Who are the ‘braided’ characters? 3rd is Haitani Ran from Toukyou Revengers, 2nd is Tama-chan from Chibi Maruko-chan, and 1st is… <2025 Edition>
Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey asking, “Who is your favorite braided character?” for the first time in about three years. We now present the results.
November 28th marks “Ii Tsuya no Hi” – Good Hair Shine Day! This special day gets its name from a fun Japanese wordplay, where “ii” (11) and “tsuya” (28) combine to form the date.
In the vibrant world of anime, a character’s hairstyle is a crucial element that defines their personality and visual appeal. Among countless styles, braids stand out as a versatile and beloved choice. From classic pigtails tied on both sides to intricate braided ponytails and elegant coiled bun variations, braided hairstyles offer a rich tapestry of looks for characters.
To celebrate this “Good Hair Shine Day,” Anime! Anime! recently conducted a reader survey, asking fans, “Who is your favorite braided character?” This poll, the first in approximately three years, ran from November 8th to November 14th and gathered an impressive 931 responses.
The demographic breakdown revealed a significant lean towards female respondents, making up about 70 percent of the total, while male respondents accounted for roughly 30 percent. The survey primarily engaged younger anime enthusiasts, with about 55 percent of respondents being 19 years old or younger, and another 20 percent in their 20s.
Table of Contents
A Timeless Style: From Latest Hits to Classic Gems, Braids Reign Supreme!
First Place
Taking the crown for the most beloved braided character is Kanroji Mitsuri from Kimetsu no Yaiba, securing a substantial 25 percent of the votes!
Kanroji Mitsuri is one of the elite Hashira, the highest-ranking combatants in the Demon Slayer Corps, known as the Love Hashira. She wields a unique Love Breathing technique and is instantly recognizable for her distinctive appearance. Fans showered her with praise, with comments such as: “Her sakura mochi-colored braids, tipped with lime green, suit her perfectly. The colors are striking, and the braids themselves are so voluminous, giving her an incredible presence. It’s like cherry blossoms blooming around her!” Another reader exclaimed, “Her incredibly voluminous braids, and there are three of them! While many Hashira can be a bit intimidating, these braids perfectly complement Mitsuri-chan’s charming personality. You can recognize her silhouette instantly!” Her unique hair coloring and impressive braid size truly captivated the readers.
Kanroji Mitsuri also recently graced the big screen in the highly anticipated Gekijouban Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugenjou Hen Dai Isshou Akaza Sairai (Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Castle Arc, Chapter 1: Akaza’s Return), where she was depicted delving into the Infinity Castle alongside Iguro Obanai, the Serpent Hashira. Her prominent role in the film undoubtedly contributed to her overwhelming lead in this poll, leaving the competition far behind.
Second Place
Coming in at a delightful second place is Tama-chan (Honami Tamae) from Chibi Maruko-chan, garnering around 6 percent of the votes.
Tama-chan is Maruko-chan’s closest friend and an iconic character, easily identified by her signature braids and glasses. Fans praised her timeless appeal, with one comment saying, “She’s arguably the most famous braided character from a national anime. I’ve been watching her since I was a child!” Another fan highlighted her role in the series: “Tama-chan, with her sensible and down-to-earth personality, is indispensable to Chibi Maruko-chan. Her braids, extending on both sides, truly evoke that classic Showa-era charm.” This beloved series celebrated its 35th anniversary of broadcasting in 2025, solidifying its place in Japanese pop culture. Tama-chan’s braided look has remained her defining feature not just in the anime, but also in live-action TV dramas and commercials, proving that her charm point is unwavering across all media.
Third Place
Securing the third spot is Haitani Ran from Toukyou Revengers, with approximately 5 percent of the votes.
Haitani Ran is one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Tenjiku, a formidable team based in Yokohama. Readers were captivated by his distinctive style, with comments like: “His two-tone braids, gold and black, are incredibly cool. Pigtails are often associated with girls’ hairstyles, but it’s amazing how well they suit a delinquent like Ran!” Another fan pondered the artistic challenge of his look: “Toukyou Revengers is full of characters with unique hairstyles, and while Ran’s might seem simple, it looks tough to recreate. How would they depict that black-to-gold gradient?” Many also admired his overall presence: “I love Ran, who is strong both in fights and in visuals.” Fans of Toukyou Revengers have more to look forward to, as the sequel, “Santen Sensou-hen” (Three Deities Arc), is scheduled to air in 2026.
More Fan Favorites: Highlighting Other Memorable Braided Characters!
Among the many wonderful braided characters, here are some other fan favorites that received notable mentions:
Saotome Ranma from Ranma 1/2 garnered praise: “Ranma’s charm lies in his bouncy pigtail! He’s always fighting, but when it truly matters, he’s incredibly cool defending Akane. And his unexpected weakness of being afraid of cats is just adorable. I’m thoroughly enjoying the second season every week!”
Mimata Choko-chan from Maebashi Witches was highlighted: “This is an original anime set in my hometown, Maebashi City in Gunma Prefecture! Choko-chan’s long braids are so cute. When she’s practicing her witch skills, she has a very energetic vibe, but when she wears glasses at school, her atmosphere changes to that of an honor student – I think her hairstyle really helps define those different personas.”
Duo Maxwell from Shin Kidou Senki Gundam W received love: “His super-long braid that reaches his waist is magnificent! It’s also great that there’s a proper reason behind why he started braiding his hair. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the broadcast, and attending various events brought back such nostalgic feelings.”
And from [Oshi no Ko], Hoshino Aqua received a vote: “Because he showed off braids in the Season 3 PV! I’ve been so curious about why he did that.” Fans are eagerly anticipating the new season, scheduled to air in 2026.
This poll revealed an interesting trend: many characters from action-packed series landed in the top ranks. The dynamic movement of their braids during battles adds a thrilling sense of motion, significantly enhancing the visual impact and excitement of each scene.
Don’t miss out on the full ranking! The next page reveals the top 20 characters!
The Ultimate Braid Battle: Ranking the Top 10 Characters!
[“Who is your favorite braided character?”]
- Kanroji Mitsuri, Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Tama-chan (Honami Tamae), Chibi Maruko-chan
- Haitani Ran, Toukyou Revengers
- Edward Elric, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi
- Saotome Ranma, Ranma 1/2
- Makima, Chainsaw Man
- Hanekawa Tsubasa, Bakemonogatari
- Okuda Manami, Ansatsu Kyoushitsu
- Kamui, Gintama
- Mei Mei, Jujutsu Kaisen
(Response period: November 8, 2025 – November 14, 2025)
Next Page: Discover the full Top 20 ranking!
Authored by Katsunori Takahashi
