In a survey carried out by the renowned Japanese portal Akiba Soukenfans of the anime industry were asked about the character deaths that have affected them the most emotionally. The result has generated quite a stir in the community, showing how certain fictional losses continue to resonate in the hearts of fans long after the episodes have ended.
The survey yielded an emotionally charged list of characters whose deaths left a lasting mark on fans’ memories. Why can fans feel so much pain when an anime character dies? The emotional connection that viewers develop with these characters goes beyond the screen. Many fans invest time and energy in following the stories of these characters, identifying with their struggles, joys, and sadness. When a beloved character dies in the plot, viewers feel a personal loss, as if they have lost a close friend.
Additionally, anime art often focuses on developing complex and emotionally resonant characters. Anime creators have the unique ability to take viewers on deep emotional journeys, making them laugh, cry, and reflect on life and death. This emotional depth helps fans become especially attached to certain characters, making their deaths even more shocking.
Grief at the death of an anime character can also be a reflection of viewers’ personal experiences. Many fans have experienced loss in their own lives, and the depiction of death in anime can trigger deep emotions and remind them of their own past losses.
Ultimately, character deaths in anime can be so painful and meaningful to fans because they represent more than just a fictional ending. They are moments of emotional catharsis, where viewers can mourn the loss of a beloved character while celebrating their lasting impact on their lives. These characters continue to live on in fans’ memories, remembered and honored each year as symbols of the stories that touched their hearts deeply.
The results were as follows (only the first ten positions include an image):
- 20. Island – Plastic Memories.
- 19. Kurome – Akame ga Kill!
- 17. Kaori Miyazono – Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso (Your Lie in April) (Tie).
- 17. Euphemia li Britannia – Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch (Tie).
- 15. Nanami Yasuri – Katanagatari (Tie).
- 15. Isara Gunther – Valkyria Chronicles (Tie).
- 14. Togame – Katanagatari.
- 13. MISAKA 9982 / MISAKA 10031 – Toaru Kagaku no Railgun.
- 12. Yuka Mochida – Corpse Party: Tortured Souls.
- 11. Gin Minowa – Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru.
10. Portgas D., Ace – ONE PIECE
9. Hiasa Sekuro – Babylon
8. Sachi – Sword Art Online
7. Yuuki Konno – Sword Art Online
6. Orga Itsuka – Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
5. Chelsea – Akame ga Kill!
4. Mitty – Made in Abyss
3. Ako “Hardgore Alice” Hatoda – Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku
2. Ayana Sakanagi – Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku
1. Esdeath – Akame ga Kill!
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