Top Ice and Snow (Cold) Characters? 3rd Place: Touhou Project’s Cirno, 2nd Place: Frozen’s Elsa, 1st Place is…!? Kimetsu no Yaiba’s Douma and Others Rank High, Results Differ from Previous Years! <2026 Edition>

The New Year has arrived, and winter’s chill is truly settling in.

Characters who can freeze their opponents with cold, freely make it snow, or were born and raised in frigid lands— there are so many anime characters associated with ice and snow.

So, at Anime! Anime!, we conducted our annual reader survey titled “Which character comes to mind when you think of ice or snow (cold)?”. During the survey period from January 9th to January 12th, we received 405 responses.

The gender ratio was about 40% male and 60% female, with slightly more female respondents. The age range was centered on younger demographics, with about 45% under 19 and about 20% in their 20s.

■ Enslaved by Freezing Power!

First Place

First place goes to Todoroki Shouto from Boku no Hero Academia (also known as My Hero Academia). The support rate was about 11%, returning to the top spot from second place last time.

Todoroki Shouto is a student in Class 1-A of the Hero Course at Yuuei High, admitted on recommendation. He possesses a Quirk called “Half-Cold Half-Hot,” which allows him to generate ice from his right side and flames from his left.

Readers commented, “With the Hero Aca anime having reached its finale, Todoroki Shouto was the first to come to mind!” and “His ultimate move, Great Glacial Aegir, in the final battle was way too cool,” showing that enthusiasm hasn’t cooled even now that the story has concluded.

Others said, “He’s a hero who can use both fire and ice, but the ice he inherited from his mother is particularly memorable. Its versatility in实战, from restraining enemies to helping allies, is also a major strength.” His initial refusal to use his fire side seems to have solidified his icy image. It was also decided that a newly written manga episode, “More,” will be animated on May 2nd, drawing attention to what comes “after” the finale.

Second Place

Second place is Elsa from Frozen (known as Anna to Yuki no Joou in Japan). The support rate was about 10%, dropping one spot from the top position last time.

Elsa is the eldest daughter of the kingdom of Arendelle and can manipulate ice and snow. Readers said, “She’s one of the protagonists of Disney’s worldwide mega-hit Frozen. The scene where she sings the theme song ‘Let It Go’ was moving on a goosebump-inducing level. Building a castle with magic is also amazing” and “I’m drawn to her ability to freeze things solid and make it snow freely. I’d love to make an Olaf!” showing many fans are captivated by her singing and powers.

Another comment noted, “Because her ice magic is deeply intertwined with the drama itself, like the trauma of having hurt her sister Anna,” suggesting that the magic itself being directly connected to Elsa’s inner conflict and growth is also a reason for her support. Production on a third film is also underway, scheduled for release in North America in 2027.

Third Place

Third place is Cirno from Touhou Project. The support rate was about 7%, breaking into the top three from fourth place last time.

Cirno is an ice fairy who lives by the Misty Lake, a spirited character who proclaims herself “the strongest.” Readers said, “Because she has the ‘ability to manipulate cold.’ The ice wings on her back are so cute” and “I love her mischievous side, like how she freezes frogs to play with them,” voicing support for her innocent personality. Others mentioned, “I never thought she’d get a collaboration commercial made at McDonald’s,” touching on last year’s unexpected corporate collaboration. This buzz seems to have helped push her into the higher ranks.

■ Other Comments!

For Douma from Kimetsu no Yaiba (also known as Demon Slayer): “A user of Blood Demon Arts that manipulate ice and cold. The battle scene in Chapter 1 of the ‘Infinity Castle Arc’ movie was beautiful and terrifying. Combined with Miyano Mamoru-san’s whimsical performance, I think he became a legendary villain. Looking forward to the next part too!“

For Gray Fullbuster from FAIRY TAIL: “A Maker Magic user who fights using ice as his weapon. Maybe because he’s resistant to cold, he strips his clothes off at every opportunity—it’s a charming quirk. The scene where he risked his life using Iced Shell to save his nakama was so moving.“

For Yukinoshita Yukino from Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru. (also known as My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU): “She’s good at everything from studying to sports, but because she can’t tell lies, she scatters a blizzard with her sharp remarks—an ice queen. However, her heart is kind, and through her interactions with her companions, her attitude towards others thaws like snow melting away.“

For Hisame from Konketsu no Karekore: “She possesses genes from both Kamuy Kamuy and a Yuki-onna (snow woman), allowing her to manipulate both ice/snow and electricity, sometimes called ‘Hyouten’ (ice lightning)” showing votes for a YouTube anime character as well.

In the 2026 edition, a diverse range of characters ranked in, from heroes and princesses to game characters. While cool-headed personalities typical of ice characters stood out, votes also came in for characters who were a bit airheaded or, in fact, passionate, showing a wealth of unexpected traits.

The next page reveals the Top 20. Don’t miss it!

■ Top 10 Ranking

[“Ice & Snow” Characters? 2026 Edition]

1. Todoroki Shouto – Boku no Hero Academia
2. Elsa – Anna to Yuki no Joou (Frozen)
3. Cirno – Touhou Project
4. Hitsugaya Toushirou – BLEACH
5. Douma – Kimetsu no Yaiba
6. Kuzan (Aokiji) – ONE PIECE
7. Crocell Kerori – Mairimashita! Iruma-kun
8. Yukime – Jigoku Sensei Nube
9. Uraume – Jujutsu Kaisen
10. Ghiaccio – JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken

(Survey Period: January 9 – 12, 2026)

Next Page: Ranking up to 20th Place

—Takahashi Katsunori

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