Exploring Veganism in Anime: 8 Characters Who Follow a Plant-Based Lifestyle

Vegan anime characters are not widely discussed in the industry, with only a few examples present in the medium. This lack of representation can be attributed to many series not delving into the dietary choices of their characters, limiting the exploration of veganism in anime.

Despite the scarcity, there are indeed vegan anime characters that have made appearances in various series over the years. In no particular order, here are eight vegan anime characters and their roles within their respective shows.

Neon Genesis Evangelion's Rei Ayanami and seven more vegan anime characters

1. Rei Ayanami (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Rei in the original anime (Image via Gainax) - 1. Rei Ayanami (Neon Genesis Evangelion) - Neon Genesis Evangelion's Rei Ayanami and seven more vegan anime characters

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a well-loved anime classic, and Rei is a standout character from the series. Many people who haven't seen the show are likely familiar with her due to her popularity. Additionally, she is considered one of the earliest vegan characters in anime.

Ryuuko Mifune (Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl)

Ryuuko Mifune is a character from the anime series "Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl." In the show, she is known for her quirky and energetic personality. One of the notable traits of Ryuuko is her love for all things cute and fluffy. She can often be seen fawning over adorable creatures and objects, bringing a sense of fun and lightheartedness to the series. Despite her eccentricities, Ryuuko is a lovable and endearing character that adds a unique charm to the show.

Another one of those vegan anime characters (Image via Shaft) - 2. Ryuuko Mifune (Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl)

Another one of those vegan anime characters (Image via Shaft)

This anime has a slice-of-life feel with some beautiful moments. The character of Mifune, although not very prominent, is well-liked by fans of the series. She is known for her strong vegan diet and love for playing basketball.

Throughout the series, Mifune's crush on the protagonist, Makoto Niwa, is explored in a small arc. She is one of those rare vegan anime characters that adds a unique touch to the show.

3. T-Bone (One Piece)

An underrated choice (Image via Toei Animation) - 3. T-Bone (One Piece)

T-Bone, a Marine Captain, makes his debut in the Water 7 Arc of One Piece. He appears when Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats are on a train heading to Enies Lobby. Despite his rank, T-Bone is swiftly defeated by Roronoa Zoro, highlighting the swordsman's significant growth in strength throughout the series.

Taikobo from "Soul Hunter" is another notable character who stands out for his honor and dedication to protecting his comrades. He is also recognized as one of the most prominent vegan anime characters, thanks to his role in this popular series.

One of those vegan anime characters (Image via C-Station) - 4. Taikobo (Soul Hunter)

One of those vegan anime characters (Image via C-Station)

Soul Hunter is often overlooked as a shonen series from the late 2000s. It features a diverse cast of characters and a rich lore that the anime didn't fully delve into. One standout character is Taikobo, the protagonist, known for his ability to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence (most of the time) and his charismatic personality.

Taikobo is also unique as a vegan anime character. In the original early 2000s adaptation, there are multiple scenes where he expresses his distaste for eating meat.

5. Buddha (Saint Young Men)

Buddha in the anime film (Image via A-1 Pictures) - 5. Buddha (Saint Young Men)

Saint Young Men is an anime film that features a unique premise where Jesus Christ and Buddha are portrayed as friends living normal lives in the human world. The series explores various interesting scenarios and also promotes the idea of understanding and acceptance beyond religious differences.

Nadia La Arwall (Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water)

In addition, Buddha is known as one of the most openly vegan anime characters. He makes it clear in the series that he follows a vegan diet and remains true to this choice throughout the storyline.

Another prominent example of vegan anime characters (Image via Gainax) - 6. Nadia La Arwall (Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water)

Another prominent example of vegan anime characters (Image via Gainax)

Interestingly, this series shares a spot on the list with another one created by Hideaki Anno, suggesting a pattern in his work. The protagonist, Nadia La Arwall, plays a key role in defining the quality and appeal of the series.

Nadia's mysterious origins add an intriguing element to the storyline, making her quest a central focus. Additionally, her strong connection to animals, demonstrated through her ability to communicate with them, emphasizes her role as a compassionate vegan. This connection has deepened her empathy towards animals throughout the story.

7. Fardania (Restaurant to Another World)

A very good example of vegan anime characters (Image via Silver Link and OLM Team Yoshioka) - 7. Fardania (Restaurant to Another World)

In this series, there is a restaurant in Japan that serves Western dishes. On Saturdays, the restaurant opens its doors to people and creatures from a fantasy world. This premise is quite unique, blending elements of isekai and food-themed anime. One of the standout characters in the series is Fardania.

Tanktop Vegetarian: One Punch Man

One of the key characteristics that define Fardania as a character is her vegan lifestyle, which is prominently featured in the series. This is highlighted by the creation of unique dishes specifically catered to her preferences. Additionally, Fardania aims to replicate these dishes in her own establishment, the Western Restaurant Nekoya.

Twitter article posted by Zach Zuffante

The Tanktop Vegetarian is not your average hero. He holds the prestigious title of an A-Class Hero in the Hero Association and serves as the second in command of the Tank Topper Army. What sets him apart from his comrades is his unique dietary choice - he powers up with a vegetable-based diet.

He is also one of the most prominent vegan anime characters in the medium, mainly because he is part of the very popular series One Punch Man.

Final thoughts

There are many vegan anime characters in the medium, and these are some of the most notable. While some are more well-known than others, all of them have made a significant impact in their respective series.

Editor's P/S:

The article on vegan anime characters provides an insightful exploration into a niche aspect of anime representation. It effectively highlights the scarcity of vegan characters in the industry, attributing it to the limited exploration of dietary choices in many series. By showcasing eight notable vegan anime characters, the article sheds light on their unique traits and contributions to their respective shows.

The article's strength lies in its diversity of characters, ranging from the iconic Rei Ayanami to lesser-known figures like T-Bone and Fardania. Each character's veganism is presented as an integral part of their identity, contributing to their personal journeys and interactions with others. The examples provided demonstrate the potential for vegan characters to bring depth and nuance to anime narratives. However, the article could have delved deeper into the cultural significance of veganism in anime and its impact on the industry.