Goku Reigns Supreme as the Most Popular Anime Character of 2023
Goku surges ahead of Eren and Naruto, claiming the crown as the most sought-after anime character of 2023, leaving fans captivated and fueling discussions worldwide
In 2023, numerous anime characters sparked discussions, but Goku emerged as the most searched character of the year once again. Despite no new anime airing, the Dragon Ball protagonist triumphed over other popular anime characters. Son Goku, a Saiyan from the Dragon Ball franchise, was sent to Earth from Planet Vegeta by his father Bardock, who predicted the planet's destruction by Frieza. Goku has since defended Earth from various threats.
Dragon Ball's Goku becomes the most searched anime character of 2023
On January 10, 2023, a video was posted by an anime fan, @santan_a__, revealing the most searched anime characters each week throughout the year. Though the video only included rankings up to June 2023, it was apparent that Son Goku from Dragon Ball was the top searched anime character of 2023 on Google.
Son Goku received almost 800,000 searches per week until April, outshining characters like Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan and Tanjiro and Nezuko from Demon Slayer. Their brief surge and decline in searches can be attributed to the release of their respective anime series around that time.
Eren, Nezuko, and Tanjiro as depicted in Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer (Image via MAPPA, Ufotable)
Meanwhile, Goku appeared to maintain his position as the most searched anime character of 2023, despite the absence of any new Dragon Ball anime apart from promotional content. The only potential factor that could have contributed to the increased searches for Goku was the announcement of Dragon Ball DAIMA. However, the actual anime is scheduled to be released in the Fall 2024 anime season.
Additionally, the release of Dragon Ball Super Chapter 100 was not as impactful as fans had anticipated. The Dragon Ball Super Gallery also showcased manga creators reimagining one of the 42 Dragon Ball volumes to celebrate the series' 40th anniversary. Nevertheless, this should not have affected searches for "Goku."
Naruto and Luffy as seen in Naruto and One Piece (Image via Studio Pierrot, Toei Animation)
Goku clearly emerged as the most popular anime character of 2023, despite the absence of significant events revolving around him. However, some fans disputed this claim, pointing out that Naruto appeared to be the most searched anime character of 2023 when they checked Google Trends. However, it was noted that "Naruto" is also the name of the anime, giving the character an unfair advantage. To accurately determine the most searched character, it was necessary to examine the "searches/week" for "Naruto Uzumaki" rather than just "Naruto."
Furthermore, numerous fans observed that, even though Monkey D. Luffy unlocked Gear 5 in the One Piece anime this year, the protagonist was easily defeated by Son Goku. This further demonstrates the immense popularity of Goku in the anime industry.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of anime, I am thrilled to see Goku reign supreme as the most popular anime character of 2023. Goku's enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Dragon Ball franchise and the character's universal appeal. Despite the absence of new anime content, Goku's unwavering popularity is a testament to his iconic status and the deep connection he has forged with fans worldwide.
The fact that Goku managed to surpass other popular characters like Eren Yeager and Tanjiro Kamado, even without any new anime releases, speaks volumes about his enduring popularity. It is clear that Goku has transcended the boundaries of the Dragon Ball franchise and become a symbol of anime itself. His unwavering determination, unwavering spirit, and iconic catchphrases have made him a beloved figure among anime fans of all ages.
