September 1st marks “Dajare Day”!
This commemorative day was established by the Japan Dajare Association (Ippan Shadanhōjin Nihon Dajare Katsuyō Kyōkai). The date itself, combining 9 (Ku) and 1 (I), is derived from the characteristics of a good dajare (pun): “Creative (Ku) and Impactful (I)”, “Appealing (Kyuuinryoku, where kyuu is 9 and in is 1)”, and “Saving (Sukui, where suku is 9 and i is 1)”.
Anime often features characters who absolutely love puns. The way these characters are portrayed varies greatly: some drop incredibly cheesy puns that leave everyone around them speechless, others lighten the mood with silly jokes in serious situations, and some simply erupt in laughter at the most ridiculous puns.
With this in mind, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “Who is your favorite ‘Dajare’ Character?” We received 438 responses during the survey period, from August 15th to August 21st.
The gender ratio was approximately 35% male and 65% female, with a slight majority of female respondents. Regarding age, the survey mainly attracted younger audiences, with about 50% being 19 years old or younger and 20% in their 20s.
Here are the results:
Table of Contents
The Lovable Pun Characters Whose Absurdity Becomes Addictive!
Here are some of the fantastic visuals related to the characters mentioned in the survey!
#1 Rank
The top spot goes to Nurutude Sasara from Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-, garnering approximately 13% of the votes.
Nurutude Sasara is a member of Dotsuitare Honpo and also works as a solo comedian. Readers commented on his dual nature: “He displays exceptional speaking skills as a TV host, but then unleashes a barrage of ridiculous puns when talking with his close companions. He even incorporates puns into his raps, often receiving harsh criticism from his partner, Tutujumori Rosho.” Another fan shared, “In the game, he’d say things like ‘Ike Ike Don Don Oyako-don!’ (Go! Go! Donburi!) or ‘Ikaga ikaga? Gokigen ikaga?’ (Squid, squid? How are you doing, squid? – a pun on ‘ika’ for squid and ‘ikaga’ for how). I was seriously playing the rhythm game, but I laughed so hard my fingers trembled, and I missed a full combo…” Many responses highlighted his tendency to drop puns at every opportunity.
One reader even confessed, “If you set Sasara as your home screen character in the game, you’ll hear nothing but puns, and now I’ve started saying them in my daily life!” This goes to show the infectious nature of his humor. It’s no surprise that this character, who even showcased his punning skills in this year’s movie, claimed the top spot.
#2 Rank
Coming in at second place is Itsuki Shun from Kuroko no Basuke, with roughly 11% of the votes.
Itsuki Shun is the vice-captain of Seirin High School’s basketball club. Fans adore him for his dedication to puns: “He seems like a serious, sensible person, but he’s unfortunately obsessed with puns, even keeping a notebook to jot them down. It’s hilarious how his captain, Hyuuga, has to tell him ‘Itsuki, shut up’ as part of their routine.” Another fan noted, “His habit of spouting puns even during games is what makes him stand out. His puns might be lame, but they instantly lighten the team’s atmosphere.” His passionate commitment to puns is a major reason for his popularity. One fan was particularly amused: “His character song ‘KI・TA・KO・RE,’ which is packed with puns, was truly shocking. His catchphrase ‘Kitakore’ alone is already funny!”
#3 Rank
Securing the third position is Cyno from Genshin, with approximately 7% of the votes.
The General Mahamatra of the Sumeru Akademiya, Cyno, surprised many. One reader shared, “His Archon Quest episodes were incredibly cool, but then he’d spout nothing but terrible jokes elsewhere, creating such an amusing gap in his personality. I love the classic scenario where he tells a bad joke every time you meet him, and his friend Tighnari just ignores him.” Another fan added, “It’s adorable how, when he makes a joke, he’s met with silence and then asks for feedback, ‘Wasn’t it funny?’ You can really feel his desire to make everyone laugh.” Some readers have fully embraced this aspect of his character: “I enjoy Cyno’s uniqueness, even when his jokes make the atmosphere freeze.”
Furthermore, a comment arrived that’s unique to a globally released title: “I’m curious to know how his puns are translated into other languages.”
Other Noteworthy Mentions!
For Agasa Hakase from Meitantei Konan: “The movie’s traditional quiz corner always has a pun as the answer. It’s a classic part of Detective Conan movies, right down to the Detective Boys giving him cold stares after hearing the answer!”
For Richard Verso from Akuyaku Reijou Tensei Ojisan: “He’s the student council vice-president, known as the Sword Saint. But he can’t open his mouth without making a pun, so he’s often told to be quiet, which ironically gave him a cool image.”
For Zorori from Kaiketsu Zorori: “Zorori-sensei constantly churns out such lame ‘dad jokes’ that his apprentices, Ishishi and Noshishi, freeze up, but I actually respect him (laughs). I fondly remember the original item ‘Book-lakoiita’ and the dad joke corner in the anime.”
For Miyashita Ai from Love Live! Nijigasaki Gakuen School Idol Doukoukai: “I remember the scene where only Yuu-chan, who has ‘the humor level of a baby,’ found Ai-san’s puns funny. During live performances, she also has a call-and-response chant, ‘Aishiteru yo! Ai dake ni!’ (I love you! Just for Ai!), playing on her name ‘Ai’ meaning love.” These votes came from a diverse range of characters, appealing to both male and female audiences.
This survey revealed a fascinating lineup of characters who are adored for the amusing contrast between their cool demeanor and their terrible puns, or for their delightful banter that includes the reactions of those around them. Many readers even remembered specific pun phrases, reaffirming the strong, infectious power of a good dajare!
Don’t miss the top 20 on the next page!
Top 10 Rankings
[Who is your favorite “Dajare” Character?]
- Nurutude Sasara (Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-)
- Itsuki Shun (Kuroko no Basuke)
- Cyno (Genshin)
- Hama Shuuichirou (Nintama Rantarou)
- Agasa Hakase (Meitantei Konan)
- Kaioh (Dragon Ball)
- Amamine Hikaru (Tennis no Oujisama)
- Symboli Rudolf (Uma Musume Pretty Derby)
- Sugiura Ayano (Yuru Yuri)
- Zorori (Kaiketsu Zorori)
(Survey Period: August 15, 2025 – August 21, 2025)
Next Page: Top 20 Rankings Revealed!
Check out other ongoing surveys here! We’d love to hear your thoughts. https://animeanime.jp/special/1898/recent/
*This survey is part of an awareness study regarding readers’ current interest and attention to anime works and characters. The results are not intended to determine superiority or inferiority among any characters or works. We hope this article can serve as an opportunity for readers to discover new works and characters, or to deepen their understanding and interest in them.
Here are more related images from the article!
By Katunori Takahashi
