Gintama’s Sakata Gintoki Tops 2026 Silver-Themed Anime Character Poll

September 25 is Sterling Silver Day in Japan. The date comes from 925, the purity mark for sterling silver, an alloy that contains at least 92.5 percent silver.

Silver has a calm shine and a cool image. In anime, characters are linked to silver in many ways: silver hair, silver costumes, silver weapons or mecha, and names that include gin or silver. Anime! Anime! asked readers which character they associate with silver as an image color. The survey ran from September 12 to September 19, 2026, and 240 people responded. About 45 percent of respondents were male and about 55 percent were female, making the groups nearly equal. By age, respondents 19 or younger made up about 35 percent, while those in their 20s and 30s each accounted for about 20 percent.

Sakata Gintoki from Gintama takes first place

First place went to Sakata Gintoki from Gintama, with a support rate of about 41 percent. Gintoki runs the odd-jobs shop Yorozuya Gin-chan in Kabukicho, Edo. His natural curly silver hair is his trademark, and he was once feared under the name Shiroyasha.

Readers pointed out that the title Gintama, his name Gintoki, his hair, and even his scooter are silver. One comment said it is hard to think of another character so thoroughly silver. Others said that silver can be both poison and medicine, which reflects Gintoki’s two sides: he causes trouble in daily life, but becomes more reliable than anyone when it matters. Fans also praised the contrast between his messy silver hair and sharp red eyes, and his willingness to stand firm when friends or weaker people are hurt. For them, he is a samurai with a hidden Gin no Tamashii, or silver soul, and no one wears silver better.

On September 25, Shin Gekijouban Gintama -Yoshiwara Daienjou- began a re-release. It is being shown as a special Chou Enjou Ban version with more than 200 cuts refined from the standard version.

Gavan and Jean Pierre Polnareff share second place

Second place was a tie between Gavan from Uchuu Keiji Gavan and Jean Pierre Polnareff from JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Stardust Crusaders.

Gavan

Gavan is a space sheriff who belongs to the Galactic Federation Police. He dons a shining silver combat suit and fights the space criminal organization Maku. Readers said that when they think of silver, they think of Gavan, whether in the past or now. They described the metallic shine of his full-body combat suit as unforgettable since they watched him in real time as children, calling him a hero with a strong impact. One comment noted that Uchuu Keiji Gavan is the memorable first entry in the Metal Hero Series, and that when he appeared in Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger VS Uchuu Keiji Gavan THE MOVIE, he himself said that the silver shine was not just for show. In 2026, a new work bearing his name, Chou Uchuu Keiji Gavan Infinity, aired, passing the silver shine to a new generation.

Jean Pierre Polnareff

Polnareff is a French Stand user who first appeared in Part 3 of JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken. He is searching for the whereabouts of the enemy who killed his sister. Readers loved that both Polnareff and his Stand have silver elements. His Stand is Silver Chariot, and fans called the sight of a swordsman in shining silver armor holding a silver rapier stylish. They also mentioned his tall, straight-standing silver hair, a hairstyle impossible to forget after seeing it once. While the protagonist Joutarou is cool, Polnareff is emotional and often serves as comic relief, yet he also has a caring side and helped make the Part 3 journey exciting. Support gathered for both his bright, hot personality and his silver design.

Other comments from readers

Fukuzawa Yukichi from Bungou Stray Dogs received votes as the president of the Armed Detective Agency, who is known by the nickname Ginrou, or Silver Wolf. A reader said that the past arc Tanteisha Setsuritsu Hiwa used a restrained monochrome presentation that made the silver image stand out, and that his sharp, drawn-sword presence suits a figure with a dull-colored shadow.

Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou, also known as Alya, from Tokidoki Bosotto Russia-go de Dereru Tonari no Alya-san drew comments about her waist-length silver hair flowing beautifully. Readers said the intelligent and elegant silver color fits her, giving a sense of coldness while also showing her strong core.

Evangelion Unit-04 from Shinseiki Evangelion was also mentioned. The unit did not appear in the TV anime, manga, or movies, but games have depicted it as a silver machine. One reader recalled a pachinko Unit-04 reach in which Kaworu saves the endangered Unit-01, calling it a premium production that confirms kakuhen and saying it was exciting to see.

Siesta from Tantei wa Mou, Shindeiru. received votes for her short-bob silver hair and clear blue eyes. Her age and real name remain unknown, and she is still wrapped in mystery. With Season 2 starting after five years, and a new work beginning on October 7, fans are looking forward to what may be revealed about her.

The survey showed that characters connect to silver in many forms, including hair color, costumes, and special abilities. Action-oriented characters stood out near the top, making it clear that silver is a color with a strong presence in battle scenes as well.

Top 10 Silver-Image Characters for 2026

Survey period: September 12 to September 19, 2026.

This survey is part of an awareness study about readers’ current interest in and attention to anime works and characters. The results are not intended to decide superiority among any characters or works. The article hopes to help readers discover new works and characters or deepen their understanding and interest.

Takahashi Katsunori