There’s a saying that goes, “Black is beautiful,” and in the world of anime, being black is embraced and celebrated. Anime characters are so diverse that you’ll find people from various races and ethnicities depicted. In this list, you will get to know the most popular black characters in anime.
Karui Akimichi From ‘Naruto: Shippuden’
First on this rundown is Akimichi from “Naruto: Shippuden,” a Naruto anime series adapted from the second part of the original manga series.
This dark-skinned kunoichi (a Japanese cant term meaning “woman”) has long, spiky red hair and amber eyes. She dons a long, short-sleeved dress that features frilly edges, as well as a flak jacket. She is also striking with her two yellow earrings.
Akimichi also wears fishnet stockings, thigh-high boots with white-colored soles, and a forehead protector she wears like a bandana. Her weapon is a long sword.
However, she exudes an antagonistic spirit in the story. She is outspoken, stubborn, impulsive, and combative, allowing her emotions to just come out freely. One of the most famous scenes featuring Akimichi has her beating up Naruto Uzumaki himself.
Yoruichi Shihouin From ‘Bleach’
Here’s another black female anime character worth checking out. It’s elementary for Shihouin of “Bleach” to outshine and outrank almost everybody. Her greatest accomplishments include being the first woman in her family to be the head of the house.
Touted as the most potent Hohō master in this anime (Hohō is referred to as a fighting style), she has earned the title “Flash Goddess.” She can cut through hordes of enemies like a flash of lightning. She is so fast that she can appear in several places simultaneously. You better exercise caution when you meet her.
Andrew Gilbert ‘Agil’ Mills From ‘Sword Art Online’
Perhaps the most remarkable black character in “Sword Art Online” is Mills. This supporting character was one of the tens of thousands of players trapped in Sword Art Online, which, aside from being the anime’s title, is also the title of a game in the story.
In the game, Mills was a veteran axe-wielder and businessman who owned a shop in a city called Algade. After returning to the real world in the aftermath of the incident that happened in the game, he started playing ALfheim Online as a Gnome.
In real life, he manages a coffee shop with the help of his wife. He is very friendly and helpful, always looking out for others.
Michiko Malandro From ‘Michiko To Hatchin’
Malandro is one hot woman. She is of Brazilian descent, and this striking appearance makes her an instantly recognizable Black character. She is not just fantastic physically but also on the inside.
Though many regard her as loud, jealous, and somewhat arrogant, you will dream of reaching her level of kindness and loyalty. Though she steals, she uses the items she takes to help others. Being an orphan herself, she cares for other orphans and shows them how she can act as a mother for them.
Atsuko Jackson From ‘Michiko To Hatchin’
Here’s another popular Black female character in “Michiko to Hatchin.” Jackson is the perfect epitome of a beautiful, confident Black woman who worked her way to the top. Even though she was an orphan raised in the same orphanage as Malandro, Jackson dedicated her efforts to making a career as a policewoman.
She is such an exciting character, especially with her unique looks. Although she may start off as a bad guy in the story, her good heart will unravel as the story unfolds. Be prepared to be amazed.
Annette From ‘Castlevania: Nocturne’
Annette is a character in the Netflix original animated series titled “Castlevania: Nocturne.” Her backstory is stunning. She was born as an enslaved person in the Caribbean, on a plantation around Saint-Domingue, which is actually a French colony in real life. Later, she embarked on a journey to Europe following the advice of her mentor in search of a man named Richter Belmont. In her journey, Annette ended up being part of a group of revolutionaries.
In the story, she learned the true power of her ancestry after her mom was killed for using magic wards associated with witchcraft.
Dutch From ‘Black Lagoon’
Dutch from “Black Lagoon” is your typical alpha male. Looking at this authoritative physique, one would assume that he starts and ends a conversation with a punch. But, interestingly, he is actually a kind-hearted and level-headed fellow.
He leads the Lagoon Company, which, in the story, is a shipping, smuggling, and pirate service favored by several criminal organizations for locating, retrieving, and smuggling items. Fans regard him as the anime version of Samuel Jackson who resembles not only his appearance but also his personality of doing things for good and avoiding fights at all costs.
Usopp From ‘One Piece’
Usopp may not explicitly look like Black, but still, he is part of this list. He is the third person to join the Straw Hat Pirates and is well-loved for his personality. In the world of “One Piece” filled with fearless and vicious pirates, Usopp is not as daring as others. But that doesn’t mean he is a coward. In fact, he is considered one of the bravest because he conquers his fears for the sake of his friends and what he thinks is right. His kindness echoes around.
Though animes are proudly Japanese, these shows have successfully depicted characters from various races. The most iconic Black anime characters have led to an outpouring of tremendous support from fans, especially from those who can relate to them. Animes will continue growing, and so will the representation of not only Black people but also characters of all kinds.
