An esteemed Japanese portal, Akiba Souken, recently polled anime aficionados regarding character demises that profoundly stirred their emotions. The findings have sparked considerable buzz within the community, underscoring how certain fictional farewells continue to reverberate within the hearts of enthusiasts long after the closing credits.
The survey unveiled an emotionally charged roster of characters whose departures have indelibly imprinted themselves upon the collective memory of the fandom. What could possibly account for the deep sorrow fans experience upon the demise of an anime character? The emotional bond viewers forge with these characters transcends mere pixels on a screen. Fans invest time and energy into these narratives, empathizing with the characters’ tribulations, triumphs, and sorrows.
Moreover, anime artistry often pivots on crafting complex, emotionally resonant characters. Anime creators possess a unique flair for guiding audiences through profound emotional odysseys, eliciting laughter, tears, and contemplation on life’s ephemeral nature. Such emotional depth endears fans to certain characters, rendering their losses all the more poignant.
The sorrow felt at a character’s passing can also mirror the personal experiences of viewers. Many fans have encountered loss in their own lives, and anime’s portrayal of death can trigger deep-seated emotions, evoking memories of their own bygone losses.
Ultimately, character deaths in anime can be as painful and meaningful to fans because they represent more than a mere fictional conclusion. They are moments of emotional catharsis, where viewers can mourn a beloved character’s passing while celebrating their enduring impact on their lives. These characters live on in the memories of fans, commemorated and revered as symbols of stories that touched their hearts profoundly.
The survey results are as follows:
- 20. Isla β Plastic Memories.
- 19. Kurome β Akame ga Kill!
- 17. Kaori Miyazono β Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso (Your Lie in April) [Tie].
- 17. Euphemia li Britannia β Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch [Tie].
- 15. Nanami Yasuri β Katanagatari [Tie].
- 15. Isara Gunther β Valkyria Chronicles [Tie].
- 14. Togame β Katanagatari.
- 13. MISAKA 9982 / MISAKA 10031 β Toaru Kagaku no Railgun.
- 12. Yuka Mochida β Corpse Party: Tortured Souls.
- 11. Gin Minowa β Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru.
- 10. Portgas D. Ace β ONE PIECE
- 9. Hiasa Sekuro β Babylon
- 8. Sachi β Sword Art Online
- 7. Yuuki Konno β Sword Art Online
- 6. Orga Itsuka β Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
- 5. Chelsea β Akame ga Kill!
- 4. Mitty β Made in Abyss
- 3. Ako βHardgore Aliceβ Hatoda β Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku
- 2. Ayana Sakanagi β Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku
- 1. Esdeath β Akame ga Kill!
Source: Akiba Souken