July 7th is “Yukata Day.”
This commemorative day was established by the Japan Yukata Federation. Additionally, August 4th is also recognized as “Yukata Day,” which was set by the Kinosaki Onsen Tourism Association in Kinosaki Town, Hyogo Prefecture, in connection with the Kinosaki Furusato Festival.
Yukata, with their distinct Japanese charm, are outfits that can bring out new appeal in characters. In anime, they are often depicted in special scenes like summer festivals or fireworks displays, and we’re likely to see them more frequently as this season approaches.
Therefore, Anime! Anime! conducted its annual reader poll titled, “Who is Your Favorite Character Who Looks Good in a Yukata?” We received 192 responses during the polling period from June 20th to June 26th.
The gender ratio was roughly equal, with approximately 45 percent male and 55 percent female respondents. By age group, those 19 and under made up about 30 percent, those in their 20s about 20 percent, those in their 30s about 15 percent, and those in their 40s about 25 percent. This article presents the results for the male characters.
Table of Contents
■ Characters Who Suit Japanese Attire Gather Here! Pay Attention to Their Unique Styles
From the comments submitted by readers, we’ve picked out some memorable voices to share.
In this poll, many votes went to characters who have appeared in Japanese attire within their main stories.
For example, regarding Sakata Gintoki from Gintama, comments included: “His katahada nugi (wearing the kimono off one shoulder) exposing his right shoulder is so cool! I hope he keeps that style even in a yukata,” and “Given the sci-fi period drama setting, he has a strong image in Japanese clothing. The flowing water pattern design is also wonderfully cool,” and “Until I watched the series properly, I actually thought what Gintoki was wearing was a yukata. I couldn’t believe it turned out to be a school jersey from Planet Zumbolla…” These comments highlight his outfit and styling as trademarks. Starting in October, ‘3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei’ will begin airing. Changing his outfit to a lab coat, what kind of commotion will he stir up?
From the summer 2025 anime season, Gojou Wakana from Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru ranked in. Comments included: “He’s a high schooler aiming to be a Hina doll craftsman, and he even wears a samue when making cosplay outfits for Kitagawa Marin-chan. He seems like he’d look good in any kind of Japanese clothing,” and “With his smart physique over 180cm tall, he looks like he could wear anything from jinbei to yukata beautifully.” The charm of this Japanese-attire-loving young man was discussed. Attention is also focused on what will happen in the currently airing second season.
Also, Roronoa Zoro from One Piece, being a swordsman, has excellent compatibility with Japanese clothing. Comments like “He looked great in the yukata during the Wano Country Arc. Sticking his three swords into his obi sash was so stylish,” show readers were captivated by this different look.
Yukata are also commonly seen in illustrations drawn for merchandise and the like.
For Sharia Bull from the spring 2025 hit, Kidou Senshi Gundam GQuuuuuuX, a comment mentioned: “His yukata appearance in the public bath collaboration was too cool! It’s understandable that the three main characters from the very Japanese-colored Izuma Colony would suit it, but for a man from Jupiter, to match it this well… ‘Bearded Man’ is the best!!” This reader was surprised by the unexpected combination.
You can see the mentioned X (formerly Twitter) post here.
Regarding Sugawara Koushi from Haikyuu!!, with a movie adaptation upcoming, one reader commented: “I can still vividly remember the impact of seeing his yukata appearance in the merchandise illustration. It was beautiful, combined with his fleeting facial features,” indicating how a yukata reaffirmed his appeal for some readers.
■ Introducing Other Comments!
For Shima from Zegapain: “Although usually a calm commander, he’s actually really looking forward to the summer festival. The yukata with the bat pattern also suited him well.”
For Ichijou Raku from Nisekoi: “He uses a kimono as his sleepwear, and the heroines who visit his home highly praised how good it looked on him. I love it too.”
For Uzui Tengen from Kimetsu no Yaiba: “Because he looked so refined wearing a yukata after retiring as a Hashira. The flamboyant Tengen-san pulls off any outfit perfectly.”
For Shinonome Yuuhan from Akuma Shitsuji to Kuroi Neko (Devil Butler and Black Cat): “Since his hometown, the Eastern Land, has a Japanese aesthetic, he seems like he could wear it perfectly. I always look forward to seeing him in a yukata during festival events,” showing votes for characters from game titles as well.
Many characters with a Japanese image, such as samurai and ninja, also ranked in the Top 10 below.
Don’t miss the Top 20 on the next page!
■ Ranking Top 10
[Who is Your Favorite Character Who Looks Good in a Yukata? Male Characters Edition 2025]
1st: Kudou Shinichi 『Meitantei Conan』
2nd: Sakata Gintoki 『Gintama』
3rd: Isagi Yoichi 『Blue Lock』
4th: Kawaki 『BORUTO-ボルト- NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS』
4th: Hyuuga Neji 『NARUTO -ナルト-』
4th: Levi 『Shingeki no Kyojin』
7th: Gojou Satoru 『Jujutsu Kaisen』
7th: Tomioka Giyuu 『Kimetsu no Yaiba』
9th: Nihon 『Hetalia Axis Powers』
9th: Fukuzawa Yukichi 『Bungou Stray Dogs』
(Polling period: June 20, 2025 – June 26, 2025)
Next Page: Ranking up to 20th Place Revealed
《Takahashi Katsunori》
