May 29th is “Happiness Day.”
The date’s origin comes from the Japanese wordplay “ko(5) fuku(29),” which sounds like “koufuku” meaning happiness.
Anime features many characters that make you think, “I really want them to be happy.” These are characters who might be diligently working towards a goal, tossed around by cruel fate, suffering from unrequited love, or have lost everything important to them. Their determined efforts to keep living despite everything likely resonated deeply with many viewers.
So, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “Which Character Do You Want to See Happy?” The survey was held from May 20th to May 24th, collecting responses from 261 people.
The gender ratio was approximately 30 percent male and 70 percent female, with more female respondents. Regarding age groups, about 45 percent were 19 years old or younger, and about 25 percent were in their 20s, indicating a focus on younger demographics.
Table of Contents
■ Characters with Sad Pasts Receive Numerous Loving Comments!
1st Place
1st place goes to Haihara Ai from Meitantei Konan, with a support rate of about 5 percent.
Haihara Ai is a scientist who belonged to the Black Organization and is the developer of the poison APTX4869, which turned Edogawa Konan into a child. Currently, she herself has taken the drug and lives as an elementary school student.
Readers commented, “She has a harsh past where her family, including her older sister Akemi-san, was taken by the Organization. I truly want her to be completely free from the Organization’s grasp and become happy someday,” and “My heart aches thinking about how much sorrow she has accumulated over the years. When Hakase Agasa suggested the name ‘Ai’ (meaning love), she chose ‘Ai’ (meaning sorrow), perhaps because of her painful past.” These votes came from fans who empathize with her situation.
2nd Place
Coming in at a tie for 2nd place are Sakura Haruka from WIND BREAKER and Furuta Rei (Amuro Tooru) from Meitantei Konan, each with a support rate of about 3 percent.
Sakura Haruka from WIND BREAKER is a high school student who came aiming for the top of Furin High, a school known for delinquents. Comments wishing him well in his new life included, “He faced prejudice due to his unusual appearance, like having different colored hair on each side, but at Furin, he’s been blessed with trustworthy companions and seniors, and it seems he’s smiling more now. I hope he continues on this path and becomes even happier.”
Furuta Rei from Meitantei Konan works covertly as a Public Security Police officer and usually operates a private detective agency under the name Amuro Tooru. Popular comments for this character, who also appeared in the latest film Shitsugan no Zanzo, included, “It’s too sad that he lost four of his同期 (douki) from the Police Academy,” and “He infiltrates the Black Organization, carrying out life-threatening missions day after day. I hope a peaceful day eventually comes for Furuta-san, who never seems to rest.”
■ Here are Some Other Comments!
Natsuki Subaru from Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu received comments like, “Because of his ‘Return by Death’ ability, he repeatedly experiences the pain of death over and over again, which is truly agonizing. I want him to overcome all his suffering and finally find happiness.”
Pekora from Jashin-chan Dropkick had comments such as, “She was originally an Archangel, but she lost her halo and can’t return to Heaven, forcing her to live on the streets. Her meals are bread crusts, her cardboard house gets destroyed by Jashin-chan, and her part-time jobs are brutal. She’s truly a character cursed with misfortune.”
Rollpanna from Sore Ike! Anpanman drew comments like, “She has two hearts, one of justice and one of evil, and she’s always conflicted. I want to see the day she overcomes the evil heart and lives happily with her sister Melonpanna-chan at the bread factory.”
Toga Himiko from Boku no Hero Academia received votes, including, “Although she’s a villain, she’s just a girl who simply wants to live normally. I find myself imagining what a different future she might have had if she had met Uraraka Ochako-chan earlier.” Voting also extended to characters from works like this one, which starts its ‘FINAL SEASON’ in October.
In this survey, characters who face difficult fates garnered many votes. Additionally, many votes expressed sympathy for characters who met tragic ends in their stories.
Don’t miss the top 10 ranking on the next page!
■ Ranking Top 5
[Which Character Do You Want to See Happy?]
1st Haihara Ai, Meitantei Konan
2nd Sakura Haruka, WIND BREAKER
2nd Furuta Rei (Amuro Tooru), Meitantei Konan
4th Saitomori Miyo, Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon
4th Sakata Gintoki, Gintama
4th Nakajima Atsushi, Bungou Stray Dogs
4th Natsuki Subaru, Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu
(Survey period: May 20, 2025 – May 24, 2025)
Next Page: Ranking up to 10th place revealed
《Takahashi Katsunori》
