow her to become a "national actress" in no time.

In second place ranked another actress from the morning drama 'Amachan'. The 17-year young Hashimoto Ai portrays the protagonist's best friend in the drama. Hashimoto was already in the top 10 of said ranking that was done earlier this year, so she certainly has lived up to the high expectations. The drama has boosted her presence as an actress even more, but she already made a name for herself in the movie 'The Kirishima Thing'.

Her performances already earned her several prizes such as "Best Newcomer" at the 38th Japan Academy Awards. Her characteristics are her handsome looks and her powerful gaze that seems to look through everything. Many people predict her make it big as an actress with her incredible presence, especially considering that she's just 17 years old.

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The rest of the top 10 is made up of actresses that were already expected to break out in 2013. Honda Tsubasa, for example, was ranked first in Oricon's earlier ranking and was voted on the third place this time. Maeda Atsuko on fourth place is well-deserved as well. A bit of a surprise yet such an obvious choice is the entry of the ever so bold Dan Mitsu. Every variety show, every drama and every filmmaker wants to have her in their projects these days.

Now check out the top 10 of actresses who had their big break in the first half of 2013 below. We have also added the "Next Break Ranking 2013" for the actresses from earlier this year for reference.

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Actress Break Out Ranking - First Half of 2013

01 - Nounen Rena
~ [drama 'Amachan', movie 'Himawari']
02 - Hashimoto Ai
~ [drama 'Amachan', movies 'Ore wa Mada Honki Dashitenai Dake' & 'Sayonara Debussy']
03 - Honda Tsubasa
~ [dramas 'Tonbi' & 'Vampire Heaven', movie 'Rakugo Eiga']
04 - Maeda Atsuko
~ [drama 'Kasuka na Kanojo', movie 'Kuroyuri Danchi']
05 - Natsuna
~ [dramas 'Jun to Ai' & 'Doubles', movie 'Kankin Tantei']
06 - Anne
~ [drama 'Kasuka na Kanojo', movie 'Platina Data']
07 - Goriki Ayame
~ [dramas 'Biblia Koshodou no Jiken Techou' & 'Yae no Sakura']
08 - Mizuhara Kiko
~ [drama 'Yae no Sakura', movie 'Platina Data']
09 - Kawaguchi Haruna
~ [drama 'Share House no Koibito', movies 'Bokutachi no Koukan Nikki' & 'Zekkyou Gakkyuu']
10 - Dan Mitsu
~ [drama 'Otenki Oneesan', movie 'Taishibou Kei Tanita no Shain Shokudou']

Survey period: June 24th ~ 27th
Survey target: 1,000 men & women from their teens to their forties
Survey area: Nationwide
Survey method: Online survey

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Next Break Ranking 2013 - Actresses
01 - Honda Tsubasa
02 - Taira Airi
03 - Kiritani Mirei
04 - Omasa Aya
05 - Kawaguchi Haruna
06 - Kimura Fumino
07 - Shinozaki Haruka
08 - Hashimoto Ai
09 - Nikaido Fumi
10 - Mizuhara Kiko
[Ranking released on January 18th, 2013]

Source: Oricon (1,2)