Top 10 Anime Introverts [Updated]

Before reading this article, know that this is an update of the one we previously published. Be sure to scroll down and check that out as well when you are done with this one!

As far as we know, introverts are those people who prefer spending time alone, in order to energize their inner being. Introverts can be found in their homes, sitting in quiet parks reading books, or enjoying the silence of a library. We need to point it out: an introvert is not always a synonymous for shy. In fact, introverts enjoy spending time with friends, or family, or even strangers, but they just find it draining interacting with people for a long period. That's why they need some time alone, afterwards, in order to recharge their energy. The world of anime is full of these kinds of characters: in this ranking we'll talk about ten introverts in ten popular anime and their amazingly interesting personalities!


10. Urara Shirahishi from Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo (Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches)

Urara-Shiraishi-Yamada-kun-to-7-nin-no-Majo-Wallpaper-499x500 Top 10 Anime Introverts [Updated]

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: April 2015 – June 2015

Ryuu Yamada entered the Suzaku High, in order to start a brand-new life, where no one would know about his bad reputation. After one boring year, though, he decided to revert to his old ways: always starting fights, while his grades gradually dropped. Urara Shirahishi is a beautiful honor student, and the exact opposite of Ryuu. One day, she encounters Ryuu and a misstep makes them both fall down the stairs. Accidentally kissing while falling, the two magically switch bodies! That's how Ryuu's life turns even more troublesome.

Urara Shirahishi is a brilliant student, and she comes across as cold and antisocial. Of course, that's just a facade she built, after a past where she was bullied for being beautiful and intelligent. She is an introvert, always focusing of what's most important for her: taking her studies seriously. It takes a person like Ryuu to discover how much this introverted girl is actually very gentle, and open to spend time with the people she likes. But she sticks to her true personality: she keeps preferring soliloquies more than speaking out loud!


9. Sawako Kuronuma from Kimi ni Todoke (From Me To You)

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: October 2009 – March 2010

Sawako Kuronuma, with her long, black hair and her resemblance with the protagonist of a horror movie, is frequently misunderstood by her classmates. Her intentions come across as malicious, but actually she is just shy and unable to amend what's been misunderstood. She has just one wish: to make friends and spend her teenage years happily. When she manages to befriend the person she looks up to, Shouta Kazehaya, her school life immediately changes for the better!

Sawako Kuronuma is actually shy, but she is a full-fledged introvert, too. After being constantly misunderstood, she developed the habit to be extremely conscious of her actions. Even after finally making friends who truly love her just like she is, she keeps thinking about what she should do to be a better friend, and how to improve her social skills. As a true introvert, though, she is very comfortable around her friends, and this starts to make her more sociable even when she is among strangers.


8. Kou Mabuchi from Ao Haru Ride (Blue Spring Ride)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2014 – September 2014

Futaba Yoshioka tried her best to reset her image during high school, after being bullied for being too cute during junior high. Now a tomboy, she eats a lot, stomps instead of walking, and doesn't use make-up. When she bumps into Tanaka-kun – now Mabuchi – who was her first love during junior high, but who disappeared after summer break, and he states that he liked Futaba back then, it feels like destiny. Except for the fact that right after, he adds that they're not meant to be anymore. How will Futaba react, still harboring feelings toward Tanaka-kun?

After his mother's death, and the issues he went through during the three years away from Tokyo, Kou Mabuchi turned into a very introverted boy. He gradually closed his heart, and started preferring being alone, rather than being with other people. Kou shows another trait characterizing introverts: the inability to rely on others. When Futaba breaks through the walls Kou built around himself, though, he eventually shows himself to be pretty comfortable with his small group of friends; not only that, his kind personality expands to its fullest!


7. Anna Kobayakawa from Nijiiro Days (Rainbow Days)

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: January 2016 – June 2016

Natsuki Hashiba has been dumped by his girlfriend on Christmas Eve. Lonely and brokenhearted, he bursts into tears in the middle of the road, right in front of a karaoke where Anna Kobayakawa works part-time in. In a Santa Claus suit, Anna sees Natsuki crying and offers him some tissues. For Natsuki it's love at first sight, but what about Anna? Their teenage love journey is about to begin!

Anna Kobayakawa is a very quiet girl, and as an introvert, she may come across as a bit gloomy at times. The truth is that she just does things at her own pace, leaving out what may hinder her peace. Anna has a crush on Natsuki, but she is unable to say it out loud, not even to her close friends. When Natsuki reveals to her that he has someone he likes, she begins her soliloquies on her own, disappointed that she's not the one. Anna doesn't know that Natsuki was talking about her, yet she doesn't bother her friends with her complaints; she whines to herself.


6. Majime Mitsuya from Fune wo Amu (The Great Passage)

  • Episodes: 11
  • Aired: October 2016 – December 2016

Before retiring, Kouhei Araki – editor of the dictionary editorial division at Genbu Publishing – needs to find a substitute for his last project, a dictionary called “The Great Passage”. Araki doesn't seem to find a suitable person, at least until Majime Mitsuya, who works for the sales division, catches his attention. Thanks to his enthusiasm with words, Mitsuya may be the one to carry on Araki's project. There's just a little problem, Mitsuya lacks social skills altogether!

Just as you can imagine by the premises, Majime Mitsuya is our introvert man unable to read the mood. Clumsy, awkward, and with a talent for saying things when they shouldn't be said, Mitsuya tends to hole himself up surrounded by books, and that's why he caught Araki's attention. He demonstrates to be comfortable with a small group of people, like his colleagues of the dictionary editorial division, together with whom he will achieve a great success. If you want to witness Mitsuya's soliloquies, give Fune wo Amu a shot!



5. Yakumo Yuurakutei from Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: January 2016 – April 2016

During his long, boring days in prison, Yotarou spent his time listening to Yakumo's performances of Rakugo, a form of comedic Japanese story telling. Fresh out of the prison, Yotarou starts begging Yakumo Yuurakutei to become his apprentice. Yakumo refuses to take him as an apprentice, but when Yotarou's pleas don't seem to stop, what's left for Yakumo is to surrender. Yotarou becomes Yakumo's first apprentice, and that will become a chance for Yakumo to revisit his past and remember his dear friend, Sukeroku Yuurakutei.

Throughout the entire series, Yakumo shows his introversion in all respects. As we follow his growth, from childhood to adulthood, we realize how much of an introvert he is. Yakumo suffered his entire life, for one reason or the other, but not even once did he rely on others, nor complained to his friends. He carried his burdens all by himself and focused only on how to improve his Rakugo performances: only that mattered to him. Even as an old man, he sticks to his introverted personality, trying to sort things out all by himself. An incorrigible introvert, he’s a perfect fit for this ranking.


4. Ami Mizuno from Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Crystal (Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal)

  • Episodes: 26
  • Aired: July 2014 – July 2015

Usagi Tsukino is your typical middle-school student, who hates studying and loves eating and playing video games. One day she saves a kitty that was being bullied by some kids and to Usagi's surprise, that kitty is a talking cat named Luna. Luna gives Usagi a magical brooch enabling her power to become Sailor Moon. This clumsy little girl has now a mission way bigger than her: to save Earth from the forces of evil, to find the other Sailor Soldiers, and to find their princess Serenity and the Silver Crystal, which is craved by the evil ones. Will she be able to carry out the mission?

Ami Mizuno is one of the Sailor Soldiers as Sailor Mercury. Ami is a very insecure girl, in spite of being very clever, and an honors student. As an introvert, she likes reading and spending time alone in libraries, but she is very kind and shows the sweet side of her when she meets Usagi. Throughout the series, we see her introverted personality change. Ami surrounds herself with a small group of friends – the other Sailor Soldiers – and demonstrates that she is comfortable while spending time with them. Let's not forget she remains an introvert, though: inner thoughts, soliloquies, and detailed rationalizations will characterize her until the end!


3. Naho Takamiya from Orange

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: July 2016 – September 2016

Naho Takamiya is a 16-year-old high school girl when she receives a strange letter. It seems that letter was sent by herself from ten years in the future. At first, Naho thinks it's just a prank letter from some of her friends, but she is shocked when day after day, what's written on that letter actually happens. Naho from the future has a request for the 16-year-old Naho. According to the letter, Kakeru, the new transfer student who immediately became Naho's friend, won't be with them in the future. Naho from the future asks herself to change that regretful past!

Naho Takamiya is a shy girl, and a true introvert. Throughout the series, she comes across as a passive girl, accepting whatever happens to her, without talking back. Actually, she talks to herself and expresses to herself her preferences and delusions. Yet, she is unable to speak loudly about how she feels, because she is afraid of hurting others. Naho keeps thinking about what she could do to improve her social skills, and what she could do to save Kakeru, but she does it all on her own. Her small group of friends will remind Naho that she's not alone, and Kakeru will teach her how to express her preferences and speak her mind!


2. Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: July 2014 – March 2015

His weakness towards intellectual girls, cost Ken Kaneki – a university student – a drastic change in his life. He meets Rize, a seemingly intellectual girl, who turns out to be a ghoul, a creature that eats humans. One night she assaults Kaneki, who manages to survive; after going through a surgery, Ken life is saved, but there's a problem: he is now half-ghoul and half-human being, due to the fact that Rize's kagune has been used in place of a new kidney. Will Ken be able to adapt to his new self?

Ken Kaneki is an introvert in all respects: he likes holing himself up into the library, all alone, instead of spending time hanging out with his only friend – Hide. It's exactly his being an introvert that resulted in him being turned into half a ghoul. If before the accident, Kaneki was quiet, and taciturn, after becoming a ghoul, he turns even more introverted. He manages to create bonds with other ghouls, who become like his new family, but in order to keep them safe he decides to act all on his own and put his own life at stake.


1. Rei Kiriyama from 3-gatsu no Lion (March Comes in Like a Lion)

  • Episodes: 22
  • Aired: October 2016 – March 2017

Rei Kiriyama is a 17-year-old professional Shogi player, with a difficult past. His parents and little sister died in a car accident, leaving him all alone. Soon after, a friend of Rei's father – Kouda – took Rei in, but out of jealousy, Kouda's kids never accepted him as a foster brother. With the tension building up in his adoptive family, Rei decided to move out and live on his own. In the darkest moment of Rei's life, the fated meeting with the Kawamoto sisters – Rei's neighbors – will turn the tables. Thanks to them, Rei will eventually experience once again the warm feeling of a loving family.

Rei Kiriyama is probably the epitome of the introverted character. Thanks to flashbacks we see throughout the story, we realize that he was a loner since he was a little child, frequently bullied by his classmates, so much so that he developed the tendency to rely only on himself. Growing up, Rei's exclusion got even worse: after all the things he went through, he began to spend even more time alone. If it wasn't for Shogi, he wouldn't even bother to meet other people. The fated meeting with the three Kawamoto sisters, three girls who have lost everything just like him, will be Rei's starting point turning him from a lonely introvert to a sociable one. If you wish to see for yourself Rei Kiriyama's deeds, give 3-gatsu no Lion a chance. You'll understand why we gave Rei our first position.


Final Thoughts

This is how we ended our list of anime introverts! We hope you enjoyed it, as much as we did while writing it. After getting to know these ten characters, would you consider yourself as an introvert? Just let us know what you think in the comments below, and if you know other anime introverts that could have fit in this ranking. See you next time!

Urara-Shiraishi-Yamada-kun-to-7-nin-no-Majo-Wallpaper-499x500 Top 10 Anime Introverts [Updated]

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Author: Mari Mari

An italian girl currently living the Japanese Dream. I'm an anime and manga enthusiast (I mean... very enthusiast. XD), and my other hobbies are writing, reading, playing volleyball, listening to good music and thinking about pointless things.

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Original Article Below

On a broad scale, introversion is defined as any individual who relies on their internal feelings and moods rather than actively seek out external pleasures. That is not to say that they are socially inept, while they may not participate in group activities, they are still perfectly comfortable within smaller groups and perhaps their closest peers. The only thing that makes an introvert interesting is their expansive inner world. There, their thoughts flow freely and is what truly defines their character. Today, we will explore 10 different characters from popular series who are introverts and we will explore just how fascinating their introspection and soliloquies can be!

10. Hyouka - Oreki Houtarou

  • Episodes: 22
  • Aired: Apr 23, 2012 to Sep 17, 2012

Minimalistic, simple and somewhat boring would be the words to describe Oreki. He truly believes in doing things only when it is absolutely necessary. When requested to join the Classics club by his sister, he cannot reject her. Oreki meets Chitanda, an inquisitive girl whose curiosity is perhaps the only thing that can get Oreki to act. Together with her and the Classics Club, they solve the little mysteries that occur at their school.

His minimalism extends to that of social interactions as well. Oreki is a true introvert who always turns inwards and focuses on conserving his energy than seeking outward stimulation. As a passive individual, he is also shown to be highly aware of his surroundings. This heightened awareness is also one of the reasons as to why he has a keen mind and adept at solving mysteries. Although not vocal in class, once Oreki is in the Classics Club, he becomes more vocal and expresses more of his thoughts to them.


9. Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. - Hikigaya Hachiman

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: Apr 5, 2013 to Jun 28, 2013

Hikigaya's jaded views on society made him believe in acting alone. Somewhat nihilistic, he rejects social conventions by passing social niceties as a mere farce to keep up one's image. While Hikigaya is somewhat correct, his teacher does not see it. She forced him to join the Service Club in the hopes that volunteer work will improve his perception. As ironic as it is, his pessimistic views and methods helped to solve more than just a few problems during his service.

Hikigaya has been shown to be tuning inwards to his own feelings all the time. He perceives society as detrimental and contradictory, and chose to rely solely on himself. Hikigaya’s inner monologues raises a few controversial questions on society that really makes you reflect on your own standards of society. It goes without saying that many introverts that have watched this anime found similarities between Hikigaya and themselves. If you believe yourself to be an introvert, you will be sympathetic to Hikigaya and his views. Don't believe us? Try this anime out for yourself! He is a bona fide introvert whose only mistake is proclaiming the poisons of society tactlessly.


8. Bakemonogatari - Koyomi Araragi

  • Episodes: 15
  • Aired: Jul 3, 2009 to Jun 25, 2010

Perhaps the king of soliloquies, the Monogatari series employs the avant-garde technique of inner monologue to convey a story. Many people have questioned why an anime where most of the content consists of either dialogues or monologues can be so popular. The Monogatari series is the best form to explain the beauty of an introvert's mind. The notion of continuous dialogue may bore most. However, the ideas and quality of the conversations in the anime is what defines it and sets it apart from simple chatting.

The focus of the series is mainly on its MC, Araragi. The whole anime is based on the perspective of Araragi himself. Instead of painting an environment for us, the creators had allowed us to exist within the mind of Araragi. Here, we are able to see that he is an individual who clearly reflects on the day to day occurrence of his life. But the clincher that convinces us why Araragi has got to be an introvert - we see him speaking inside his mind than actually speaking out loud.


7. Death Note - L.L

  • Episodes: 37
  • Aired: Oct 4, 2006 to Jun 27, 2007

In the world of Death Note, no one holds a candle to L when it comes to logic and reasoning. Even in his field, he is enigmatic and largely unknown and only the most baffling of cases are assigned to him. His uncanny understanding of the reactions of humans has allowed him to be one step ahead of his foe. As amazing as he is, he is not without his quirks - an extreme sweet tooth and an inclination to working alone. Other than the fact that he is a genius detective, nothing else is known about him.

L.L introversion is best seen when he doesn't actively show his face in public. He is known by many aliases and only contacted by the police for the most problematic case. He mostly kept to himself where his sleuthing skills are at the peak. Even in the anime, no one is able to comprehend his sophisticated thinking and logic. He trusts nobody with the exception of Watari, which highlights his independence from the external world.


6. Angel Beats - Kanade Tachibana

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: Apr 3, 2010 to Jun 26, 2010

Tachibana first appeared as an antagonist: Tenshi, as she was known then was the regulator of the new world who suppresses the goals of the SSS. Not much is known about her as she rarely speaks. Until the later half of the episode, Tenshi usually eats and works alone. Her lack of expression also raises some issues on whether she was sentient or not. It wasn't until Otonashi started talking to her that she started revealing her personality.

The bulk of Tachibana's introversion is due to the role that she has been assigned. She did not have any opportunity to communicate with the opposing team. Even after talking to Otonashi, she still enjoys solitary activities such as gardening. Even then, she does not speak much. Her soft spoken nature and delicate behavior also pinpoints her as a true introvert.


5. ReLIFE - Hishiro Chizuru

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: Jul 2, 2016 to Sep 24, 2016

In her high school life, Hishiro never truly really had any friends and she has no problems with it. She is no doubt very smart, scoring high in every test. However, what she has in intelligence, she compensates for her social awareness. She is oblivious to other's feelings and can be blunt with her words. Not only that, she is unable to smile properly and can only manage a devilish smirk. Most of the time before she had friends, Hishiro can be seen reading.

Hishiro places little importance in others and is only devoted to studying and improving her grades. She takes no active role in engaging conversations. As an introvert, she only spends her time studying most, if not all the time. With Kaizaki's help however, Hishiro starts to converse with her school mates in an effort to make friends. It is evident however that she is not the kind to initiate activities and can even be awkward when introducing herself. Like any introvert, she also shows that she can be independent alone and does need the company of others.


4. Welcome to the NHK - Tatsuhiro Satou

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: Jul 10, 2006 to Dec 18, 2006

Tatsuhiro has been a hikikomori for years now. He refused to step out of his apartment as he believes in the existence of a secret organization known as the NHK spreading the growth of the hikikomori culture. As delusional as he is, Tatsuhiro eventually did step out of his home one day and happened to meet Misaki. She tries to change him by undergoing therapy but it is not easy. Will this duo eventually overcome their respective problems?

It's quite certain that traits of introversion can be found in a hikikomori. They shut themselves from society and prefer not to engage in social interactions. If anything, they are the most extreme form of introversion. What makes Tatsuhiro interesting however is the change that he is undergoing to fit in back to society again. There we can see that not all introverts are dysfunctional and unsociable. Through Tatsuhiro, we learn that he has his own viewpoints on certain issues. No doubt the premise being a bit ridiculous, the conclusion however, is highly logical.


3. Nagato Yuki chan no Shoushitsu - Yuki

  • Episodes: 16
  • Aired: Apr 4, 2015 to Jul 18, 2015

Nagato undergoes a drastic change in personality in her very own spin off. A high school girl now, it features her with her high school friends going about their daily school lives. A side story would be her interest in Kyou as well which is also explored in the series. She still retains some of her traits from the original Nagato such as her love of books. The new Nagato is a much more expressive individual with much more emotions!

Nagato in this spin off appears more sociable than her aloof counterpart in the original Haruhi series. Still quiet as ever, it is only due to her introversion and her shyness. She also appears to have more feelings as she now shows interest in Kyou but is too shy to express it. Most of the time, she can be seen thinking to herself and reflecting. And of course, her most introverted trait would still be her love of books and solitary activities.


2. Kimi Ni Todoke - Kuronuma Sawako

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: Oct 7, 2009 to Mar 31, 2010

Due to her frightening experience, Sawako is often misunderstood and is often shunned away at school. Her appearance is similar to the ghost character from popular horror film, 'The Ring' to which her nickname is also Sadako. But really, she is just a shy girl who wants friends. During summer break, she happened to meet the popular and good looking Kazehaya. He was the first friend she makes as he was able to see beyond her scary appearance. It wasn't long before Sawako eventually starts developing feelings for him...

Sawako has no friends since middle school during a flashback. This made her socially inept and she often reflects on her actions and engages in soliloquy on how to better make friends. Even after she made friends, she usually thinks about how to better improve her relationship with them and is very thoughtful for their feelings. Sawako usually hangs out around the same group of people as she feels more comfortable around them. Due to that, she is more sociable with the people she is close with, a common introvert trait.


1. Naruto - Hinata Hyuuga

  • Episodes: 220
  • Aired: Oct 3, 2002 to Feb 8, 2007

Hinata is the daughter of the reputable Hyuuga clan. Due to the clan's hierarchy and her position as the head's daughter, she has been pressured to do her best such that she may continue taking over the family one day. Meek and timid, she tries her best but always falls short of her father's expectation. She also has a crush on Naruto but dares not openly admit it. As such, most of the time she gets embarrassed when Naruto is close to her.

When the story arcs get focused on her alone, you can really tell that Hinata has been an introvert all her life due to her family background. She chooses not to express her views on most matters and instead chose to accept it as it is whichever the circumstances. She does have her views on important issues to which Hinata carefully considers and ponders over them instead of acting upon it. It is not that does not have many friends either; it's just that she has a select few of close friends that she can really rely on in her time of need. Beyond all that, her soft spoken nature is all that is needed to show that Hinata does not prefer the activities of a large group too.


Conclusion

And thus, we end our list of the introverts in anime! Do you count yourself as an introvert or an extrovert? How would you describe yourself as an introvert? Did any of the characters on the list strike off as being very similar to you? Which character do you love most? Leave a comment below and we will see you next time!

Urara-Shiraishi-Yamada-kun-to-7-nin-no-Majo-Wallpaper-499x500 Top 10 Anime Introverts [Updated]

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Author: Araragi

Writing from a little island known as Singapore. It is through my articles that I want to show that the world of anime reaches out beyond the boundaries of Japan. From different age groups to individuals coming from different walks of life, everyone and anyone can be a lover of anime. To quote from Kingdom Hearts, 'There are many worlds out there, but they share the same sky.'

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