The Characters Who Seal the Deal: Anime & Game “Contract” Character Popularity Survey Results
February 11th is “National Foundation Day” in Japan.
Just as a nation is built upon many agreements, in anime and games, a “contract” can drastically change a character’s fate. Whether it’s forming a master-servant bond with a summoned being, bearing a cost in exchange for a wish, becoming unexpectedly engaged, or gaining power under harsh conditions… the nature of a contract varies wildly across different stories.
With that in mind, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “Which character comes to mind when you think of ‘contracts’?” During the survey period from January 29th to February 5th, we received 533 responses. The gender ratio was approximately 35% male and 65% female, with a slight majority of female respondents. The age demographic was centered on younger audiences, with about 55% under 19 and roughly 15% in their 20s.
Beware the Sweet-Talk! Contracts That Change Fate
First Place
Taking first place is Azul Ashengrotto from Disney Twisted-Wonderland, with a support rate of approximately 31%.
Azul is the dorm leader of Octavinelle. A shrewd businessman who runs a cafe within the school, readers praised his cunning nature: “His unique magic, ‘It’s a Deal,’ allows him to steal the abilities of anyone who signs his contract. There are also many contract-related episodes in the main story,” and “It’s so Azul to not simply help someone in trouble, but to secure a contract from them first. I also love the scene where he makes contract-breakers grow sea anemones on their heads.”
It’s also worth noting that a sequel for Disney Twisted-Wonderland the Animation has been confirmed. Many are looking forward to Azul’s role in the upcoming Season 3, “Episode of Octavinelle.”
Second Place
In second place is Kyuubey from Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica, with a support rate of about 19%.
Kyuubey is the mysterious entity that offers contracts to young girls, granting one wish in exchange. Fans were shocked by the series’ impactful twists: “The line ‘Make a contract with me, and become a magical girl!’ is iconic for Madoka★Magica. It looks like a cute mascot character, but its methods are ruthless. The way it withholds unfavorable information to guide girls into a contract is so dishonest, it’s often compared to a shady salesman…” and “As the story progressed, I was shaken to learn the contract’s cost was far too heavy. When the truth about magical girls was revealed, it gave me chills.” Comments also expressed anticipation for the upcoming film, Gekijouban Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica 〈Walpurgis no Kaiten〉.
Third Place
Securing third place is Sebastian Michaelis from Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler), with a support rate of approximately 5%.
Sebastian is the perfect butler who serves Ciel Phantomhive. Readers highlighted his role: “He is the demon with whom Ciel contracted to achieve his revenge. The contract seal engraved on the back of Ciel’s left hand is the proof,” and “The scene where he kneels and pledges loyalty with ‘Yes, my lord’ immediately comes to mind,” as he faithfully carries out his duties.
Votes also came in for Ciel himself: “The moment his right eye’s contract seal, usually hidden by an eyepatch, is revealed is irresistible. The master-servant relationship between a spoiled young master and a demon butler is great!” The series continues to be popular, with the fifth season, Kuroshitsuji -Midori no Majo Hen-, having aired in 2025.
Let’s Check Out Some Other Comments!
For Pochita from Chainsaw Man: “He made a contract to show Denji his dreams in exchange for Denji’s heart. The scene where he grants the power of Chainsaw Man is moving no matter how many times I see it. Even though it’s a contract, the deep bond between the two is clear from Pochita’s gentle tone of voice.”
For Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch: “The line ‘Fine. I’ll form a contract with you!’ was the start of everything. Through his contract with C.C., he gained the absolute power of Geass to command anyone, bringing revolution to the world.”
For Motohashi Iori from Choujin-teki Share House Story “Charisma”: “Motohashi Iori, the ‘Charisma of Submission,’ is an overly devoted character who pressures others into stamping his ‘Slave Contract.’ He’s a dangerous person who calls himself the ‘dog of the nation.'”
For Black from Black Channel: “A demonic creator who makes videos exposing people’s dark sides. His line ‘Deal!!’ when someone signs the project contract is unforgettable,” showing support for this short anime series as well.
In this survey, both characters who *offer* contracts and those who *make* them ranked highly. Many featured series have pivotal contract scenes early on, highlighting how contracts are a key element for driving stories forward.
Top 10 Ranking
[Which character comes to mind when you think of ‘contracts’?]
- Azul Ashengrotto – Disney Twisted-Wonderland
- Kyuubey – Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica
- Sebastian Michaelis – Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)
- Zhongli – Genshin Impact (which can be translated as Original God)
- Motohashi Iori – Choujin-teki Share House Story “Charisma”
- Black – Black Channel
- Ciel Phantomhive – Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)
- Pochita – Chainsaw Man
- Denji – Chainsaw Man
- Kurapika – HUNTER×HUNTER
- Makima – Chainsaw Man
(Survey Period: January 29 – February 5, 2026)
※This survey is part of a broader investigation into readers’ “current interest in and attention to anime titles and characters.” The results are not intended to suggest any superiority or inferiority among the listed characters or works. We hope this article offers an opportunity to discover new works and characters, or to deepen your understanding and interest in them.
Writer: Takahashi Katsunori
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