Neckties: Defining Character Style in Anime
February 14th isn’t just Valentine’s Day—it’s also “Necktie Day” in Japan, established to promote the gift of neckties alongside chocolate. In anime, a character’s necktie is more than just attire; it’s a crucial accent that shapes their entire impression. From sharp regular ties and elegant bow ties to unique loop ties, these details are key to expressing a character’s personality.
With that in mind, Anime! Anime! recently conducted a reader survey titled “Which character comes to mind when you think of ‘neckties’?” for the first time in two years. The survey ran from January 30th to February 6th, gathering responses from 138 fans. The gender ratio was nearly equal, with age breakdowns of roughly 25% under 19, 20% in their 20s, and 40% in their 30s.
Neckties Steal the Show in Iconic Scenes
1st Place
Taking the top spot is Nanami Kento from Jujutsu Kaisen, with about 14% of the votes.
Nanami Kento is a former salaryman turned Grade 1 jujutsu sorcerer, known for his signature yellow tie with black polka dots. Fans praised his character, with comments like, “The unique setting of an ex-salaryman sorcerer totally makes sense when you see him in a properly knotted tie and suit—it’s brilliant!” His calm, mature demeanor has earned him the nickname “the adult among adults.”
Voters also highlighted the dynamic role of his necktie in battle: “During his fight with Mahito, he wrapped his tie around his hand to punch!” and “The tie not only adds a composed, intellectual vibe but also amps up the intensity when he channels cursed energy through it.” This contrast between his professional appearance and fierce combat style clearly resonates. Jujutsu Kaisen is currently airing new episodes as part of the Winter 2026 anime season.
2nd Place
Second place goes to Edogawa Conan from Meitantei Conan (also known as Case Closed), with around 6% support.
Edogawa Conan is the shrunken form of high school detective Kudo Shinichi, forced into a child’s body by a mysterious organization. He’s almost always seen wearing a bow tie. Fans immediately think of his essential gadget: “Conan means the bow tie-shaped voice changer invented by Dr. Agasa! He’s always solving cases using Kogoro or Sonoko’s voice—it’s rarer when he doesn’t use it. Even when he accidentally puts someone else to sleep with his watch tranquilizer, he can instantly switch voices—amazing!” This iconic item is a key part of his crime-solving toolkit. The latest film, Meitantei Conan: Highway no Tenshi (which can be translated as Detective Conan: The Angel on the Highway), is set to release on April 10, 2026.
3rd Place
Third place is a tie between Kanonzaka Doppo from Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle- and Mudano Muto from Tougen Anki.
Kanonzaka Doppo is a member of the Shinjuku Division’s Matenro in Hypnosis Mic. By day, he’s a company employee, often seen in a striped shirt paired with a checkered tie. He gathered votes for being one of the most salaryman-like characters in the series, constantly overwhelmed by work.
Mudano Muto is an instructor at Rasetsu Gakuen in Tougen Anki. True to his name, he’s a rationalist who despises waste. Fans noted his striking style: “The black shirt with a red tie as a pinpoint accent is so stylish. In episode 2, he takes off his tie and uses it to strangle the protagonist! His cool, detached line, ‘You… don’t seem suited for a tie,’ is just awesome!” This memorable scene clearly left an impression.
More Fan Comments Spotlighting Necktie Moments
Saitama from One-Punch Man: “In the flashback in episode 1 of the first season, when Saitama still had hair, he defeated a crab monster using his necktie to protect a child. The scene where he pulls out its eyes with the tie was shocking! Maybe the necktie was the trigger for Saitama becoming a hero?”
Nohara Hiroshi from Crayon Shin-chan: “I’ve been watching him since I was a kid, so he feels like the most familiar character. In ‘Nohara Hiroshi: Hirumeshi no Ryougi,’ he’s always wearing a tie at work, and he even dances with a green tie in the OP animation.”
Kira Yoshikage from JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Diamond wa Kudakenai (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable): “That skull-patterned tie has an impact you can’t forget once you’ve seen it. Paired with a light purple suit, it should stand out like crazy, but maybe it’s just normal in Morioh Town.”
Sakata Gintoki (as Sakata Ginpachi) from 3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei: “In the anime, he had a pink shirt with a gray tie, but in the novel versions, he switched it up with blue shirts & yellow ties or pink shirts & green ties. You can really feel his commitment to fashion!” This series, part of the Gintama universe, received votes as the new film Shin Gekijouban Gintama -Yoshiwara Daienjou- (New Theater Edition Gintama -Yoshiwara Great Inferno-) is currently in theaters.
This survey highlighted characters like office workers and teachers, showing how neckties symbolize reliability and adulthood. At the same time, they play active roles in work, battle, and mystery-solving. Don’t miss the full ranking below!
The Top 10 Ranking
[“Necktie” Character Survey 2026 Edition]
- Nanami Kento – Jujutsu Kaisen
- Edogawa Conan – Meitantei Conan
- Kanonzaka Doppo – Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-
- Mudano Muto – Tougen Anki
- Nohara Hiroshi – Crayon Shin-chan
- Sakata Ginpachi – 3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei
- Hanazono Tae – BanG Dream!
- Midoriya Izuku – Boku no Hero Academia
- Korosensei – Ansatsu Kyoushitsu (Assassination Classroom)
- Pianitchi – Tamagotchi!
- Yozakura Kyouichirou – Yozakura-san chi no Daisakusen
(Survey Period: January 30 to February 6, 2026)
Writer: Takahashi Katsunori
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