Fantasy anime series is an opportunity to explore a new world of magical kingdoms, powerful wizards, strange creatures, and daring adventure. Some fantasy anime series are clearly inspired by European folklore and fantasy, such as the ancient Celts or Arthurian legends, while others are based on traditional Japanese folklore. And what about the characters?
Most fantasy characters fit a clear trope, ranging from cat-girls to wise wizard mentors to brave knights and scheming vampires, and far more. Some of these characters, though, would be perfectly comfortable living on 21st century Earth. Whether they would contribute to society or become a master criminal or outlaw, these fantasy characters would trade their magic castles for modern life with ease.
10 Rukia Kuchiki, Who Has Adjusted To Humanity Already (Bleach)
Rukia Kuchiki is a Soul Reaper, a long-lived spiritual entity responsible for slaying vicious Hollows (evil spirits) and escorting souls to the afterlife, or the Soul Society. Most of them have only passing familiarity with humanity, but Rukia has an edge.
Rukia often patrols Karakura Town, and for a time, she was forced to live as an ordinary girl inside her gigai, giving her a rich perspective on human life. Rukia would have no trouble living that lifestyle permanently and becoming an upstanding citizen in modern Japan.
9 Tenten, The Master Of Ninja Weapons (Naruto)
Tenten belongs to Rock Lee and Neji's team, though her combat prowess is less than impressive, all things considered. Tenten's style is based on ninja tools and weapons, from shuriken to exploding tags, and she could make use of that in the real world.
If Tenten keeps getting outclassed in her own fantasy world, then she could live in the real world instead, having a day job to support herself while running a club for antique weapons enthusiasts of all stripes. Even in today's world, ninja gear can be fascinating and inspire a passionate hobby.
8 Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, The Sharpshooter Of Amestris (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Although arcane alchemy and homunculi are common in the land of Amestris, not everyone is a supernatural being. Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye is a non-alchemist, and she doesn't envy alchemists like Colonel Roy Mustang or Edward Elric. She's more comfortable with firearms.
Riza Hawkeye is a soldier's soldier, and her discipline and skills would allow her to make rapid progress in any real-world military as a sharpshooter. She won't be leaving any alchemy talents behind during the transition, making that transition much easier.
7 Levy McGarden, The Girl Who Loves Books (Fairy Tail)
Some Fairy Tail guild members are classic fantasy action heroes, such as the firebreathing Natsu Dragneel and the swordswoman Erza Scarlet. Meanwhile, Levy McGarden is the bookish type, and she has a sharp mind that rarely forgets a fact.
Levy is a support wizard, and she can dig up any fact or bit of data from an extensive library with ease. In 21st century Japan, Levy would be an expert librarian or researcher, and people would pay top dollar to use her talents.
6 Hiroshi Sato, The Industrialist Visionary (The Legend Of Korra)
If Hiroshi Sato ended up in the real world, he would quickly join the ranks of Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, and Elon Musk with his sharp mind for business, technology, and finances. He went from a humble shoe shiner to the founder of a massive industrial enterprise in his own world.
Hiroshi is equally savvy with machines and paperwork, allowing him to build countless cars and other devices while turning over a consistent profit. In today's world, Hiroshi would end up on the cover of TIME magazine for sure.
5 Tamayo, The Friendly Medical Demon (Demon Slayer)
Most demons are like vampires, stalking human prey in the moonlight, but Tamayo is different. She refrains from feasting on humans, and in fact, she is ready to help Tanjiro Kamado research a way to restore Nezuko's humanity.
Tamayo is used to demons and magical arts, but she is also a science woman, and she would do just fine in a modern, real-world research lab or pharmacy. It would be a fine opportunity to help people, even if demon magic isn't involved.
4 Merlin, The Curious Wizard Researcher (The Seven Deadly Sins)
In many ways, Merlin would thrive in the real world just like Tamayo would, and for similar reasons. She is a capable fighter, but Merlin is happiest in a research lab, where she can experiment on magic, the human body, and artifacts of all kinds.
Merlin is always thirsting for knowledge, and the thrill of discovery is what really keeps her going. In the 21st-century world, Merlin could pursue any field of science, from robotics to nanomachines to cutting-edge surgical techniques and far more.
3 Sanji, The Suave Chef Pirate (One Piece)
Sanji is a loyal member of the Straw Hat Pirates, and he's good in a fight, too. Sanji employs all kinds of kicking techniques in a battle to protect his hands, and he once defeated Mr. 2 in a fierce duel. But the world of cuisine is his true love.
Sanji is the cook of Luffy's crew, and he takes pride in his best recipes. If Sanji traded the pirate world for the real world, he would have a great time working for upscale restaurants and hotel kitchens and maybe join a martial arts club to practice his kicks, too. He'd love the real world.
2 Professor Oak, Who Loves All Animals (Pokemon)
In his own world, professor Oak is a lover of all Pokemon, working tirelessly to research them and help young trainers understand them better. The professor is young at heart, and he is quite comfortable in a lab, too.
If professor Oak ended up in the real world, he could easily transition from studying Pokemon to studying real-life rare and exotic species for the rest of his life. There are many Pokemon, but the real-world catalog of species is vastly more extensive, and Oak could research all manner of birds, fish, beetles, and more.
1 Mr. Yoshimura, The Kind Ghoul (Tokyo Ghoul)
Mr. Yoshimura is a ghoul, but no one would realize that fact if they met him. In fact, Mr. Yoshimura is an advocate of human-ghoul cohabitation and peace, and he will use wise words and force alike to enforce that peace.
Mr. Yoshimura knows exactly how to handle ghouls and humans alike, and he can sate his natural ghoul hunger with non-lethal (and discreet) means. If he were in the real world, he could easily run a coffee shop while not drawing any undue attention to himself.