Source: Bones
Behind some of the iconic anime heroes we know are teachers who believed they could shine.
A hero wouldn’t be a hero without the help of an inspirational figure who believed they could rise to the occasion, and a lot of our favourite Shounen protagonists had the help of that one unforgettable teacher who gave them the unwavering support and wisdom they needed to become who they were meant to be.
Here are our favourites:
Toshinori Yagi
From My Hero Academia
Also known as the number one hero All Might, Toshinori Yagi poured all of his support and courage into each of his students at U.A Highschool, most specially to his successor Izuku Midoriya. He saw potential in each student under his tutelage, helping them grow to the heroes they were meant to be.
Yagi led by example, showcasing his courage, selflessness, and unwavering determination, proving these are qualities that all aspiring heroes must strive to attain. But behind his heroic exterior, he also showed his students that vulnerability is not something to look down on, but rather proof of a fiery determination to overcome all struggles.
Iruka Umino
From Naruto
Iruka has a deep empathy and genuine concern for his students, even winning the trust of the then social outcast Naruto Uzumaki. As an orphan himself, Iruka understood the struggles that many of his students faced, a factor that helped him to build longlasting connections, and support them emotionally. Although he is predominantly a kind teacher, Iruka is also firm and strict when it comes to mischief, setting Naruto straight when he would cause havoc across the Hidden Leaf village.
Thanks to Iruka’s nurturing attitude, Naruto grew out of his shell to become a confident hero, and even saw Iruka as a parent figure! Who could ever forget that emotionally heartwarming moment when Naruto asked Iruka to come to his wedding as his father?
Sakonji Urokodaki
From Demon Slayer
Urukodaki first presented himself as a strict and stoic teacher to Tanjiro Kamado, however beyond his cold, emotionless exterior is an old man who continues to struggle with the deaths of his former students. As such, he does his best to prepare Tanjiro to become a Demon Slayer, training both his body and mind to ensure that he is ready to take down whatever demon would get in his way.
Urukodaki espouses patience, wisdom, and a strong moral code that Tanjiro takes to heart, bringing more than the breathing technique and skills Urokodaki taught with him wherever he goes.
Izumi Curtis
From Fullmetal Alchemist
Although Izumi practices a more tough approach to her teachings, beyond her knack for rigorous and brutal training methods is a motherly love for her students Edward and Alphonse Elric. At the core of her heavy hits is a desire to to help them understand the value of perseverance and self-reliance, which are attributes that Ed and Al showcase throughout their journey.
Izumi also stresses the importance of humility, responsibility, and respect for the balance of life, making her teachings completely unforgettable to viewers who enjoyed watching Fullmetal Alchemist.
Master Roshi
From Dragon Ball
Master Roshi may come off as an irreverent character in Dragon Ball with his perverted humour, but beyond his comedic unconventional methods is a wise mentor who instills the importance of hard work, discipline, and humility in his students like Goku and Krillin.
Master Roshi challenges his proteges through gruelling training that pushes them beyond their limits, all while imparting valuable life lessons that highlight the pursuit of balance. There’s a reason why Goku is the strongest, and it’s all thanks to Master Roshi’s lessons.
