Who’s Who In Anime?

So…

Want to know more about anime characters?

You’ve come to the right place.

The world of anime, or animation produced in Japan, is extensive and includes a vast assortment of programs and characters.

Are you interested in finding an anime program you would love?

Great news!

This listing of great anime characters includes many notable figures from programs of all sorts. These include ones from the present and some from earlier in the twentieth century.

But are you thinking about what’s in anime?

You’re assuming that all anime is just action and sex, right?

But you’re wrong.

Anime covers many genres and interests.

The odds are there’s an anime of interest out there for you.

You’ll find an assortment of anime shows ranging from comedy to drama to historical. There are even some specific anime genres like sports and cooking animes.

Some anime started as manga series in printed form. There’s a whole world of anime for you to explore today!

Maybe you’re already familiar with anime.

But here’s the thing:

There are more anime characters out there than you might realize.

You might find some of your favorites here, or you could find someone that you might not expect.

Let’s look at some of the most famous anime characters in history.

Let’s tune in…

Spike Spiegel

Anime	Cowboy Bebop
Year Introduced	1998
Voice (Japanese)	Koichi Yamadera
Voice (English)	Steve Blum

Looking for action?

Here’s one for you.

Spike Spiegel is the protagonist of Cowboy Bebop, a show about a bounty hunter traveling around the world.

A former member of a crime syndicate, he is a skilled martial arts fighter who has hunted down many terrorists and killers.

He has been on the run after leaving the Red Dragon Syndicate, as he faked his death to leave the group.

But he’s still fighting!

While he looks for criminals and takes them down, he can’t afford to be too visible or else he will lose his cover. His calm demeanor is an essential part of what makes him powerful.

Goku

Anime	Dragon Ball
Year Introduced	1989
Voice (Japanese)	Masako Nozawa
Voice (English)	Varies by dub

Have you seen Goku?

You probably have.

Dragon Ball is a long-running anime about Goku, a warrior who defends Earth against various evils. The show has included many spinoffs, and Goku continues to fight for Earth and train new warriors.

But who is Goku?

Goku is a Saiyan, a human-like extraterrestrial being. While many Saiyans have attacked planets in the past, some like Goku want to use their powers for peace.

But he’s focused on more than working for himself.

Goku has trained many warriors and always emphasizes trustworthiness and loyalty. His work has helped prevent the destruction of the planet many times.

The Dragon Ball series has been adapted many times over the years, but Goku always remains the top character.

And here’s the best part:

He is one of the few characters to reach Super Saiyan 3 status, which is one of the most powerful physical forms anyone can attain. He can handle various transformations that rely on his power, making him an intimidating force.

A friendly note though…

Don’t be surprised if it takes a while for the story to get to the point.

Vegeta

Anime	Dragon Ball
Year Introduced	1989
Voice (Japanese)	Ryo Horikawa
Voice (English)	Varies by dub

Are there other big names in the Dragon Ball series?

Of course!

Here’s a good one for you:

Goku is a straightforward hero in the Dragon Ball series. But Vegeta took a while to get to the heroic position he is in today.

He is another Saiyan and is also one of the more powerful ones in the universe.

He started out as a villain who wanted to be more powerful than Goku, but he has since accepted his limits and wants to fight alongside Vegeta.

Vegeta is also strong, as he has reached the Super Saiyan 2 status.

For the record, that’s a good thing. Not as good as Goku, but it’s still big.

He’s strong alright.

He’s also capable of going over 9000. I don’t know what that means, but it’s clearly a good thing.

Yamcha

Anime	Dragon Ball
Year Introduced	1989
Voice (Japanese)	Toru Furuya
Voice (English)	Varies by dub

Wait, there’s more Dragon Ball stuff!

Hey, the show has been around since 1989. Of course there’s loads of Dragon Ball characters!

So…

Let’s look at Yamcha.

Yamcha is another former enemy of Goku in Dragon Ball. He is a talented martial artist who is always ready for a fight, although he often struggles to find a decent girlfriend.

Yamcha is a partial earthling, and he has developed some of the ways of the Saiyan to become more of the most powerful humans in the Dragon Ball series.

So, he’s not a god-like being like Goku or Vegeta. But he’s still a valuable fighter himself!

Astro Boy

Anime	Astro Boy
Year Introduced	1963
Voice (Japanese)	Mari Shimizu
Voice (English)	Billie Lou Watt

What was your introduction to anime?

For many people, Astro Boy was that introduction.

But what makes Astro Boy so prominent? And where did he come from?

Let’s look.

He was first introduced as a manga in 1952 and eventually adapted into a television series. Astro Boy is historic for being the first anime to be localized for broadcast in the United States.

So what is he all about?

Here’s an answer.

The series is all about Astro Boy, a robot boy created by Doctor Temma to replace his deceased son. Astro Boy is an entertaining character who flies around and can fight enemies with rockets, machine guns, and superhuman speed.

In short, he’s a superpowered boy.

He’s Japan’s entry into the superhero world.

Superheroes dominate the world, you know.

But there’s more:

His amazing powers and charming appearance make him one of the most influential anime characters of all time. He continues to make appearances in anime programs.

He was even the subject of an animated movie made in the United States in the 2010s. It wasn’t one of Nicolas Cage’s best moments though.

Arsene Lupin III

Anime	Lupin III
Year Introduced	1971
Voice (Japanese)	Taichiro Hirokawa
Voice (English)	Various by dub

Did Astro Boy introduce you to anime?

If you said no, maybe Lupin III might have done so.

But who is Lupin, and what about the other two?

Well, we’ve got an answer.

Arsene Lupin III was first introduced in the 1960s, but he became famous worldwide in 1971 following the debut of the Lupin III anime.

What makes him special?

Here’s the answer:

Lupin is the world’s greatest thief, as he always builds unique gadgets to complete his heists. He’s part of a family of thieves, hence being the third Arsene Lupin.

Lupin is mischievous and is always looking for a good steal and an attractive woman. But he will always stop everything so he can protect his friends.

Is he popular?

Absolutely!

Lupin is still a popular anime character who has received a few theatrical movies over the years. He has also starred in many video games, including an early arcade game in 1980.

There’s even a 1983 arcade game with Lupin that uses Laserdiscs to play an interactive movie. It’s like the Japanese version of Dragon’s Lair or Space Ace.

Yugi Muto

Anime	Yu-Gi-Oh!
Year Introduced	2000
Voice (Japanese)	Shunsuke Kazama
Voice (English)	Dan Green

Have you played the Yu-Gi-Oh card game in the past?

It’s exciting to compete with others in this game. But were you aware it’s based on an anime?

So what is it about?

Here’s an answer.

Yu-Gi-Oh is a prominent anime series from the 2000s. The show centers around Yugi Muto, a student who is possessed by an ancient pharaoh after reassembling the pieces of an old Egyptian artifact.

So, what is Yugi trying to do here?

Yugi’s goal is to protect the puzzle and its many secrets. While the duty of protecting the secrets can be daunting, Yugi always has his brave will on his side.

You’ll see him competing in various card battles throughout the Yu-Gi-Oh series. He’s always up for a challenge.

You might learn something about the Yu-Gi-Oh card game from how he plays it. But don’t expect to beat him.

And good luck trying to get all the cards.

Or to even buy them. They’re so popular, stores put them under lock and key.

Katsuya Jonouchi/Joey Wheeler

Anime	Yu-Gi-Oh!
Year Introduced	2000
Voice (Japanese)	Hiroki Takahashi
Voice (English)	Wayne Grayson

Katsuya Jonouchi is also called Joey Wheeler in English-language dubs of Yu-Gi-Oh.

That’s how popular Yu-Gi-Oh is. The show even simplifies its character names for English-speaking audiences.

Although you can tell who’s a bigger Yu-Gi-Oh fan based on what name someone uses for him.

So, who is Katsuya? Or Joey, if you will?

Check this out:

He is a friend of Yugi who learns how to duel as the series progresses.

He doesn’t seem too professional, as he doesn’t use honorifics when he speaks. In other words, he’s not the most polite or respectful person.

But he’s more focused on being a winner in all his duels.

Plus, people love him!

Fans love him for his willingness to learn. He is also noted for how his skills develop to where he becomes almost as powerful of a fighter as Yugi himself.

You could also learn how to play Yu-Gi-Oh from Katsuya. But again, it’s not like you will win.

Ichigo Kurosaki

Anime	Bleach
Year Introduced	2004
Voice (Japanese)	Masakazu Morita
Voice (English)	Johnny Yong Bosch

Can you see ghosts?

Better yet, do you want to?

Ichigo from Bleach can, and it’s a necessity for protecting the world.

Ichigo Kurosaki is the hero of Bleach, a long-running anime from the 2000s. He has the power of a Soul Reaper and can see ghosts.

What does this mean?

Here’s the answer.

Ichigo gained this power of seeing ghosts after his family was attacked by a Hollow, a lost soul out to harm people.

He guides spirits to the afterlife, but he also protects the living from the forces of evil. Ichigo has an intimidating look to him, as his massive sword is always by his side.

Sometimes he ends up being villainous and more willing to focus on his own needs. But his end goal is to solve whatever problems come his way.

Shinji Ikari

Anime	Neon Genesis Evangelion
Year Introduced	1995
Voice (Japanese)	Megumi Ogata
Voice (English)	Spike Spencer

Do you like robots?

If so, you’ll enjoy mecha anime.

But it’s not about the robots themselves, it’s about the people who control them.

What is mecha anime?

Mecha anime involves fights with giant robots. Think of it as Transformers, but there are more humans involved.

The robots may be a big deal in mecha anime, but the focus is always on the people.

So, who is the most popular character in mecha anime?

It’s tough to say, but Shinju Ikari is a good candidate.

Shinji Ikari is a character in Neon Genesis Evangelion, a mecha anime in a futuristic version of Tokyo years after a cataclysmic event. Ikari is a courageous fighter working to defeat the evil Angels. 

His struggles with depression are also prevalent throughout the series. He was abandoned by his father as a child, and he has carried this weight on him as an inspiration to fight.

Asuka Langley Sohryu

Anime	Neon Genesis Evangelion
Year Introduced	1995
Voice (Japanese)	Yuko Miyamura
Voice (English)	Varies by dub

You’ve got many other characters in the Evangelion series to enjoy. Asuka is one of the top choices to find.

What makes Asuka an essential part of Evangelion?

Asuka is a mecha pilot in the Evangelion series who wants to prove herself to the world and show that she is a powerful pilot.

But she is also often afraid of what will happen when she fails, as she wants her life to be worth something.

Asuka has been repressing her memories of her mother’s death. Being a mecha pilot has been part of her coping mechanism. Her humanity makes her a popular figure in anime.

Doraemon

Anime	Doraemon
Year Introduced	1979
Voice (Japanese)	Nobuyo Ooyama
Voice (English)	A.J. Henderson

How long have you been an anime fan?

No matter what your answer, the odds are Doraemon might have been a part of your anime upbringing.

Doraemon has been a star in anime since 1979 and is still popular.

But who is Doraemon?

And if he looks like a cat, then where are his cat ears?

There’s an answer to both questions.

First:

He lost his cat ears on his home planet, and his yellow body soon became blue. But his charm is still intact as he roams Earth.

Second:

Doraemon is one of the longest-running anime programs in history, as the series ran from 1979 to 2005.

The show’s titular character is a blue cat-looking robot that travels from the future to the present day to help a young boy.

He is a charming character who loves people and will help anyone.

Not only that, he’s still a huge hit.

He remains popular today as Japan’s official “anime ambassador.” He has also been the subject of multiple theatrical movies in Japan.

Beckham Kinoshita

Anime	Penguin no Mondai
Year Introduced	2006
Voice (Japanese)	Hyeon-Ji Kim
Voice (English)	Varies by dub

Anime is more than something for adults.

Anime is popular among people of all ages. 

Penguin no Mondai is one show that has been charming kids for more than fifteen years.

What is this show about?

Here’s what it means:

Penguin no Mondai or a Penguin’s Troubles is a comedic anime about Beckham Kinoshita, a penguin who attends an elementary school.

Who is Beckham?

He’s a penguin who enjoys going on adventures. He’s always looking to eat a good hamburger.

The series has lasted for more than a hundred episodes. Beckham remains one of Japan’s most recognizable cartoon characters.

Rem

Anime	Re:Zero
Year Introduced	2016
Voice (Japanese)	Minase Inori
Voice (English)	Brianna Knickerbocker

What would you do if you suddenly went to a new world? 

Well:

Re:Zero is all about that. It’s literally in its full title of Re:Zero: Starting Life In Another World.

Who will you find in Re:Zero?

You’ll find Rem, for example.

But who is she?

Rem is a maid in the anime series Re:Zero, a series about a Japanese man who mysteriously moves to another world.

Rem is the love interest of the main character Subaru, and she has talents in the art of healing magic.

Why do people love her?

She is a beloved character in the series for how resilience and willingness to trust others.

But she is also one of the more vulnerable characters in the series, as her beauty and innocence make her a target.

Natsuki Subaru

Anime	Re:Zero
Year Introduced	2016
Voice (Japanese)	Kobayashi Yuusuke
Voice (English)	Sean Chiplock

So, who is the person in Re:Zero who went to a new world?

That person would be Natsuki Subaru.

Why is he named after a prominent car company? That’s besides the point. The real question is…

Why is he in this new world?

Now that’s a good question.

The mystery of why Natsuki Subaru was transported to a new world in Re:Zero is fascinating.

But while he tries to find why he has made his way into this new world, he quickly becomes a talented knight.

He learns many magical powers during the series and is enthusiastic about finding new things.

But there’s more.

Subaru also has the power of Return by Death. With this power, he will go back to a specific point in time after he dies. All his memories from his prior life will remain intact when he revives.

Which is interesting in its own, although it’s hard to figure.

Why is he so popular?

Subaru is a charming character who has become a true favorable among anime fans. This point comes as his future in “Another World” remains uncertain.

As for where he’d return to following the Return by Death power, it’s hard to say.

Ryoma Echizen

Anime	Prince of Tennis
Year Introduced	2001
Voice (Japanese)	Junko Minagawa
Voice (English)	David Neil Black

Anime fans follow anime like it’s a sport.

So, it’s no surprise there would be sports anime shows!

But what is sports anime?

Let’s look.

It’s a form of anime that’s about people competing in sporting events.

Any sport could have an anime. So, a studio could make a Ted Lasso knockoff and it would count as a soccer anime.

What sports anime shows have made an impact?

The Prince of Tennis is one of those sports animes that has made a mark.

The show follows Ryoma Echizen, a young tennis player attending a tennis academy.

Ryoma is very talented in the sport. As the show progresses, he begins to discover what the sport means to him.

Ryoma focuses on his tennis skills and doesn’t have much time to look for a woman to love. But many women love him for his alluring appearance and intense tennis ability.

So, he’s like any other athlete. Women flock to him because he’s good at his sport.

Monkey D. Luffy

Anime	One Piece
Year Introduced	1999
Voice (Japanese)	Mayumi Tanaka
Voice (English)	Bella Hudson

Is One Piece the anime equivalent of the Simpsons?

They’re both programs that have been going on for seemingly forever.

How long has One Piece been going for?

As of August 2022, One Piece has more than a thousand episodes.

That’s nearly 300 more than the Simpsons and slightly more than the combined total of Law and Order and Law and Order Special Victims Unit.

When they’ll actually end remains unknown. But both have memorable characters, and Monkey D. Luffy is the big star of One Piece.

So, who is Monkey?

Here’s your answer.

Monkey D. Luffy is the protagonist of One Piece, an anime about pirates searching for a mysterious treasure called the One Piece.

Monkey wants to be the king of all pirates, but he isn’t the brightest pirate in the bunch.

Why is he a star?

His fighting skills and willingness to defend his crew make him an intimidating force.

He also shows some unique supernatural powers, including immunity to lightning and the ability to redirect attacks people make against him.

He is a fearless pirate whose quest is still ongoing. The real question is whether One Piece will end before the Simpsons does.

Roronoa Zoro

Anime	One Piece
Year Introduced	1999
Voice (Japanese)	Kazuya Nakai
Voice (English)	Marc Diraison

A show that’s been going as long as One Piece would surely have some other memorable characters, right?

That’s where Roronoa comes into play. He’s a powerful pirate just as well.

What makes Roronoa so popular?

Here’s a look.

Roronoa is another pirate in One Piece searching for the eponymous treasure. He is the second-in-command to Monkey and wants to become the world’s greatest swordsman.

Roronoa is also a former bounty hunter who himself has one of the most valuable bounties on the seas. His left eye also glows sometimes, a sign he is trying to control his internal powers.

His attitude is different from Monkey’s, but they are good friends united together in finding the One Piece.

He’s one of only a small listing of characters in the series. But you shouldn’t be surprised a show with more episodes than the Simpsons would have so many characters.

Naruto Uzumaki

Anime	Naruto
Year Introduced	1999
Voice (Japanese)	Junko Takeuchi
Voice (English)	Maile Flanagan

Next:

The titular star of the anime Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki is a village leader who wants to defend his community from the evil Nine-Tails group.

He has dealt with many pitfalls in his life, especially as many feel he was possessed by the Nine-Nails group.

But he has managed to gain the trust of his followers and is one of the most powerful ninjas in the land.

What makes Naruto distinct?

It’s interesting.

Naruto is optimistic and ready to fight even when the odds are against him. Naruto often feels people aren’t always willing to trust him. But he’s ready to do what it takes to change everyone’s minds.

Ranma Saotome

Anime	Ranma ½
Year Introduced	1989
Voice (Japanese)	Kappei Yamaguchi (male) and Megumi Hayashibara (female)
Voice (English)	Darren Pleavin (male) and Andrea Kwan (female)

Not all anime characters are male or female.

Some characters have no gender, or they can go between ones.

Ranma is a male character, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be female.

So why is Ranma like this?

You’re about to find out.

Ranma ½ is an unconventional anime introduced as a manga in 1987. It transformed into an anime a few years later.

“Transformed” is an appropriate word when you consider what the show is about.

The series follows Ranma Saotome, a young martial arts student who has a unique curse he received after falling into a magical spring.

He becomes a girl when he is doused in cold water. He then goes back to being a boy when splashed with hot water.

Is this power useful?

Maybe.

Ranma is looking to remove this curse, but he does question whether he should at times. His ability to switch genders at will is often a helpful tool he can utilize to accomplish many goals.

What would you do if you had Ranma’s interesting power?

Fans of the series have long debated what they would do in his situation. Some are more willing to help others, but others might not have that same feeling.

Maybe it’s best I don’t ask. For obvious reasons.

Hiroshi Kaizuka

Anime	The Gutsy Frog
Year Introduced	1972
Voice (Japanese)	Masako Nozawa
Voice (English)	Varies by dub

Do you want to laugh when watching anime?

Great news!

There are plenty of comedic anime programs out there. They’re less about action and drama and more about having fun.

What comedy animes are out there?

Plenty!

The Gutsy Frog is just one example.

The Gutsy Frog is one of the earliest comedy animes to become popular in the United States.

What is the Gutsy Frog about, and who is its star?

I may as well answer.

The Gutsy Frog is about Hiroshi Kaizuka, a middle schooler whose shirt features a frog that comes to life and interacts with him. Hiroshi is beloved for his mischievous behavior and his love for bowling.

He is such a popular character in Japan that a short live-action remake of the anime appeared in 2015.

Pyonkichi

Anime	The Gutsy Frog
Year Introduced	1972
Voice (Japanese)	Sachiko Chijimatsu
Voice (English)	Varies by dub

Now you’ve got a question about the Gutsy Frog.

You now know about the kid in the Gutsy Frog.

But what about the frog?

Here’s your answer.

Pyonkichi is the frog that Hiroshi lands on in the Gutsy Frog.

Pyonkichi’s spirit moves into his shirt, causing him to have control over what is Hiroshi’s only good shirt. Pyonkichi frequently forces Hiroshi into many unusual situations, as it’s a part of his gutsiness.

But while he often quarrels with Hiroshi, he cares for him and respects everything he does. The friendship the two develop helps create a fun show.

Edward Elric

Anime	Fullmetal Alchemist
Year Introduced	2003
Voice (Japanese)	Romi Park
Voice (English)	Vic Mignogna

Here are two great brothers from another popular anime from the twenty-first century.

First…

Edward Elric is one of the titular Fullmetal Alchemists in this anime. The show is about brothers searching to restore their bodies and learn how to use their alchemy talents.

What makes Edward strong?

It’s simple.

Edward is brave and ready to fight the evil Homunculi, but he isn’t always ready for a challenge. He is also loyal to his brother, as he wants to restore his body. His alchemic powers allow him to fight enemies much more massive than him.

Alphonse Elric

Anime	Fullmetal Alchemist
Year Introduced	2003
Voice (Japanese)	Rie Kugimiya
Voice (English)	Aaron Dismuke

What about the other half of the Elric brothers?

Let’s take a look at the other brother at the forefront of Fullmetal Alchemist.

Second…(and we already did first a bit ago)

Alphonse is Edward’s brother who lost his human body during a transmutation experiment.

Alphonse is alchemically preserved inside a steel armor body. He is very powerful and strong, but he wants to be treated like any other person.

He is also very fond of cats, often storing strays he finds in his armor plating.

What about him personally?

Alphonse’s relationship with Edward is strong, as he is grateful to Edward for saving him. But he still wants to find a way to get back into his original body or at least another human body.

Levi Ackerman

Anime	Attack on Titan
Year Introduced	2013
Voice (Japanese)	Hiroshi Kamiya
Voice (English)	Matthew Mercer

Now let’s look at Attack on Titan, an action show about fighting giants.

After all, it’s in the title.

Attack on Titan is an anime about an army fighting Titans, a group of massive man-eating creatures who have broken into a safe zone for humans.

Above all, the series is a dramatic program about what people will do and how far they will go to defeat those who threaten them.

Who stars in the series?

Plenty of characters!

Levi is one of them.

Who is he?

You’re about to see.

Levi Ackerman is the captain of a squad fighting against the Titans. Levi is also calm and ready for a fight, but he is also witty and never tries taking himself too seriously.

Fans also like how he focuses on fighting while also having real feelings for his soldiers. There’s a possibility he might be romantically interested in someone.

But he knows that his work in defeating Titans is the most essential part of his life, as it is about protecting other people.

Eren Jaeger

Anime	Attack on Titan
Year Introduced	2013
Voice (Japanese)	Yuki Kaji
Voice (English)	Bryce Papenbrook

Levi is an appealing character in the series, but who is the star of Attack on Titan?

Eren Jaegar is the star.

But why?

Eren is the main character in Attack on Titan. He saw his mother get devoured by one of the giant Titans who have been attacking human colonies, leading him to vow to kill every Titan he finds.

He joined Levi’s group to fight the Titans and wants revenge and to protect everyone he loves.

But he is also a little too vengeful, as he becomes powerful enough to where he wants to exterminate all other life.

Beyond that, he himself becomes a Titan because of how powerful he has become.

Eren is an interesting character, as he goes from being a hero to villain as the show progresses. But his desire to destroy Titans has always been out of vengeance and to keep them from hurting others.

Mikasa Ackerman

Anime	Attack on Titan
Year Introduced	2013
Voice (Japanese)	Yui Ishikawa
Voice (English)	Trina Nishimura

Relationships are a big part of Attack on Titan.

Who has helped create some of the strongest relationships in the series?

Mikasa is one such person who has made it all work.

One of the most prominent parts of Attack on Titan is Eren’s relationship with Mikasa Ackerman. She is one of the best-performing soldiers in her regiment.

Mikasa is the last descendant of a clan that lived on an island conquered by Titans, and her tragic backstory plays a critical role in the series.

Her desire for vengeance has made her a popular character, especially as she is capable of killing many Titans on her own.

There have been rumors about how Mikasa might be related to Levi. But the series creator has confirmed that they both have the same surname and aren’t related to each other.

Izuku Midoriya

Anime	My Hero Academia
Year Introduced	2016
Voice (Japanese)	Daiki Yamashita
Voice (English)	Justin Briner

Does an anime in school sound good?

Maybe not for some.

But for others…

You’ll find many school-based anime programs about young people studying.

Yes, it sounds unusual, as people might not want to think about school when watching anime. But it’s a setting that the audience can recognize, with characters people can relate to.

But some schools in anime are a little different, and the students in My Hero Academia are special.

Why?

My Hero Academia is about students in a school where almost everyone has a “quirk” or special power.

But what do we mean by “almost everyone?”

It’s Izuku that is that “almost.”

Izuku Midoriya is the only student in the school with no quirk, but he wants to find his someday.

Think of him as anime’s version of Mirabel from Encanto.

Except there’s more fighting and less singing.

Also, it’s in Japan and not Colombia. You get the idea.

Izuku wants to be a hero and is ready to fight. He wants to prove himself to everyone in school. His talents help him make his way through the school and eventually find a unique quirk for himself.

Katsuki Bakugo

Anime	My Hero Academia
Year Introduced	2016
Voice (Japanese)	Yuichiro Umehara
Voice (English)	Clifford Chapin

Naturally, there’s a whole load of quirks in My Hero Academia.

Look at what Katsuki can do, for instance.

What can he do?

He has the power to create massive ignitions from his hands, triggering shock waves that can destroy anything.

Katsuki is notable for how he grows as a character and begins to use his power more responsibly. But while he is an antagonist to Izuku, he never becomes a true villain.

Tsuyu Asui

Anime	My Hero Academia
Year Introduced	2016
Voice (Japanese)	Aoi Yuki
Voice (English)	Monica Rial

There’s more where that came from!

And some characters are more amusing than others.

Humor, action, romance, My Hero Academia has it all!

And Tsuyu is one such example.

Tsuyu is another of the more popular characters in My Hero Academia.

And what’s her power?

She has various frog-like powers, including the ability to leap far distances and cling to items, plus she can use her tongue to grab onto enemies.

While she has outstanding powers, she is also aloof and often doesn’t think twice before saying certain things. But she is always happy to help other people by using her superpowers.

Her amusing appearance and attitude make her a memorable character. Her awkwardness also makes her relatable to many of the show’s fans.

Motoko Kusanagi

Anime	Ghost In the Shell
Year Introduced	1989
Voice (Japanese)	Atsuko Tanaka
Voice (English)	Varies by dub and series

Everyone loves robots, right?

Robots and cyborgs are essential to anime, since many shows occur in the future.

Ghost In the Shell is a long-running series that includes a cyborg in the lead role.

But while you’ve seen many Ghost In the Shell movies, did you know it started as an anime?

Here’s the deal:

Ghost In the Shell is an anime in a futuristic Tokyo about Motoko Kusanagi, a woman whose brain is inside a cybernetic body.

What does she do?

She is a police officer who is always seeking justice and is ready to stop criminals. But she is also a mysterious and interesting character, as she often questions her humanity inside an artificial body.

She has been a cyborg since she was a child after an accident required her brain to be preserved to save her. This event has given her a life where she hasn’t felt human.

Her quandaries have made her very relatable to many fans.

 It’s no wonder she’s been portrayed in so many productions.

Even Scarlet Johannson played her once!

Although some people were unhappy about it; whether their rationales for it were understandable remains debatable.

Saitama

Anime	One Punch Man
Year Introduced	2009
Voice (Japanese)	Makoto Furukawa
Voice (English)	Max Mittelman

Superheroes also exist in anime. It’s not just in every other movie these days.

One Punch Man is like an equivalent of Superman.

But he’s much stronger!

Plus, his story has more drama and existential dread.

So, why is he the One Punch Man?

It’s obvious.

As the name of the anime he stars in suggests, Saitama is the One Punch Man who can win any fight with one punch.

What’s his origin story?

It’s simple:

He received his power through an interaction with a divine god-like cube that blessed him with immense power. But while he can stop anyone who enters his path, he also has an identity crisis because he is unstoppable.

Saitama doesn’t find fighting very thrilling, prompting him to become indifferent to much of the world. He wants to find a more formidable opponent he can fight to make his powers feel worthwhile.

But his feelings haven’t kept him from wanting to protect other people.

Usagi Tsukino

Anime	Sailor Moon
Year Introduced	1991
Voice (Japanese)	Kotono Mitsuishi
Voice (English)	Varies by dub

Boys aren’t the only ones who can enjoy anime.

That’s right, girls can fall in love with anime too.

No matter what executives think.

Sailor Moon is a series with many powerful ladies that appeal to boys and girls alike. Usagi Tsukino is one of those Guardians who make up the stars of Sailor Moon.

Who is Sailor Moon?

Well, Usagi is her real name.

But there’s more to her than a name.

Usagi Tsukino is a schoolgirl known as Sailor Moon, a guardian who protects the plant from many evil forces. She is a reincarnation of a leader of the Moon Kingdom, and she works with many other Guardians to fight evil.

Why do so many people love her?

Both boys and girls, that is.

Usagi is beloved for her strong spirit and amazing powers, and she is also popular for being a down-to-earth person who likes boys and doesn’t like English or math classes in school.

Her romantic life has also remained a point of interest among fans, as some have argued she may be bisexual. Like with so many other shows, she and other characters remain the subject of many fan theories.

Do you have any fan theories on anime? We’ve all been there, you know.

It’s no surprise that Sailor Moon is a hit. Everyone loves her!

Although an American studio did try to create an Americanized version of her show once.

As it turns out, people want to watch actual anime, not “x-treem” and “radikal” Americanized stuff.

Kazumi Araiwa

Anime	Cooking Papa
Year Introduced	1992
Voice (Japanese)	Tessho Genda
Voice (English)	Varies by dub

Just imagine the assortment of anime shows out there.

Did you expect cooking anime to be a part of it?

Probably not, but it’s interesting.

What is cooking anime?

And what makes it popular?

Here’s your answer.

Cooking anime programs became very popular in the 1980s. Anime fans became more interested in gourmet dining as Japan’s economy started booming.

It’s a low-stakes form of anime that is relaxing and entertaining to many. It’s no surprise that anime studios would make shows that capitalize on dining and cooking.

What types of shows like this are there?

Cooking Papa is a cooking anime show, and Kazumi Araiwa is the main star.

What makes Kazumi special?

He is a talented cook, but he doesn’t want others in his workplace to know about his skills.

He often says that his wife is the cook of the house, but she doesn’t know how to prepare anything.

Kazumi is also tasked with supporting his two kids and is happy to help everyone make food. His adventures are well-grounded and easily relatable, making him a beloved character.

Jonathan Joestar

Anime	JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Year Introduced	2012
Voice (Japanese)	Kazuyuki Okitsu
Voice (English)	Johnny Yong Bosch

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure was first introduced as a manga series in 1987. It has since been adapted into a few different anime productions.

As the name suggests, it is a bizarre show.

But the show’s main stars keep it grounded.

So, who is the JoJo in this series?

Here’s a look.

Jonathan “JoJo” Joestar is one of the main characters of the series. He is an everyday British gentleman who fights many supernatural entities.

He has inherited many impressive martial arts fighting skills and is a smart challenger who is always ready for a fight. He’s ready to do anything no matter how unusual things are.

Will A. Zeppeli

Anime	JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Year Introduced	2012
Voice (Japanese)	Rikiya Koyama
Voice (English)	Joe Ochman

William Anthonio Zeppeli is another character in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure who has Ripple powers.

But what is the Ripple?

The Ripple is an energy in the series for martial arts.

Zeppeli is an exciting character devoted to finding a mysterious mask that holds special powers. But he wants to destroy the mask before anyone else can get to it and use its powers.

He has seen many of the monsters who have come from the Stone Mask and wants to stop the mask from taking more lives.

Conan Edogawa

Anime	Case Closed
Year Introduced	1996
Voice (Japanese)	Minami Takayama
Voice (English)	Alison Viktorin

One anime in Japan is so popular that it has coffee cafes around Japan dedicated to it.

But what would be so popular to where it rivals the Peanuts comic strip in branding in Japan?

That series is Case Closed, and it features one of the most memorable characters in anime.

Case Closed or Detective Conan is one of the longest-running anime programs ever, lasting more than a thousand episodes since its premiere in 1996.

What is it about?

And who is this Conan who appears in the title?

Here’s your answer.

The program follows Conan Edogawa, a detective who used to be a teenager. He was poisoned and then turned into a child, forcing him to adopt the Conan identity.

The series has many mysteries and memorable characters, with Conan being the most famous. His professional demeanor and will to do anything to advance his cause makes him a popular anime character.

You’ll find Conan on merchandise of all sorts around Japan. He’s not as ubiquitous as Snoopy, but he’s up there with Linus Van Pelt at the least.

There’s even a Conan Town located in Japan! And Conan O’Brien called that city out on his old talk show.

The detective still has his fame, but at least the talk show host still has his Walker Texas Ranger Lever.

Simon the Digger

Anime	Gurren Lagann
Year Introduced	2007
Voice (Japanese)	Tetsuya Kakihara
Voice (English)	Yuri Lowenthal

Not all anime has to be realistic.

Then again, you’ve already read about unrealistic and fantastical anime many times over by now.

Gurren Lagann is famous for having some of the most outlandish and extreme mecha fights in all anime.

Those fights are part of what makes it so popular, and Simon the Digger is one of the most beloved characters in the series.

What does Simon do in the show?

Simon evolves from living in an underground village to being one of the world’s most talented mech pilots. He holds an immense amount of spiral power to stop the enemies he faces.

Kamina

Anime	Gurren Lagann
Year Introduced	2007
Voice (Japanese)	Katsuyuki Konishi
Voice (English)	Kyle Hebert

Another mech pilot from Gurren Lagann, Kamina is an idealist who always sees the positive side of things even when things aren’t looking great. But he is also an immensely talented strategist who can win any fight.

His superhuman skills appeal to fans, as he has intense reflexes and can physically break through many things, including locks.

He also managed to return from the dead midway throughout the series.

How did he do it?

Well, that’s the problem.

It’s unclear how he came back, making him an even more mysterious character.

Ichika Orimura

Anime	Infinite Stratos
Year Introduced	2011
Voice (Japanese)	Koki Uchiyama
Voice (English)	Josh Grelle

The idea of a man alongside a bunch of women (or vice versa) sounds sexy, right?

But it’s not necessary like that all the time. Let’s be realistic, shall we?

Infinite Stratos is considered a harem anime.

But get your head out of the gutter!

We need to explain what on earth a harem anime is.

As a harem anime, it is a show that entails one man or woman being surrounded by a bunch of people of the opposite gender.

But harem animes aren’t necessarily sexual, and Infinite Stratos is a good example.

Who is the one surrounded by a huge harem in this show?

It’s Ichika, that’s who.

Ichika Orimura is a fish out of water in Infinite Stratos. He is the only male student in a boarding school filled with females looking to become pilots.

Ichika becomes the most essential student in school, as he is the only one who can successfully steer the Infinite Stratos.

He is very talented and ready to fight, but he is also unaware of how much the other women in the school love him. Women always fall in love with him, but he’s never aware of it.

There’s more to him as well.

What’s also interesting about Ichika is how he inherited a gene from a long-lost ancestor that gives him innate knowledge to pilot almost any mech.

His ability makes him a strong fighter who is very interesting to the audience.

Yes, there’s plenty of sexiness in anime. But come on, it’s not like it’s right out there?

If you want something really sexual, watch Adult Swim or Cinemax or something.

Mio Naganohara

Anime	Nichijou
Year Introduced	2011
Voice (Japanese)	Mai Aizawa
Voice (English)	Leah Clark

Now, let’s try and calm things down.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could watch an anime that wasn’t about risking the end of the world?

That’s where slice-of-life anime comes in handy.

Slice-of-life anime is a style about regular experiences in everyday life. One such example of this is Nichijou.

What is this show?

Nichijou is a strange anime series about many people living in the town of Tokisadame.

But Tokisadame is no ordinary anime, and Mio Naganohara is one example of what makes it special.

Mio is one of the most popular characters in the show, as she is a high school student who enjoys drawing sexualized art.

Mio is very cheerful, but she’s not afraid to become violent. She even attacked a police officer at one point to keep her most private artwork from being revealed.

It’s an odd thing, but not as unusual as suplexing livestock. Which happens in this show, by the way.

Nano Shinonome

Anime	Nichijou
Year Introduced	2011
Voice (Japanese)	Shizuka Furuya
Voice (English)	Monica Rial

Want proof that Nichijou is unusual?

Nano is one of the more intriguing characters in the series for many reasons.

Nano is another student in Nichijou. She is afraid of people discovering she is actually an android, but the massive wind-up key on her back gives it away.

The fact that her limbs keep falling apart is also a sign.

Whether other people are actually paying attention to this is unclear.

She wants to be more like a human, but she is often stuck taking care of the student who built her.

Bobobo-Bo Bo-Bobo

Anime	Bobobo-Bo Bo-Bobo
Year Introduced	2003
Voice (Japanese)	Takehito Koyasu
Voice (English)	Richard Epcar

The title character of Bobobo-Bo Bo-Bobo is one of the more unusual characters in anime history.

Then again, the name of the show and the character itself is also strange.

But his absurd style and ability to create fun gags make him a popular star.

What makes his so interesting?

Bobobo-Bo is a rebel fighter who is out to stop evil forces who are trying to shave off all the hair of innocent people. He has steel nose hairs and a massive golden afro that make him noticeable.

Bobobo-Bo’s style of fighting is very frantic and unpredictable, making him an interesting force.

Kaname Kuran

Anime	Vampire Knight
Year Introduced	2008
Voice (Japanese)	Daisuke Kishio
Voice (English)	Ezra Weisz

Some anime fans love to sexualize characters even if their shows aren’t sexy.

Vampire Knight isn’t the sexiest show around.

But the two big vampire stars of Vampire Knight are great examples of characters people love to romanticize.

It’s a vampire show. So of course people will find them sexy!

Kaname Kuran is a vampire in the anime series Vampire Knight. He is a hunter who has been pursuing his enemies for thousands of years.

There’s more to Kaname than a sexy face.

Lots more.

Kaname can recover from almost any injury he experiences. He can also change his physical appearance.

Other powers he holds include telekinesis, the power to erase memories, and the power to create a familiar in any form.

His assorted powers and his mysterious backstory make him one of the top characters in this series. His sexy appearance also makes him interesting to many of the show’s fans.

Zero Kiryu

Anime	Vampire Knight
Year Introduced	2008
Voice (Japanese)	Mamoru Miyano
Voice (English)	Vic Mignogna

Zero Kiryu is a former human and current vampire hunter who became a vampire during one of his hunts. He can sense other vampires from a distance.

What makes him special?

Besides being sexy, that is.

Unlike other vampires, Zero has the power to wield anti-vampire weapons that would normally kill a vampire. His sexiness is also a part of his popularity, but his desire to hide his vampire form from others is also part of what makes him an interesting character.

In short, he’s like any other vampire.

He’s someone the ladies will flock to.

Shinnosuke Nohara

Anime	Crayon Shin-chan
Year Introduced	1992
Voice (Japanese)	Yumiko Kobayashi
Voice (English)	Varies by dub

The last of the top anime characters to see is Shinnosuke Nohara, the star of the long-running anime Crayon Shin-chan. He is a five-year-old boy who loves making mischief.

But what makes him a hit among people of all ages?

The anime is interesting for how it manages to be family-friendly. But even with that, it still manages to include sarcastic humor, unusual physical gags, and even the occasional sexual innuendo.

Shinnosuke’s fun-loving attitude and willingness to do anything for attention make him a memorable character.

It’s no surprise his show has been adapted into multiple video games and television movies in Japan.

It has also been dubbed into many languages and variants, including both family-friendly and adult-oriented English renditions.

Conclusion

What can this listing of anime characters teach you?

This listing shows how diverse and unique the world of anime is. Anime is an art form that can be about many things, whether it’s about action or comedy or everyday life.

Some characters are sexy, while others are funny or athletic. Some shows are also geared towards all audiences, while others are for adults.

But there’s always something for everyone in the anime world, and the assortment of anime programs out there is a sign of what makes it an outstanding form of entertainment. Anyone who wants to develop an anime will have endless possibilities for doing so.

Do you have a favorite anime character? Maybe you know of someone who should be on this list. Leave a comment with us about your favorite today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anime Characters