Regardless of one's age, gender, sexuality, or race, representation in media is important to all audiences. As the anime community continues to grow, the need for representation in the medium grows along with it. Over the years, more and more anime series are released, some of which went the extra mile to include the necessary and much-appreciated Black representation through their characters.

While including Black characters is important, it is equally important to make sure that creators do so tastefully and thoughtfully. Too often, Black anime characters are seen as mere jokes or comedic relief when they could, and should, be so much more. With that being said, some anime have represented the Black community very well using strong, powerful, and lovable characters. From shonen to seinen, there are some amazing anime with Black representation.

Updated on October 10, 2023 by Angelo Delos Trinos: Black anime characters are more prominent than ever before. This applies to both their screen time and relevance to their respective anime's stories. It's exciting and inspiring to see more Black characters in a medium that used to struggle with diversity. This list was updated to include more anime with amazing Black representation.

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20 Black Lagoon

Dutch gives orders to his crewmaes in Black Lagoon

If there are two things that Black Lagoon strives to be, it's being brash and boisterous. These traits perfectly complement Dutch, the former United States Marine who served as both the brawn and the brains of the series' titular Lagoon Trading Company.

The action-packed Black Lagoon didn't pull punches when it came to edgy material. Thankfully, Dutch was handled with a commendable amount of awareness. His dependability, quick wits, and steely resolve were highlights of the series. On multiple occasions, he and the Lagoon Trading Company took actions to directly combat racism in Roanapur.

19 Gangsta.

Alex Bendetto holding a piece of cloth in Gangsta.

Gangsta. was a gritty anime set in the fictional, crime-ridden town of Ergastalum. It followed two mercenaries, Nicolas and Worick, who picked up any jobs deemed too dangerous by the mob or the state police. However, it's actually the main Black anime character, Alex Benedetto, who proved to be Gangasta.'s most interesting and generative character.

Alex lived with amnesia. As a result of her vulnerable circumstances, she was forced to become a sex worker before she escaped the profession. Her unique perspective brought in much-needed racial and socioeconomic diversity, especially when considering the homogenous nature of the rest of its cast.

18 Naruto: Shippuden

Raikage Ay bumping knuckles with Killer Bee in Naruto: Shippuden

The first thing that most fans remember about Naruto: Shippuden's Hidden Cloud Village was almost certainly Killer Bee and his incessant rapping. While the series was often ridiculed for making a racial stereotype, such a major part of Killer Bee's persona, Naruto: Shippuden actually did a fantastic job of developing him as a character.

Bee's rapping aside, the Hidden Cloud Village brought a multitude of fleshed-out, well-written Black anime characters into Naruto's narrative. Killer Bee, Ay, Darui, and Karui all made major contributions to the anime's events. Karui even comprised half of the series' first interracial marriage when she tied the knot with Choji Akimichi.

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17 One Piece

Usopp celebrating a successful hit in One Piece

Given the fact that One Piece's episode count has climbed over 1000 and shows no signs of slowing down, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the series fielded many great Black anime characters like Usopp. Eiichiro Oda's commitment to racial inclusivity applied to the anime, and the casting for Netflix's live-action adaptation.

Aokiji, Daz Bones, Gedatsu, Mr. 5, and Yasopp all joined Usopp as examples of One Piece's Black representation. Gedatsu and Mr. 5 were fairly minor characters, but every other one of these individuals benefited from major narrative significance, granting them the nuance deserving of their characters.

16 Blood Blockade Battlefront

Zapp Renfro eats a burger in Blood Blockade Batlefront

Whereas many anime explored Japanese locations, Blood Blockade Battlefront instead opted for a much more Western setting: New York City. Because of its chosen setting, the series naturally made a concerted effort to represent the racial diversity of America, starting with its beloved ladies' man, Zapp Renfro.

Zapp and his allies joined forces to form the organization Libra: a group tasked with defending New York City (now referred to as Hellsalem's Lot) from a variety of supernatural threats. In a medium that traditionally lacked strong Black anime characters, Blood Blockade Battlefront was a breath of fresh air.

15 Hunter X Hunter (2011)

Canary smiles while inside the Zoldyck Estate in Hunter x Hunter (2011)

The classic anime Hunter x Hunter, especially is 2011 remake, is a favorite among fans. It was appreciated for its complex plot, and its wide variety of characters who were more diverse than anyone expected. One particularly awesome character in the often surprising Hunter x Hunter was Canary.

Canary was the young apprentice butler for the Zoldyck family, who was skilled in assassination techniques and an expert in hand-to-hand combat. She may not be Hunter x Hunter's strongest character, but she helped exemplify positive Black representation and wasn't one to be trifled with.

14 Carole & Tuesday

Carole Stanley gets excited in Carole and Tuesday

Carole and Tuesday was a heartfelt anime about an unlikely pair of friends who discovered their mutual passion for music, and decided to form a singing and songwriting duo. The story followed Tuesday Simmons and her best friend, Carole Stanley, a young orphaned Black woman with a natural talent for singing and playing the keyboard.

With Carole as one of the main characters, Carole and Tuesday was an absolute treat for fans. Its emphasis on musical influence wonderfully reflected Black culture. Overall, it provided great representation for young, musically inclined Black women around the world.

13 Fire Force

Ogun nervously talks with Shinra in Fire Force

Fire Force followed the story of Shinra Kusakabe and his journey after joining Special Fire Force Company 8. Many fans enjoyed the unique animation style and impressive characters with awesome pyrokinetic abilities within the show. One especially talented character was Ogun Montgomery, a member of Special Fire Force Company 4.

With the ability to launch flames and increase his strength by tattooing his body with fire, Ogun was an excellent example of a powerful and gifted Black anime character. Such characters were rare in anime's early days. Ogun was part of a recent positive and inspiring movement to increase representation in anime.

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12 Haikyu!!

Aran Ojiro catches his breath in Haikyuu!!

The fan-favorite junior high school volleyball team, Karasuno, was the star of the hit sports anim Haikyu!!. They faced a lot of challenging teams with strong opponents. One particular opponent, Aran Ojiro, was a powerful outside hitter with an awesome spike. He was a third-year student at Inarizaki High School with exceptional athletic ability.

Aran wasn't just a fantastic volleyball player, but a key figure of Black representation in the sports genre and anime in general as well. Fans connected with Aran, and regarded him as one of the beginner-friendly Haikyu's!! most underrated players.

11 Slam Dunk

Takenori Akagi grabs the rebound in Slam Dunk

While it's difficult to determine which anime was the first to feature a Black character, it's undeniable that Slam Dunk was one of the first anime where fans saw a prominent Black anime character. Specifically, Takenori Akagi. Based on NBA superstar Patrick Ewing, Akagi was Shohoku's formidable and unstoppable leader.

Akagi was one of the most determined basketball players and aspirational characters in both the quintessentially '90s Slam Dunk and in all sports anime. Without the immovable Akagi's leadership and example, Shohoku would've been lesser and weaker than they already were at the anime's start.

10 Basquash

Miyuki Ayukawa smiles in Baquash

Basquash took place on a futuristic Earth and followed the journey of Dan JD and his friends. They took the game of basketball to the streets and overcame challenges to reach their goal. Like most anime, the main protagonist had a love interest. Dan JD's crush was a young, caring woman by the name of Miyuki Ayukawa.

Miyuki worked as the team's mechanic, and her expertise did wonders to improve their skills. Her talents didn't go unnoticed or unappreciated among viewers, as she was recognized as an amazing example of Black excellence.

9 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders

Mohammad Avdol summons Magician's Red in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders

One of the biggest and most popular anime franchises in the world, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure was cherished by anime fans for its distinctive character design and plot structure. The Black representation in the anime was yet another great reason in an already long list of positive reasons to watch and love the anime.

In JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, Muhammed Avdol was a Black Stand user who wielded Magician's Red, a Stand with the capability to emit powerful flames on command. Avdol was known for his righteousness, fierce loyalty to the Stardust Crusaders, and his stylish fashion sense.

8 Castlevania: Nocturne

Orlox and Drolta Tzuentes discuss important matters in Castlevania: Nocturne

Castlevania: Nocturne made waves online not just because it was the anticipated sequel to Netflix's hit anime, Castlevania, but because of its Black representation. Nocturne wasn't the first vampire story to feature Black characters, but it was one of the few that defied the genre's predominantly White conventions.

More importantly, Nocturne refuted the genre's tendency to ignore history's racist realities by tackling slavery. Heroes like Annette and Edouard challenged their era's racist status quo, while villains like Orlox and Drolta Tzuentes upheld it. Seeing Black vampires and vampire slayers was as exciting as it was empowering.

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7 Afro Samurai

Afro dons the Number One Headband in Afro Samuai

Few anime in history have become as much of a cultural milestone as Afro Samurai. The titular character, Afro Samurai, was an impressively skilled swordsman who radiated Black culture with everything he did. With none other than Samuel L. Jackson voicing him, the katana-wielding protagonist became a hit with fans.

Afro Samurai's success was recognized by two Emmy nominations, and the award for Outstanding Animated Program. It was followed by a similarly successful sequel film, Afro Samurai: Resurrection, as well as a video game adaptation. The game left a lot to be desired, but Afro was immortalized as one of the most popular Black anime characters of all time.

6 Bleach

Yoruichi Shihouin, Kaname Tosen, and Franceska Mila Rose as seen in Bleach

Recognized within the anime community as the anime with the most Black representation, Bleach was a classic shonen that has been widely loved and appreciated ever since its premiere in 2004. This shouldn't come as a surprise, as Bleach repeatedly proved itself to be one of the most culturally diverse anime in existence.

Bleach has many amazing Black characters. The most well-known were undoubtedly Yoruichi Shihouin, Tier Harribel, Kaname Tosen, and Franceska Mila Rose. More exist in the anime and manga. Each character was unique and powerful in their own right. Bleach creator Tite Kubo presented them all with thoughtful backstories, complex development, and awe-inspiring abilities.

5 My Hero Academia

Rock Lock voices his disagreement during a meeting in My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia notably has a diverse list of heroes and villains. Rock Lock, also known as Ken Takagi, was a Black Pro Hero with the Quirk "Lock Down." This ability allowed him to immobilize anyone he came into close physical contact with. Although Rock Lock's power was effective, he was limited to affecting small areas, and his power could be overwhelming at times.

The confidence Rock Lock exuded paired with his spectacular skills showed he was indeed a powerful hero who was Black and proud. Although he was little more than a side character in My Hero Academia's massive cast, Rock Lock was a Black anime character who stood out for all the right reasons.

4 Michiko & Hatchin

Michiko and Atsuko Jackson glare at each other in Michiko And Hatchin.

Although the story of Michiko and Hatchin took place in the fictional city of Diamandra, it was obvious to viewers that it is based on the culture of South American countries — specifically Brazil. The plot followed a prison escapee by the name of Michiko Malandro, a strong, free-spirited, Black woman who was wild and compassionate at heart.

On the side of the law was Atsuko Jackson, a Black police officer who had a complex relationship with Michiko. Despite being rivals, these women worked together to deliver one of anime's most compelling buddy-cop dynamics. The undeniable romantic tension between them made Michiko and Hatchin even better.

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3 Cowboy Bebop

Abdul Hakim and Coffee in Cowboy Bebop

Great Black representation and Black culture (specifically jazz music) were some of the most overlooked reasons behind Cowboy Bebop's strong appeal in America. Even if they only had one episode each, Cowboy Bebop's Black characters (both friend or foe to the Bebop crew) breathed life and realism into the anime's world.

The nostalgic Cowboy Bebop's one-off Black anime characters like Abdul Hakim and Coffee, and especially Black voice actors like Beau Billingslea (Jet Black), left a massive impression on fans and anime as a whole. Billingslea was so integral to Jet that his performance influenced the decision to cast Jet as a Black man in Netflix's live-action adaptation.

2 Revolutionary Girl Utena

Anthy prays on a bed of roses in Revolutionary Girl Utena

Revolutionary Girl Utena broke new ground by being one of the most influential yuri anime in history, and also through its positive Black representation. This was accomplished via Utena's lover, Anthy Himemiya. Not only was Anthy a woman of color, but she was lesbian. Such characters were rare in anime, and even more so in fantasy romances.

Anthy defied the stereotypes of Black anime characters by being ethereal, regal, and the closest person to a god in Revolutionary Girl Utena. Officially, Anthy was based on Indian women, but she resonated so much with Black viewers because characters like her were, and are arguably still, uncommon in the mainstream.

1 Berserk

Casca looks back at Guts in Berserk (1997).

Berserk is best known as one of the darkest seinen anime ever made and one of the most influential dark fantasies ever told, but it also deserves credit for starring one of the best Black anime characters of all time. The headstrong Casca wasn't just one of the few Black women to headline an anime or fantasy; she was also Berserk's heart.

Casca was one of Berserk's fiercest warriors, and one of the anime's most painfully human characters. To her fans, Casca set a high bar by which all succeeding female Black anime characters were measured up to. Casca has been copied and emulated by many other characters, but she has yet to be surpassed.