Coolest swordsmen in anime ranked by Japanese anime fans – who came out on top?
One of the classic character types in anime/manga, the swordsman is often a stoic yet effortlessly cool character.
With so many different iconic swordsmen across anime/manga series, picking just one to rank as the number one coolest swordsman in anime is a difficult task, so 500 Japanese anime fans were drafted in by internet research company NEXER Co. Ltd to cast their votes.
A top 10 was compiled from the votes – revealing a surprising number one that possibly wouldn’t have made the list had the vote been cast by an international audience.
Fans were also asked to provide a reason as to why they voted for the character, with quotes being provided for each of the results.
So, just who did Japanese anime fans rank as the coolest swordsman in anime – let’s find out!
Top 10 coolest swordsmen in anime ranked by Japanese fans
Number 10 – Giyu Tomioka, Demon Slayer (15 votes)
Reasons for voting
“He has a sweet appearance and is toyed with by those around him, but he also has incredible power. He’s a character who could easily be the main character.”
“I thought it was cool how he was so silent but protected his friends.”
Number 9 – Inuyasha, Inuyasha (16 votes)
Reasons for voting
“It feels like he’d always be there to protect me.”
“I like how he grows up while dealing with the complex of being a half-demon.”
Number 8 – Saito Hajime, Rurouni Kenshin (19 votes)
Reasons for voting
“He has such a unique style.”
“He’s been through a lot of hellish situations.”
Number 7 – Shanks, ONE PIECE (21 votes)
Reasons for voting
“He’s a pirate, but he’s also a very human character, and the scene where he saved Luffy was really cool.”
“He’s manly, sexy, and strong-willed, so he’s cool.”
“His kindness is the foundation of his strength.”
Number 6 – Gintoki Sakata, Gintama (23 votes)
Reasons for voting
“He’s usually sloppy, but he’s great at putting his life on the line to protect his friends.”
“He lives life in his own way.”
“He’s a normal, silly guy, but when he holds a sword he becomes as strong as a beast.”
Number 5 – Kyojuro Rengoku, Demon Slayer (45 votes)
Reasons for voting
“When I saw the Demon Slayer movie, I was impressed by the way he put his life on the line to defeat the demons.”
“He has a cool way of life and is always cheerful.”
Places number 4 to 2 were a straight tie between 3 different characters, showing just how difficult fans found it to separate the coolest swordsmen in anime:
Tied for 2nd place – Roronoa Zoro, ONE PIECE (47 votes)
Reasons for voting
“Not only is he strong in battle, but he also has an unyielding and unwavering spirit, and is strong enough to support the crew when they lose track of their direction.”
“The caring attitude towards friends and the desire to strive for greater heights is what makes a true swordsman.”
Tied for 2nd place – Himura Kenshin, Rurouni Kenshin (47 votes)
Reasons for voting
“Since the Meiji era, he has been mindful of not killing people, and although he usually looks unreliable, he is incredibly strong when the time comes.”
“A handsome face, a mysterious presence that doesn’t say much, and impressive sword skills.”
Tied for 2nd place – Tanjiro Kamado, Demon Slayer (47 votes)
Reasons for voting
“He has courage and perseverance.”
“He never gives up and keeps trying until the end.”
You’d be forgiven for assuming that the character voted the number 1 coolest swordsman in anime would be from a blockbuster hit like ONE PIECE and Demon Slayer, but though they are still immensely popular in Japan, these still haven’t quite caught up with some classic series just yet.
The top ranked character won’t come as a surprise to those who are familiar with older series, especially those popular in Japan, whereas some international fans of anime/manga may not have heard of either the series or character before.
The coolest swordsman in anime is…?
At number 1 and officially the coolest anime swordsman as voted for by Japanese anime fans, it’s none other than Lupin III’s Ishikawa Goemon, with 172 votes beating the rest of the competition by a considerable margin.
So why did fans pick Goemon over some of the other choices? Here are two of the reasons given by fans who voted:
“Not only is he good at using the Zantetsuken, but he also cares about his comrades and won’t betray or defect even if it means death, making him strong-willed and cool.”
“He was my first love among anime characters. The voice actor and the character matched well, and I liked his adult male feel. “
With Lupin III debuting in 1967, it’s safe to say that the series longevity and position as a beloved classic series perhaps helped Goemon come out on top.
The voting would likely have been different if international fans were polled, as Lupin III retains some popularity overseas but certainly nowhere near as much as back at home in Japan.
If you’re an international anime fan, who would you have voted for? Leave a comment with your pick and discuss your choice with other fans!
Source: PR Times
© NEXER Inc.