25 Unforgettable Cheerleader Anime Characters You Must Know

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Sports-themed anime has become extremely popular and has given us captivating tales across various sports such as basketball, baseball, volleyball, among others. However, anime focusing on cheerleading has not received much attention; usually, cheerleaders appear only briefly in these sports anime. Fortunately, this trend is evolving, with cheerleading anime gradually gaining more recognition over time. As a result of this shift, we’ve compiled a list of 25 unforgettable cheerleader anime characters that you’ll remember for quite some time.

This list may contain numerous characters from the same anime, but it’s justified due to a scarcity of authentic cheerleader characters in anime. There aren’t many anime series featuring cheerleaders at all. However, we made every effort to be comprehensive, so if you’re intrigued, keep reading until the end of this article. Without any more delays, let’s dive right in!

25. Sōichirō Suzuki

Anime: Cheer Boys!!

Kick off our narrative with Sōichirō Suzuki, one of the characters hailing from Ryō Asai’s Cheer Boys!! series. This university student is pursuing a business degree and happens to be part of the Breakers, a boys’ cheerleading squad. Prior to this, he had his heart set on baseball, but after high school graduation, he opted to join the male cheerleading club instead.

His athleticism and flexibility make him stand out as the team member who executes some of the most challenging jumps.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll

24. Kana Ushiku

Anime: Anima Yell!

In the Anima Yell! series, Kana Ushiku stands out as a significant figure. She’s a high school student, previously teamed up with Hizume, the show’s protagonist, during middle school. Like the other girls, she studies at the same school. Kana is often perceived as bold, sarcastic, and somewhat arrogant, showing clear hostility towards many members of the Cheer Association.

Despite these circumstances, she is an accomplished cheerleader who frequently criticizes Hizume for not pushing herself harder due to being surrounded by novices. In time, she decides to join the cheerleading club out of concern for Hizume.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

23. Queen Barby

Anime: Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt

As an avid anime enthusiast, I’d like to share some insights about Queen Barby from the captivating series “Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt.” This character initially served as a supporting role, and in one intriguing arc, she even took center stage as the main antagonist. In her previous life, she was the queen bee of Daten City High, a popular female student.

In the anime, Queen Barby constructed a custom-made kingdom for herself. However, following an unfortunate encounter with her nerdish pet bee, who had been subjected to oppression, and his untimely demise, she transformed into a colossal ghost. Now, her sole pursuit is amassing power.

1. She lost against the three leading characters, Panty, Stocking, and Brief, and was restored back to her initial form.

2. The main trio of the series overcame her, resulting in her being returned to her original condition.

3. In the show, she met her match with the principal cast members, Panty, Stocking, and Brief, leading to a transformation back to her original state.

4. The main characters, Panty, Stocking, and Brief, defeated her, causing her to be reverted back to her starting point.

5. She was bested by the show’s primary cast members, Panty, Stocking, and Brief, which resulted in a transformation to her original form.

6. The main characters of the series, Panty, Stocking, and Brief, proved too powerful for her, resulting in her being purified and restored back to her initial state.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

22. Akiko Yuuki

Anime: Futari wa Pretty Cure

Akiko serves as a character within Go! Sonic Precure. Her signature line is “I’m fortunate to have remained truthful,” but she comes across as quite conceited. Despite her arrogance, she displays courage and strength. She never hesitates to aid her fellow students, particularly those with disabilities. Akiko tends to be blunt, which sometimes unintentionally hurts others’ feelings.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

21. Moe Yabasawa

Anime: Sket Dance

Moe hails from the anime Sket Dance, deviating from typical cheerleader stereotypes. At first glance, she might seem overweight and not particularly concerned with her looks. Yet, there are rumors that she dated a few boys, but it’s said she did so for a wager. She exudes great confidence and is a member of the cheerleading squad, sometimes coming off as arrogant towards others. Her uniqueness sets her apart, making this list worthwhile.

Where to watch: Netflix

20. Gen Hasegawa

Anime: Cheer Boys!!

Gen is one of the characters in the Cheer Boys!! series, and he’s also featured on this list alongside another character. Just like his fellow student on this list, Gen is a freshman at university and a part of the cheerleading team, the Breakers. However, unlike some might think, Gen is quite flirtatious but deeply values his friendships. He dislikes being compared to Sōichirō Suzuki, as he does not consider himself on par with him.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll

19. Ryūzo Sakuma

Anime: Cheer Boys!!

Stepping into the world of Cheer Boys!! once more, I find myself captivated by the vibrant personality of Ryuzo, one of the series’ primary protagonists. A freshman in college, this character embodies an infectious enthusiasm and openness that permeates every aspect of his life. His unwavering passion for his pursuits is truly a sight to behold.

This person is particularly vigilant, never hesitating to offer help when someone is in distress. Within their social circle, they’re known as an energetic, lively character who is greatly admired by those around him. His enthusiasm always seems to surface exactly when the group needs it most.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll

18. Uki Sawatari

Anime: Anima Yell!

Uki often plays the role of a skeptical or disbelieving character within the group, frequently expressing surprise at odd statements made by others. She is particularly close to Kohane, who often serves as a counterbalance for her. Despite appearing grumpy most of the time, there are moments when her seriousness dissipates and her unique personality emerges.

She’s an extremely skilled and athletic cheerleader, making her an excellent asset to the Cheerleading Association.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

17. Kōji Tōno

Anime: Cheer Boys!!

In another spot on this list hails Kōji, a character from Cheer Boys!!, who deviates from the typical mold of cheerleaders. Since sports were never part of his life, his induction into the Breakers team was initially met with hesitation. Despite not being the most athletic among them, Kōji remains an indispensable member of the group. His remarkable qualities of patience and understanding have a significant impact, particularly in reconnecting one of the disgruntled members of the Breakers, Hisashi, who had grown tired and decided to depart from the group.

As a lover of diverse personalities, I find their unique traits within my team not only tolerable but absolutely delightful. I embrace each individual with an open heart.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll

16. Manny Ambassada

Anime: Gundam Reconguista in G

In the Gundam Reconguista in G anime series, Manny is a made-up character who’s romantically involved with Luin. Similar to Noredo, she studies at Saint Flower Academy. She’s part of the school’s cheerleading team and later joins the Capital Army in search of her boyfriend, Luin Lee. Despite being within a military force, her quest for her lover doesn’t go unrewarded.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

15. Kazuma Hashimoto

Anime: Cheer Boys!!

Kazuma plays a significant role as one of the main characters in Cheer Boys!!, and he’s currently a first-year sociology student at Meishiin University. As a valued member of the Breakers, he’s known for his kindheartedness, particularly when it comes to his friends and those close to him. His sunny disposition often serves him well in his cheerleading duties.

In my humble opinion as a cinephile, this character excels at navigating dramatic scenes, striking a harmonious balance in his performance. Yet, beneath his jovial exterior lies a propensity for internalizing emotions, a trait that, while endearing, may not be the healthiest approach.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll

14. Hizume Arima

Anime: Anima Yell!

As a dedicated movie buff, I’m happy to share that within our school’s Cheerleading Association, I proudly claim the title of ‘leader’. While it may seem like a casual label, I earned this position by being the most proficient member of the group. My journey with cheerleading began long before high school, as I was one of the original founders of our squad. However, my unique advantage isn’t just about founding the team; I bring valuable experience to the table. Before joining our high school ranks, I was already a part of an external cheerleading group, honing my skills and gaining invaluable experience that sets me apart from my fellow cheerleaders.

Initially, she outshone all her previous teammates, but once they recognized they couldn’t match her skill level, they began to harbor resentment towards her. This prompted her to depart from the team and abandon cheerleading. However, it wasn’t until Kohane persuaded her to establish their own cheerleading squad that she decided to rekindle her passion for the activity.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

13. Lina Davis

Anime: Heroman

Lina Davis attends Center City Middle School, where she serves as a cheerleader in the anime Heroman. She’s the little sister of William Davis and a classmate of Joey. Her family is affluent, but they unfairly worry about Joey’s impact on her due to his lower socio-economic status. Despite William often behaving harshly towards Joey, Lina looks out for both siblings.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

12. Jinnai Alice

Anime: MAJOR

Alice is a character from a popular anime series. Currently, she serves as the temporary manager or owner of a minor baseball team named “Memphis Bats.” Fluent in both English and Japanese due to her American mother, she exhibits an upbeat and social demeanor with a deep-seated enthusiasm for her team. Often spotted rallying support for her team while dressed in her cheerleading attire.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll.

11. Suzuna Taki

Anime: Eyeshield 21

Suzuna self-proclaimed herself as the captain of the Deimon Devil Bats’ cheerleading team and is Natsuhiko Taki’s younger sister. She’s a lively and sociable girl who boasts a large circle of friends. Her signature rollerblades are never far, even taking her to the United States of America. However, she returned to Japan after her brother joined the Devil Bats. Despite not attending the school, Suzune still cheers on her brother from the cheerleading squad.

Where to watch: Netflix

10. Sakurako Shiina

Anime: Negima!

In her class, Sakurako is among the trio of cheerleaders. She’s known for her upbeat spirit and has a fondness for karaoke and her beloved cats. However, what many don’t realize is that she’s quite the skilled gambler, often emerging victorious in games. On top of being a cheerful, gambling cheerleader, Sakurako also tends to daydream frequently, keeping her thoughts lost in the clouds.

To sum it up, she’s an intriguing mix of coolness, oddity, and peculiar charm—far from the stereotypical image of a cheerleader. Given her uniqueness, she certainly earns a spot on this list.

Where to watch: HiDive, Google Play

9. Misa Kakizaki

Anime: Negima!

In another installment from the anime Negima!, we meet Misa, who serves as the head cheerleader alongside Madoka and Sakurako. She’s not just involved in cheerleading but is also part of the choir club. Apart from her passion for music, she enjoys shopping and often helps her fellow teammates pick out fashionable – albeit somewhat awkward – outfits. Misa has an aversion to carbonated beverages and stands out among the girls as the only one with a committed romantic relationship.

Where to watch: HiDive, Google Play

8. Haruki Bandou

Anime: Cheer Boys!!

Haruki figures prominently among the principal characters in the Cheer Boys!! anime series. He’s an active participant in the all-male cheerleading squad. Despite his soft-spoken and modest demeanor, he isn’t hesitant to defend his friends and those dear to him, regardless of how far it takes him beyond his comfort zone.

Haruki is a young lad saddled with the weight of his parents’ aspirations, aspirations that diverge from his own dreams – to become a cheerleader. However, he enjoys the unwavering backing of his long-standing friend Kazuma, someone who has been by his side since the very start.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll

7. Madoka Kugimiya

Anime: Negima!

Madoka is yet another character from Mahora Academy. Unlike the rest, she’s quite serious and keeps a watchful eye over the cheerleading squad to prevent them from getting into trouble, particularly Sakurako. She has a fondness for gyūdon, silver trinkets, Western music (apparently Avril Lavigne), but detests playboys. What’s unusual is her fixation on her deep voice, which she seems to find fascinating. Despite some peculiar idiosyncrasies, Madoka is a character that you’re likely to remember for quite some time.

Where to watch: HiDive, Google Play

6. Naoko Yanagisawa

Anime: Cardcaptor Sakura

In the anime Cardcaptor Sakura, Naoko serves as a supporting character. She’s often seen alongside Sakura Kinomoto, the lead character, and other schoolmates Rika Sasaki and Chiharu Mihara. Interestingly, despite her lack of skill in gymnastics, she’s part of the cheerleading squad along with Sakura.

Naoko has a deep affection for tales that delve into the realms of fantasy and the supernatural. Unlike many of her peers who are often gripped by terror at such stories, Naoko exhibits intrigue and courage, eagerly diving deeper into the enigmatic circumstances these narratives present.

Where to watch: Netflix

5. Ran

Anime: Shugo Chara!

Among Amu Hinamori’s Guardian Characters, Ran was the first one to emerge. Reflecting Amu’s aspirations for honesty and athleticism, Ran struggles with focus due to ADHD but consistently delivers quality work. Accompanying Ran are Miki, Su, and Dia as her fellow Guardians. Ran is known for her cheerful and uplifting demeanor without succumbing to depression, although she excels primarily in athletics. Unlike her friends, Ran often motivates rather than assists them, a trait that undeniably qualifies her for this list.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

4. Chiharu Mihara

Anime: Cardcaptor Sakura

Chiharu is among the primary characters in Cardcaptor Sakura, sharing a close friendship with Sakura Kinomoto. They both belong to the same cheerleading team. Chiharu often serves as an advisor to Sakura and has been friends with Yamazaki since they were children. She’s known for her kindness and nobility, always striving to prevent others from being tricked by unscrupulous actions.

Where to watch: Netflix

3. Kotetsu Tatejima

Anime: Anima Yell!

Initially appearing reserved, Kotetsu has a tendency to speak bluntly during conversations. She harbors insecurities about her appearance, weight, and her name that sounds masculine. As a freshman student, she shares classes with Kohane and Uki. At first, she hesitated to become part of the Cheerleading Association due to stage fright, but watching the squad perform inspired her to join.

She performed as well and go inducted into the squad fairly fast.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

2. Sakura Kinomoto

Anime: Cardcaptor Sakura

Sakura from Cardcaptor Sakura anime is a sunny, optimistic girl who’s as smart and sweet as they come. Her family and friends are precious to her, and she’s got magical abilities she’s only just discovered. She has this adorable habit of blushing so intensely that her cheeks turn rosy red. Despite being quite timid, she has the supportive friend Naoko by her side to help conquer her fears.

She is the main protagonist of the show, and definitely serves her place on this list.

Where to watch: Netflix

1. Shinka Nibutani

Anime: Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai

Among the unforgettable characters in the Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai anime, I’d certainly single out Shinka Nibutani as a standout. She’s our leading lady and a member of the Far Eastern Magic Napping Society of Summer within the school. In public, she’s always approachable and courteous, but behind closed doors, her mood can swing rather quickly, making her prone to some peculiar actions at times.

Shinka, much like other characters, possesses her own imperfections but also demonstrates a warm and caring nature towards her companions. This is what makes her stand out – we appreciate complex characters, and Shinka certainly embodies this trait.

Where to watch: Crunchyroll

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2025-05-22 08:52