Characters You’d Love to Spend Christmas With!
Christmas is a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but in Japan, many people enjoy it as a seasonal event with friends, lovers, and family. From decorating trees and exchanging gifts to enjoying chicken and cake, there are various ways to have fun. If you could spend this special day with an anime character, who would you choose?
Therefore, Anime! Anime! conducted its annual reader survey titled “Which character do you want to spend Christmas with?”. During the survey period from November 27 to December 4, responses were received from 383 people.
The gender ratio was about 30% male and 70% female, with more females. The age group was centered on young people, with about 20% under 19 years old and about 50% in their 20s.
In this article, we announce the results for male characters.
1st Place
1st place is Kudou Shinichi from ‘Meitantei Conan’ (also known as Detective Conan).
Kudou Shinichi, the high school detective, received comments like: “When winter comes, I remember the red gloves Shinichi gave to Ran-chan. I wish Shinichi would appear on the most romantic day of the year and enjoy a date with Ran-chan to the fullest,” and “He rarely shows himself, but I hope to see Shinichi on special Christmas days.” There were also many votes for him as Edogawa Conan, with comments such as, “With Conan-kun around, you’d never be bored, and if any incident occurs, he’d solve it instantly. Hearing behind-the-scenes stories of his past deductions would be thrilling and fun! His cool, mature side and the occasionally childish moments are the best,” showing appeal in his gap moe.
Visual for ‘Meitantei Conan Episode “ZERO” Kudou Shinichi Suizokukan Jiken’ (C) Aoyama Gosho / Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, TMS 1996
Fans are eagerly anticipating the TV special airing on January 3rd, ‘Meitantei Conan Episode “ZERO” Kudou Shinichi Suizokukan Jiken’, which delves into the time just before he becomes Conan, promising more of Shinichi’s brilliant deductions.
2nd Place
2nd place is Sakata Gintoki from ‘Gintama’.
Poster visual for ‘Shin Gekijouban Gintama -Yoshiwara Daienjou-‘ (C) Sorachi Hideaki / Gekijouban Gintama Seisaku Iinkai
Sakata Gintoki is the leader of the Yorozuya, a jack-of-all-trades odd jobs store. Comments included: “He always acts bothered, but deep down he’s kind, like how he’d probably play Santa if asked. Plus, since he has a sweet tooth, he’d likely tag along if there’s cake involved,” and “Gintama has so many Christmas-related episodes. Not just Gin-san, but with the whole Yorozuya crew, the Shinsengumi, and others, it seems like we could have a wildly fun Christmas together,” suggesting a Christmas full of laughter and chaos.
The release of ‘Shin Gekijouban Gintama -Yoshiwara Daienjou-‘ is set for February 13th. As the finale of the “Gintama 20th Anniversary Project,” this brand-new film is drawing intense attention.
3rd Place
3rd place is Tomioka Giyuu from ‘Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (also known as Demon Slayer).
First poster visual for ‘Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugenjou-hen Daiisshou -Akaza Sairai-‘ (C) Gotouge Koyoharu / Shueisha, Aniplex, ufotable
Tomioka Giyuu is one of the Hashira, the highest rank in the Demon Slayer Corps, mastering the Water Breathing style as the Water Hashira. Comments showed readers wanting to take the initiative: “I’d like to throw a salmon daikon party for him using his favorite ingredients,” and “Since he’s not much of a talker, I’d invite him to a party and make sure he has fun!” Other characters from Kimetsu no Yaiba also received votes. For example, for the Wind Hashira, Shinazugawa Sanemi, comments said, “Despite his rough and intimidating exterior, he’s dutiful and cares deeply for his family—a man of two sides. On Christmas Eve, he might show that gentle side he usually hides,” expressing hope to see his true self.
Introducing Other Comments!
Visual for ‘Osomatsu-san’ Season 4 (C) Akatsuka Fujio / Osomatsu-san Seisaku Iinkai
For Matsuno Ichimatsu from ‘Osomatsu-san’: “Ichimatsu loves cats, so he’d probably host a Christmas party just for cats. I’d love to join in!”
For Fushiguro Megumi from ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’: “He has a bit of a tsundere side, but if asked, he’d likely say ‘well, okay’ and go see illuminations with you or wear a Santa hat. I wish he’d show his dere side on Christmas day.”
For Uesugi Fuutarou from ‘Gotoubun no Hanayome’ (also known as The Quintessential Quintuplets): “He looked really good in that Santa outfit he wore for his part-time job at the cake shop. He’s not usually that type, but if you get him into the mood, he might hype things up energetically. As for presents… maybe a handmade assortment of problem sets?”
For Hoshi Hyuuma from ‘Kyojin no Hoshi’ (also known as Star of the Giants): “He threw a Christmas party, but even his real sister didn’t come, so he had a terrible time. I’d like to throw a fun party for him,” showing votes for characters with sad Christmas memories.
In this survey, votes went to various characters, touching on memorable episodes or hoping for unexpected sides. On the next page, we introduce the top 10—don’t miss it!
Check out the results for female characters here
Ranking Top 5
[Which male character do you want to spend Christmas with? 2025 Edition]
- Kudou Shinichi – ‘Meitantei Conan’
- Sakata Gintoki – ‘Gintama’
- Tomioka Giyuu – ‘Kimetsu no Yaiba’
- Amuro Tooru – ‘Meitantei Conan’
- Gojou Satoru – ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’
- Rivai – ‘Shingeki no Kyojin’ (also known as Attack on Titan) [Tied for 5th]
(Survey period: November 27 to December 4, 2025)
Next page: Revealing the top 10 ranking
Writer: Takahashi Katsunori
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