Shonen anime characters are renowned for their courage, perseverance, and physical abilities. However, their emotional fluctuations can occasionally overshadow these commendable qualities.
Within the realm of shonen anime, a wide array of emotional characters can be found. Some openly express their feelings, serving as a reminder that it is completely acceptable to convey one's emotions. These characters exemplify the notion that emotions are not weaknesses but rather reservoirs of strength. Conversely, there are individuals who grapple with displaying their emotions.
In this article, we will explore five shonen anime characters who display excessive emotions. Additionally, we will analyze five characters who, although not inherently emotional, would benefit from understanding the importance of embracing their tears on certain occasions.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and may potentially reveal plot details.
Naruto, Luffy, and three other shonen anime characters who are way too emotional
1) Deku (My Hero Academia)
Deku, a character from the anime series My Hero Academia created by Studio Bones, exemplifies an emotionally expressive shonen anime character. He openly demonstrates his emotions, expressing excitement, determination, and even shedding tears.
Deku's journey to become a hero is greatly influenced by his emotions, which not only make him relatable but also endear him to fans of the series. The way he openly displays vulnerability through tears adds an authentic touch to his character, particularly in a world where extraordinary powers and challenges abound.
2) Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
Displayed in the image from Studio Pierrot is Naruto, the central character in the Naruto series.
Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist, is renowned for his intense and unrestrained emotions. He fearlessly expresses his feelings, whether they be exuberance, determination, or melancholy, making it effortless to perceive his emotional disposition.
Naruto is not afraid to cry, regardless of whether they are tears of happiness, anger, or sadness. He openly allows his emotions to pour out, without any apologies. This genuine expression of feelings makes him a relatable character and highlights the significance of expressing oneself, even in a world filled with intense conflicts and challenges. Naruto's emotional depth brings an authentic touch to both his character and the entire story.
3) Gon Freecss (Hunter x Hunter)
Gon from the Hunter x Hunter series (Image via Studio Nippon Animation)
Gon, the protagonist of Hunter x Hunter, stands out as an emotionally driven shonen anime character. His genuine emotions are easily apparent, as he openly exhibits his excitement, determination, and even sadness. Interestingly, Gon's ability to shed tears effortlessly is a remarkable aspect of his personality. Whether it be tears of joy, frustration, or empathy, he never hesitates to express his emotions through crying. This vulnerability serves as a powerful testament that in the realm of shonen anime characters, it is completely acceptable to openly reveal one's true feelings.
It enhances Gon's relatability and authenticity as a character, deepening the overall narrative impact.
4) Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece)
Luffy, a beloved character from the anime One Piece, is famous for his sincere expression of emotions. He openly displays his feelings, whether it be excitement, unwavering determination, or even anger. However, what truly distinguishes Luffy is his ability to effortlessly shed tears.
5) Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer)
Luffy's Embrace of Emotional Expression: A Reminder of RelatabilityLuffy, the beloved protagonist of the shonen anime series, exemplifies a unique outlook on emotional expression. Whether it be tears of joy, compassion, or frustration, he wholeheartedly embraces crying as a natural and authentic way to convey his emotions. This open vulnerability displayed by Luffy serves as a powerful reminder within the realm of shonen anime characters. It reminds viewers that it is perfectly normal and even commendable to openly express one's feelings.
The significance of Luffy's emotional expression goes beyond mere character development. It adds depth to his persona and enables fans of the series to connect with him on a deeper, more relatable level. Luffy's willingness to show his emotions openly fosters a sense of relatability among fans, allowing them to empathize and engage with his journey more profoundly.
As viewers follow Luffy's adventures and witness his emotional moments, they are reminded that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength. Luffy's unapologetic display of emotions encourages others to embrace their own feelings and express themselves authentically, regardless of societal expectations.
In a world where emotions are often suppressed and concealed, Luffy's refreshing approach serves as an inspiration to break free from such restraints. His actions encourage viewers to be true to themselves and find solace in the acceptance of their emotional complexities.
Ultimately, Luffy's embrace of emotional expression is a crucial aspect of his character that resonates deeply with fans. It not only enriches his narrative but also reinforces the relatability and universality of human emotions within the realm of shonen anime.
Tanjiro Kamado, portrayed by Studio Ufotable, is a highly emotional character in the anime series Demon Slayer. His emotions are constantly on display as he fearlessly expresses his excitement, unwavering determination, and profound sadness.
Tanjiro's ability to easily shed tears, whether out of empathy, sorrow, or relief, is his most prominent characteristic. His willingness to openly express his emotions serves as a noteworthy reminder that even among other shonen anime characters, it is normal and genuine to display emotions. This aspect of his character adds a relatable and captivating element that appeals to fans of the series.
Sasuke, Vegeta, and three other shonen anime characters who need to learn it's okay to cry
1) Kenshin Himura (Rurouni Kenshin)
Displayed above is Kenshin Himura's portrayal in the anime adaptation created by Studio Deen.
Renowned among shonen anime characters, Kenshin Himura stands out for his remarkable emotional self-control. Rarely does he display his true sentiments openly, always maintaining an air of composure and serenity. Even when faced with challenging situations, it is a rarity to see Kenshin shed tears.
His distant and stoic facade sets him apart from other emotionally driven shonen protagonists, thanks to the influence of a tragic past. However, beneath his calm exterior, lies a complex character with a deeply emotional history.
2) Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto)
Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Famed for his emotional composure and introverted demeanor, Sasuke Uchiha is a prominent figure in shonen anime. Preferring to conceal rather than reveal, he exudes an unwavering serenity.
Sasuke distinguishes himself from other emotionally expressive shonen anime characters commonly found in this genre, as he rarely sheds tears even in challenging situations. Throughout the Naruto series, his character becomes more complex as his troubled past is revealed, setting him apart from others in the world of shonen anime.
3) Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)
Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Ichigo Kurosaki stands out among shonen anime characters with his distinct approach to expressing emotions. Unlike many others, he tends to keep his emotions under control and rarely exhibits them outwardly. Even in challenging situations, it is uncommon to see Ichigo cry. This emotionally stoic demeanor distinguishes him from other characters in this genre. However, as the story unfolds, we discover a deeper aspect of his personality that unveils a multi-dimensional individual. Fans are fascinated by his emotional restraint, as it adds intricacy to Ichigo's character.
4) Vegeta (Dragon Ball)
Vegeta from Dragon Ball (Image via Studio Toei Animation)
Vegeta stands out among shonen anime characters due to his powerful aura of emotional control. He tends to exhibit stoicism and rarely openly reveals his emotions. Even when confronted with overwhelming obstacles, crying is not a part of his emotional repertoire. This unique and occasionally aloof demeanor distinguishes him in the lively realm of shonen anime.
5) Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
His character's evolution and unwavering determination have fascinated and captivated fans, providing a unique lens into emotional complexity, even though he may not openly display his emotions.
Levi Ackerman, depicted in the image courtesy of Wit Studio, embodies a unique presence within the realm of shonen anime characters. His essence lies in his aptitude for emotional restraint, as he rarely reveals his feelings openly and maintains a tranquil disposition even in the face of adversity.
Levi's ability to remain emotionally composed, even in the face of adversity, sets him apart from other expressive anime characters. In the world of shonen anime, his stoic nature adds a unique layer by demonstrating that strength can manifest in different ways beyond overt emotional display.