The Most Popular Anime Character in Japan, Ranked

Choose the anime character you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 2, 2024 07:16
Anime characters hold a special place in the hearts of fans, reflecting a wide array of personalities, stories, and cultural impacts. Ranking these characters can provide insights into current trends, shifting preferences, and timeless favorites within the community. It acts as a dynamic ledger that records and reflects the collective voice of a diverse fandom. By participating in the vote, users directly influence the standings of their cherished characters, ensuring that their opinions help shape the visible outcome. This interactive ranking not only fosters a sense of community and participation but also keeps the list fresh and relevant. It's an engaging way for fans to see how their favorite characters stack up against others in real-time.

Who Is the Most Popular Anime Character in Japan?

  1. 1
    58
    votes
    Goku is one of the most iconic and recognizable anime characters in Japan and around the world. He is loved for his heroic spirit, fighting skills, and determination to protect his friends and the world.
  2. 2
    34
    votes
    Doraemon is a beloved character in Japan and has been a popular anime series since the 1970s. He is known for his blue color, round face, and magical gadgets that help his friends in their daily lives.
    Doraemon is a beloved anime in Japan that has captured the hearts of both children and adults alike. It follows the story of a robotic cat named Doraemon, who travels back in time from the 22nd century to help a young boy named Nobita Nobi. Together, they navigate everyday challenges and adventures, using Doraemon's futuristic gadgets and inventions.
    • Genre: Science fiction, Comedy
    • Original Run: April 2, 1979 – March 25, 2005
    • Episodes: 1,787 (excluding specials)
    • Manga Volumes: 45 (1787 chapters)
    • Theme Song: Doraemon no Uta (Doraemon's Theme)
  3. 3
    18
    votes
    Pikachu is the mascot of the Pokemon franchise and is loved for his cuteness, electric powers, and loyalty to his trainer. He has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan and is a favorite among children and adults alike.
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    Luffy is the protagonist of One Piece and is known for his cheerful personality, rubber powers, and determination to become the Pirate King. He has become a beloved character in Japan and has appeared on various merchandise and media.
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    Naruto is a popular anime character in Japan and around the world. He is known for his ninja skills, determination to become the Hokage, and his catchphrase "Believe it!"
  6. 6
    14
    votes

    Sailor Moon

    Naoko Takeuchi
    Sailor Moon is a popular anime character in Japan and is known for her magical girl powers, friendship with her fellow Sailor Scouts, and her love for Tuxedo Mask. She has become an icon of the anime and manga industry.
    Sailor Moon is a popular anime and manga series that follows the adventures of a young middle school student named Usagi Tsukino, who transforms into the superhero Sailor Moon to battle against the forces of evil. Alongside her fellow Sailor Guardians, Usagi protects the Earth and the galaxy from various villains while also dealing with everyday school life and personal relationships.
    • Genre: Magical girl, action, romance
    • Original run: March 7, 1992 – February 8, 1997
    • Episodes: 200 (including specials)
    • Manga volumes: 18
    • Main protagonist: Usagi Tsukino / Sailor Moon
    Sailor Moon in other rankings
  7. 7
    5
    votes
    Kenshin is a popular anime character in Japan and is known for his swordsmanship skills, his past as a legendary assassin, and his desire to live a peaceful life. He has become a cultural icon in Japan and has inspired various adaptations and merchandise.
  8. 8
    14
    votes
    Totoro is a beloved character in Japan and is known for his cute and fluffy appearance, his magical powers, and his friendship with the two sisters in the film. He has become a symbol of Japanese animation and is loved by all ages.
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    Gintoki is a popular anime character in Japan and is known for his goofy personality, samurai skills, and his love for sweets. He has become a fan favorite among anime fans in Japan and has appeared on various merchandise and media.
  10. 10
    10
    votes
    Light is a popular anime character in Japan and is known for his intelligence, his desire to create a perfect world, and his use of the Death Note to eliminate criminals. He has become a controversial character in Japan and has sparked many discussions about morality and justice.

Missing your favorite anime character?

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Ranking factors for popular anime character

  1. Anime series popularity
    The popularity of the anime series itself can significantly influence character rankings. Characters from highly rated and widely watched anime tend to have a larger fan base and are more likely to be ranked higher.
  2. Merchandise sales
    The sales of merchandise such as figurines, clothing, keychains, and other character-related products are often considered as indicators of a character's popularity. Higher sales suggest a strong fanbase and can boost ranking positions.
  3. Social media presence
    The character's popularity on social media platforms, such as Twitter or Instagram, can be an influential factor. The number of followers, mentions, and fan interactions can reflect their overall popularity and impact.
  4. Longevity
    Characters that have stood the test of time and continued to maintain their popularity over the years tend to rank higher. Icons like Goku from Dragon Ball or Sailor Moon have remained beloved and iconic figures in the anime community.
  5. Cultural impact
    Characters that have had a profound impact on Japanese culture or have become significant symbols for a particular period, genre, or demographic can rank higher. These characters often transcend the anime medium and become household names.
  6. Character traits and personality
    The character's likability, relatability, and unique traits can also contribute to their popularity. Memorable personalities, compelling backstories, and character development often resonate strongly with fans.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular anime character in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Anime character is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3411 views
  • 190 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Anime character once every 24 hours. The rank of each Anime character is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular anime character in japan

Anime is a form of Japanese animation that has captured the hearts of people all around the world. In Japan, anime is a cultural phenomenon that has amassed a massive following over the years. One of the most exciting aspects of anime is its characters. These characters are often the driving force behind the popularity of anime shows and movies. Some of the most beloved anime characters have become cultural icons in Japan, and their popularity has only grown over time. In this article, we will take a closer look at who the most popular anime character in Japan is and what makes them so beloved by fans.

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