Who is your Ideal Elderly Character? 3rd: Urokodaki Sakonji from Kimetsu no Yaiba, 2nd: Shinjou Hajime from Yuru Camp, 1st is… <2025 Edition>

Anime! Anime! conducted another reader survey titled “Who is your Ideal Elderly Character?” following last year’s success. We are pleased to announce the results.

Respect for the Aged Day in 2025 falls on September 15th. This holiday was established to celebrate longevity and express gratitude to those who have supported society for many years.

In the vibrant worlds of anime and games, elderly characters are often depicted with a commanding presence. Their portrayals are incredibly diverse: they might be masters imparting special techniques to protagonists, sages who have perfected magic or immortal arts, or even tech-savvy individuals adept at handling the latest gadgets. These characters bring a unique charm and depth to their stories.

Following last year’s success, Anime! Anime! conducted another reader survey titled “Who is your Ideal Elderly Character?” We gathered 88 responses during the survey period from August 28th to September 4th. The gender ratio was approximately 40 percent male and 60 percent female, showing a slight majority of female respondents. Regarding age, about 35 percent were under 19, with 20-somethings and 30-somethings each making up roughly 25 percent.

Grandpas and Grandmas Prove Unbelievably Reliable!

First Place

Taking the top spot is Otose from Gintama! With approximately 10 percent of the votes, she climbed from second place last year to claim the number one position.

Readers praised her with comments like, “She’s the mama of ‘Snack Otose’ located on the first floor of Yorozuya Gin-chan’s building, and Gin-san’s landlady. While she’s merciless when he’s late on rent or trying to get free drinks, she’s also a deeply compassionate person who can’t ignore someone in trouble. She’s truly the mother figure of Kabuki-chou!” Another fan noted, “Her profound compassion and the incredible depth of her heart, which makes former Joui rebels, thieves, and even karakuri dolls feel like family, are her greatest charms. Her line, ‘Those guys… they’re absolutely useless… they’re just my family,’ was simply wonderful!” Otose’s nurturing and understanding nature clearly resonated with many.

This year, her prominence was boosted by several exciting developments. The “Kabuki-chou Shiten’ou Arc,” featuring Otose’s significant contributions, received a special theatrical screening, and the production of a new movie, Shin Gekijouban Gintama – Yoshiwara Daienjou –, was announced. These topics undoubtedly provided a strong tailwind for her rise in the rankings.

Second Place

In a strong second place is Shinjou Hajime from Yuru Camp. His support rating of approximately 8 percent marks a significant leap from his seventh-place finish last year.

Shinjou Hajime is the grandfather of Shima Rin, a high school student who loves solo camping. He himself is a camping expert, depicted enjoying solo trips all over Japan on his large motorcycle. Readers expressed admiration for his carefree lifestyle, with comments such as, “Riding a big motorcycle, enjoying solo camping, and chowing down on delicious meat—this is the ultimate way to spend one’s golden years!”

Interestingly, he also makes an appearance in mono, another work by the same original author. One comment highlighted, “In episode 9 of the anime, he coolly appeared at a service area and fixed a flat tire on a motorcycle. The dandy grandpa is still going strong in mono!” His activity across different works undoubtedly contributed to his surging popularity.

Third Place

Securing third place is Urokodaki Sakonji from Kimetsu no Yaiba. With approximately 7 percent support, he climbed from fifth place last year to enter the top three.

Urokodaki Sakonji, the master of protagonist Kamado Tanjiro, garnered numerous comments praising his hidden kindness. “He’s a former Water Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, a seasoned swordsman who survived countless battles. Even after retiring from the front lines, his tengu mask, his stern reprimand of ‘Your judgment is slow!’, and the intense, Spartan training he imposed on Tanjiro are all unforgettable,” one reader stated. Another added, “He’s incredibly strict with his apprentices, but that’s just a reflection of his deep love. The fact that he was prepared to commit seppuku if Nezuko attacked a human, and pleaded for her life, is proof of that.”

Currently, Gekijouban ‘Kimetsu no Yaiba’ Mugenjou Hen Dai Isshou Akaza Sairai is showing in theaters, having grossed over 30 billion yen and continuing its furious momentum.

Other Notable Comments!

Ayase Seiko from Dandadan received praise: “She’s a super grandma who watches over Momo and Okarun, sometimes strictly, sometimes gently. But her appearance is so youthful that I often forget she’s Momo’s grandmother (lol). Her laughing at Baka-tono on TV is also endearing.”

Hirotsu Ryuuro from Bungou Stray Dogs was admired: “He’s the leader of the Black Lizard, a militant organization within the Port Mafia. With his silver-haired slick-back, dandy beard, and even his mannerisms while smoking a cigarette, he’s the epitome of a cool older gentleman! He also diligently looks after his subordinates, Tachihara Michizou and Gin. He’s a truly admirable figure.”

Ebata from Gotoubun no Hanayome* was highlighted: “He’s the chauffeur for the quintuplets’ father, Maruo. With a background as a former teacher, he’s incredibly versatile, handling everything from being his master’s secretary to serving as a temporary tutor. When the quintuplets rebelled against Maruo, he understood their resolve and cooperated, indulging in a bold makeover and seemingly enjoying life to the fullest.”

For the Great Uncle from Kimi-tachi wa Dou Ikiru ka, a voter commented: “Beneath his calm demeanor, a powerful resolve and dignity to protect the world subtly emerge. I can’t forget the scene where he’s sweating profusely while balancing the building blocks.” This shows that characters from movies also received votes.

In the 2025 edition, reliable elderly figures who step up in times of crisis have dominated the top ranks. The list is filled with deeply human characters, suggesting that a benevolent and embracing nature is a key factor in garnering support.

Be sure to check out the full ranking on the next page!

Top 10 Ranking

[Ideal Elderly Character? 2025 Edition]

1. Otose 『Gintama』
2. Shinjou Hajime 『Yuru Camp』
3. Urokodaki Sakonji 『Kimetsu no Yaiba』
4. Sakura Tomozou 『Chibi Maruko-chan』
5. Jiisan 『Zettai Zetsumei Denjarasu Jiisan』
6. Silver Nielsen 『F-ZERO』
7. Fukuzawa Yukichi 『Bungou Stray Dogs』
8. Agasa Hakase 『Meitantei Konan』
9. Edward Newgate (Shirohige) 『One Piece』
10. Lilia Vanrouge 『Disney Twisted Wonderland』

(Survey Period: August 28th, 2025 – September 4th, 2025)

Next page: Full ranking revealed

Other ongoing survey themes are available here! Share your thoughts with us.＞＞https://animeanime.jp/special/1898/recent/

《Takahashi Katsunori》