The concept of friends who are ready to die for each other and always have the other's back has long been a fan-favorite element in anime. Whether it's an inspiring bromance, a cute opposite-gender friendship or rivals-turned-friends like Naruto and Sasuke, anime friendships are a truly deep experience filled with emotions. While there are countless anime duos who have won the audience's hearts over the years, a few are so enlightening that everyone wants a friend like that in their lives.
Good friendships transcend circumstances, time, and sometimes even dimensions. Some of these anime duos are childhood friends, while others have found their better part through struggle and trauma. From teaching the viewers heartfelt lessons to restoring everyone's faith in humanity, these are some of the best anime friendships of all time.
Mochizo Oji and Tamako Kitashirakawa (Tamako Market)
Tamako Market is an incredibly adorable anime, whether it's the animation or the heart-melting connection between the characters. One particular friendship that stands out is between the co-protagonists Tamako Kitashirakawa and Mochizo Oji, who are childhood best friends. Both belong to a close-knit community, but their fathers are mochi rivals which keeps the drama going in their lives.
Tamako and Mochizo share a beautiful bond where the pair indulge in occasional teasing and heartfelt friendship moments alike. Since Mochizo is actually in love with Tamako, it's hard for him to deny her anything, which makes their friendship all the more beautiful.
The Nijiiro Days Gang
Although this article is about anime duos, it was impossible to leave out the full Nijiiro Days. Dubbed as Rainbow Days, this slice-of-life/romance anime is a treat to watch as it will bring out everyone's memories of being with school friends. Natsuki is an ordinary high school student, but there's nothing normal about his friendship with his best bros (Tomoya, Keiichi, and Tsuyoshi), each one with a uniquely colorful personality.
It's an absolute blast of laughter when they come together, and it's clear each member of the gang cares deeply for one another. This goes on to teach viewers how important it is to have caring friends in such a delicate period of one's life.
Mark Evans and Axel Blaze (Inazuma Eleven)
Mamoru's (or Mark Evans') character in Inazuma Eleven is a true representation of how a friend should be. He is highly protective of his team and shares a special bond with none other than Axel Blaze (Shuuya). Even though they have opposite personalities, with Mark being completely out there and Axel a highly private person, Mark manages to breakdown Axel's walls.
He truly helps Axel cope with a tragic past related to football, and he eventually becomes the strongest part of the team. Their friendship throughout Inazuma Eleven reminds fans that whether one plays together or against, a true friend will always cheer the other on and be proud of their accomplishments. Mark and Axel's friendship represents the best of their sport.
Osamu and Atsushi (Bungou Stray Dogs)
Atsushi Nakajima had a rough childhood and can't seem to escape his tragic past -- that is, until he meets Osamu Dazai. Osamu helps Atsushi overcome deep trauma and gives him a purpose. He truly changes his friend's life for the better throughout Bungou Stray Dogs and even lets Atsushi join the gang.
This friendship represents the importance of having a support system that can maim the beast from the past. Osamu's enigmatic personality eventually motivates Atsushi to trust life once more and put his faith in someone who truly cares for him. Their friendship goes far beyond too -- Osamu and Atsushi practically act like siblings, easily putting them among anime's greatest duos.