Mother’s Day in Japan, celebrated on May 14th, is a special occasion to honor and express gratitude to mothers. It’s a day when people traditionally gift carnations as a symbol of love and admiration. In the realm of anime, there are countless female characters that embody the role of a mother. Some are always bursting with energy, while others possess a kind but fearsome demeanor. The diverse range of personalities among these characters is truly captivating.
Recently, Anime!Anime! conducted a survey among its readers titled “Who is Your Favorite Mother Character in Anime?” The survey, which took place from April 28th to May 5th, received an overwhelming response. A majority of the respondents were women, accounting for approximately 70% of the participants, with an average age of 19 or younger. The survey results emphasize the significance and admiration fans hold for mothers in anime. These mothers are portrayed as strong, caring, and wise, playing vital roles in the lives of the protagonists.
The gender distribution of the respondents was approximately 25% male, 70% female, with the remaining 5% choosing not to disclose their gender. It’s clear that the majority were female participants. In terms of age, those under 19 years old accounted for approximately 50% of the respondents.
Let’s delve into the popularity rankings of anime mothers according to Anime!Anime!:
- Yor Forger from SPY x FAMILY.
Yor lives as part of a fictional family with her husband, Lloyd, and their daughter, Anya. Although not Anya’s biological mother, Yor treats her with immense love and will go to great lengths to protect her. Anime fans describe her as a brave mother who is always ready to help in any emergency situation, showcasing her genuine love for her daughter. Despite their family being fictional, Yor consistently demonstrates love and affection toward Anya. She has become a role model for anime viewers, who admire her dedication and loyalty to her make-believe family. Fans also appreciate the close relationship between Anya and Yor, built on trust and mutual love. - Ai Hoshino from Oshi no Ko.
Ai Hoshino is a renowned idol and the centerpiece of the group B Komachi. Despite her busy idol schedule, she is also a devoted mother to her twins, Aquamarine and Ruby. She has received acclaim for successfully balancing her idol career and motherhood. The unique and vibrant names she chose for her children are a testament to her love for them, and viewers have praised her for being a loving and affectionate mother. In the 90-minute special first episode, she captivated viewers with her performance. - Hinata Uzumaki from Boruto:
Naruto Next Generations. In this sequel, Hinata, who was once shy and reserved in Naruto, has become a reliable individual. Her exceptional understanding is remarkable, not only as a mother to Boruto and Himawari but also in her interactions with Kawaki, a resident guest, treating him as if he were her own child. - Misae Nohara from Crayon Shin-chan.
- Kouka from Gintama.
- Honami Mochizuki from the video game Project Sekai Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku. (Note: Although not a mother in the traditional sense, according to the character’s lore, she treats her pet with immense love as if it were her own child.)
- “Mom” from Uchi no Sanshimai.
- Isabella from The Promised Neverland (Yakusoku no Neverland).
- Yukiko Kudo from Detective Conan.
- Carla Jaeger from Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
Source: Anime! Anime!