January 9th is “Common Cold Day”!
Did you know January 9th is “Common Cold Day” in Japan? It was established to raise awareness about preventing colds and staying healthy, stemming from the belief that the 4th Yokozuna (grand champion) Tanikaze Kajinosuke passed away from influenza on this day in 1795.
When you’re feeling under the weather, even small things can feel overwhelming, and you might find yourself wishing for someone to take care of you. Just having someone prepare water and medicine, check your temperature, or offer a few kind words can be a huge comfort.
The anime world is full of characters who seem like they’d be great at nursing you back to health. Maybe they’re naturally caring, have medical knowledge, or have actually had episodes where they took care of someone. If you could choose a character to nurse you back to health, who would it be?
That’s why Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “Which character would you want to nurse you back to health?” We received 199 responses during the survey period from December 12th to 16th.
The gender ratio was about 35% male and 65% female, with slightly more female respondents. The age demographic was primarily younger, with about 40% under 19 and about 25% in their 20s.
Table of Contents
■ Knowledgeable and Caring: The Ideal Nurses!
#1 Rank
First place goes to Haibara Ai from Meitantei Conan (also known as Case Closed), with a support rate of about 8%.
Her background as a scientist for the Black Organization means she’s well-versed in pharmaceuticals and medicine, which seems to be why readers voted for her as the character they’d want caring for them. Comments from readers included: “In the ‘Unbreakable Snowman’ episode, when Genta-kun fell and got a nosebleed, she used a first-aid kit to treat him. When Ai-chan touched both of Genta-kun’s cheeks, they turned bright red.” Others said, “Her parents were also in the medical field, so she’d probably help with any minor ailment right away,” and “I love her kind personality—she’d probably say ‘I’m not a doctor, you know,’ but end up taking care of you properly anyway.”
#2 Rank
Second place is Kochou Shinobu from Kimetsu no Yaiba (also known as Demon Slayer), with a support rate of about 7%.
Kochou Shinobu is one of the Hashira, the highest-ranking swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps. As the Insect Hashira who uses Insect Breathing, she defeats demons with poisons she concocts herself. Comments highlighted her medical role: “She’s not just knowledgeable about poisons but about medicine in general, taking on the treatment of Corps members—she’s like the Demon Slayer Corps’ doctor. Seeing Shinobu-san’s gentle smile would probably heal any injury in an instant.” Another reader said, “She’s an expert at mixing medicines, so she could probably make a super-effective all-purpose remedy. She can be a little scary, but she’s also very caring, so I think she’d nurse you attentively.” She’s clearly valued for her supportive role beyond just battle.
Visual from Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugenjou Hen – Dai Isshou – Akaza Sairai (C) Koyoharu Gotouge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable
#3 Rank
Third place is a tie between Sakata Gintoki from Gintama and Maomao from Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (which can be translated as The Apothecary Diaries), each with a support rate of about 5%.
Poster visual for Shin Gekijouban Gintama – Yoshiwara Daienjou (C) Hideaki Sorachi / Gekijouban Gintama Seisaku Iinkai
For Gintama‘s Sakata Gintoki, many comments pointed out his reliable side beneath the slacker exterior: “He seems frivolous, but he’s actually very caring. I’d want him to make me egg porridge. With pickled radish on the side.” Another said, “He’s dexterous and the reliable type in a pinch. I’d want him to lull me to sleep with his calming voice, like a lullaby.”
Super Teaser Visual for Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Season 3 & Theatrical Version (C) Natsu Hyuuga, Imajica Infos / “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto” Production Committee
For Kusuriya no Hitorigoto‘s Maomao, readers praised her pharmaceutical expertise: “When Consort Rika was bedridden with illness, she checked her meals and judged them ‘too heavy for a patient.’ She’s not just knowledgeable about medicine—her instructions are precise. She’d probably make nutritious meals you could feel safe eating.” Another comment simply stated, “Above all, her knowledge of pharmacology is vast! If Maomao were there, I’d feel reassured even with a cold.”
■ Let’s Hear More Reader Comments!
Morino Korisu / Neroalice from Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete (also known as Gushing Over Magical Girls): “When the protagonist, Hiiragi Utena, caught a cold, she made a nurse’s office in her dollhouse and took care of her.”
Visual for Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete (C) Akihiro Ononaka, Takeshobo / Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete Production Committee
Lan Wangji from Mo Dao Zu Shi (also known as The Founder of Diabolism): “Episode 25 of the short anime Mo Dao Zu Shi Q is where he takes care of Jin Ling. I can’t forget his ‘ike-men’ (cool guy) moment when he adds honey to the medicine for Jin Ling, who doesn’t want to drink the bitter stuff.”
Oiranzaka Kyouya from Tougen Anki: “He’s the general commander of the support unit. He’s a bit of a flirt, but when he focuses on work, he’s seriously cool. If he smiled and told me ‘It’s okay,’ I feel like I’d get better from that alone.”
Hayakawa Aki from Chainsaw Man: “Even when visiting Denji in the hospital, he cut apple peels into rabbit shapes, and while telling the Angel Devil he partnered with ‘Even as a joke, I could never get along with you,’ he’s still inexplicably devoted. He seems like he’d nurse you very attentively.” His hidden kindness seems to be a big hit.
In this survey, characters garnered votes for various reasons—deep knowledge of medicine, seeming like they’d notice a change in your condition immediately, and more. Of course, knowledge and skill were important, but being caring and good at looking after others was also a frequently cited reason.
■ The Full Top 10 Ranking
[Which character would you want to nurse you back to health? 2026 Edition]
- Haibara Ai (Meitantei Conan)
- Kochou Shinobu (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
- Sakata Gintoki (Gintama)
- Maomao (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto)
- Mouri Ran (Meitantei Conan)
- Shiina Mahiru (Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsunomanika Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken)
- Nakahara Chuuyaku (Bungou Stray Dogs)
- Oiranzaka Kyouya (Tougen Anki)
- Zenhouji Isaku (Nintama Rantarou)
- Akaza / Hakuji (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
- Kamado Tanjirou (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
- Mariya Mikhailovna Kujou (Masha) (Tokidoki Bosotto Roshiago de Dereru Tonari no Aarya-san)
- Yagokoro Eirin (Touhou Project)
(Survey Period: December 12 – 16, 2025)
See the full ranking up to 20th place on the next page!
We have other survey themes open! Please tell us your thoughts.
>> https://animeanime.jp/special/1898/recent/
※This survey is part of our research into readers’ “current interest in and attention to anime works and characters.” The results are not intended to rank any character or work as superior or inferior. We hope this article can serve as a chance to discover new works and characters, and to deepen your understanding and interest.
By Takahashi Katsunori
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