The world of anime is expansive and offers many unique stories with compelling characters, engaging plots, and epic moments. While some anime come and go, many deliver unique and memorable experiences. Those types of anime typically contain well-written storylines and characters.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, we’d like to highlight the best child characters in anime. Whether fans cherish these children for their intelligence or cuteness, these children had enough admirable qualities that earned them a spot on this list.
Feel free to leave your comments about our choices below.
Edogawa Conan (Detective Conan)
Edogawa Conan, the beloved child detective from the anime series Detective Conan, possesses qualities that make him an exceptional child anime character. Firstly, Conan’s intelligence and deductive reasoning skills are far beyond what is expected of a regular child. Despite his young age, Conan displays wonderful observation and quick problem-solving skills.
His sharp mind allows him to unravel complex mysteries and outsmart even the most cunning criminals. Conan’s intelligence is not only impressive but also inspiring, showcasing that children are capable of great feats when given the opportunity to use their intellect.
In addition to having a strong moral compass and sense of justice, Conan is definitely one of the best child characters in anime.
Emma (The Promised Neverland)
Emma, the heroine of The Promised Neverland, exhibits several characteristics that make her a great child anime character. She has remarkable courage and determination. Despite living in an orphanage, Emma discovers the dark truth behind its existence swiftly. Despite succumbing to fear, Emma gathers her resolve and becomes the driving force behind her friends’ escape plan.
Her unwavering courage not only inspires her fellow orphans but it shows the audience why it’s important to forge a strong resilience and stand up against injustice. On top of being an intelligent female lead with unwavering compassion and empathy toward others, Emma has proven herself to be among one of the best child anime characters today.
Gon Freecss (Hunter X Hunter)
Anya Forger (Spy x Family)
Anya Forger, from Spy X Family, is a compelling and humorous anime child character. Firstly, her intelligence and adaptability are impressive for someone her age. As the adoptive daughter of a spy and an assassin, Anya quickly learns to navigate the world of espionage, code-breaking, and deception. Her ability to think on her feet makes her a valuable asset to the family.
Moreover, Anya’s emotional resilience shouldn’t be overlooked. Despite growing up in a world filled with secrets, she maintains a positive outlook to protect her family. Anya’s ability to handle high-stress situations is not only impressive but it’s endearing for someone her age.
On top of having incredible psychic abilities that allow her to read others’ thoughts, she’ll definitely make for a worthy spy or assassin in her teenage and adult years.
Chihiro (Spirited Away)
Chihiro is one of the most iconic child anime characters in Studio Ghibli history next to Kiki and others. She demonstrates immense adaptability. When she finds herself trapped in the spirit world, she initially feels fear and helplessness. However, as the story unfolds, she musters the courage to face her challenges head-on and adapts to her new situation.
Additionally, Chihiro exhibits a remarkable sense of compassion towards others. Despite being in a strange world filled with awkward creatures, she doesn’t hesitate to help those in need and strives to understand the spirits’ points of view. From Haku to No-Face, she demonstrates kindness and understanding.
In addition to obtaining tremendous growth throughout Spirited Away’s run-time, Chihiro deserves to be recognized as one of the best child anime characters around.
Ame and Yuki (Wolf Children)
You can’t have one without the other. Ame and Yuki aren’t only adorable but they’re both well-written children in Wolf Children.
Firstly, they embody resilience and adaptability. Born to a wolf father and a human mother, they face unique challenges as they navigate life as half-wolf, half-human beings. Despite the problems they encounter, like prejudice and identity struggles, Ame and Yuki learn to accept their dual nature.
Moreover, both siblings display remarkable courage and independence. As they get older, they each embark on their own individual journeys of self-discovery. Ame chooses to explore his wolf side while Yuki embraces her human side.
Both display incredible courage in pursuing their individual paths and standing up for what they believe in. This is a wonderful trait to have, which is why they deserve their time to shine on this list.
Sakura Kinomoto (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Sakura Kinomoto is a phenomenal female lead and one of the most iconic magical girls in anime and manga history. She exhibits unwavering determination and courage. When she accidentally releases magical cards (Clow Cards), she takes on the responsibility of becoming a Cardcaptor to collect them all again. Despite lacking knowledge, she faces each challenge with great adversity.
Moreover, Sakura is a compassionate person. She values everyone’s well-being and goes out of her way to support people. Sakura’s empathy is evidenced in her interactions with the cards themselves, recognizing their emotions and desires. Her caring nature serves as a reminder of the importance of treating others with compassion.
Dororo (Dororo)
Dororo from Dororo isn’t as well-known as most of the characters on this list. However, that shouldn’t stop them from being on here. Born into a world plagued by war, Dororo’s life is filled with hardship from a young age. Despite that, they remain determined and resourceful, never losing hope in their quest for a better life.
Their resilience serves as a source of inspiration, reminding viewers of the power of determination and inner strength in overcoming life’s hardships. Moreover, Dororo exhibits a sense of justice and a profound empathy for others. They are deeply affected by the suffering they witness around them and actively work to alleviate the pain of those in need.
On top of receiving significant character development, Dororo is a fantastic child anime character who has earned their spot among the others here.
Dieter (Monster)
Dieter is a minor but important character in Naoki Urasawa’s Monster. Dieter displays remarkable maturity and intelligence beyond his years. Despite experiencing a traumatic childhood and living in an orphanage, Dieter demonstrates a keen ability to understand intricate circumstances and make rational decisions.
His astuteness allows him to navigate dangerous and unpredictable issues, making him an invaluable asset to Dr. Kenzou Tenma. Moreover, Dieter is extremely kind-hearted. Despite his troubled past, he maintains a compassionate demeanor. He often extends a helping hand to those in need, be it fellow orphans or people he meets during his journey with Tenma. His presence reminds viewers of the power of compassion, as constantly seeks to ease others’ suffering and offer them support.
If you happen to watch Monster one day, you’ll be amazed by how much depth Naoki Urasawa gave his character.
Ushio Okazaki (Clannad: After Story)
Lastly, we have the adorable offspring of Nagisa Furukawa and Tomoya Okazaki, Ushio Okazaki. Ushio demonstrates a remarkable level of strength. Despite losing someone precious to her, she remains optimistic and determined. Her resilience will inspire others to find strength during tragic times. Ushio displays a deep sense of love and compassion toward others.
Despite her young age, she possesses a profound understanding of the significance of family and friendship. She cherishes her connections with Tomoya and others in the series. This serves to remind viewers why it’s important to comfort others during difficult times.
On top of receiving tremendous development, Ushio is definitely one of the best child characters in anime.
So, there we have it, our picks for the 10 best child anime characters through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!