Saddest Anime Character Deaths

Summary

• Some anime character deaths evoke profound emotions due to their impact on viewers and the story’s themes.
• Characters like Shiro Fujimoto, L, and Sakura Yamauchi face tragic deaths with lasting effects.
• Deaths like those of Nanami, Masaki, and Yuuki tell moving stories about sacrifice, acceptance, and the fragility of life.

Anime has always delved deeply into storytelling by creating characters that build strong emotional connections with viewers. This is mainly done by the characters’ backstories or the anime’s plot. It is more than mere goofy or sparkly fictional characters; it is a world that makes the impossible possible. Anime features characters and worlds that seem far-fetched and eccentric, but it is perfect for fans.

With the intriguing themes, fantasy worlds, romance, comedy, and action portrayed in anime, the characters are the heart of it all. In most cases, there is usually a character to resonate with and connect to, so when this character dies, it leaves a void. Unlike real-life actors and actresses who can be seen again in another show or movie, the anime character is gone forever. The concept of death in anime depicts it as not all sunshine and rainbows in the fictional world.

Updated on January 30, 2025, by Adegbindin Adetutu Fridous: In the vast world of anime, certain character deaths leave an indelible mark on viewers, evoking a profound sense of sadness and loss. These poignant moments transcend the realm of fiction, resonating with fans on a deeply personal level. Whether it’s the sacrifice of a beloved hero, the tragic fate of a misunderstood antagonist, or the heartbreaking demise of an innocent soul, the most emotional deaths in anime capture the fragility of life, the complexities of human emotions, and the profound impact these fictional beings can have on fans’ hearts and minds. There are dozens of these kinds of moments in the anime sphere, and this article has been updated to feature a few more of them.

Spoilers Ahead!

37

Shiro Fujimoto (Blue Exorcist)

Episode 2

At the beginning of the Blue Exorcist series, Shiro is introduced as Rin and Yukio’s strict and loving father figure. He’s tough on them, especially Rin, but it’s clear that every scolding and moment of discipline comes from a place of love. Despite knowing Rin’s true nature as the son of Satan, he treats him like a person and not a monster.

What makes Shiro’s death heartbreaking is his internal struggle to overpower Satan. The moment Satan possesses him, Shiro fights with everything he has to resist. His body and mind fight to hold on, but in the end, even he isn’t strong enough to withstand the overwhelming force of Satan. Yet, in his final moments, he protects Rin. He presses the Kurikara sword into Rin’s hands and tells him to never let his power control him. Even in his dying moment, his love as a father never wavers. Shiro’s death in the series sticks because it solidifies his love for Rin, and he carries the weight with him as he grows older.

36

L (Death Note)

Episode 25

In Death Note, L, a detective, gets closer to uncovering Light Yagami’s secret to killing people in the series. However, the odds are against him because Light is ruthless and willing to do anything to win. At a point in the series, L starts doubting his instincts and himself. Every interaction between L and Light in the episodes leading up to his death is laced with an eerie sort of finality, implying that his death was inevitable.

In a twisted way, L and Light are the closest thing either of them has to a friend. They are enemies playing a game of death, which involves a genuine rivalry. They challenge, push, and, in some way, understand each other better than anyone else in the series. This is why L’s final moments hit so hard. Right before his death, there’s a quiet scene where he washes Light’s feet in the rain, providing an oddly intimate moment reflecting L’s acknowledgment of his defeat. It’s as if he knows that this is the end. Moments later, he’s dead in Light’s arms, with his wide eyes reflecting not just shock but betrayal. L’s death changes the Death Note series permanently. The show never quite recovers from his absence, nor do the fans. The introduction of Near and Mello feels like an attempt to fill the void, but they’re not L. They don’t have his charisma or his quirks.

35

Sakura Yamauchi (I Want To Eat Your Pancreas)

Some anime deaths devastate viewers because of their shock value, while others hit because of how inevitable they are. Then, there’s Sakura Yamauchi from I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, whose death doesn’t just break one’s heart but reshapes how someone thinks about life, love, and the fleeting nature of human connections. Sakura’s terminal illness sets the stage for a tragedy. She knows her time is limited, but instead of wallowing in despair, she lives a life full of optimism. What makes Sakura’s death hit even harder is how it happens. Viewers expect her death to come from her pancreatic illness. Hence, the hospital was expected to be the inevitable place for a tearful goodbye. Instead, however, Sakura is taken suddenly and violently in a random stabbing. Her death has nothing to do with her illness, which is a cruel twist of fate that is likely to leave viewers reeling.

The abruptness of her passing robbed viewers of the closure expected from stories about terminal illness. Sakura’s death is undeniably tragic, but it’s also laced with meaning. Her diary reveals how much she treasured her time with the protagonist and how he gave her joy and purpose in her final days. Hence, her words are a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing the connections made along the way.

34

Nanami (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Season 2, Episode 18

The world of Jujutsu Kaisen is no stranger to pain, but Kento Nanami’s death hit differently during the Shibuya incident. Nanami’s final moments were devastating because of how painfully human they were. From the beginning of the series, Nanami was never the type of character who wanted to be a hero. He was practical and, most of all, tired of killing curses for a living. He had already left the world of sorcery once, hoping to find meaning in normal life, but the boring corporate world pushed him back into hunting curses.

Nanami always knew that sorcerers did not get happy endings, but he just wanted to be a reliable adult and guide the next generation of sorcerers like Yuji Itadori. By the time Shibuya’s chaos reached its peak, Nanami was already a dead man walking. Half of his body was burned and bloodied, and he was running on nothing but willpower because he didn’t know any other way to live. In his final moments, there was exhaustion on his face and a numb acceptance of his fate. When Nanami caught sight of Yuji, he didn’t scream or fight desperately for survival. He simply looked at Yuji and, at that moment of peace, he told him:

You’re here. That’s enough. − Nanami

Then, Mahito snuffed out his life and turned him into a curse. Nanami’s death was tragic because it was mundane. It was just about a tired man meeting the inevitable. Nanami was not the strongest in Jujutsu Kaisen, but he was one of the most human characters in the series, and that’s why losing him was heartbreaking.

33

Tomomi Masaoka (Psycho Pass)

Episode 21

Tomomi Masaoka’s death in Psycho-Pass is an incredibly emotional moment. His relationship with his son, Inspector Ginoza, is complex, filled with tension and unspoken care, making his death even more tragic. For Masaoka, his relationship with his son is a key element in his character arc. Ginoza resents his father for his demotion from Inspector to Enforcer. Despite this, Masaoka cares deeply for his son and tries to guide him for as long as he can.

Masoka’s death occurred during a group search for Makishima. Masaoka sacrifices himself to save Ginoza from Makishima’s dynamite. This tragic moment where Masaoka lost his life showed that, despite their differences, Masaoka always prioritized his son’s safety. The emotional weight of losing his father hits Ginoza hard, making it one of the most poignant scenes in the show.

32

Yuuki Konno (Sword Art Online)

Episode 49

In Sword Art Online, Yuuki’s backstory is one of the most devastating. In the series, she has AIDS, a terminal disease that made her transfer from her school in 4th grade after a group of students found out about it. For much of her life, she lived in hospitals, isolated from the outside world and suffering from immense physical pain. However, in the Alfheim Online (ALO) virtual world, Yuuki finds freedom, joy, and a way to escape her tragic circumstances. Despite knowing she was on borrowed time, her courage and cheerful personality make her an inspirational character.

The contrast between her vibrancy in the virtual world and her frailty in real life makes her fate all the more heart-wrenching. In the series, Yuuki’s death scene is particularly emotional because of the way it is portrayed. She passes away in the virtual world, surrounded by friends, and the fact that she dies in a place where she felt the most alive −ALO− adds a bittersweet emotion to her death. In this way, she gets to say goodbye in a place where she once experienced the joys of life that her illness denied her in the real world. Also, the fact that viewers get to grow and become attached to her over multiple episodes before she finally meets her end grants her a peaceful farewell that is both touching and tragic.

31

Kishou Arima (Tokyo Ghoul)

Episode 16

Arima’s relationship with Ken Kaneki is central to the emotional weight of his death. As Tokyo Ghoul progresses, it’s revealed that Arima views Kaneki as a son-like figure and has been grooming him to replace him eventually. This father-son dynamic is both touching and tragic. When Arima reveals the truth to Kaneki during their face-off, Kaneki realizes that the man he thought of as his enemy was actually his mentor and the closest thing he had to a father figure.

At this moment, Arima’s death is portrayed subtly yet powerfully. In the confrontation against Kaneki, Arima does not die in a blaze of glory nor fall to an enemy’s blade. Instead, he quietly slits his own throat, ensuring that Kaneki would not be burdened with killing him. This act of quiet, self-inflicted death is tragic because it is devoid of the typical dramatics often seen in character deaths in anime. The quiet acceptance of his own fate and the burden he leaves behind makes the moment heartbreaking.

30

Kamado Family (Demon Slayer)

Episode 1

The Kamado family tragedy remains the heart of the Demon Slayer series and is one that shaped the protagonist’s character arc. The suddenness of the slaughter of the Kamado family is what makes it so devastating for both Tanjiro and the viewers. The abruptness of losing everything in a single day also makes it particularly gut-wrenching.

The Kamado family were completely innocent victims. They lived simple, peaceful lives, far removed from the world of demons, and they didn’t deserve the fate that befell them. This amplifies the sense of injustice in their deaths. They were not warriors or soldiers but ordinary people who were caught up in the violent world of demons. The vulnerability of Tanjiro’s siblings, particularly his younger brothers and sisters, makes their deaths especially tragic, as they were far too young to meet such a violent end.

29

Junpei Yoshino (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Episode 12

Junpei Yoshino is introduced in Jujutsu Kaisen as a lonely and bullied high school student who struggles to find his place in life. His life turns dark when he encounters Mahito, a malevolent curse spirit who manipulates Junpei’s emotions and exploits his vulnerability. Mahito had a bad influence on Junpei, giving him a sense of power that the young boy yearned for. The relationship between the two is built on deceit, which leads Junpei down a violent path.

The tragedy of Junpei’s death lies in how he had a glimmer of hope and a chance at redemption after his encounter with Yuji Itadori. However, Junpei’s glimpse of hope is shattered when Mahito mercilessly transfigures his soul, and Yuji cannot do anything about it. Junpei’s sad death is a stark reminder of how vulnerable people can be manipulated due to their loneliness and their desperate search for connection.

28

Masaki Kurosaki (Bleach)

Episode 9

In Bleach, Masaki Kurosaki is a loving, caring mother whose warm and nurturing presence is central to Ichigo’s early life. Her kindness and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on her family and those who knew her. This makes her sudden and violent death even more shocking and tragic.

The event occurs when Ichigo is a child. His mothers death leaves him deeply traumatized, and plants the seeds of his future struggles and motivations in the series. Masaki died while protecting Ichigo from the evil hollow known as the Grand Fisher. This act of self-sacrifice highlights her unconditional love and the lengths to which she would go to ensure her child’s safety. Ichigo witnesses her death firsthand, an experience that haunts him and fuels his later determination to become stronger and protect those he loves.

27

Sir Nighteye (My Hero Academia)

Episode 77

In My Hero Academia, Sir Nighteye’s Quirk is powerful but also an immense burden. Foresight allows him to predict the future, but this knowledge has a heavy emotional toll. Nighteye’s foresight also extends to his own death. During his intense battle against Overhaul, he uses his Quirk to foresee the potential outcomes, ultimately resigning himself to the fact that his death is imminent. He was gravely wounded during the battle but continued fighting due to his determination to save Eri and Mirio.

Nighteye took a fatal blow when a spike pierced him, and he died in a hospital. The acceptance of his fate, coupled with his resolve to fight even though his death is inevitable, portrays the tragic heroism of his character. Nighteye’s death profoundly impacts Mirio and Deku, as well as other characters who knew and admired him.

26

Askeladd (Vinland Saga)

Episode 24

Askeladd is a complex and morally ambiguous character who serves as a major antagonist and later becomes a mentor figure to the main protagonist, Thorfinn. As the story progresses, a deeper understanding of his character is revealed, and his complicated relationship with Thorfinn develops. In the battle between Thorfinn and Askeladd, he acknowledges his own selfishness and the pain he caused Thorfinn, and in a final act of redemption, he implores Thorfinn to find a purpose beyond vengeance.

Askeladd’s death is heartbreaking because it represents the conclusion of his complex character arc and the tragic realization of his unfulfilled ambitions. It’s a sobering reminder of the destructive nature of vengeance and the search for meaning in a world rife with conflict. It also profoundly impacts Thorfinn, as he confronts the consequences of his obsession with vengeance.

25

Jonathan Joestar (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood)

Episode 9

Jonathan Joestar’s death in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood is a reminder of life’s impermanence and the recurring trope of characters giving up their lives for the greater good. In Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Jonathan carries the burden of protecting the world from his vampire foster brother, Dio, and embodies Joestar’s family’s relenting spirit of goodness.

While Jonathan’s heroic act led to his death, his sacrifice to ensure the destruction of his foster brother showcases his courage and selflessness amidst all odds. His sacrifice for a noble cause marks a turning point in the series, an act that is heroic yet heartbreaking.

24

Sohryu Asuka Langley (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Episode 25

Sohryu Asuka Langley, the fiery pilot from Neon Genesis Evangelion, continues to resonate with viewers long after the series’ conclusion. Throughout the series, Asuka struggles with isolation and a deep-seated fear of abandonment. Witnessing her mother’s mental breakdown and the constant pressure to excel further isolates her. Her death, occurring when she’s alone within a malfunctioning Eva unit, becomes a chilling manifestation of her deepest fear.

When Asuka’s Eva unit malfunctions and death is nigh, she rediscovers her will to live, but it is too late even though she learns that Unit-02 contains her mother’s soul. Asuka embodies the tragic potential of a young life wasted on war and the pressures of expectation. Her death signifies the loss of a brilliant pilot and a young woman who never received the love and support she desperately needed.

23

Ai Hoshino (Oshi No Ko)

Episode 1

In Oshi no Ko, Ai Hoshino’s journey from a lonely orphan to a star idol is a testament to her resilience and determination. Her struggles to balance her public persona with her private life, especially as a single mother, reveal a depth of character rarely seen in anime. Despite her fame and success, Ai yearned for genuine love, something she had been deprived of in her youth. Her vulnerability and desire to protect her children, Aqua and Ruby, add layers of poignancy to her story, making her demise all the more devastating.

Ai is brutally murdered by a deranged fan who feels betrayed by her secret life. This violent act not only ends Ai’s life but also exposes the dark side of the idol industry, where the pressure to maintain a flawless image can lead to extreme consequences. Ai represents a figure of unfulfilled dreams, which adds another layer of sadness to her tragic ending.

22

Leone (Akame Ga Kill!)

Episode 24

Leone is a member of the Night Raid, a group of assassins fighting against the corrupt government. She is known for her fierce personality and loyalty. Despite her strength and determination, she is fatally wounded in the battle against the Emperor’s soldiers. Even though many characters die in Akame Ga Kill!, Leone’s death scene is emotionally charged and heart-wrenching as her life slowly fades away. What makes Leone’s death particularly tragic is the connection she has with viewers. Her death is a shock, as viewers will have grown attached to her lively spirit and caring nature.

Leone’s death also sparked a sense of urgency and determination within the remaining characters to overthrow the corrupt government. Her sacrifice and the impact of her death fuel the resolve of the other members of Night Raid. In Akame Ga Kill!,, her death brings to light the harsh realities and consequences of the world they live in, where even the strongest and most beloved characters are not immune to tragedy.

21

Ash Lynx (Banana Fish)

Episode 24

Ash endured horrific abuse and violence throughout his life, and he feels nothing awaits him beyond pain and suffering, but his new friend, Eiji, offers him kindness and hope. The baggage Ash carries shapes him into a violent person whose only way out of any problem is through violence.

However, Ash sees a light at the end of the dark tunnel he is in his whole life through Eiji. In a cruel twist of fate, Ash meets his end at the hand of a random gang member in a petty altercation. His death extinguishes this hope for a brighter future, denying him a chance to live a life of normalcy.

20

Light Yagami (Death Note)

Episode 37

The story of Light Yagami is that of someone who played with fire and was burnt by it. He was a crazy person who hoped to rid the world of vermin but became one in his battle to outsmart L. His dark fate at the end makes one feel sorry for him and those affected by his actions.

His pain and desperation to find a light at the end of the dark tunnel he made for himself makes fans wonder how this genius would have turned out if he had never picked up the book. Even though his death in Death Note was expected, his cry for Misa and Takada as he tries to flee his fate shows he realized his wrongdoings, albeit too late.

19

Itachi Uchiha (Naruto: Shippuden)

Episode 138

Itachi was the most controversial character in Naruto. Even though he is seen as a cold murderer, his love for his brother, Sasuke, transcends everything. While he committed genocide, his actions were still for the greater good of Konoha village.

What makes Itachi’s death particularly poignant is the depth of his character and the complexity of his choices. Itachi carries the weight of immense guilt, having sacrificed his happiness and reputation to protect his loved ones and the village he holds dear. His death signifies the culmination of his lifelong struggle and the ultimate sacrifice he made for the greater good. Through it all, Itachi is a broken man who would do anything for his beloved brother and a peaceful Shinobi world.

18

Himeno (Chainsaw Man)

Episode 8

Chainsaw Man is known for its gore and killing off of its characters. Himeno is a character who has lost her comrades in the line of duty. All the devil hunter wanted was to enjoy life and not lose any more of her friends. A poignant scene in the series was when she was shown at the graveyard of one of her recently killed partners.

She has seen death so many times, and there was a glimpse of hope that Himeno wouldn’t lose any more comrades when she befriended powerful friends like Denji, Aki, and Power. Her relationship with these characters, especially Aki, made her death a heart-wrenching moment in the story. It wasn’t enough that she was killed off in the line of duty, but she died without leaving a body to bury.