Anime That Had a Canon Black Trans Character in 2004

2004 was a pivotal year for anime, seeing the debut of many groundbreaking series and movies that pushed creative boundaries in terms of genre, art, and storytelling. While representation of different identities like Black and transgender characters wasn’t as common as it is today, anime was starting to explore more diverse character designs and complex stories. Fans often revisit anime from this period to examine how classic character types were used and to enjoy the unique visual style of the early 2000s. Here are some of the most important and talked-about anime that came out during this exciting time.

‘Samurai Champloo’ (2004)

This anime offers a fresh and exciting style by mixing traditional Edo-period Japan with the energy of modern hip-hop. The story centers around Mugen, a rough-and-tumble swordsman, and Jin, a calm and collected ronin, as they travel with a young woman named Fuu. Together, they’re searching for a mysterious samurai who carries the scent of sunflowers. The show is famous for its unusual music, striking visuals, and characters that challenge typical historical Japanese portrayals. Director Shinichiro Watanabe uses this unique setting to delve into themes of rebellion and individuality through the various people they meet on their adventure.

‘Bleach’ (2004–2012)

Ichigo Kurosaki is a high school student who can see ghosts. He unexpectedly gains the powers of a Soul Reaper, and takes on the job of protecting people from dangerous spirits called Hollows, while also helping spirits find peace in the afterlife. The story features many characters, including Yoruichi Shihouin, a mysterious figure who acts as a mentor and can transform into a black cat. ‘Bleach’ became incredibly popular worldwide, known for its exciting battles and a large cast of unforgettable characters – both good and bad.

‘Tenjho Tenge’ (2004)

The anime takes place at Toudou Academy, a high school where students train in martial arts and compete to become the best. When new students Souichiro Nagi and Bob Makihara arrive, they quickly realize the upperclassmen are much stronger. Bob Makihara, a Black character, stands out with his fighting style of capoeira and uses his strength to help his friends in their battles. The series is known for its exciting fight scenes and delves into the mysterious pasts of the school’s competing groups.

‘Monster’ (2004–2005)

Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a gifted neurosurgeon in Germany, makes a fateful decision when he saves a young boy’s life instead of the town mayor. Years later, he realizes that boy, now named Johan Liebert, has become a dangerous and cunning serial killer. Driven by guilt and a sense of responsibility, Tenma pursues Johan across Europe, grappling with difficult moral questions along the way. This gripping psychological thriller is known for its realistic portrayal of events and its complex, multi-layered story set in various European cities.

‘Paranoia Agent’ (2004)

Tokyo is gripped by fear as a shadowy figure called Lil’ Slugger begins attacking people. These victims don’t seem to have anything in common except for intense emotional distress. As detectives try to find the attacker, the city starts to question what’s real and what isn’t. The series, directed by Satoshi Kon, offers a critical look at how people cope with pressure in modern Japan and their tendency to escape reality. Through the stories of different victims, it creates a complex and unsettling exploration of anxiety and psychological horror.

‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (2004)

Sophie Hatter, a young hatmaker, is turned into an old woman by a spiteful witch. Hoping to break the curse, she travels to find the wizard Howl and his incredible moving castle, where she ends up working as a cleaner. The story unfolds during a time of war and touches on ideas about peace, finding yourself, and the power of love. This visually beautiful film, created by Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, is a much-loved classic around the world.

‘Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad’ (2004–2005)

Fourteen-year-old Yukio Tanaka, nicknamed Koyuki, feels lost until he rescues a unique dog and meets Ryusuke Minami, a talented guitarist. This encounter leads Koyuki to join Ryusuke’s rock band, BECK, and embark on a challenging but rewarding journey through the vibrant underground music world. The story is praised for its realistic portrayal of band life, the development of musicians, and the bonds created through a love of rock music. It also boasts a varied soundtrack and highlights the blend of Japanese and Western musical styles.

‘School Rumble’ (2004)

‘School Rumble’ is a funny and heartwarming romantic comedy about Tenma, a somewhat clueless high school girl, and Kenji, a rebellious artist who’s head over heels for her. The show revolves around a hilarious love triangle and the chaotic situations that arise when their classmates get involved. It’s known for its fast-paced humor, charming characters, and a playful approach to typical romance stories. The lively personalities of the students in class 2-C keep things constantly interesting and fun.

‘Kyo Kara Maoh!’ (2004–2006)

Okay, so I just finished watching this series, and it’s a fun ride! It centers around Yuri, a pretty average high school kid who suddenly finds himself whisked away to another world… and declared the Demon King, no less! It’s a classic ‘isekai’ setup, but this one doesn’t take itself too seriously. A lot of the humor comes from the weird and wonderful characters he ends up with – his followers are delightfully quirky. It’s visually striking, with really beautiful character designs. What’s really interesting, though, is how it plays with expectations. There’s a lot of focus on traditional engagement customs, but it’s all done in a way that’s incredibly playful and creates some really funny, and honestly, subtly queer dynamics between the main guys. It’s a lighthearted take on the genre, but it definitely has a unique charm.

‘Elfen Lied’ (2004)

Lucy is a unique mutant with horns and powerful, unseen psychic abilities. After a violent escape from a government lab, she loses her memory and is discovered by two college students. She then develops a second personality called Nyu. The story is known for its intense violence and disturbing content, delving into difficult topics like prejudice, the effects of trauma, and the darker side of humanity. It often mixes peaceful, everyday scenes with shocking and frightening horror.

‘Yakitate!! Japan’ (2004–2006)

I’m completely captivated by Kazuma Azuma! He’s this incredibly talented young baker with a gift – he calls it ‘Solar Hands’ – that lets him make dough rise unbelievably fast, just using his body heat. What I find really inspiring is his dream to create a bread that all of Japan will love, something that could become as popular as rice! He’s competing in these crazy baking tournaments to make it happen, and the show itself is a spectacle. The judges have the most dramatic reactions – they literally transform or hallucinate after tasting amazing bread! And the whole cast is just wonderfully quirky, especially his manager with that unforgettable afro. It’s such a fun and unique show!

‘Maria Watches Over Us’ (2004)

I’m completely captivated by Lillian Girls’ Academy! It’s amazing how they pair older students with younger ones – these ‘sœurs’ – to help them navigate school. I was instantly drawn in when Yumi Fukuzawa caught the attention of the beautiful Sachiko Ogasawara and got invited into the exclusive Yamayuri Council. The story isn’t about romance, but about the really deep, complicated friendships these girls form – it’s so emotionally powerful. Honestly, it’s a classic of the shoujo-ai genre, focusing on the characters and the unique traditions of the academy. It’s just beautifully done.

‘Rozen Maiden’ (2004)

Jun Sakurada is a reclusive middle schooler who habitually orders supernatural items online, returning them right before the free trial expires. His life changes when he receives Shinku, a living doll who pulls him into the dangerous Alice Game – a competition between dolls. These dolls battle to become “Alice,” the ideal girl, hoping to finally meet their creator. The anime blends a gothic lolita style with deeper themes of loneliness and self-discovery.

‘Genshiken’ (2004)

Genshiken is a college club centered around hobbies like anime, manga, and video games – interests popular among ‘otaku’ (enthusiasts). The story follows Saki Kasukabe, who isn’t an otaku herself, as she tries to understand her boyfriend and his friends’ passionate dedication to these activities. The series offers a down-to-earth and often humorous portrayal of otaku culture in the early 2000s, showcasing a diverse group of club members, some of whom express their identities through cosplay and cross-dressing.

‘Yu-Gi-Oh! GX’ (2004–2008)

Okay, so this series picks up a few years after the original, and it’s awesome to see Jaden Yuki back in action! He’s now at Duel Academy, trying to become the next King of Games. The school is set up with different dorms depending on how good you are at dueling, which creates some instant rivalries. Jaden’s still rocking his Elemental Hero cards, and he’s battling not only other duelists but also some seriously spooky supernatural stuff. What I really like is how it builds on the whole card game world, adding tons of new characters from all over the globe and these cool duel spirits. It still has that same heart with the focus on friendship and smart strategy, but it’s all happening within the structure of a school, which is a fun twist.

‘Sgt. Frog’ (2004–2011)

Okay, so I just finished watching ‘Keroro,’ and it’s delightfully silly. The premise is that this frog-like alien, Keroro, is sent to Earth to conquer it, but he winds up as basically a houseguest with a normal family, doing things like chores! His fellow soldiers eventually show up, but let me tell you, these guys are terrible at being conquerors. Their plans keep falling apart because of their own goof-ups and just getting sidetracked. The humor is a big mix of pop culture gags, classic slapstick, and just the sheer weirdness of aliens trying to fit into everyday life. It’s no surprise this show was a huge hit – it manages to appeal to kids and hardcore anime fans alike. Honestly, it’s just a fun, lighthearted watch.

‘Gantz’ (2004)

After being hit by a train, Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato wake up to find themselves part of a dangerous game controlled by a strange black sphere called Gantz. They’re forced to hunt down aliens secretly living on Earth, earning points for each one they eliminate. The anime is famous for its dark, realistic style, intense violence, and thought-provoking look at what people will do to survive. It features a diverse group of characters who must work together – or against each other – in a relentless fight for their lives.

Share your favorite anime from 2004 and your thoughts on early representation in the comments!

2025-12-14 21:20