10 Best Anime Dads That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Best Anime Dads

The fathers in anime are some of the best characters in the genre, and they’re not the only ones. Father figures like these are the best there are.

Even though it’s not Father’s Day, it’s always a good time to honor the best fathers and foster fathers in anime. Many of the protagonists in Shonen manga and anime have a terrible family history, with the loss of either one or both of their parents. Or perhaps their parents are the real criminals! This time, however, we’re taking a look at some of the best dads in anime.

They’re not the typical stay-at-home dads, and in fact, they may be more adventurous than their children. It’s not uncommon for them to step in and save the day for their own children when they’re in trouble. Do you know who these brave men are?

1. Soun Tendo (Ranma 1/2)

Soun Tendo (Ranma 1/2)

One of Rumiko Takahashi’s original characters, Mr. Tendo, is a kind father inRanma 1/2. (arguably better than his longtime friend, Genma Saotome). A widower, Mr. Tendo cherishes memories of his late wife and refuses to let her death dampen his enthusiasm.

He’s the proud father of Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane, and he operates and defends the Tendo family dojo on his own. He’s also quite protective, and he won’t allow anyone to touch any of the children he cares for.

2. Isshin Kurosaki (Bleach)

Action-hero parents like those on this list are known for their aggressive approach to parenting. His son, Ichigo, is a tough cookie, but he really wants the best for him. As a widower like Mr. Tendo’s, Mr. Kurosaki maintains a cheerful home and remembers his wife with fondness.

While Yuzu admires him and Karin laughs at his jokes, he spends an inordinate amount of time spoiling them both. With the help of his son and Kisuke, the former Captain, Isshin helped bring down Sosuka Aizen, who he had previously aided in the downfall of his father.

3. Soken Ishida (Bleach)

Soken Ishida (Bleach)

The next Bleach character is here. Only in Uryu’s memories does Soken appear, and he is both a grandfather and a father. Ryuken, Soken’s son, must have been well-taught by his father, for he is an intelligent and responsible guy who is also a master of the Quincy bow and arrow.

His grandson Uryu received special attention from Soken, who passed his skills down to the next generation. Uryu appears to have viewed Soken as more of a father figure than Ryuken, and he was saddened when Soken died.

4. Soichiro Yagami (Death Note)

From Kira to Mello to Higuchi and Teru Mikami, Death Note is home to a slew of cold-blooded murders and unscrupulous schemers. Not so with Soichiro Yagami! He’s an honorable cop and a devoted husband and father, and his light shines brightly in the shadows.

As a youth, he relentlessly fought for Light’s rights, never once considering using unethical or even murderous methods to bring him to justice (though he was tragically wrong about this). As a kind of protest against Light’s imprisonment, Mr. Yagami confined himself, and in part 2 he offered Mello the Death Note in order to ensure his daughter’s freedom.

5. Joichiro Yukihira (Food Wars!)

Joichiro Yukihira (Food Wars!)

Joichiro Yukihira, a new adventurer, joins the ranks. Joichiro, a handsome, attractive man who is also a skilled chef, has toured the world in search of new culinary techniques, ingredients, and inspirations. This, combined with his obvious talent, has made him a master chef who is revered by all, especially his son Soma.

When the gentleman chef Joichiro paid a visit to Polaris Dorm, the girls were overjoyed, and they hope that Soma will follow in his father’s footsteps. Remember that Joichiro ran the family restaurant and taught Soma everything he needed to know to be a chef, so let’s not forget that.

6. Joseph Joestar (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

Of course, Joseph’s early 1980s affair with Suzie Q and subsequent pregnancy with Josuke is a black mark against him. Despite this, Joseph the old guy is an excellent father and grandfather in Stardust Crusaders. Like many of the other fathers on this list, he is devoted to his child.

Holly Joestar is the mother of Jotaro Kujo, who was born in Japan as a result of her relocation. It doesn’t matter what Jotaro says or does to Holly, Joseph is always there to protect her. Joey, Jotaro, Avdol, and Kakyoin traveled to Egypt to kill DIO and rescue his daughter’s life, as well as the lives of Polnareff and Iggy later on.

7. Maes Hughes (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Maes Hughes (Fullmetal Alchemist Bro

Here’s Hiromu Arakawa’s Mr. Heartbreak from the Fullmetal Alchemist series. The love of his life isn’t an ambitious career or deadly alchemy skills like Soichiro Yagami’s. It’s his family!

While the Ishval Civil War rages around him, Maes’ thoughts are occupied by the love he has for his wife and small daughter. Everyone who knew him was devastated by his death at the hands of Envy, who had graciously let Winry and others into his home.

8. Minato Namikaze (Naruto)

One more adventurer father, and he’s not your average guy. When he married Kushina Uzumaki, the notorious host of the Nine-Tailed Fox, he rose to the position of Fourth Hokage of Leaf Village. What a dynamic duo! As a result of these difficulties, Minato decided to give birth to Naruto far from the village, with the help of seals and guards.

That was until Tobi went after the Nine-Tailed Fox himself, and Minato wound up in a combat for the ages with him. Even though Minato prevailed, he did it against the odds and with little time to spare. After making some difficult choices, Minato and his wife decided to give half of the Nine-Tailed Fox to their infant kid. But later, in a vision, Minato conveyed his satisfaction and pride in his son’s accomplishments. He died a hero, too.

9. Naofumi Iwatani (The Rising of the Shield Hero)

Naofumi Iwatani (The Rising of the Shield Hero)

Okay, so he isn’t a biological parent, but he’s included since he acts as a sort of adoptive father to Raphtalia, who is dearly adored by all. When Naofumi was transferred into a fantasy realm and exiled because of baseless accusations, he had a lot on his plate already. Naofumi bought Raphtalia from a slave trader and adopted her as a companion while traveling alone.

As she matured into a young woman, he showed her the kind of tender love and attention that no other slave master could have given her. Naofumi and Raphtalia’s widely mistreated demi-human race became intertwined as they grew closer. As soon as Filo is born, Naofumi becomes a full-fledged father!

10. Mr. Kimura (Azumanga Daioh!)

Kimura, who is both perverse and arrogant, has nonetheless managed to make this cut. In spite of his bad behavior at school, Mr. Kimura has a hidden positive side that should be recognized.

Off-screen, he’s a devoted husband and father to a beautiful girl who, according to his students, has a bright future ahead of her. The philanthropic side of Mr. Kimura is also on display, as seen by his numerous contributions to organizations and Shinto temples (he prayed for peace on earth and good will to all). Now, if only he could act more like a responsible parent figure while he was still in school…