10 Best Delinquent Anime Characters That You Should Know Update 04/2024

Delinquent Anime Characters

While delinquents in anime tend to have a tough demeanor, they often have a kind heart.

Some anime characters are based on real-world subcultures, such as the “delinquent youth” archetype, which is a common theme in the genre. Japanese anime and manga are nostalgic for a delinquent society that existed in the country in the past, and this nostalgia is reflected in their characters. Although punk rock’s heyday has passed, its spirit lives on in anime.

Delinquents are social order rebels in any culture, and they reflect in fiction the innate urge of many people to let loose and break free of the confining conventions and rules of their world. Even if some of these juvenile delinquents are nefarious thugs and crooks, there are others who are good-hearted misfits who may even have a heart of gold.

10. Manjiro Sano, AKA Mikey, Is Loyal & Smart (Tokyo Revengers)

Sano-Manjiro-AKA-Mikey

Takemichi Hanagaki, the protagonist of Tokyo Revengers, is a time traveler who wants to change the past so that the future will be better for everyone. All of this is taking place with the help of kind-hearted delinquent Mikey.

However, Mikey is an extremely devoted and selfless person who is willing to put his life on the line for those he cares about. It’s true that he has a nasty side, but it’s balanced out by his good side, which makes him an intriguing character.

9. Josuke Higashikata Always Fights For What’s Right (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

It’s not uncommon for delinquents to serve as antiheroes or villains who are later rehabilitated. In the first case, there’s Josuke Higashikata, a hot-blooded Stand user who isn’t hesitant to bash some heads, especially if someone makes fun of his carefully-styled hairstyle.

However, it’s not all awful. Like Mikey, Josuke is devoted to his friends and family, and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect them, even if that means taking on the explosive Yoshikage Kira. Anyone who earns Josuke’s trust will have a long-term ally, even if it isn’t easy.

8. Ichigo Kurosaki Won’t Tolerate Thugs (Bleach)

Ichigo Kurosaki

It was established in the first few episodes of Bleach that the protagonist, Ichigo Kurosaki, was both a delinquent and a Soul Reaper, making him a somewhat complex character. Even before he went to the Soul Society or Hueco Mundo, he already had a lot on his plate.

In addition to his striking orange hair and punk attitude, Ichigo has a short fuse. Those terrible kids who abuse others or destroy memorials to the recently deceased rankle him as well. Ichigo is willing to use any means necessary to defend the weak and defenseless, such as his new friend Chad.

7. Naruto Uzumaki Wants To Be A Hero (Naruto)

The majority of anime delinquents can be found in a real-world context, such as Naruto’s fantasy world. In addition to being a jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki is also an attention-seeking delinquent because of his jinchuriki status.

In order to deface the Hokage statue or play practical jokes on his classmates, Naruto frequently skips class, which irritates Iruka Umino to no end. Naruto isn’t a bad guy, but he isn’t a great one either. He’s lonely and frustrated, and he needs someone to talk to. Ultimately, he wants to be Hokage, the village’s leader and most feared protector..

6. Kyo Sohma Will Risk His Life For Tohru (Fruits Basket)

Kyo Sohma (Fruits Basket)

A member of the cursed Sohma family, the bearer of the dreaded housecat spirit, a complete delinquent, Yuki’s opponent, and most importantly, the love interest of Tohru Honda. A male tsundere, Kyo is also an impetuous and impulsive young man who is hesitant to express his emotions.

He tried more than once to drive Tohru away, but he was in desperate need of her, and his life was completely transformed when she did. Even though Kyo’s delinquent side never really went away, he started behaving himself at school for the first time. That is who he’ll always be.

5. Arisa Uotani Is A Reformed Delinquent (Fruits Basket)

Even while shonen series tend to feature the best anime delinquents, there are plenty of examples in shojo series like Fruits Basket. Kyo is merely the beginning. Arisa Uotani, a close friend of Tohru’s, is a once incarcerated felon who has now cleaned up her act.

It wasn’t until she was an adult that Arisa realized that she had a better life than she had ever imagined. When she met Tohru, everything changed. The real Arisa was a good person who just needed a way to vent her anger and anguish.

4. Eikichi Onizuka Is A Beloved Delinquent Teacher (GTO)

Eikichi Onizuka

For anime viewers who are older, Eikichi Onizuka is one of the most popular and recognizable delinquent characters ever. As the title suggests, he is the main character of GTO, or Great Teacher Onizuka, a former criminal who is now an inspirational teacher.

Eikichi grew up in a gang-infested neighborhood, yet he’s not a bad guy by any stretch of the imagination. As someone who wants to serve others and is doing his best in the best way he knows how, he has some rough edges.

3. Yu Ishigami Is A Delinquent By Shuchiin Standards (Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War)

Yu Ishigami, compared to certain anime delinquents like Mikey or Arisa, isn’t that much of a rogue. But he’s had his fill of drama, and he’s apprehensive about being ruled by others. He’ll stick to his guns, no matter how hard the school administration and instructors try to sabotage him.

Yu and Kyoko Otomo got into an argument over her, and he refused to write an apology letter for his actions. Even during meetings with the student council, where he serves as treasurer, he snubs Shuchiin’s school rules by playing video games nonstop.

2. Yusuke Urameshi Is A Classic Hero (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Yusuke Urameshi

As a 1990s shonen protagonist, Yusuke Urameshi resembles Bleach’s Ichigo Kurosaki, a punk with an admirable heart. To save a youngster from an oncoming automobile, Yusuke, a punk and a spoiled brat, gave the ultimate act of selflessness. Underworld rulers offered him a second shot as an Underworld Detective since they were impressed.

To preserve the world and the people he loves, Yusuke is back in action and ready to take on the world’ toughest fighter and monster. He gets along well with his mother, who is a single parent, and he has a warm spot in his heart for Keiko.

1. Metal Bat Cares For His Sister (One-Punch Man)

Professional superhero Metal Bat is an S-ranked member of the Hero Association, which indicates that he is an extremely powerful combatant. As it turns out, Metal Bat’s strength is put to good use and he looks fantastic doing it, too. “Punk” is a word that comes to mind when you see his hairstyle, clothes, baseball bat, and attitude.

It is no secret that Metal Bat has a soft spot for his little sister, who counts on him to be there for her when she performs at her piano recitals. Otherwise, he’s a typical delinquent who curses at people and even gets up close and personal with them. Metal Bat is here to save the day, but he’s not going to be tamed.