October 1st is celebrated as Glasses Day in Japan! This special day was established in 1997 by the Japan Optometric Association, with the date chosen because the Japanese kanji numerals for “1001” (一〇〇一) visually resemble a pair of eyeglasses.
Naturally, characters wearing glasses are a common sight in anime. Some cleverly switch between multiple pairs, while others sport glasses with unique, specialized functions. There are even characters whose personalities take a dramatic turn the moment their glasses come off! Far from being mere accessories, glasses often serve as crucial items that truly reflect a character’s individuality and deeper traits.
To celebrate this iconic item, Anime! Anime! conducted its annual reader survey titled “Who’s Your Favorite ‘Glasses’ Character?”. The survey ran from September 24th to September 28th and gathered an impressive 712 responses. The demographic breakdown showed a majority of female respondents, making up approximately 75 percent, with males at about 25 percent. A younger audience dominated the survey, with roughly 55 percent of respondents being under 19 and about 15 percent in their 20s.
Table of Contents
・2024 results: https://animeanime.jp/article/2024/10/01/86847.html
Beloved Glasses Characters Are Essential in Iconic Anime!
First Place
Taking the top spot for an astounding fifth consecutive year is Shimura Shinpachi from Gintama! He garnered approximately 20 percent of the total votes, solidifying his reign as the ultimate glasses character.
An overwhelming number of reader comments humorously declared, “His glasses *are* his body!” Fans enthusiastically shared: “His glasses appear alone in the opening, his soul once possessed his glasses, and in the Genderbend Arc, his frames even turned pink… All these hilarious ‘glasses gags’ have cemented him as the quintessential glasses character in our minds.” Another reader added, “His companions call him a ‘glasses hanger,’ practically treating him as ‘glasses wearing a human.’ No other character is this thoroughly associated with their eyewear.” Shinpachi’s unique charm and role as an object of affectionate teasing have certainly resonated with many.
One reader also praised his straightforward style, saying, “The natural and simple frames perfectly match Shinpachi’s personality. He’s the most sensible person in Gintama, at least when his idol, Terakado Tsuu, isn’t involved (laughs).” His witty retorts and common sense make him an indispensable part of the series. For fans looking for more Shinpachi antics, the spin-off, 3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei, is set to begin airing on October 6th.
Second Place
Securing second place for the third year in a row is Edogawa Konan from Meitantei Konan (also known as Detective Conan), with approximately 9 percent of the votes.
Konan’s glasses are a marvel of invention, created by Agasa-hakase (Professor Agasa). They’re equipped with various functions crucial for catching criminals. Equally important, they serve as a key item to conceal his true identity as Kudou Shinichi.
Readers raved about their practicality: “Thanks to his culprit-tracking glasses, eavesdropping and communication are a breeze. They even have bulletproof capabilities, ensuring safety during dangerous cases.” Another fan commented, “The moment the lenses gleam when he solves a mystery is the best! As the protagonist of a nationally beloved anime, his recognition is immense, and his glasses have become an icon.” Konan’s vital role in the series and his widespread fame were definitely deciding factors for his high ranking.
Third Place
Coming in at a close third, with just a few votes separating him from second place, is Tsukishima Kei from Haikyuu!!. The top three this year feature the same familiar faces as last year’s ranking.
During matches, Tsukishima Kei famously sports sport glasses. Readers deeply appreciated the narrative behind his eyewear, with comments like, “It’s so touching that he wears the goggles his brother gave him for victory,” and “By wearing different glasses during matches, perhaps he’s also shifting his mindset. It really conveys his resolve to win.” Many also highlighted his inherent suitability for glasses, noting, “He’s cool, a top student, and has a sharp tongue—all traits that perfectly suit glasses.” Other comments included, “Even students from other schools call him ‘Megane-kun’ (Glasses-kun),” underscoring his enduring popularity as an intelligent blocker.
Other Notable Mentions!
For Okarun from Dandadan, one reader noted, “I always picture him frequently adjusting his glasses with his right hand. Even his transformed design looks cool with his glasses as an accent.”
Regarding Akemi Homura from Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica, a fan shared, “I was truly surprised during my first watch by the huge gap between her usual brave self and her timid, shy personality when she wore glasses in the past. When she takes them off, her impression shifts to cool and cold.”
For Yayoi Haru from Tsukiuta. THE ANIMATION, a reader recalled, “Episode 6 of the first season was about solving the mystery of who broke Haru’s glasses, and I laughed so hard when the fake end credits listed ‘Yayoi Haru (Glasses Storage): Yayoi Haru’ and ‘Yayoi Haru (Main Body): Broken Glasses.'”
And for Nikaidou Yamato from Idolish7, who has the first part of his theatrical compilation film slated for release on October 3rd, a fan commented, “When you think of a glasses character in Idolish7, it has to be Nikaidou-san. My heart ached when I learned the reason why he never takes his glasses off. In the game, you get to see him in various glasses styles, and they all suit him so well.”
This year’s survey clearly shows that glasses are far more than just a fashion statement; they often become iconic symbols that define characters. The results powerfully illustrate how crucial these accessories are in adding depth and intrigue to their stories.
Don’t miss the Top 20 ranking on the next page!
Top 10 Ranking
[Who’s Your Favorite “Glasses” Character? 2025 Edition]
- Shimura Shinpachi, Gintama
- Edogawa Konan, Meitantei Konan
- Tsukishima Kei, Haikyuu!!
- Edogawa Ranpo, Bungou Stray Dogs
- Gojou Satoru, Jujutsu Kaisen
- Nobi Nobita, Doraemon
- Okarun, Dandadan
- Kunikida Doppo, Bungou Stray Dogs
- Iruma Juuto, Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-
- Aoi Akane, Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun
- Saiki Kusuo, Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan
- Nikaidou Yamato, Idolish7
(Polling Period: September 24th – September 28th, 2025)
Next page: Top 20 ranking revealed
《Takahashi Katsunori》
