Unforgettable Anime Side Characters You Never Knew You Loved!

by

This article will feature a countdown of the top 20 unforgettable supporting characters from various anime series, who have significantly contributed to the genre’s greatness. While iconic main characters like Goku from Dragon Ball, Naruto, Ichigo from Bleach, and Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece immediately come to mind when thinking about anime, it’s essential to acknowledge the brilliantly crafted side characters that have made their mark in the world of anime as well.

To clarify, let’s establish the specifications for the characters on this roster. Notably, we will exclude primary characters such as protagonists and secondary leads like deuteragonists or tritagonists, as they hold significant roles in the narrative. The list will feature villains, but they won’t be the main antagonists of the series. Characters that belong to groups headed by the principal character, such as members of Luffy’s Straw Hat crew, Ichigo’s team, or even Byakuya from Bleach, will also not appear on this list. Instead, we are looking for characters who have made an impact but do not fit into any “major character” classification.

20. Gennai

Franchise: Digimon

Gennai is an enigmatic character, more akin to a digital entity than a human being, who guides excavators on their journey. He makes his debut in episodes 13 through 54 of the first season. In essence, he provides hints for children’s adventures, clues that aid them in combating their adversaries. In the second season, Gennai takes a more youthful form and assists DigiDestined in navigating the real world.

19. Hideyoshi Nagachika

Franchise: Tokyo Ghoul

Apart from being known as “Hide,” Hideyoshi is Ken’s closest companion. Following Ken’s mysterious vanishing act, his extensive knowledge of ghouls earned him a position as an assistant at CCG. Tragically, he met his end in season 2, slain by Noro in the animated series. In the manga version, a weakened and famished Kaneki encounters Hideyoshi in the labyrinthine sewers after his arduous battle against Amon.

In the aftermath, Hide vanishes, forcing Ken to cope with his injury inflicted by Amon on his own. Puzzled and tasting blood in his mouth, Ken ponders the events that transpired. Initially believed to be dead, it’s revealed later in Tokyo Ghoul:re volume 15 that Hide is actually alive, but his lower face has been disfigured.

18. Kon

Franchise: Bleach

Kon serves as the symbol for the manga series, being a synthetic spirit, or modified soul, produced within the Soul Society. Initially designed for combat assistance to aid the shinigami by enhancing one of their physical abilities, they were discontinued due to malfunctions and moral dilemmas. Many of these creations were destroyed, but Kon somehow survived and was concealed among ordinary souls (referred to as “soul candies”), meant only for filling inactive shinigami bodies.

In simpler terms, Kon is essentially a modified being, engineered with enhanced physical abilities, allowing him to leap great distances and deliver mighty kicks. He goes by the name Bostaf when referred to by Yuzu, one of Ichigo’s siblings.

17. Riza Hawkeye

Franchise: Fullmetal Alchemist

As a devoted cinephile, let me share my perspective on a captivating character: I am speaking of none other than Riza, the daughter of the master alchemist from the land of Mustang. In her final moments, she entrusted her care to the future Flame Alchemist. However, her circumstances are intriguing, for she guards the colonel to aid him in his missions, yet he instructed her to end his life if he transgresses certain boundaries. A vast tattoo adorns most of her back.

Riza has kept the secret alchemy notes left by her father, which were never passed on to his student. She intends to give these notes to Mustang so that he can master the art of Flame Alchemy. After the Ishbal War, where she served as a sniper, she requested Mustang to remove the tattoo associated with this alchemy to prevent anyone else from becoming a Flame Alchemist, and he partially complied with her request.

16. Erza Scarlet

Series: Fairy Tail

Growing up in her village Rosemary, she was captured alongside other children and forced into labor for building the Tower of Heaven. It’s there that she encounters Jellal, Miliana, Shaw, Simon, Wolly, and eventually befriends Rob. However, they are all expelled from the tower by Jellal, who is under the influence of an evil force. In response, she makes a choice to join Fairy Tail, a guild led by her friend Rob.

As soon as she stepped into the guild, she was reserved and cautious around others. It is Gray who encourages her to become more sociable, frequently trying to draw her out of her shell. Upon Gray’s arrival at the guild, she assists him in improving his reading skills because Ignir, Natsu’s father, had been unable to finish his apprenticeship.

15. Alex Louis Armstrong

Franchise: Fullmetal Alchemist

This charming alchemist, known as “the power-armed alchemist,” possesses a blend of innocence and generosity that mirrors the impressive size of his muscles. He’s fond of boasting about his family’s martial arts, drawing, running, and other skills, which can sometimes be overpowering. He frequently assumes poses to display his muscles, maintains an enthusiastic demeanor, and usually misses the mark in his actions, often accompanied by little star-shaped auras around his head.

14. Shōto Todoroki

Franchise: My Hero Academia

One of the friends of the main characters is among the four suggested pupils. He possesses a unique ability known as “Half-Cold Half-Hot,” which enables him to produce fire from his left body side and ice from his right side.

To effectively utilize his abilities, he needs to switch between the two aspects: overusing one side (either cold or hot) could lead to frostbite or burns respectively. By harnessing the power of both, he becomes a significant threat; with practice, he learns to wield both his cold and hot powers simultaneously.

Despite his exceptional skills, he struggles to create intricate forms with the ice he creates. He’s widely recognized as the strongest student in our class, demonstrating this strength during the Sports Festival, although he came in second place, beaten by Bakugo. He is the son of Endeavor, who is renowned as the second-best hero after All Might.

13. Misa Amane

Franchise: DEATH NOTE

Misa is a young woman residing in the region of Kanto, whose parents were brutally murdered by a thief who later met his own demise at the hands of Kira. On the very day when it seemed Misa’s life would be cut short, an unfamiliar figure intercepted her in a narrow passageway and professed his affection for her. He expressed his intention to take her life before ending his own, rather than to continue existing without her by his side.

Misa was rescued by Jeras, a divine being who resembles a shinigami and had been watching over her fervently because he fell in love with her. This affection led him to cross his boundaries, as a deity of death, by ending the life of her attacker using the Death Note, thereby preventing Misa’s demise. However, it is important to note that a deity of death does not possess the authority to take a life to extend the existence of someone precious to them.

12. Shanks

Franchise: One Piece

Known primarily by the nickname “Red Hair,” this individual with red hair leads the Red Hair Pirate crew and ranks among the Four Imperial Commanders who govern the New World.

Shanks once sailed with the renowned Roger Pirates, the sole pirate group to triumphantly navigate the Grand Line. Initially, he embarked on his pirating journey within their ranks as an apprentice alongside Buggy. After the demise of Gol D. Roger, Shanks established his own crew.

Shanks, the pirate, served as the motivation for Monkey D. Luffy to set sail on his own pirate voyage. One of Shanks’ comrades, Lucky Roux, discovered the Gomu Gomu no Mi and inadvertently consumed it by Luffy. This hat, which has become synonymous with Luffy, was once owned by Shanks. He bestowed this hat upon the boy as a pledge that they would reunite someday.

11. Tōshirō Hitsugaya

Franchise: Bleach

10th Division Captain Toshiriro Hitsugaya, who looks like an 11-year-old kid, has been a shinigami for just five years. Despite his youthful appearance and recent entry into Soul Society, he’s a remarkable prodigy, standing out in a way we don’t often see. He shares a close bond with Hinamori, the lieutenant of the 5th Division.

In the animated series, the character encounters Karin, who is Ichigo’s younger sibling. His sword, or spiritual weapon, specializes in controlling water and ice, similar to Rukia’s. Its released form is called “Hyōrinmaru”. Although it is exceptionally powerful among its kind, his Bankai remains incompletely mastered, allowing him to overpower it for a brief duration only.

As per Arrancar Number 11, Shawlong Qufang, he’s not yet fully skilled in wielding his Bankai. In his battle with Luppi, Hitsugaya suggests that he could rectify the situation if there’s water available nearby.

10. Tsunade

Franchise: Naruto

Tsunade, along with her ex-comrades Jiraiya and Orochimaru, were all pupils of Hiruzen Sarutobi. Contrary to her youthful look in her twenties, Tsunade is actually a lady in her fifties who employs a transformation method to preserve her youthful visage. Besides being addressed as “hime” (princess) in Japanese, she is also the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju and Mito Uzumaki.

In the end, Tsunade assumes the role of Fifth Hokage to safeguard Konohagakure for her dear ones. Over time, she trains Sakura as her student, mirroring Orochimaru’s approach with Sasuke and Jiraiya’s mentorship of Naruto. Eventually, Tsunade steps down at the conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War, passing the Hokage title to Kakashi.

9. Roy Mustang

Franchise: Fullmetal Alchemist

The Character in Question, known as the Flame Alchemist, holds a position superior to Edward. His ambition reaches far beyond, aiming to secure the presidency and maintain peace within his nation. Despite a tense relationship with Edward, he presents himself as both protector and confidant. He was among the state alchemists who carried out Order 3066 – the Ishbal genocide, an event that has left a profound impact on him. Driven by loyalty to his fallen friend Maes Hughes, he is determined to seek justice for this injustice.

8. Seto Kaiba

Franchise: Yu-Gi-Oh!

Seto Kaiba is the primary adversary of Yugi Mutou in the manga and anime “Yu-Gi-Oh!” created by Kazuki Takahashi. Initially, in the early stages of the manga, he portrayed as a major antagonist. However, in subsequent versions, his character becomes more intricate, displaying self-absorbed and haughty traits, but not essentially evil. He acts as an antagonist only in the initial episode, assuming a more ambiguous role throughout the rest of the series.

In the manga and anime “Yu-Gi-Oh!”, Seto Kaiba is Yugi Mutou’s main foe. At first, he was the main antagonist in the early parts of the story, but later versions depict him as a complex character with selfish and arrogant tendencies, though not inherently evil. He serves as an antagonist only in the initial episode and takes on a more ambiguous role for the rest of the series.

In all versions, Kaiba is the CEO of the Kaiba Corporation.

7. Kenpachi Zaraki

Franchise: Bleach

Kenpachi Zaraki is a towering Shinigami, possessing an imbalanced and sinister strength. Uniquely, Kenpachi Zaraki ascended to the rank of captain within his division without knowing the name of his sword-spirit, or having gone through the standard Shinigami entrance examinations. His rise to this position was achieved by slaying the previous captain of the Kenpachi Kiganjō division in front of two hundred onlookers.

During the Bounts arc, Maki Ichinose served as a shinigami in the Eleventh Division. However, he failed to recognize Kenpachi as a captain and chose self-imposed exile instead. Interestingly, Kenpachi is called “Keni” by his Vice-Captain Yachiru, who is the only one known to engage with him in a regular manner.

In his youth, he was exceptionally strong, with a record of killing thousands and overpowering Yachiru Unohana – a formidable adversary who eventually transformed into the kind-hearted Retsu Unohana, captain of the 4th Division.

6. Itachi Uchiha

Franchise: Naruto

Originally hailing from the village known as Leaf, this individual was once a ninja and a close associate of Kisame Hoshigaki. Although he began life as the prodigious member of the Uchiha Clan during his adolescence, the narrative portrays him as a villain for most of the storyline. Initially, Itachi is depicted as the sole culprit in the slaughter of his entire Uchiha clan and family, except for his younger brother, Sasuke Uchiha. This was said to be a test of his abilities, as he had managed to spare him.

At the time of his demise, it transpired that his portrayal as a villain was exaggerated. It emerged that he had been secretly assisting Obito Uchiha in the assassination of the Uchiha Clan, a revelation that suggested this act was part of a larger scheme orchestrated by Konoha’s leaders to counteract the coup they foresaw from the Uchika Clan. Moreover, he was the chosen one to execute this mission, but in doing so, he was also labeled as a criminal and a traitor, which had profound effects on him.

5. Ulquiorra Cifer

Franchise: Bleach

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: I was taken aback when I discovered that Ulquiorra Cifer is one of the Four Espadas. The number of his rank is inked on his chest where the heart resides, making him unique among them without a known fraction yet. He embodies the concept of nothingness as an Espada. Previously, I had mistaken him for the Primera, unaware that he was my objective all along.

The gap between Ichigo, who managed to defeat Grimmjow Jaggerjack (Sexta Espada), is staggeringly vast. Ulquiorra appears to have unwavering faith in Aizen, and it’s worth noting that Aizen has never disputed Ulquiorra’s decisions. He possesses the power to manifest his zanpakuto and regenerate his limbs, with the exception of his brain and vital organs.

4. Kakashi Hatake

Franchise: Naruto

Kakashi Hatake is a high-ranking ninja known as Jōnin, formerly an ANBU operative, and the mentor of Team 7 – Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Sakura Haruno. He later became the Sixth Hokage in the Naruto series. Masashi Kishimoto initially intended for Kakashi to debut in the second manga chapter before his Team 7 comrades, and crafted him as a laid-back individual capable of maintaining order within the team.

Kakashi maintains a distant approach as a leader and often arrives late for meetings. In a side story about his past, we learn this behavior stems from an incident where he saw the death of his comrade, Obito Uchiha. Obito was the one who gave him his Sharingan eye and instilled in Kakashi some of his own habits, such as being late.

3. Satoru Gojō

Franchise: Jujutsu Kaisen

A magic practitioner, employed at the Tokyo School of Esoteric Arts, this man serves as the mentor for Itadori, Megumi, and Nobara. He persuades his higher-ups to keep Yuji alive until he has fully ingested all of Sukuna’s digits. This character is intricate, often displaying a relaxed and jovial demeanor towards his pupils and peers, but showing disrespect towards his superiors.

Known as “The Strongest” himself, it’s generally acknowledged that he is one of the most perilous individuals existing. Consequently, he commands deep respect and admiration from sorcerers across the board, including those hailing from Kyoto’s sister school. His sway in the realm of witchcraft is substantial.

2. Misty

Franchise: Pokémon

Throughout the initial five seasons, she is associated with the primary team that includes Brock and Ash. From season 6 onwards, however, she departs from them and takes over leadership at the Cerulean Gym, a role typically held by her sisters who travel globally. A young girl, initially motivated to stay with Ash due to his bicycle destroyed by Pikachu, eventually lets go of that reason but continues to join him on his journey through Kanto, Johto, and the Orange Archipelago, aiming to enhance her skills in mastering Water-type Pokémon.

1. Kisuke Urahara

Franchise: Bleach

Kisuke Urahara is a secretive individual with intriguing connections. He was banished from Soul Society and manages a shop filled with goods originating from there. This business is kept afloat by the help of two youngsters, Jinta Hanakari and Ururu Tsumigaya, as well as an older man named Tsukibashi Tessai (who used to be the chief of Necromancers and a captain in the Kido division). Urahara also has a long-standing friendship with Yoruichi.

As a devoted follower, I’d like to share my perspective on Urahara’s situation. He was permanently barred from Soul Society, not just because of his risky experiments that potentially threatened its peace, but also due to disagreements over how they should handle the outcomes of those experiments. It’s crucial to understand that he played a pivotal role in preventing the Vizards from becoming Hollows, which is a major factor behind his exile.

As the narrative unfolds, you’ll discover more details about this character, including his history, his abilities, and his past roles: he was once the captain of the 12th division in Gotei 13, the founder and initial president of the research section. Today, he continues to be an exceptional inventor, known particularly for creating the Gikais used by shinigami on earth. A century ago, when he led his division, Hiyori served as his lieutenant. This character himself developed and tested the method to acquire bankai in just three days, a technique that Ichigo was the second to master within less than three days.

In the world of Bleach, after my confrontation with Byakuya that cost me Rukia’s shinigami powers, I found myself determined to help her regain what was lost. This meant guiding her towards unlocking her own shinigami abilities, breaking the chains that bound her and accelerating the transformation of her soul into a hollow. In the ensuing days, for ten straight days, I dedicated myself to training Rukia in the art of sword fighting, preparing her for the battles ahead.

Read More

2025-05-22 00:20