Who Comes to Mind as a “Light” Character? Second Place Goes to Agatsuma Zenitsu from “Kimetsu no Yaiba” & Hikaru from “Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu,” While First Place is… <2025 Edition>
Anime!Anime! once again conducted a reader survey titled “Who comes to mind as a ‘Light’ character?”, following last year’s popular poll. We now present the results.
October 21st marks “Akari no Hi,” or “Light Day.”
This special day commemorates the legendary inventor Thomas Edison’s successful completion of the incandescent light bulb on the same day in 1879.
In the vibrant world of anime, characters themed around “light” frequently make an appearance. Whether they’re manipulating sacred powers, emanating dazzling auras, or simply bear names that evoke luminosity, their brilliance shines in a myriad of ways unique to each character.
To celebrate this radiant theme, Anime!Anime! once again conducted a reader survey titled “Who comes to mind as a ‘Light’ character?”, following last year’s popular poll. We received enthusiastic responses from 545 individuals during the survey period from October 11th to October 15th.
Looking at the demographics, the gender ratio was approximately 40 percent male and 60 percent female, indicating a slightly higher participation from our female readers. In terms of age, respondents under 19 accounted for about 55 percent, while those in their 20s made up about 20 percent, showcasing a strong engagement from younger anime fans.
First Place
Brilliance MAX! “Light” Characters Dazzle in Battle Too
First Place
Claiming the coveted First Place is Borsalino from ONE PIECE. He garnered an impressive approximately 15 percent of the votes, making him the undisputed top pick for an incredible five consecutive years.
TV Anime ONE PIECE Egghead Arc – Second Half Key Visual (C) Oda Eiichiro / Shueisha (C) Oda Eiichiro / Shueisha・Fuji TV・Toei Animation
Fans praised him with comments like: “He became a light human after eating the Pika Pika no Mi, the Glint-Glint Fruit. His vast array of techniques—from light-speed movement and beams to swords of light—and his iconic line, ‘Have you ever been kicked at the speed of light?’ are simply unforgettable!” Another fan gushed, “Even among Logia-type (Natural) Devil Fruit users, his strength is off the charts. His visual presence alone screams ‘powerhouse’, and his unique way of speaking is incredibly addictive!” His overwhelming abilities and distinctive aura have made a huge impact. His recent active role in the Egghead Arc, which saw the anime’s return this year, is also a significant factor in his enduring popularity.
Second Place
Sharing Second Place are Agatsuma Zenitsu from Kimetsu no Yaiba and Hikaru from Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu, both securing approximately 5 percent of the votes.
Agatsuma Zenitsu from Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Demon Slayer Corps swordsman who masterfully wields the Thunder Breathing technique. Readers commented, “When you think of light, you think of thunder! Thunder, then Zenitsu!! He’s usually such a timid character, but the way he unleashes sharp, lightning-fast sword techniques when he passes out is pure light itself!” Another fan added, “I couldn’t help but laugh at his backstory of his hair turning yellow after being struck by lightning.” This endearing gap between his cowardly demeanor and explosive power makes him a beloved character.
His combat scenes in Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugenjou-hen Dai Isshou Akaza Sairai (which can be translated as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie – Mugen Castle Arc Chapter 1: Akaza Returns) were particularly thrilling, with one comment noting, “The Thunder Breathing, flashing like lightning, was shocking. I thoroughly enjoyed the light-speed battle in the movie.”
Hikaru from Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu is a mysterious entity who has taken the place of Kido Hikaru, the childhood friend of the protagonist, Tsujinaka Yoshiki. Readers were captivated by his enigmatic presence: “Despite his name ‘Hikaru’ (light), his unsettling and unknown nature enhances the story, making me eager to know what happens next.” Another comment regarding Kido Hikaru praised his character: “He was such a bright, sun-like person, treating everyone equally. For Yoshiki, who struggled to fit in, Hikaru was truly a beacon of light.” This character from a trending work, which received an anime adaptation this year, impressively landed in the top ranks.
Other Noteworthy Mentions!
For Teruhashi Kokomi from Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan, a fan shared: “She’s such a perfect, beautiful girl that anyone who sees her can’t help but utter a pathetic ‘Offu!’ She’s so adorable that she’s constantly glowing with a yellow aura.”
Regarding Tada Hikaru from Shiritsu Para no Maru Koukou, a reader commented: “As his name Tada Hikaru (meaning ‘just light’) suggests, he merely possesses the ability to emit light. But lately, his powers have been evolving, and with a recent cultural festival episode, he’s really hitting his stride!”
For Hagakure Touru from Boku no Hero Academia, a fan highlighted: “Hagakure-chan appearing while emitting light and deflecting Aoyama-kun’s Neville Laser was incredibly cool. She’s truly a shining prism!”
And for Kalim Al-Asim from Disney Twisted Wonderland, a fan stated: “He’s said to be the only character at Night Raven College not based on a villain. He’s always smiling and radiates a dazzlingly positive energy!” This notable character from a series whose anime adaptation begins streaming on October 29th also received significant votes.
In the 2025 edition, while the top spot remained firmly held by Borsalino, the rankings from second place downwards saw considerable shifts. The upper echelons are filled with characters who radiate brilliantly, especially in battle, making this ranking a powerful testament to light as a symbol of strength.
Don’t miss the Top 20, revealed on the next page!
Top 10 Rankings
[“Light” Characters – 2025 Edition]
- Borsalino (Kizaru), ONE PIECE
- Agatsuma Zenitsu, Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Hikaru (Kido Hikaru), Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu
- Hagakure Touru, Boku no Hero Academia
- Raio Grants, MASHLE
- Kalim Al-Asim, Disney Twisted Wonderland
- Tada Hikaru, Shiritsu Para no Maru Koukou
- Tenma Tsukasa, Project Sekai Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku
- Minamoto Kou, Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun
- Teruhashi Kokomi, Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan
(Survey Period: October 11th – October 15th, 2025)
Next Page: Rankings up to 20th Place Revealed
This survey is part of a larger investigation into our readers’ current interest and attention towards anime works and characters. The results are not intended to determine superiority or inferiority among any characters or works. We sincerely hope this article serves as an opportunity for readers to discover new works and characters, or to deepen their understanding and interest in those they already know.
By Takahashi Katsunori
