The adventures of Goku in Dragon Ball or Deku in My Hero Academia are thrilling, but the true appeal of these tales comes from the inspiring protagonists themselves. Despite facing increasingly difficult obstacles as their respective series move forward, both of these characters always manage to persevere.
As these and many other anime characters continue to persevere, dialogue offers viewers inspiration through quotes. In fact, it doesn't even take an anime protagonist to inspire. Some of the best quotes in anime come from secondary and even tertiary characters, because not everyone can always be the protagonist.
10 “When People Are Protecting Something Truly Special To Them, They Truly Can Become As Strong As They Can Be.” - Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
The mangaka behind Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto, brings this motivational quote to viewers with a focus on the idea of truth. In order for someone to become truly strong, they must find what is truly special to them.
Naruto is transparent enough as a character for fans to know what he holds dear. If Hinata were ever put in danger, Naruto would put on a demonstration of true strength that anime fans would be happy to watch.
9 "When I Say It Doesn't Hurt Me, That Means I Can Bear It." - Killua (Hunter X Hunter)
Not every inspirational quote has to inspire fans with a beautiful illustration of the past or future. Hunter X Hunter does well to show Shonen anime fans that the world is not always made up of roses and sunshine. Sometimes the world hurts.
These words from Killua prove that what hurts... hurts. Even if you can bear it. Still, the confident way that Killua says this suggests that bearing the pain is worth it, even if only as a demonstration of strength.
8 "Somebody Help Me! I'm Too Young & Pretty To Die!" - Bulma (Dragon Ball)
Inspiration is too often tied to the idea of individualized success, but sometimes all that is needed is the inspiration to ask for help. Anime is well known for the way it promotes teamwork over individualized strength, which makes it the perfect place to find inspirational quotes on collaboration.
This quote from Bulma is one of the best inspirational quotes on teamwork that can be found in anime. Despite being pushed to call out for help, Bulma is still confident in her youth and her beauty. Readers would be wise to remember that there is as much strength in asking for help as there is in fighting evil alone.
7 "It May Be Hard Right Now, But You Must Silence Those Thoughts. Stop Counting Only Those Things That You Have Lost. What Is Gone, Is Gone." - Jinbei (One Piece)
The resident whale-shark fish-man of One Piece brings this inspirational quote to anime fans as a reminder to look on the bright side. The past is the past, and though it should not be entirely forgotten, it should be referenced with a positive attitude to avoid letting it serve as an anchor.
Jinbei is a beautiful and interesting character because of his commitment to living in peace with humanity despite the historical drama between man and fish-men. If anyone knows how to leave the drama in the past in order to move into a peaceful future, it is Jinbei.
6 "Whether A Fish Lives In A Clear Stream Or A Water Ditch, So Long As It Continues Swimming Forward, It Will Grow Up Beautifully." - Koro Sensei (Assassination Classroom)
Despite Koro Sensei's nefarious alternative motives, their actions as a teacher suggest a commitment to equality and opportunity that contrasts their plans for destruction. This quote especially encapsulates Koro Sensei's soft side by demonstrating their aptitude for inclusivity and respect.
By choosing to motivate through metaphor, Koro Sensei pushes their students forward with a simple direction. Keep moving on.
5 "How Can You Move Forward If You Keep Regretting The Past?" - Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
For those that haven't made the time to binge through Fullmetal Alchemist or Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, it should be made clear that Edward Elric is the king of regretting the past. The entire plot of this popular anime series is spurred by the Elric brother's inability to let the past go.
Only after he accepted the truth of his past could Edward Elric overcome the obstacles set in front of him. Fans can learn from Edward Elric by accepting their own past as truth and moving into the future with hope.
4 "If You Can’t Do Something, Then Don’t. Focus On What You Can Do." - Shiroe (Log Horizon)
Log Horizon offers viewers a bevy of relatable characters thanks to its brilliant use of the isekai genre. The protagonist of the series is just a grad student who likes to play video games and occasionally says some pretty cool things.
Shiroe breaks down the conversation that surrounds insecurity by offering an obvious alternative to stress. Give up. Then find something that can be done. It seems counterintuitive to inspire by promoting defeat, but if it means admitting defeat to find the way forward, Shiroe may be on to something with this.
3 "The Lifespan Of A Human Is Certainly Way Too Short. That’s Why You’ve Got To Make The Most Of It & Live Your Life To The Fullest." - Leone (Akame Ga Kill!)
Leone is well known in the world of Akame Ga Kill! for her calm and analytical disposition. The lioness makes this calm and analytical disposition very clear by explaining that a human only has one short life to live.
It seems that her time as a half-human half-lioness Teigu has taught Leone a lesson on her own humanity. Perhaps all it takes is a little perspective to find the inspiration needed to move forward.
2 "You’re Absolutely Right. I Can’t Do Anything Alone. Everyone Has Their Flaws & Imperfections, But That’s What Drives Us To Work Together… To Make Up For Those Flaws. Together, We Make The Perfect Main Character." - Gintoki Sakata (Gintama)
The protagonist of Gintama is notoriously cynical. The way Gintoki begins this quote by breaking himself down is a standard for his character. This self-degradation is often funny, creating an interesting sort of humor around the entire Gintama series.
Fans learn to love Gintoki as a protagonist because of his wicked vulnerability, so the moment he offers to share the role of main character, viewers can't help but feel inspired. What is more inspiring than joining Gintoki as the main character of Gintama?
1 "Believe In The Me That Believes In You" - Kamina (Gurren Lagann)
Fans of Gurren Lagann will never forget Kamina. Despite only appearing in the very first arc of the anime, Kamina was as iconic an anime protagonist as Goku, Naruto, and Luffy.
As the series progressed, Simon was welcomed as the protagonist after Kamina was forced to give up his position, but he never could have taken over if Kamina hadn't paved the way. At the beginning of this anime series, Simon is much too insecure to carry the burden of protagonist. Luckily, Kamina's kind and inspirational words give Simon the chance to see himself through the eyes of someone who truly believes in him.