There are many fascinating protagonists and rivals in anime, but you can’t forget about the No.2, right-hand characters who support them.
They could be portrayed as highly intelligent brains, hangers-on who butter up their bosses, or characters with an ambition to rebel. Sometimes, they’re even more popular than the leader.
We at Anime!Anime! conducted a readers’ survey asking, “Who’s the First ‘Right-Hand’ Anime Character that Comes to Your Mind?”. There were 113 votes received during the survey period from Sep.23 to Sep. 30.
With a gender ratio of 30% male to 70% female, there were more female voters, and the age range was on the younger side with 55% under 19, and 30% in their 20s.
■Not only partners of the protagonist, but there were also votes for their right hand itself.
1st Place
Topping the list is Roronoa Zoro from “One Piece” with roughly 10% of the votes.
The triple sword wielder was the first to be recruited by the protagonist Monkey D. Luffy. His popularity comes from him being a strong combatant of the Straw Hat Pirates, and received a comment saying, “I love how he has what it takes to be a captain, but supports Luffy as his No.2.”
By the way, another character from “One Piece”, Silvers Rayleigh, ranked in 6th place. He was the first mate of the Roger Pirates, who supported Gol D. Roger, the man who started the whole story.
2nd Place
Coming in 2nd is Hijikata Toushirou from “Gintama” with roughly 9% of the votes.
He is the 2nd in command of the Shinsengumi, feared as the Demonic Vice-Commander, and received comments such as, “He’s always relied on by the commander, Kondou-san”, and “He supports Kondou-san in many ways, and also is the brains of the Shinsengumi.” Many fans seem to have a strong image of him having respect for Koundou Isao.
3rd Place
3rd place went to Gokudera Hayato from “Reborn!”.
He is a member of the Vongola Family, supporting Sawada Tsuna, the candidate for the 10th generation boss. His strong faith gained him support with comments, “He calls himself the right-hand man for the 10th generation boss. It’s impressive how he does his best to fulfill his duties despite being clumsy”, and “I admire his respect for the 10th generation boss and how he does his best to keep up with him.”
■Here are some comments for other characters!
For Siegfried Kircheis from “Legend of the Galactic Heroes”, “He’s Reinhard’s best friend, and shares his thoughts and time with him, making him worthy of being a right-hand character. Also, I thought how he never crosses the line and supports Reinhard from behind represents his character very well.”
For Kazami Yuuya from “Detective Conan”, “He’s memorable for being Zero’s right-hand man who supports Furuya Rei.”
For Hasumi Keito from “Ensemble Stars!”, “He’s the right-hand man that supports the head of the student council, Tenjouin Eichi. And he’s also called Mr. Right-Hand by Hibiki Wataru.”
There were even votes for a character that is actually a right hand, Migi from “Parasyte -the maxim-“, “It’s literally a “right hand” character that infests the protagonist’s right arm, and makes a great partner.”
Many characters who support the protagonists made the list in this survey, with some characters like Kajijou Touma from “A Certain Magical Index”, who have special powers in their right hand.
■Overall Ranking
[Who’s the First “Right-Hand” Anime Character that Comes to Your Mind?]
1. Roronoa Zoro “One Piece”
2. Hijikata Toushirou “Gintama”
3. Gokudera Hayato “Reborn!”
4. Kazami Yuuya “Detective Conan”
5. Siegfried Kircheis “Legend of the Galactic Heroes”
6. Tsuda Takatoshi “Seitokai Yakuindomo”
6. Hasumi Keito “Ensemble Stars!”
6. Hijikata Toshizou “Hakuouki”
6. Migi “Parasyte -the maxim-”
6. Yayoi Haru “Tsukiuta. The Animation”
6. Silvers Rayleigh “One Piece”
12. Vodka “Detective Conan”
12. Katakuar Kojuurou “Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings”
12. Kamijou Touma “A Certain Magical Index”
12. Nara Shikamaru “Naruto”
12. Blue-Eyes White Dragon “Yu-Gi-Oh!”
12. Yukine “Noragami”
12. Raphtalia “The Rising of the Shield Hero”
(Voting Period: Sep. 23 to Sep. 30, 2020)
