2025 Summer Anime: Which Male Character Did You Fall in Love With at First Sight? 3rd Place: Hanako-kun from Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun, 2nd Place: Narumi Gen from Kaijuu 8-gou, 1st Place is ‘Fell for the Gap…’

“Which 2025 Summer Anime Male Character Did You Fall in Love With at First Sight?” – Top 3 Revealed! First Place is Tsumugi Rintarou from Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku! It’s hard to believe, but a full month has already passed since the 2025 Summer Anime season began airing! This season continues to dazzle […]

2025-09-03OkabeRintarou6 min read
2025 Summer Anime: Which Male Character Did You Fall in Love With at First Sight? 3rd Place: Hanako-kun from Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun, 2nd Place: Narumi Gen from Kaijuu 8-gou, 1st Place is ‘Fell for the Gap…’

“Which 2025 Summer Anime Male Character Did You Fall in Love With at First Sight?” – Top 3 Revealed! First Place is Tsumugi Rintarou from Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku!

It’s hard to believe, but a full month has already passed since the 2025 Summer Anime season began airing! This season continues to dazzle us with a vibrant cast of unique characters, bringing the animated worlds to life. From protagonists who drive the narrative to side characters who sometimes steal the show, and even guest appearances that leave a strong impression despite their brief presence, this diverse lineup truly adds depth to each series.

In light of this, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “Which 2025 Summer Anime Male Character Did You Fall in Love With at First Sight?”. We received an overwhelming 977 responses during the survey period from August 3rd to August 10th. The gender ratio was approximately 40% male and 60% female, with a slight majority of female respondents. The age demographic was primarily younger audiences, with about 50% under 19 and 20% in their 20s.

This article proudly presents the results for the male character category!

Captivating Characters Leading the Summer Anime Season!


Kaijuu 8-gou Season 2 Key Visual (C) Defense Force 3rd Unit (C) Naoya Matsumoto/Shueisha
Kaijuu 8-gou Season 2 Key Visual (C) Defense Force 3rd Unit (C) Naoya Matsumoto/Shueisha

“2025 Summer Anime, Which Character Did You Fall in Love With at First Sight?” Ranks 1-5
“2025 Summer Anime, Which Character Did You Fall in Love With at First Sight?” Ranks 1-5

Summer Anime Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2 Latter Half Key Visual (C) AidaIro/SQUARE ENIX・“Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2” Production Committee
Summer Anime Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2 Latter Half Key Visual (C) AidaIro/SQUARE ENIX・“Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2” Production Committee

Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku Key Visual (C) Saka Mikami・Kodansha/“Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku” Production Committee
Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku Key Visual (C) Saka Mikami・Kodansha/“Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku” Production Committee

TV Anime Tougen Anki Key Visual (C) Yuuki Urushibara (Akita Shoten)/Tougen Anki Production Committee
TV Anime Tougen Anki Key Visual (C) Yuuki Urushibara (Akita Shoten)/Tougen Anki Production Committee

Summer Anime Gachiakuta Main Visual
Summer Anime Gachiakuta Main Visual

TV Anime Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu Key Visual
TV Anime Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu Key Visual

Summer Anime Karaoke Iko! Key Visual
Summer Anime Karaoke Iko! Key Visual

First Place

The **first place** goes to **Tsumugi Rintarou** from *Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku*, securing approximately 8% of the votes!


Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku Key Visual (C) Saka Mikami・Kodansha/“Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku” Production Committee
*Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku* Key Visual (C) Saka Mikami・Kodansha/“Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku” Production Committee

Tsumugi Rintarou, the protagonist of this heartwarming series, is a high school student attending an all-boys school known for its delinquent students. His world changes when he encounters Waguri Kaoruko, a student from an elegant all-girls academy, and their friendship blossoms. Fans were captivated by his charming contrast: “Despite his intimidating appearance with blonde hair, he’s actually incredibly kind-hearted, and that gap is what made me fall for him!” Others commented, “While he’s labeled as a delinquent, he’s not violent; he just struggles to express his true feelings, which makes him so endearing. He genuinely thinks about his friends, family, and future, showing a surprisingly mature side that resonated with me.” There were also comments praising his visual appeal, with one fan noting, “His hair is always slicked back at school, but when he lets it down, he looks even better.” This sentiment highlights how a simple change in hairstyle made many swoon!

Second Place

Coming in **second place** is **Narumi Gen** from *Kaijuu 8-gou (Season 2)*, with around 6% of the votes.


Kaijuu 8-gou Season 2 Key Visual (C) Defense Force 3rd Unit (C) Naoya Matsumoto/Shueisha
*Kaijuu 8-gou* Season 2 Key Visual (C) Defense Force 3rd Unit (C) Naoya Matsumoto/Shueisha

Narumi Gen serves as the formidable captain of the Japan Defense Force’s First Unit. What makes him so appealing to fans is his unique blend of traits. Comments included, “He leads a rather slovenly life but is undeniably the strongest in terms of skill! He’s confident yet also checks his public image online, which makes him feel so human and relatable.” Another fan shared, “The balance between his coolness as the First Unit Captain and his otaku-like passion as an avid gamer is perfect.” Many were charmed by the distinct facets of his personality revealed both in his private life and on the job. Furthermore, his use of “boku” for “I” and Uchiyama Kouki-san’s delightful “childish” acting for the character in the second season have made this new addition to the cast a major highlight!

Third Place

The **third place** goes to **Hanako-kun** from *Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2 (Sequel)*, garnering approximately 5% of the votes.


Summer Anime Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2 Latter Half Key Visual (C) AidaIro/SQUARE ENIX・“Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2” Production Committee
Summer Anime *Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2* Latter Half Key Visual (C) AidaIro/SQUARE ENIX・“Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2” Production Committee

Hanako-kun is the seventh of the Seven Mysteries of Kamome Gakuen, specifically “Hanako-san of the Toilet.” He’s known for resolving incidents related to the school’s supernatural occurrences. Fans adored his mysterious aura, with one saying, “I love his mysterious vibe, a blend of boyish innocence and the unfathomable depth of a supernatural being. While he sometimes teases his assistant, Nene-chan, he’s always a reliable presence who will protect her in a pinch.” Many readers expressed how their affection for him grew with each new installment of the series. His visual style also received high praise: “His traditional Gakuran uniform and school cap, combined with the ‘Seal’ tag on his left cheek, are so stylish. He’s definitely perfect for cosplay!”

Other Notable Comments!

For Mudano Mujin from *Tougen Anki*, a fan commented, “The classic combination of black hair and half-closed eyes is just the best! He’s cool and sharp-tongued, but I also adore how much he cares for his students.”

Regarding Engine from *Gachiakuta*, a reader shared, “He’s like an older brother figure who teases the protagonist Rudo but always protects him. His first appearance in episode 2 was truly cool! He has a relaxed demeanor but knows when to get serious, and Konishi Katsuyuki-san’s ‘aniki’ voice is wonderful.”

As for Yoshiki from *Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu*, a fan expressed, “I deeply empathized with his conflicting feelings – knowing that his best friend, Hikaru, has been replaced by an imposter, yet still wanting to stay by his side. The mole on his face is also a charming feature.”

For Narita Kyouji from *Karaoke Iko!*, a fan remarked, “Despite his polite language and gentle Kansai dialect, there’s a thrilling, intense quality that hints at his yakuza nature. It was hilarious when Ono Daisuke-san, the voice actor, intentionally sang ‘Kurenai’ poorly during the karaoke scene!”

The male character category showcased a diverse range of characters from various genres, including romantic comedy, action, and horror. From protagonists to rivals, a colorful array of personalities made it into the rankings. Stay tuned for the results of the female character category, coming soon!

Ranking Top 10

[Which 2025 Summer Anime Male Character Did You Fall in Love With at First Sight?]

  1. Tsumugi Rintarou – *Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku*
  2. Narumi Gen – *Kaijuu 8-gou (Season 2)*
  3. Hanako-kun – *Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2 (Sequel)*
  4. Aoi Akane – *Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun 2 (Sequel)*
  5. Hikaru – *Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu*
  6. Mudano Mujin – *Tougen Anki*
  7. Yoshiki (Tsujinaka Yoshiki) – *Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu*
  8. Mogura (Hyakukura Momoyugi) – *Dekin no Mogura*
  9. Azuma Naoki – *Takopii no Genzai*
  10. Okarun (Takakura Ken) – *Dandadan (Season 2)*

(Response period: August 3, 2025 – August 10, 2025)

Next page: Ranking up to 20 will be revealed!

※This survey is part of our ongoing research into reader interest and attention regarding current anime works and characters. The results are not intended to establish superiority or inferiority among any characters or works. We hope this article serves as an opportunity to discover new works and characters, or to deepen your understanding and interest in those you already know.

《Takahashi Katsunori》

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