Image: Madhouse Studio/ David Production/ Toei Animation
Iconic not just because of their strength, but also personality and fashion, these women will make your anime experience better.
The world of anime is filled with countless characters, all with their unique charm. Unfortunately, we don’t see extraordinary female characters at the center of an anime series very often. And when there is an iconic woman who can stand her ground, we can’t help but fall in love with them. Throughout years, such awe-inspiring characters have changed stereotypes and become icons for future generations to look up to.
Sakura Kinomoto (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Image: Madhouse Studio
One of the most beloved magical girls in anime history, Sakura Kinomoto was the hero for many young girls. She is the protagonist of the manga and anime series Cardcaptor Sakura, created by the manga artist group CLAMP. Even though she’s only 10 years old, Sakura becomes extremely powerful through grit and perseverance. She was even mentioned in the xxxHolic series, which takes place in the same world. A highly influential magical girl, Sakura is still idolised by those who grew up watching the show.
Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran High School Host Club)
Image: Studio Bones
The beloved protagonist of the Ouran High School Host Club, this character reignited the popularity of the ‘crossdressing’ trope in romance manga and anime. Created by Bisco Hatori, Haruhi Fujioka is a hard-working highschool student who accidentally ends up as a member of the school’s boys-only host club. At first, she hides her identity from everyone, but her popularity with the women rises due to her calm and gentlemanly demeanor. Although there is a romance sub-plot, Haruhi is the heart and soul of this series. With her androgynous design, she also stands out from the other shoujo protagonists.
Nana Osaki (Nana)
Image: Madhouse Studio
There are two Nanas in the series, and both of them are amazing characters. However, only one stands out with her sleek, fashionable design, and her intimidating yet kind personality. She is the lead singer of a band, she cares deeply about her best friend, and she is unapologetic about her way of life. There are many things to love about Nana Osaki, who is one of the protagonists of Ai Yazawa’s manga and anime. Her bond with Nana Komatsu is a study in female friendships and the complexities of adulthood. The Josei genre is surely incomplete without Nana Osaki, who continues to give strength to women who want to keep the rebels inside them alive.
Sophie Hatter (Howl’s Moving Castle)
Image: Studio Ghibli
The 2004 iconic Ghibli love story is mostly known for the dramatic wizard Howl Jenkins Prendragon. However, standing right by his side is Sophie Hatter, who not only saved Howl’s life, but also made him fall head-over-heels in love with her. Admittedly, she is a character from a book by Diana Wynne Jones, but most people around the world know her from the Hayao Miyazaki film. She is smart, charming, and most importantly, isn’t intimidated by Howl’s power or his antics. Her giving heart is one of the reasons why the movie is so popular, and her iconic silver hair is definitely the other.
Maki Zen’in and Nobara Kugisaki (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Image: MAPPA
Strong women who don’t really care about what others think of them is definitely one of the greatest character tropes. Both Maki and Nobara from Jujutsu Kaisen perfectly embody it. Many would argue that Maki eradicating the Zen’in clan with her bare hands is one of the most satisfying moments in Gege Akutami’s manga. On the other hand, Nobara was absent for most of the series after almost dying at the hand of Mahito. But when she came back, she became the catalyst of Sukuna’s ultimate defeat. Both of them also have badass character designs with scars to show off their battle prowess.
Jolyne Cujoh (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures: Stone Ocean)
Image: David Production
As the only female protagonist in the generation of JoJo’s, Jolyne is already many people’s favourite. She’s the protagonist of the 6th part of Hirohiko Araki’s manga series, and eventual anime series, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures: Stone Ocean. Admittedly, Jolyne has a pretty cool Stand, which allows her to unravel her own body into strings and use them for not only eavesdropping but also in battle. Her iconic twin buns and outstanding fashion sense also makes her stand out amongst other characters (yes, even in JJBA).
Tsunade (Naruto)
Image: Studio Pierrot
There are many great female characters in Naruto, all of whom are really strong and have amazing powers. However, Tsunade, for one reason or another, remains one of the most recognisable and iconic. One of the most important aspects of her character is that she’s the only female Hokage in history. Although she’s not as powerful as some of the other characters, her healing Jutsu is almost unrivaled in the world of Naruto. She was one of the reasons why some citizens stayed alive during Pain’s invasion. Her story is also pretty heartbreaking, and makes the audience realise the flesh and bone woman beyond the hard exterior.
Mao Mao (The Apothecary Diaries)
Image: Toho Animation Studio/ OLM
Maomao is the protagonist of The Apothecary Diaries light novel series by Natsu Hyuga. She’s a bit different from the other characters as the story takes place in a fictional world based on ancient China. Scrawny and unassuming, Maomao was adopted by an apothecary when she was young and learned medicine from him. She often tests medicines and poisons on herself, a habit which continues after entering the Inner Palace. She’s extremely smart and observant, making her a favourite of Jinshi. Her love for medicinal herbs can make her seem a bit crazed sometimes. What’s notable about her is that despite not having any powers, and hailing from an ancient world, Maomao remains a strong and independent (and weird) woman even by today’s standards. You can check out our review collection for The Apothecary Diaries season 2 if you want to learn more about our thoughts on the series so f.
Robin and Nami (One Piece)
Image: Toei Animation
With its extremely vast lore and massive collection of characters, One Piece has no lack of amazing women, and more continue to be introduced to date. However, Nico Robin and Nami, two of the central characters of the Straw Hats crew, remain unparalleled in their popularity. Robin is extremely strong, with her Hana Hana no Mi Devil Fruit, that allows her to grow body parts from any surface around her. Nami, on the other hand, doesn’t have any special powers. But her navigation skills are unmatched. Both of these women can easily keep up with the rowdy nature of the men in their crew. Despite having extremely painful childhoods, both Nami and Robin have overcome it to become beautiful, strong, and dependable characters, without whom the Straw Hats can’t function.
Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon)
Image: Toei Animation
Usagi Tsukino, popularly known as Sailor Moon, is undoubtedly a character who has transcended time and borders. Based on Naoko Takeuchi’s manga, Usagi is little more than a teenage girl at first glance. However, when she gets the powers of Sailor Moon and becomes one of the guardians of the Earth, she is pretty much unstoppable. Not only her, but the other members of the Sailor Scouts also remain iconic to this day. Sailor Moon is also extremely strong, packing several world-ending supernatural powers that she uses for the good of humanity. It’s been more than two decades since the manga and anime came out. Despite that, Sailor Moon is one of the most recognisable characters in anime history due to her worldwide popularity. And how can we forget the most legendary magical girl transformation of all time?
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