So, you wanted more anime character birthdays. We heard you and set out to cast a wider net for July’s post, identifying the most iconic anime characters born in July. With tens of thousands of anime, the medium is overflowing with great characters. This diverse expanse creates several difficulties in identifying a handful of exceptional entries.
Hours of thoughtful introspection and research went into this process to get a good list of anime figures. The result is a favorites list that provides equal representation across multiple genres of anime characters who, according to their creators, are born in July.
As you review the post, please feel free to let me know if I overlooked your favorite anime or manga character. Leave a comment below and let me know your picks.
Please note that this ranking of July-born anime characters has been merged from two separate periods: the first half of July and the second half of July. As a result, the rankings from 20 to 11 should be considered as a popularity assessment for the second half of July, while the rankings from 10 to 1 apply to the first half of July. This distinction ensures a fair assessment of the characters based on their respective birthdates.
20. Cross Marian
- Birthday: July 31
- First Anime Appearance: D. Gray-man Ep. 2 “The Black Order” (2006)
Cloaked in mystery, Cross Marian is the ill-tempered mentor of Allen Walker. He is a member of the European Branch of Exorcists and General of the Black Order. The Black Order considers him a great leader but these sentiments are reminiscent of a bygone era.
These days he draws happiness from wine, women, and gambling. Aside from these pleasures, Cross’s interactions with others come off as demanding and demeaning. The fear he creates causes Allen to insist that Cross is a demon. In spite of his outward demeanor, he never loses sight of his responsibilities as an exorcist and mentor.
Cross Marian is a popular character within the D. Gray-man universe, which is surprising given how enigmatic he is within the series. This fact owes itself to Katsura Hoshino’s excellent worldbuilding.
19. Isaac “Zack” Foster
- Birthday: July 24
- First Anime Appearance: Satsuriku no Tenshi Ep. 1 “Kill Me… Please” (2018)
A niche genre, horror anime characters rarely reach mainstream popularity but our ninth entry is the exception to the rule. Isaac Foster is a bloodthirsty serial killer and one of the protagonists in Angels of Death. His abusive childhood led Zack to swear vengeance against anyone with a happy life.
His life would get new meaning after a chance meeting with the Reverend Abraham Gray. The Reverend would offer Zack a place to live and unabated killing as part of an experiment. He would sadistically dispatch any unlucky people landing on his floor, except for one. As in a serial killer movie, a young girl wants to die but the killer cannot commit the act. The two become temporary allies as they attempt to escape their captivity.
Isaac Foster is an unusual anime character to be so popular. Overall, he is a frightening individual but there are moments where he is able to connect with his humanity. With a complex psychological profile, Isaac “Zack” Foster has become a favorite for fans of anime’s horror and suspense genres.
18. Mina “Pinky” Ashido
- Birthday: July 30
- First Anime Appearance: Boku no Hīrō Akademia Ep. 5 “What Can I Do For Now” (2016)
Energetic and carefree, Mina Ashido is a student at U.A. High School. She is stronger than most of her fellow Class 1-A classmates but lags behind academically. This minor inconvenience does not deter Pinky’s desire to one day become a Pro Hero.
Her Acid Quirk deploys various acid techniques to defend herself and attack opponents. Pinky’s abilities secured her 9th place standing in the Quirk Apprehension Test. This aside, Mina’s true passion is dancing. This is the one activity in which she commands perfection from both herself and others. With a combination of Quirk ability and flexibility, Mina has an advantage in melee and support combat environments.
The roster of characters is quite lengthy within shōnen anime and manga. This usually means a protagonist will garner a lion’s share of admirers. Fortunately, Mina Ashido’s dynamic and well-crafted personality has earned her adoration among fans.
17. Meliodas
- Birthday: July 25
- First Anime Appearance: Nanatsu no Taizai Ep. 1 “The Seven Deadly Sins” (2014)
The Dragon’s Sin of Wrath, Meliodas is the protagonist and leader of the anime’s namesake. His childlike features and playful personality masks his skills as the fearless warrior leader of the Seven Deadly Sins.
Demon Clan heir, Meliodas fell in love with one of the highest-ranked members of the Goddess Clan. Their relationship blossomed, causing the Demon King to curse the couple for eternity. His father’s jinx means that Meliodas’ love will continually forget about their relationship each time she is reborn. His desire to end this cycle serves as the backdrop for the Seven Deadly Sins’ defeat of the Demon King and his Ten Commandments.
Meliodas is not your traditional shōnen hero, especially when it comes to his interactions with the opposite sex. His façade betrays a deeper emotional bond for a woman who has no memory of their past relationships. His commitment to love interwoven with epic battles is why Meliodas is one of our favorite anime characters born in July.
16. Nagisa Shiota
- Birthday: July 20
- First Anime Appearance: Assassination Classroom Ep. 1 “Assassination Time” (2015)
Assassination Classroom narrator, Nagisa Shiota leads Kunugigaoka Junior High School’s Class 3-E in their attempts to save the world. His reserved personality hides a child who is thoughtful, and observant of their surroundings. This trait leads him to view himself as invisible and an ideal candidate for becoming an assassin.
Nagisa lived with his mother following his parent’s divorce. Hiromi Shiota desired a little girl but this was not to be. Unable to cope, she made the young boy dress as a girl for most of his childhood. He would only overcome her psychological abuse after his placement in Korosensei’s class. He and his fellow classmates would excel both mentally and physically where educators and society had already thrown in the towel. Korosensei’s faith in his student’s abilities would inspire Nagisa to become a teacher.
Nagisa Shiota’s character is a beacon of hope that serves to demonstrate that nurturing environments are necessary for personal growth. His well-crafted story arc resonates with followers of Assassination Classroom and anime, in general. For this reason and so much more, Yūsei Matsui’s Nagisa continues to top fan polls.
15. Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez
- Birthday: July 31
- First Anime Appearance: Bleach Ep. 116 “The Evil Eye, Aizen Again” (2007)
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez is one of the series’ big baddies, introduced in the Arrancar arc. He is the sixth most powerful Espada within Sōsuke Aizen’s army. His motivation was to become the most powerful Arrancar in Aizen’s service.
Symbolizing his prowess for strength in fighting, Grimmjow’s original form was that of a panther-like Adjuchas-class Menos. The Arrancar form wields a Pantera Zanpakutō, which employs the death power of destruction. Despite his abilities and desires, this character does not betray their warrior ethos by fighting someone for an easy win. This sentiment would lead to some of the series’ most epic battles.
Tite Kubo’s Bleach introduces a bevy of antagonists but few resonate with fans as much as the 6th Espada. The Bleach fandom constantly rates Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, his Zanpakutō, and his fight with Ichigo Kurosaki in their top ten list. In keeping with those polls, Grimmjow sits as our fifth favorite character born in the second half of July.
14. Sasha Blouse
- Birthday: July 26
- First Anime Appearance: Shingeki no Kyojin Ep. 2 “That Day: The Fall of Shiganshina, Part 2” (2013)
Sasha Blouse is a young woman serving in the Survey Corps. A quirky but polite individual, she receives the nickname Potato Girl due to her compulsion to horde food and potato eating.
A small-town girl, Sasha was overly self-conscious and unable to navigate stressful environments upon entering military service. She matures into a capable warrior who is incapable of turning their back on people in need.
Her ability to live off the land from an early age made Sasha a skilled archer, horseback rider, and tracker. These attributes would lead to an appointment as a sharpshooter, which sets her on the path to her demise.
Sasha Blouse is a fun character whose resilient personality stays true to her core values throughout the series. Originally, Hajime Isayama intended to kill her off earlier but the manga’s editor persuaded him to rethink his decision. This fateful encounter is the catalyst for why fans recognize Sasha Blouse as a great supporting character in anime.
13. Izuku “Deku” Midoriya
- Birthday: July 15
- First Anime Appearance: Boku no Hīrō Akademia Ep. 1 “Izuku Midoriya: Origin” (2016)
Izuku “Deku” Midoriya is the protagonist of My Hero Academia. Born Quirkless, the young Decku aspired to one day become a hero. His dream would come to pass following a chance encounter with the hero All Might.
With the Quirk All for One, U.A. High School admits Izuku and assigns him to Class 1-A. He is a diligent student who obsesses about any subject covering heroes. His preoccupation with superheroes leaves him with very little time for extracurricular activities. On the flip side, Deku’s knowledge is valuable in understanding how best to counteract a villain’s attack style.
Like any good shōnen protagonist, Izuku Midoriya’s journey to becoming a hero leads him to develop into an unstoppable force of nature. His journey and growth never conflict with the beliefs he held as a Quirkless youth. This trait stands as a reason why the community continues to rank Deku as one of their favorite anime personalities.
12. Sasuke Uchiha
- Birthday: July 23
- First Anime Appearance: Naruto Ep. 1 “Enter: Naruto Uzumaki!” (2002)
Child of the Prophecy, Sasuke Uchiha is a surviving member of Konohagakure’s Uchiha clan. His gripping origin story lends itself to his depth as a villain.
Sasuke’s antihero journey begins with a desire for revenge against a brother who betrayed the Uchiha clan. His need for vengeance would lead him down the path to becoming a ninja and creating a friendship with the series’ protagonist. The lack of progress accompanied by Obito Uchiha’s manipulation led Sasuke to leave Team 7 to become a powerful ninja, regardless of the cost. His brutal path sets him on a collision course with Naruto Uzumaki.
The diversity of villains and their varied motivations are some of the best aspects of watching anime. Naruto and its franchise spin-off are no exception. With this understanding, Sasuke Uchiha’s faithful following earned him the rank of the second most popular anime character born in the second half of July.
11. Ichigo Kurosaki
- Birthday: July 15
- First Anime Appearance: Bleach Ep. 1 “The Day I Became a Shinigami” (2004)
A Substitute Shinigami, Ichigo Kurosaki leads this series motley band of fighters in protecting the mortal and astral planes. Bleach introduces its protagonist as an average high school student living at home with his father and younger twin sisters. His understanding of the world and afterlife would upend itself following a chance encounter with the Gotei 13’s lieutenant.
As a youth, Ichigo always had the ability to see and interact with spirits. His abilities are the catalyst for Rukia Kuchiki to request his support in defeating a Hollow. This event sets up his hero’s journey battling a diverse rouges gallery of villains like Dark Dragons, Espanda, Hollows, and Shriekers just to mention a few. The stakes become increasingly more difficult with each encounter but Ichigo and his friends never lose sight of their primary goal to protect family and friends.
Monkey D. Luffy, Naruto Uzumaki, and Ichigo Kurosaki make up the trinity of shōnen protagonists. The fandom continually rates these three and their anime counterparts as their favorites. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that our favorite anime protagonist for July is the Substitute Soul Reaper from Bleach.
10. Mitsuba Sangu
- Birthday: 7 July 2004
- First Anime Appearance: Owari no Seraph, Ep. 7 “Mitsuba’s Squad” (2015)
One of the series deuterogamists, Mitsuba “Mitsu” Sangū is the younger sister of Aoi Sangū and a second lieutenant in the Japanese Imperial Demon Army. She enlisted at age thirteen and became the fifth member of the Moon Demon Company. Her fierce combat abilities aided by wielding the Tenjiryū cursed gear make Mitsu a formidable vampire slayer.
Her desire is not to bring shame to the Sangū House by becoming a disciplined soldier. This personal philosophy sometimes conflicts with Mitsuba’s rash nature. While combating the Four Horseman of John, she broke ranks and attacked the behemoth in an effort to save a squad member’s life. Her actions resulted in the haunting loss of the squad leader.
Mitsuba “Mitsu” Sangū is relentless in combat, which places her endanger of being overwhelmed by vampires. We can see this tenacity as a trait astrologers associate with the zodiac sign Cancer. Her unyielding qualities make Mitsu one of the fandom’s favorite anime characters born in July.
9. Akira Hayama
- Birthday: July 7
- First Anime Appearance: Food Wars!:Shokugeki no Soma, Ep. 19 “The Chosen Ones” (2015)
A 92nd Tōtsuki Generation student, Akira Hayama grew up living in poverty without his parents. He struggled to survive by scavenging for food from whatever the neighbors discarded.
His life would turn around upon meeting a young lady who was purchasing spices at the local market. Akira’s strong sense of smell identified that the merchant was selling bad herbs. Impressed by this skill, Jun Shiomi would adopt the young lad and lay the foundation for him to become a culinary master.
Known as the “Authority of Spices,” Jun trained Akira’s senses to improve his cooking skills. Her coaching would result in him winning the 43rd Annual Tōtsuki Autumn Election. Akira’s talents lead him to become the Elite Ten Council’s 4th seat following the Central Régiment de Cuisine arc.
Akira Hayama’s character arc is one of resilience and loyalty. This is especially true when it comes to his need for care for Jun Shiomi. Within the manga’s epilogue, their relationship evolves from student/teacher to equals as husband and wife.
Akira’s personal story and placement on our list provide proof that fans love a well-thought-out character.
8. Nanao Ise
- Birthday: July 7
- First Anime Appearance: Bleach, Ep. 35 “Aizen Assassinated! The Darkness which Approaches” (2007)
A Shinigami and head of the Ise Clan, Nanao Ise is a lieutenant in the First Division of the Gotei 13. She is the Division’s administrator and serves under her uncle, Captain Shunsui Kyōraku. Shinigami or Soul Reapers guide souls from the World of the Living through the afterlife.
A master administrative logistician, Nanao is quick to scold her uncle for his laid-back nature and playful antics. Pushed to the brink by annoying behavior, she removes her glasses and emits a frightening aura that guarantees the individual becomes a blathering idiot. Her fierce gaze has even caused the heartless, Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi to fold.
Nanao Ise’s skills with the sword are lacking below those of the First Division and Seireitei. This skill deficit does not impede her unwavering loyalty and fighting for what is right.
Overall, Nanao’s personality and abilities resonate with fans as they include her in our favorites list of anime characters born in July.
7. Escanor
- Birthday: July 1
- First Anime Appearance: Nanatsu no Taizai, Ep. 4 “Signs of a Holy War” (2016)
The Lion’s Sin of Pride of the Seven Deadly Sins, Escanor is a powerful warrior known as “The Strongest Holy Knight.” His OP abilities come from an inherent power called Sunshine that gives him the gift to call upon the Divine Axe Rhitta. A daytime skill, Escanor’s power wanes as the day transitions into night.
His hulking body and boastful personality transform at nighttime into a meekly middle-aged man. Escanor prefers the humble persona to that of his light-of-day “super Saiyan” identity. His agreeable nature suits him nicely as a bartender at both the My Sweet Gluttony and Boar Hat taverns.
In Arthurian legend, Escanor le Grand provides the inspiration for the anime Escanor. The folklore explains how a giant and witch raised Escanor and how he drew strength from the sun. Although grounded in a classical fable, Escanor is a metaphorical representation of one’s id and ego struggle. The ability to reflect upon ourselves is what makes our seventh entry a great anime character.
6. Yuuta Togashi
- Birthday: July 7
- First Anime Appearance: Chūnibyō Demo Koi ga Shitai!, Ep. 1 “Chance Encounter with… the Wicked Eye” (2012)
Yuuta Togashi is a freshman class representative at Icho Private High School with a guarded secret. As the middle school Dark Flame Master, his chūnibyō behavior was on display for all to experience. He spent the 8th grade disposing of imaginary evil forces through the power of dark flame magic.
Yuuta’s responsible high school façade comes crashing down upon meeting Rikka Takanashi. In spite of her chūnibyō antics, Yuuta develops romantic feelings towards Rikka. He comes to humble himself for the benefit of her and their relationship. Yuuta no longer measures himself and his friends against society’s expectations. This is evident when he declares that Rikka should mature at her own pace when questioned by her sister about their relationship.
Chūnibyō Demo Koi ga Shitai! is a story about maturity, love, and acceptance. Yuuta Togashi comes to learn these lessons through his relationship with Rikka Takanashi. His devotional journey to be with the one he loves is what makes Yuuta a great romantic comedy protagonist.
5. Shizuka Hanekura
- Birthday: July 7
- First Anime Appearance: Log Horizon, Ep. 1 “The Apocalypse” (2013)
Shizuka Hanekura is a cute, petite college student who attends Yamazaki Gakuen University. Shaking off the real-world veneer, she adopted a tall male assassin avatar in the online world of Elder Tale. A founding member of the Log Horizon guild, Shizuka navigates the Elder Tale universe as Akatsuki.
Things go pair-shaped when the Catastrophe traps everyone in the game. Unhappy with her male avatar, Akatsuki seeks out Shiroe for a rate Full Appearance Reset Potion. Her new female form combines the skills of a skilled assassin with that of Shizuka’s physical attributes. Akatsuki has demonstrated herself to be a worthy warrior and spy during the guilds raiding parties.
Within the Log Horizon universe, Shizuka Hanekura has a loyal following. The result is that Akatsuki is the only series character with an official figurine. She may not be July’s top vote-getter but anime fans definitely feel something for Shizuka Hanekura.
4. Kaori Miyazono
- Birthday: July 4
- First Anime Appearance: Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso, Ep. 1 “Monotone/Colorful” (2014)
A gifted violinist, Kaori Miyazono is the high school daughter of Ryouko and Yoshiyuki Miyazono. Her love for the violin came after hearing Kousei Arima play the piano. A technically sloppy violinist, she is a remarkable instrumentalist whose free spirit fuels her playing style.
She is an independent, strong-willed girl who is quick to anger. Her personality may be the product of a prolonged illness requiring extended hospital stays. The one exception is her relationship with Kousei. Kaori displays both kindness and empathy toward him as she comes to understand why he hesitates in playing the piano.
Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso is a beautiful anime with relatable protagonists. Kaori Miyazono is passionate about life and music. This sentiment resonates in her approach to music and friends. Her ability to be true to herself is what makes our fourth entry a fan favorite.
3. Morgiana
- Birthday: July 5
- First Anime Appearance: Magi – The Labyrinth of Magic, Ep. 1 “Aladdin and Alibaba” (2012)
Morgiana is this anime series tritagonist alongside Aladdin and Alibaba Saluja. A pureblood Fanalis, slavers kidnapped the young girl from her parents and sold her to the Jimel household. The powerful girl suffered both mentally and physically while she was a slave.
Aladdin and Alibaba will set in motion the events leading to Morgiana’s freedom. Morgiana becomes a member of Alibaba’s household upon freedom from captivity. She fights oppression using the ability of two Household Vessels. The Flame Wings of Iron Chains vessel takes the form of a neckless and is the more powerful of the two weapons. The vessels unleash the power of Alibaba’s Djinn, Amon.
Her character draws inspiration from Marjān, a cunning slave girl from the tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. The literary hero becomes a faithful traveling companion to Ali Baba, which leads to Marjān saving his life. Morgiana’s dynamic narrative has given her character longevity in the eyes of both literature and anime fans.
2. Shunsui Sakuranosuke Jirō Kyōraku
- Birthday: July 11
- First Anime Appearance: Bleach, Ep. 13 “Assemble! The Gotei 13” (2005)
Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Shunsui Sakuranosuke Jirō Kyōraku is one of the chilliest leaders within the Soul Society. He prefers to take his time by thinking through a problem before charging headlong into battle. This personality trait sometimes comes into conflict with the more prone-to-action commanders of the Gotei 13.
A flamboyant commander, he loves chasing women and taking naps. His childish behavior masks the reality that Shunsui is a high-ranking noble of the Kyōraku family. He wields Zanpakutō which exists as two separate blades in both its sealed and Shikai states.
Shunsui Kyōraku is a loveable and dynamic character within the Bleach universe. With a charming temperament, he embraces many of the tropes one comes to expect from the media’s depiction of a warrior poet. This is why, sixteen years following his anime debut, Shunsui Sakuranosuke Jirō Kyōrakucontinues to be a fan favorite.
1. “Cat Burglar” Nami
- Birthday: July 3
- First Anime Appearance: One Piece, Ep. 1 “I’m Luffy! The Man Who Will Become the Pirate King” (1999)
Nami is a smart and highly skilled cartographer who desires to map the world within the One Piece universe. An angsty young girl, she grew up in Cocoyasi Village alongside her adoptive sister and foster mother. Nami’s mischievous nature would lead her to become a skilled thief, resulting in the government referring to her as the “Cat Burglar.”
She would leave home to enlist as a crewmember with the Arlong Pirates. When Arlong ransoms her village, Nami enters into a scheme to steal from the Straw Hat Pirates. The “Cat Burglar” would become the Straw Hat Pirates’ navigator following their defeat of Arlong. Her fighting style employs the Clima-Tact to manipulate the surrounding weather to destroy opponents.
Nami is the most popular female character in the One Piece universe. This fact is not lost on the manga’s creator, whose wife cosplayed Nami at the Jump Festa in 2002. The “Cat Burglar” Nami’s blend of good looks, intelligence, and playful nature make her our top pick for the anime characters born in the first half of July.
