On bright, sunny days, many of us reach for a pair of sunglasses, right?
In the vibrant world of anime, characters sporting sunglasses are a familiar sight. These cool shades often conceal their eyes, giving them a powerful presence and even becoming an iconic trademark that defines their very essence. The reasons for wearing them are as diverse as the characters themselves, ranging from hiding their true identity to simply exuding an air of authority and intimidation.
Following up on last year’s success, Anime! Anime! conducted another reader poll, boldly asking: “Who is your favorite ‘sunglasses’ character?” We gathered responses from 390 enthusiastic fans during the survey period from August 5th to August 12th. The gender breakdown was almost even, with approximately 45 percent male and 55 percent female respondents. The age demographics primarily leaned towards a younger audience, with about 45 percent being 19 years old or younger, and roughly 20 percent in their 20s.
Characters’ True Faces Revealed by Sunglasses!
Rank 1
Securing the top spot for the third consecutive year is Gojou Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen, with approximately 16 percent of the votes. His iconic style continues to captivate fans!
Fans shared their fervent thoughts, with many recalling his look during his student days: “Currently, he wears a blindfold, but back in his high school days, those jet-black round sunglasses were his signature look. The dazzling yet poignant days of youth depicted in Kaijuu・Gyokusetu are etched into my memory.” Another fan commented, “He wears sunglasses to reduce the strain on his eyes due to his unique Six Eyes ability. His blue eyes, glimpsed just for a moment, are so breathtakingly beautiful that you could get lost in them.” It’s clear that many fans also flocked to see the theatrical compilation released this year.
The sentiment that both his past and present looks are equally appealing was widely echoed: “His round sunglasses from his student days really highlighted his playful side, while his square sunglasses as an adult exude such charisma! It’s hard to choose which one is better.” And, of course, a delightful request came in: “Since he looks good in everything, I wish he’d show us more of his various eyewear styles!”
Rank 2
Claiming second place for the third year in a row is Madao from Gintama, with approximately 15 percent of the votes. This beloved character, despite often being treated with a bit of humorous disdain, holds a special place in fans’ hearts!
Fans shared hilarious comments highlighting his inseparable link to his shades: “If Madao isn’t wearing sunglasses, I’m like, ‘Who is that?'” and “I can’t even remember what his bare face looks like anymore.” Another quipped, “The sunglasses are the character’s main body!” One particularly amusing memory was shared: “In the ‘Soul Switch Arc’, Yamazaki Sagaru’s soul possessing Madao’s sunglasses was just too awful and hilarious.”
The Gintama franchise is gaining new momentum, with the spin-off 3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei scheduled to begin broadcast in October 2025, and the new movie Shin Gekijouban Gintama – Yoshiwara Dai Enjou- (which can be translated as New Gintama Movie – Yoshiwara Grand Blaze-) slated for release in 2026. Exciting times for fans of the Yorozuya!
Rank 3
Coming in at third place is Matsuda Jinpei from Meitantei Conan, securing approximately 9 percent of the votes. This marks the third consecutive year that the top three characters have remained consistent!
Fans consistently highlighted his iconic style, with comments like: “Sunglasses, suit, and a cigarette dangling from his lips — these are synonymous with Matsuda Jinpei.” Another fan gushed, “His hard-boiled personality perfectly suits his sunglasses. I fell in love with his chivalrous spirit, willing to sacrifice himself for others!” Despite his limited appearances, Matsuda Jinpei is a highly popular character, playing crucial roles in the movies and serving as one of the main figures in Keisatsu Gakkou-hen Wild Police Story. His sunglasses have truly become an indelible part of his character.
Interestingly, Vodka from the Black Organization also made it into the rankings, landing at 9th place, further solidifying the strong presence of sunglass-wearing characters in Meitantei Conan.
Other Comments from Our Readers!
For Yazawa Nico from Love Live!, a fan commented: “She hid her face with sunglasses while investigating Honoka and the others who formed a school idol group. Her twintails were so cute that she wasn’t scary at all (laughs)!”
Regarding Muska from Tenkuu no Shiro Laputa (also known as Castle in the Sky), a reader wrote: “He exuded such an eerie aura with his brown sunglasses. Even his subordinates wore sunglasses, leading Pazu to call them ‘the Black Glasses guys.’ The ‘Balse’ spell, powerful enough to blind him, must have been incredibly potent!”
Kizaru (Borsalino) from One Piece received this comment: “At first, I thought he was just a villain, but he’s become much more human-like since the Egghead Arc. His line, ‘I should have worn darker sunglasses,’ actually brought tears to my eyes.”
And for Tatsumi Kotarou from Zombieland Saga, a fan shared: “He’s a producer with a wild idea: turning zombies into an idol group! Miyano Mamoru-san’s performance adds to his craziness, but he also has a mysterious past, fitting for a character who wears sunglasses…” This character also received votes, especially with the theatrical movie Gekijouban Zombieland Saga Yumeginga Paradise (which can be translated as Zombieland Saga Movie: Dream Galaxy Paradise) set to open on October 24th.
In the 2025 edition, the top four rankings remained unchanged from last year. This outcome perfectly reflects the high level of attention these titles are receiving, with a continuous stream of new announcements for new works and theatrical releases.
Continuing, don’t miss the results for the top 20!
Top 10 Rankings
[“Who is your favorite ‘sunglasses’ character?” 2025 Edition]
- Gojou Satoru – Jujutsu Kaisen
- Hasegawa Taizou (Madao) – Gintama
- Matsuda Jinpei – Meitantei Conan
- Matsuno Karamatsu – Osomatsu-san
- Yazawa Nico – Love Live!
- Quattro Bajeena – Kidou Senshi Z Gundam
- Amayado Rei – Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-
- Toguro Otouto – Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho
- Vodka – Meitantei Conan
- Tatsumi Kotarou – Zombieland Saga
(Voting Period: August 5th – August 12th, 2025)
Next Page: Top 20 Ranking Revealed
- Check out other ongoing poll themes here! We’d love to hear your thoughts.
＞＞https://animeanime.jp/special/1898/recent/
《Takahashi Katsunori》
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