19 Inspiring anime characters

Each anime has at least one inspiring character for one reason or another. Below is a list of 19 anime characters that I find inspiring.

1 Kaori Miyazono (Your Lie in April)

Kaori’s an independent and is a support for other characters. She puts up a smile in front of others, regardless of how she feels, to avoid her friends worrying about her. She has the strength to easily shake off and bounce back from situations that others would struggle with.

2 Kenshin Himura (Rurouni Kenshin)

After his days living as a man-slayer, Kenshin slowly learns to trust the people around him with the truth about himself as well as with some of the burden he bears. He comes to accept his past. He understands that he too, is a human and that his friends and allies would suffer greatly if he were to die.

3 Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail)

Erza is a victim of slavery and has faced many different obstacles and difficulties with a smile. She always puts her friends before herself and does everything she can to push them forward. She can be funny and awkward at times but genuinely lives her life to the fullest.

4 Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia)

Deku does everything he possibly can to fulfil his dream. He tackles every obstacle head-on, although he can be impulsive when it comes to his friends, especially if it involves their safety. He fully appreciates and cares for his friends, accepting them ‘quirks’ and all.

5 Maka Albarn (Soul Eater)

Maka has faced many situations and has never faulted in her goal. She has faced setbacks and frustrations but she does not let it hold her back. She uses every failure as an opportunity to grow.

6 Koro-Sensei (Assassination Classroom)

A messy and complicated past does not stop him from trying his best. He constantly motivates and pushes those around him to do and be their best, without forcing unrealistic expectations onto them. He uses his past knowledge and experiences as his motivation to keep going.

7 Holo The Wise Wolf (Spice And Wolf)

Separated from her family and alone she still manages to keep her smile and find the joy in everything she does and everywhere she goes.

8 Shigeo Kageyama (Mob Psycho)

He has so much to carry on his shoulders due to personal constraints. His outlook on life goes to show how much he values those around him. He also knows that he needs to forge his path to happiness. While he starts somewhat isolated in his world, through his effort he manages to find a place for himself and meets people he can honestly call friends.

9 Hana (Wolf Children)

The strength it must have taken to raise two children alone after her husband had died is astounding. Ignoring the fact that she could not reach out to anyone else for help or advice. No matter what, she put her family first and persevered no matter what.

10 Otonashi Yuzuru (Angel Beats)

He had found and made peace within himself. He then helped his friends accept themselves and their circumstances. He was a genuine friend and only thought about what would be the best thing for his friends. When he was living, he had thought about and put his peers before himself, even to his detriment. Not exactly ideal, but admirable.

11 Nanami Momozono (Kamisama Kiss)

Abandoned by her father, she survives in an unknown shrine with a Yokai and Shrine Spirits. The mental fortitude to take all of that in and make the best of her situation without losing hope or her cheerful disposition. She still looks at the world with eyes full of hope and anticipation.

12 Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)

A tad cynical and looks at the world with a wider view of how cruel the world can be, yet he can still laugh and smile. He knows that the world is not fair but he still fights to protect what is precious to him.

13 Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon)

Considering Usagi was pretty selfish and self-centred (owing to her age) it was surprising that she actually pulled through and always did what was right when she had to. She did what was needed, no matter the cost to herself.

14 Monkey D Luffy (One Piece)

No matter what, he will never give up on his dream and he will always say it proudly. He cares for and considers his friends’ wishes and needs. He will not condone anything that hurts his friends. He considers his friends as his family but he does not lose himself to please them.

15 Fuu Kasumi (Samurai Champloo)

She is creative, adaptive, somewhat fearless and bold. She innovatively takes on any task with only luck and determination on her side.

16 Abarai Renji (Bleach)

He can ask others for help. After doing all that he can and trying with all his might, he can accept that he can not do everything himself and that there are some things that he is unable to do at all. He has the strength to reach out to others and ask them for help.

17 Misaki Ayuzawa (Kaichou wa Maid-sama!)

Hard-working to a fault she takes on so much more than what she needs to. She does her best with each and everything she does, refusing to be half-hearted with anything. The way that she keeps smiling and trying is truly inspirational.

18 Edward Elric (Full Metal Alchemist)

His level of determination and refusal to give up is impressive. No matter the amount of darkness he sees, no matter the number of false leads or obstacles in his way, he refuses to give up.

19 Sophie Hatter (Howls Moving Castle)

Positive and practical she approaches things logically. She does not let her circumstances or experiences rule her or change how she views the world. She still approaches everything with a warm and loving heart.