7 Anime with Characters Similar to Nanami for Jujutsu Kaisen Enthusiasts

Jujutsu Kaisen brought the level-headed and dependable Nanami Kento into the spotlight as Yuji Itadori's mentor, quickly winning over fans as a beloved character. Voiced by Kenjiro Tsuda, Nanami's character strikes a chord with fans of the series.

Nanami's influence is evident in his composed demeanor and guidance, setting a bar for mentor characters. While many characters in various series take on the mentor role like Nanami, few possess similar qualities. Noteworthy examples include Kishibe from Chainsaw Man, Kiritsugu Emiya from Fate, and others.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen.

Shota Aizawa, Askeladd, and 5 other characters that are similar to Nanami from Jujutsu Kaisen

1) Shota Aizawa

Shota Aizawa as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Bones)

Shota Aizawa from My Hero Academia is well-regarded for his strict demeanor, which interestingly parallels that of Nanami Kento. Both are dedicated to guiding and supporting younger generations, despite their tough exteriors. Aizawa's tough facade hides a deep care for his students, much like Nanami's unwavering commitment.

In addition, both characters have emotional backstories. Aizawa struggles with the loss of a dear friend, echoing Nanami Kento's experience with the tragic loss of his friend Nagumo. These similarities showcase the complex nature of their characters and their deep connections with the next generation.

2) Askeladd

Askeladd as shown in the anime (Image via Studio WIT)

The characters Askeladd from Vinland Saga (Lucius Artorias Castus) and Nanami Kento share more than just their Danish ancestry - they both possess a calm and calculated demeanor, approaching challenges with strategic precision. Additionally, both characters serve as mentors to the protagonists in their respective anime series, guiding them through pivotal moments in their lives. Askeladd mentors Thorfinn, while Nanami plays a crucial role in guiding Yuji at the beginning of Jujutsu Kaisen.

3) Kojiro Shinomiya

Kojiro Shinomiyas as shown in the anime (Image via J.C Staff)

Despite their differences in personality and appearance, Kojiro Shinomiya from Food Wars and Nanami Kento share a deep commitment to nurturing the younger generation. Kojiro mentors Yukihira Soma, while Nanami guides Yuji, leaving a lasting impact on the protagonists in their anime stories.

Beyond their mentorship, they both harbor a deep-seated bitterness towards higher authority, adding another layer of similarity.

4) Jin

The calm and stoic demeanor of Jin from Samurai Champloo in dire situations is reminiscent of Nanami Kento from Jujutsu Kaisen. Both characters display a reserved and calculated nature, often showing a willingness to sacrifice themselves to protect their companions. Despite their different backgrounds and experiences, Jin and Nanami share an unwavering dedication to their friends.

5) Kiritsugu Emiya

Nanami's dedication to guiding and safeguarding Yuji reflects Jin's determination to guarantee Fuu and Mugen's well-being. These characters, despite their seemingly aloof demeanor, deeply care for their loved ones.

The image above shows Kiritsugu Emiya as depicted in the anime by Studio Ufotable.

Kiritsugu Emiya, renowned for his portrayal as a ruthless anti-hero in Fate, surprisingly bears resemblance to Nanami Kento. Both characters possess a calm and calculated demeanor as they confront their respective challenges with strategic precision. While Kiritsugu seldom displays a caring side, Nanami also hides his emotions behind a stoic exterior.

Notably, Kiritsugu's unexpected kindness surfaces towards the end of his arc when he takes in Shirou Emiya, aligning with Nanami's subtle care for those around him.

6) Naberius Kalego

Naberius Kalego, as seen in the anime (Image via Bandai Namco Pictures)

In Mairimashita! Iruma-kun, Naberius Kalego shares similar mentorship qualities with Nanami Kento, showing an overwhelming sense of responsibility for his students. Much like Nanami, he maintains a stern demeanor and embraces a mentor-like approach to the younger generation. His repeated acts of self-sacrifice highlight a profound commitment, as he frequently puts his life on the line to ensure the safety of his students.

The dedication to the welfare and advancement of the upcoming generation highlights the remarkable likeness between Naberius Kalego and Nanami Kento in their roles as unwavering mentors.

7) Kishibe

Kenjiro Tsuda not only provides the voice for Kishibe in Chainsaw Man and Nanami in Jujutsu Kaisen, but these characters have more in common than just their voice. Both characters are calm and calculated, embodying the "done with life" trope and are skilled fighters shaped by the loss of their comrades.

Final thoughts

The profound impact of such losses is evident in both of these characters, as they hold a deep concern for their students, reflecting the lasting influence of their elder peers. In addition to their similar voices, Kishibe and Nanami demonstrate Tsuda's skill in portraying multifaceted characters in various anime storylines.

Nanami Kento from Jujutsu Kaisen met his demise at the hands of Mahito in the second season. With a third season on the way, set to adapt the Culling Games arc, fans are eagerly anticipating more engaging storylines in 2025. Nanami's impact and legacy, as one of the beloved characters in the Jujutsu Kaisen series, will always be remembered.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I am thrilled to see an article that explores characters similar to the beloved Nanami Kento. The analysis of Nanami's composed and responsible nature, and how it resonates with fans, is spot on. The article effectively captures the essence of what makes Nanami such a compelling character.

The comparison of Nanami to characters like Shota Aizawa, Askeladd, Kojiro Shinomiya, Jin, Kiritsugu Emiya, Naberius Kalego, and Kishibe is insightful and well-reasoned. Each of these characters shares certain qualities with Nanami, such as their dedication to guiding and supporting the younger generation, their strategic approach to challenges, and their complex emotional backstories. The article provides a nuanced understanding of these characters and their similarities to Nanami, allowing fans to appreciate the depth and diversity of mentor characters in anime.