I’m legitimately surprised how popular my first list was. Apparently you all desperately want to know who my favorite anime/manga characters are.
If you would like some background for these characters, I’ve left links and the name of their prospective mangas/anime. I’ll be the first to admit some of my choices are obscure.
That aside, let’s dive in deeper to my next ten favorite characters!
40. Kino, Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World
What makes them stand out?
For me, it is her goal to travel and experience the world. Sometimes that means she’ll meet dangerous people. Oftentimes the cultures she faces are despotic or unfriendly. Though she knows this, she still learns and moves forward.
She also can take care of herself. I have always admired her skills, not because they make her look cool but because she disciplined herself to face life’s dangers head-on.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
In a way yes. Because her design has very simple shapes, especially circles for her head and eyes, it isn’t overwhelming to watch the show.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
So so many. Not as much from her but from her experiences. Overall, I’ve realized this simple truth. “The world is not beautiful, therefore it is.” I think this is what you would call a paradox. For me, it means we can’t enjoy life without opposition in all things.
Have I always liked them?
Yes. In some ways, I hold her in the highest respect.
What is my favorite scene with them?
When she defeats and fights all contestants in the colosseum. There are more than that, however, this is the episode I saw she did not kill for sport or pleasure. If she had the chance, she would not kill at all.
After everything she had gone through, I felt this showed she was resilient and had great respect for life.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Yes. She gives the audience a view of her travels. It’s almost as if we can go with her.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Not for very long. I feel she would be busy.
39. Yuki, Yubisaki to Renren
What makes them stand out?
For those who don’t know, Yuki is a deaf girl going to college in Japan. Her story is a romance but it also is about communicating with those who step into her world.
Yuki stands out because she doesn’t stop herself from going to college or experiencing life because she can’t hear. She has a lot of interests and makes goals so she can improve herself.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
Yes. Her pink hair surprisingly doesn’t throw me off. I also think small tidbits in her design like the coloring in her eyes and her hair show a lot about her character.
Having learned a new language and lived in Russia for a time, I know what it’s like to not be able to fully communicate the way I would like. I learned to pay attention to body language and people’s eyes, to better understand what people were trying to tell me.
That’s what I think when I see Yuki’s design and watch her throughout the story.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Don’t be afraid to step out of the lines. Be brave, and explore the world despite your weaknesses.
Have I always liked them?
Oh yeah. I liked her from the get-go. I’m always a fan of girl characters in Shoujo’s who aren’t just vanilla copy cutouts.
What is my favorite scene with them?
When she goes to Itsuomi’s house the first time and eats Macadamia nuts. I also liked how she was finally comfortable enough to laugh.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Definitely! She is the first heroine I’ve come across who can’t hear. Reading her story has helped me learn a lot about people.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Definitely! I wish I could meet her and learn sign language. I’ve developed a love of languages and cultures since living in Russia.
38. Itsuomi, Yubisaki to Renren
What makes them stand out?
His life goals. He later becomes Yuki’s boyfriend in this series and from the beginning, I was in awe of his vision. He has a lot of passion for different cultures and learns languages in a way I wish I could.
I also think he stands out because of how open he is about his feelings. There isn’t any beating around the bush or dramatic rivalries in this manga. The way he goes about his relationship with Yuki is very wholesome. He might be one of the few gentlemen I’ve truly come across in Shoujo manga.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
His hair and facial features are so different than I’m used to. His frame is also wider and taller. What I’m trying to say is, I think his design is unique.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
He gave me hope there are actually guys in this world who actually know how to have a healthy courtship and relationship. If that isn’t a life lesson of hope I don’t know what is.
Have I always liked them?
From the get-go. I especially liked learning about the places he’s been to and seeing him use so many different languages. It also impressed me how earnestly he tries to learn sign language and make sure he and Yuki have communicated properly.
What is my favorite scene with them?
There is a sweet scene between him and Yuki when he asks her to stay over at his house. She is very shy and slowly starts opening up to physical displays of affection. At one point she writes him and asks if they had been able to have a proper sleepover.
Instead of writing back he goes over to her and tells her things like that can wait till later. He lets her know there is no rush and he wants to progress with her at her pace. Because, as he said, “Yuki you are precious.”
Like I said, he is a true blue gentleman.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
For Yuki and her story? Yes.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I would love to meet him and see if he speaks Russian. I’d also like to know tips about traveling abroad.
37. Seiji Matsunaga, Love So Life
What makes them stand out?
He has high morals but changes bit by bit so he acknowledges and treasures his own feelings. I think at a glance he shouldn’t stand out that much. After reading so many age-gap manga/webtoons most older male characters are aggressive and domineering.
Matsunaga isn’t like that. I mean, the whole reason this story took place is because he decided to help his family and watch over his brother’s children. He’s gentle and soft-spoken. He stands out because he is a man striving to live the best he can.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
Not as much. My one wish for this manga is that the characters didn’t have such stocky limbs.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Look for a man with high moral principles, determined to live with integrity.
Have I always liked them?
Yes. I was actively rooting for him and Shiharu since I started reading it. I followed their story for a long while.
What is your favorite scene with them?
When Shiharu beaks down after she thinks she’s losing places she belongs. He embraces her, apologizes, and listens. It may seem cheesy or rather commonplace but it’s a scene that’s stuck with me for a long time.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
I feel like a broken record. . . . oh yes.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Tough question. I’d say yes, if he was with Shiharu.
36. Shiharu Nakamura, Love So Life
What makes them stand out?
The tender way she cares for children. Honestly, my favorite scenes besides some romantic ones with Matsunaga are with her and the twins she looks after. Her love for children and people is the core of who she is.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
Mostly. I just wish her hair was thicker.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
I think Shiharu epitomizes the phrase “Have courage and be kind.” It’s inspiring to see how she holds memories of family and friends and continues to help others even if she doesn’t have an ideal life.
Have I always liked them?
At first, I thought she was a knock-off of Tohru from Fruits Basket, but over the course of the manga, I changed my mind.
What is my favorite scene with them?
When she’s drawing in the park with the twins and haphazardly promises to marry the three-year-old Aoi when he grows older.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Yes.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Of course! I would love to be buddies.
35. Atsushi Nakagima, Bungou Stray Dogs
What makes them stand out?
His “superpower” is rather unconventional. Most of the time protagonists in shonen/seinen punch things or have big swords. He has a lot of trauma he has to go through, but that makes him stand out even more.
His trauma doesn’t make him bitter and dangerous. When given the chance to help others or run he always chooses to help.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
His design bothered me at first (specifically his hair and long belt) but after a while, it grew on me. I am a BIG man of his eyes. He like all the characters in this show has such an expressive face.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
When faced with injustice, look it in the eye and speak powerful truths.
Have I always liked them?
From the get-go. I’ve actually only just watched the show and was impressed with him as a protagonist.
What is my favorite scene with him?
When he faces Oktagawa on the Cruise liner and beats him through pure, unfettered grit. He gives Oktagawa a talking to and doesn’t run away, even at the thought of pain or failure.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Yes. He has untainted eyes and so can see the events around him clearly.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I would love to meet him and find out what all the fuss is about with tea on rice.
34. Arataka Reigen, Mob Psycho 100 II
What makes them stand out?
He is hilarious. He seems like a con artist but all in all he gives good service. It’s because of his level head he’s able to help Mob out multiple times.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
I do! I especially like his various facial expressions as he reacts to all the weirdos around him. Whoever decided to combine art from ONE’s manga was a genius!
Did they teach me any life lessons?
If you’re going to be a con artist and not sludge through a normal office job, do it with as much confidence as you can muster.
Have I always liked them?
Hmm. . . yes. I think that is mostly because whoever voices him in the show hooked me in from episode 1.
What is my favorite scene with them?
There is a time in the second season he has a falling out with Mob and tries to go about the Psychic business by himself. He basically almost completely capsizes under the fame and failure. While in an interview, he apologizes and speaks honestly to Mob about how proud he is of him.
Afterward, he sees Mob and asks him if Mob had always known he was a fake. Mob says confidently, “I’ve always known you’re a good guy.”
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
He brings to light the silliness of adults trying to cosplay and change the world because they are “special”. Though his business is the supernatural, his true power is humbling silly people who need a wake-up call.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Hah. It would certainly be interesting to meet him. Then again, I’m omniscient because I’ve seen the anime so I’d see through his act immediately.
33. Allen Walker, D.Gray-man
What makes them stand out?
He’s handsome? Just kidding! I admire how he still wants to do good, despite his past mistakes. He’s not very upfront about how much he’s suffered but his sorrow seems to help him be compassionate and empathize with those made into Akuma.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
His hair and overall changing physique. Reading the manga it feels bit by bit he’s opened up and become more emotive in his body language.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Since the manga is not yet finished, I’ll abstain from answering. I’d have to think on it.
Have I always liked them?
When I was a teenager I liked moody Kanda more. But, growing into an adult I realized I appreciated Allen’s compassion and emotional strength more.
What is my favorite scene with them?
So far, I’d say when he plays the piano in the arc. That, or seeing him become a manic gambling genius.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Allen is an example of a character who makes changes among those around him by simply being genuine and compassionate. He has a lot going against him but in the end, I feel he’ll overcome it.
Without him in this story, I feel all the characters would lose the inner strength he inspires.
Would I like to meet them in person?
For sure. With everything he’s experienced, I’d love to have a heart-to-heart talk about God and perseverance.
32. Tatsu, Gokushufudou
What makes them stand out?
He’s the almighty immortal dragon who can tackle anything! Be it laundry, shopping, or killing bugs. He’s your man! In all seriousness, there is no character quite like him.
The English name for this manga is The Way of the Househusband, which really speaks for itself why Tatsu is such a great character! Who says a gangster can’t become a stay-at-home husband with a million and a half skills every housewife would envy?
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
Heh heh. Oh yes. Kousuke Oono is a great artist and has such talent for visual comedy. This also goes for Tatsu’s design. He’s covered in tattoos and has a face that screams “I’ll punch your face if you even look at me.”
This is what makes the comedy in this series work so well. Tatsu shouldn’t be a good househusband because of how he acts and looks. But he IS.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
I’ve found so many life hacks just by reading this series: how to remove bad stains from clothes, how to bake bread in a rice cooker, how to amp up everyday meals with cute decorations, and even how to DIY the heck out of every situation.
Have I always liked them?
Yep. There is no question of it.
What is my favorite scene with them?
I’m torn between him feeding and scaring the heck out of the crummy knife salesman and him going to a yoga class and comparing every move to a torture routine in the mafia.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
Tatsu embodies The Way of the Househusband. May we all learn from him.
Would I like to meet them in person?
Yes. I want to learn to cook the foods he does. Also, I want to know how he and his wife Miku met and got married in the first place.
31. Vash the Stampede, Trigun
What makes them stand out?
His zealous self-control and desire to respect life. Vash is the example of a gentle soul forced into a violent life. I don’t think people realize just how much they owe to him. Peaceful living usually comes at the cost of innocent people fighting and sacrificing.
Do I like their design? If so, What do I like?
Besides his weird glasses, yes.
Did they teach me any life lessons?
Move forward and hold fast to what you believe. And, if you are forced to compromise what you believe learn from it.
Have I always liked them?
At first, I thought he was just funny, then I learned to love him for his gentleness. His journey really interested me when I was a teenager. Perhaps it was because I struggled with really accepting myself. It was kind of glorious to see a person who strove, even to the point of injuring himself, to respect life and helped people.
Even if it meant he’d have to look like an idiot most of the time.
What is my favorite scene with them?
It’s been so long since I’ve stopped and watched it I’d have to think about it.
Do they make their prospective anime/manga better?
His goal, to never kill, is something we all wished could be. For his world, I think they needed him, the pacifist.
Would I like to meet them in person?
I would if it meant he would tell me about how everything worked out for him.
Thanks for reading!
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 
3 Comments