Best BIPOC Characters In Anime

Anime has long served as a haven for unique characters of every background to thrive. That holds especially true for characters of color. For members of BIPOC communities, that inclusiveness has helped them feel seen and represented. In a world full of prejudice, its important that viewers don’t feel left behind.

The medium of anime has come a long way in terms of representation. Prominent BIPOC characters have led series, defied stereotypes, and added to the medium’s rich tapestry.

10

Dutch

Black Lagoon

Dutch is the spokesman and head of the Lagoon company. As a mercenary, he and his crew are hired to kidnap protagonist Rockuro Okajima. Seeing something in him, he lets the salary man join his team.

Living on the margins of society, Dutch maintains an aura of mystery in the series. He keeps the Lagoon company together through his connections and natural charisma. His easy-going nature makes him an ideal negotiator for his team. While Dutch has seen enough of life to leave him cynical, he remains a loyal friend and leader. He’s a welcome voice of reason between the nihilism of Revy and Rockuro’s naïveté.

9

Annette

Castlevania: Nocturne

Annette is a vampire hunter from the island of Saint-Domingue (in modern-day Haiti). With her companion, Edouard, she is first shown searching for a Belmont destined to stop the Vampire Messiah. They join Richter, Tera, and Maria Renard in their fight against a tide of Night Creatures threatening France. Her use of vodou in combat plays a major role in their battles.

Through her character arc, viewers are shown the depravities of slavery. By using her connection to her ancestors as a means of strength, Annette becomes strong enough to defeat her former master Vaublanc and remains a key member of Belmont’s team.

8

Yasuke

Yasuke

Yasuke is brought as a slave to Sengoku, Japan. After escaping captivity, he winds up in the service of Nobunaga Oda. He rises through the ranks of Oda’s retainers and is with him during his tragic fall. Yasuke then chooses to take up a life of farming. But his newfound peace does not last long, and he is soon forced to fight again.

His story is not just about an inspiring rise from slave to samurai. It’s also about dignity shining through adversity. While the anime does include some speculative elements, it doesn’t take away from the incredible story it tells about this historic figure.

7

David Martinez

Cyberpunk Edgerunners

David Martinez wants nothing more than to secure a good life for his loved ones. When he loses his mother and finds a rare piece of tech attached to him, he finally has the means and motivation to make his dreams come true. But his use of the rare Sandevistan comes at a price that may ultimately cause his downfall.

David’s meteoric rise pits him against some of the toughest characters in Night City, including Adam Smasher. In the face of overwhelming odds, he perseveres. His evolution from wannabe delinquent to boss ends in a legendary finale that would have made Johnny Silverhand himself proud.

6

Michiko Malandro

Michiko And Hatchan

When convict Michiko Malandro escapes from prison, little do the authorities know that she’s making a beeline to foster child Hana. Unbeknownst to the young girl, she and Michiko have an unlikely connection. Together, they’ll lead police and greedy mercenaries on a wild chase through the country of Diamandra.

A bit of a maverick at first, viewers soon learn there is more to Michiko than meets the eye. Those layers reveal themselves as they hunt for the freedom that was absent in both of their lives. She truly is the heart and soul of the series and a perfect contrast to Hana’s innocence.

5

Afro

Afro Samurai

Afro is a man on a mission. After his father was cut down in a duel, he swore to avenge his slaying. He will stop at nothing to take down the bearer of the number one headband and claim the right to be called the strongest. Throughout his many battles, revenge is never far from his mind.

He represents two sub-cultures that were always distantly linked: hip-hop and anime. More than a man with a sword, his devotion to his goal and Takashi Okazaki’s classic design helped him grow from a doujin creation to one of the most beloved anime characters of the 2000s.

4

Sam

Canon Busters

Specially designed to be friendly, Sam is a robot searching for help to find her friend, Prince Kelby. At the beginning of the show, she’s stranded in the wasteland with no one but fellow robot Casey to keep her company. But her upbeat attitude eventually pays off when she meets the outlaw Philly the Kid and enlists his help.

Sam’s jovial demeanor is often hilariously at odds with the situations she finds herself in. While Sam might not be street smart, she can hold her own against practically anyone in a fight. She’s a great combatant and gag character that never stops being entertaining.

3

Ricardo Martinez

Hajime No Ippo

Ricardo Martinez was introduced as the World Featherweight Boxing Champion. Undefeated with 17 title defenses to his name, his first match in the series was against Japanese hopeful Eiji Date. It’s not long before Ricardo embarrasses Ippo Makunouchi while sparring and gives Eiji no chance in their title bout.

From the beginning, Ricardo was leagues ahead of his opponents. More than just a boxer, he is a proud representative of Mexico and an honorable combatant. To other competitors, Ricardo is the ideal champion. No one comes close to beating him in the anime, and in the manga he remains undefeated 1,309 chapters after his debut.

2

Yoruichi Shihoin

Bleach

The mysterious Yoruichi Shihoin is one of Kisuke Urahara’s closest allies and a fellow Soul Society rebel. Yoruichi is later revealed to be the former head of the Gotei 13’s Second Division and a noble from Soul Society. She plays a role in helping Ichigo discover his powers, save Rukia, and defend Karakura Town.

She might be brash and confident, but Yoruichi backs up her talk with plenty of dazzling moves. Unlike other shinigami, she does not use her zanpakuto and relies on hand-to-hand combat in battle. Countless opponents have learned the hard way that she is not to be underestimated.

1

Carol Stanley

Carol & Tuesday

Street musician Carol Stanley wants to make it as a singer in Alba City. When she meets runaway Tuesday Simmons, Carol finds someone to share her dream with. She takes Tuesday in and the two soon agree to make music together.

Part of what makes Carol work as a character is her empathy and insider view of Alba City. The hard life she’s lived to support her dream balances Tuesday’s innocence. Just about any creative can empathize with Carol’s struggle. It also helps that she and Tuesday make some of anime’s finest music. As a team, they make some of anime’s finest music.