It combines simplicity and practical elegance. It also exudes a very signature style that, like Chinese and Korean traditional clothing, makes them completely unrecognizable from the classical styles of clothes in Europe during similar eras. But you know what’s even more awesome about it? Anime characters that wear kimonos as their signature suit of clothing! Come on, you definitely know a character or two that is distinctly identified for their traditional Japanese wear. And that’s not even limited to female characters. For this list I want to share the absolute best anime characters that awesomely rock a kimono. But before we get started, a few rules first:
One character per series The kimono must be the primary clothing of that character If not, the kimono should be very important for them Prominent enough to stand out (a good chunk of Edo/Yamato-era series will be omitted) Furisode, hakama, yukata, houmon’gi, katabira, etc., are all kimono NO shrine maiden kimono (or else the entire list will be flooded by them)
Additionally, each one of these kimono-clad characters is awesome in their specific way. So let’s love them all, shall we? Without further ado, enjoy the list!
22. Ayase Chihaya (Chihayafuru)
Starting off the list is our beloved queen of karuta, Chihaya Ayase. Originally it should have been Kanade who would represent this series, since she’s the expert in traditional hakama-type kimono after all. But I decided to go with the Mizusawa High School Karuta Club’s captain instead. True, she doesn’t wear kimono all the time. But as karuta is basically her life. Her connection with a traditional kimono during official sanctioned tournaments is inseparable.
21. Emma Ai (Jigoku Shoujo)
This is the first thing that came to mind when speaking of kimonos and anime. And this is actually a bit of inspiration for this list. Sure, the one and only Jigoku Shoujo might have been included in every single list of a similar topic before. But can I really help it? She deserves a solid spot here, no matter how many malevolent souls she ferries across the Sanzu River.
20. Glass (Tate no Yuusha Nariagari)
An enigmatic figure claiming to be summoned from another isekai, Glass is one of the newest characters to be in this list since the anime adaptation was aired just a few seasons ago. If you want someone that would stick out like sore thumb with their kimono, then it would definitely be Glass wreaking havoc in the kingdom of Melromarc. Pretty much like another, but a lot more deviant black kimono-clad dragon lady that we will also mention later.
19. Ishikawa Goemon (Lupin III)
The thirteenth member of his clan bearing the same name as their legendary ancestor, Goemon is one of Lupin III’s most powerful and loyal aides. Well, technically he wasn’t that loyal at first. But Lupin eventually earned his respect. Possessing almost superhuman capabilities as a present-day swordsman, he and his hakama too sticks out like a sore thumb to any Western heist or escapade Lupin plans to accomplish.
18. Himura Kenshin (Rorouni Kenshin)
Perhaps cut from the same slab of marble as Goemon, Himura Kenshin the battousai is yet again another katana wielding badass for this anime character list. As Rurouni Kenshin is set in the Meiji era, his hakama might not stand out too much. However Japan at this time is literally at the crossroads between being a medieval country and a modernized industrialized state. This means traditional kimono have begun its century-long period of being phased out as regular clothes.
17. Ichihara Yuuko (xxxHolic)
A character that we can consider just as classic as Emma Ai in terms of wearing kimono. In fact, she almost feels like a different person when she’s wearing regular dresses and clothing. Physical as it may be, the traditional Japanese dress is certainly part of her character, which usually puts a nice contrast to Kimihiro’s suits while he is on duty.
16. Izumi Kyouka (Bungou Stray Dogs)
Yes, before you ask, Kyouka’s entry in this list means that Kouyou will not be included. She might be as cute as a doll, but she is now far from actually being a doll. Who could ever resist those short but precious expressions of pure happiness outside her risky line of work? Well she did keep her silent and stoic personality. Her kimono is colored red for a reason, after all. But don’t ever point that out to Atsushi!
15. Kokkuri-san (Gugure Kokkuri-san)
Okay, I understand that Kokkuri-san is hardly the first ever dashing white fox bishie that appeared in anime. But he does have one trait that helps him stand out well for this specific list: he rocks his kimono perfectly both as a man AND a woman! Whether it’s the original Ono-D version or the Uryocchi one, you have two different kimono flavors to choose from with Kokkuri-san.
14. Kuon (Utawarerumono series)
The somewhat wise-cracking, stubborn, but very caring Kuon may not stand out visually… but her existence within the world of Utawarerumono is absolutely unlike any other. Probably even more than that of her father. Her kimono is a bit closer to the kimono that we are fairly familiar with compared to her guardians, as it was patterned after her late mother’s kimono.
13. Kamado Nezuko (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Nezuko simply steals the hearts of everyone, Tanjiro included of course, with her dainty movements and cute motions. I mean, just look at those beady pink eyes that matches her hemp-leaf themed kimono. As a bonus, she can even freely adjust her size! Truly a field day for men of culture. Oh, but don’t ever try to provoke her, even if she never dines on humans for lunch. Trust me.
12. Kirihime Yoruka (Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut)
One of the two really “aggressive” females in the series, Yoruka shows a rather different style of wearing a kimono that combines only smaller frill elements than what a gothic version would usually show. While her Koto princess robes is perfect for concealment, it is ironically not suited for personal stealth. It probably can be used to sneak up on our coveted young Drag-Knight though.
11. Souma Ritsu (Fruits Basket)
What? You thought we can get through this list without a trap or two? Like Chihaya, Ritsu doesn’t really wear kimono all the time. But when he prefers the best mental comfort, the first outfit that he’ll definitely go to is a kimono. Though he did start wearing female clothing less and less during his character development, his biggest impression would still be the softspoken, meek, green kimono-wearing Yamato nadeshiko that Tohru had initially mistaken him for.
10. Nora (Noragami)
At a glance she may seem like a simple, cute shinki. Her rather plain but still distinct kimono design even reflects a somewhat harmless aura around her. But beyond that coy smile, she has the capability to manipulate people to satisfy her own ends, and harbour long-time ill-will. She eventually turns around later on. But not before facing everything that led her to become that way in the first place.
9. Shinguji Sakura (Sakura Wars)
An entry very similar to that taken by the legendary battousai, but this time we take a step forward towards the Taishou era… or a fictionalized version of it at least. Sakura’s iconic hakama-type kimono and her pink koubu’s Eastern style swordplay, has become one of the symbols of 90’s era anime… even though technically Sakura is a video game character. Stand up for justice, Imperial Assault Force!
8. Shindou Ayaka (Kyoukai no Kanata)
What’s not to love about being a gentle fox youmu (in the anime) and speaking in Kansai dialect? Well, she might have a few questionable business activities here and there. But in times of need she is always mentally prepared to see things through. Sometimes even with the use of force. As a bonus, she’s also with her equally adorable little sister, who can also rock a good yukata herself.
7. Kamazuki Suzuno (Hataraku Maou)
The seemingly-innocent- but-actually-is-relatively-innocent next door neighbour of Maou Sadao. Suzuno apparently “learned” most of the stuff she knew about the human world by watching period dramas, hence her current fashion choice. This also means her insistence on anything Japanese-traditional, extends to just about any part of her life and preferences… with perhaps the exception of her giant holy hammer.
6. Tio Klarus (Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou)
In the world of Tortus, the dragonkin are basically represented as the Eastern-style inhabitants. As such, Tio wears a set of clothing that strongly resembles a Japanese kimono. This not only perfectly complements her long, shining black hair, but the elegance even gives a stronger impression of an artful caster, despite being also equally capable physically. Unfortunately her outfit helps little in supressing her eventual personality impression after meeting Hajime.
5. Araragi Tsukihi (Bakemonogatari series)
The one and only younger half of the Araragi family’s Fire Sisters. She doesn’t seem to have any reason-specific affiliation with kimono in general, but it is her default set of clothing, no matter the season. Whether it is her lighter & shorter yukata for summer, or a more traditional one for the colder months, you can be sure that she would almost always wear a brightly colored kimono befitting of her true identity during her appearances.
4. Tsukuyo (Gintama)
The famed Courtesan of Death has a rather unique taste in her own kimono design, compared to most others in this list. But alas, this is the wacky and wonderful alternate world of Gintama. So you’d best simply regard it as the norm. True to her feisty reputation, her distinct kimono meshes well with her attitude and fighting style, much to the chagrin of one parfait-loving silver-haired carefree ex-samurai.
3. Yaya (Unbreakable Machine Doll)
Oddly enough, Yaya’s kimono is the only entry here that features the somewhat trendy Eastern gothic style paired with her deep, black hair arranged in long pigtails. Much like another entry at the far end of this list, Yaya absolutely stands out when compared to the setting of an alternative Far Western European nation. And we’re not even talking about her abilities yet as an automaton!
2. Yunohana Yuuna (Yuragi-sou no Yuuna-san)
Earth-bound spirits in anime and manga are usually depicted wearing a kyoukatabira, if they assume a human form. You know, the white kimono that is paired with a triangular bandanna. However, being that Yuuna is spiritually bound to the former traditional Japanese inn, an inn yukata paired with a red haori becomes her main suit. She has the ability to switch her spiritual form to a different set of clothes, of course. But her yukata stays as the default.
1. Yune (Ikoku Meiro no Croisée)
Last but certainly not least, if you want another character that sticks out like a sore thumb in her kimono, look no further than Yune. Arriving in France during the industrial revolution, she is just as alien to the entire landscape, style and culture, as she herself feels to her new home. It doesn’t help that she’s also as cute as a button in every way. Making her existence at the local shopping district even more prominent.
