Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

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Friendships are wonderful to watch in anime. But did you know that when two males are so close with each other to the point where they are mistaken for a couple, it’s called Bromance? That’s right! Bromance is the intense platonic relationship of two males that surpasses friendship and romantic bond. For this list, we have another set of bromances to show you. These pairs of characters are always together, are there for their bro, and they do not shy away from saying “I like you” (of course as a friend... What are you thinking~?). Lets first take off our shipping goggles for a while and see the beautiful bond between bros. Enjoy reading!


10. Hanae Ashiya & Haruitsuki Abeno from Fukigen na Mononokean (The Morose Mononokean)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Air Date: Jun. 2016 - Sept. 2016

Some humans may not notice it, but there are things in this world that cannot be explained, like supernatural entities. Unfortunately for Hanae, his dream of having a grand start to his school year was shattered into pieces when a fuzzy creature attached itself to him after helping the unknown entity during his first day of classes. Day by day, his health rapidly declines as the creature grows in size. Just when he thinks that he is about to die, he sees an advertisement saying that they can exorcise demons. Without a second thought, Hanae calls for their services and meets the master of the Mononokean. Abeno willingly helps Hanae, but such services must be paid and poor Hanae doesn’t have enough money to pay. Frustrated by Hanae’s circumstances, Abeno decides to hire Hanane as his employee as repayment for his services.

Hanae and Abeno didn’t start on good terms and will often bicker about unnecessary things. However, this kind of relationship didn’t last long as both of them warmed up to each other. It may not show in his face, but Abeno truly worries about Hanae’s welfare. Abeno will either help Hanae in secret, or he will give tips to his partner in regards to their current situation. Hanae, on the other hand, holds great respect and admiration towards Abeno. He tries his best for Abeno and will even get upset if he is ignored by his employer. They still tease each other a lot, but nonetheless, both of them strive to support each other in times of need.


9. Nagisa Shiota & Karma Akabane from Ansatsu Kyoushitsu (TV) (Assassination Classroom)

  • Episodes: 22
  • Air Date: Jan. 2015 - Jun. 2015

Nagisa and Karma are entirely opposites in regards to personality and even in appearances. Nevertheless, the two of them became close friends when Karma approached Nagisa for the first time. Their friendship lasted for 2 years before Karma slowly faded away in Nagisa’s life. Nagisa never really knew what happened between them and thought to leave things as they were. But he is once again reunited with Karma when he is transferred to class E during his third year in junior high.

Despite the misunderstanding between Nagisa and Karma, they still treat each normally, but not as close as before. Still, as the show progresses, their friendship begins to deepen in a whole new level. Unlike before, Nagisa and Karma are now more honest with one another. Both of them greatly understand each other and will mostly be together to collaborate when things go badly. Many are still in shock, while some are wondering why these two are so unusually friendly. But for these two buddies, their differences are what makes them closer than ever. Nagisa and Karma’s tight bond only proves that bromance has its ups and downs and can have stronger bonds with each passing obstacle.


8. Nice & Murasaki from Hamatora the Animation

  • Episodes: 12
  • Air Date: Jan. 2014 - Mar. 2014

In the world of Hamatora, there are people who have the gift to create miracles. These “Small Miracles” are called “Minimum” and people who possess such gifts are called “Minimum Holders”. Somewhere in Yokohama, particularly in Cafe Nowhere, the “Minimum Holder PI Duo” Nice and Murasaki are called the Hamatora detective agency. They are ready to take any kinds of jobs as long as it puts food on their table. But before becoming partners in crime, Murasaki was originally tasked to bring back Nice to Facultas after said boy escaped the facility. But after getting to know the boy who beat his high score in the facility, he decides to abandon the mission and joins Nice as his trusty partner.

Murasaki has always viewed Nice as a great minimum holder and a genius. Until now, he wants to beat Nice fair and square so he can be acknowledged by his partner. Even though Murasaki thinks like this, Nice doesn’t really care about the inferiority complex of his partner, but still casually humors him anyway out of respect or boredom. Although Nice is laidback and carefree most of the time, his voice of reason is Murasaki, who in turn is more analytic and reserved. Nice may always be the cause of Murasaki’s problems and headaches, but nonetheless, Murasaki is willing to sacrifice anything, even his life, to save his bro and protect him from serious harm.


7. Simon & Kamina from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (Gurren Lagann)

  • Episodes: 27
  • Air Date: Apr. 2007 - Sept. 2007

Kamina dreams of exploring the world above the underground where he currently resides. But that goal seems to be impossible, as dangerous creatures lurk above them that he has no means to fight alone. But everything changes when he reaches out his hand to a seemingly weak and fragile boy named Simon. Together, they fight off a group of “Beastmen” that intend to terrorize the village. With their success, they decide to go on a journey to fight for humanity.

Kamina is always adored by everyone who surrounds him because of his charismatic and optimistic attitude. One of the people who greatly idolize him is his bro, Simon. Although Simon is always teased for being weak and shy, Kamina is the first person who always sees the great hidden potential within his bro. He will often encourage Simon a lot and will give tons of touching and inspirational speeches for the boy. Meanwhile, not only does he view Kamina as his friend and mentor, he also views him as his own awesome brother, just like what Kamina is boasting to the people around them. He is very thankful for Kamina’s undying support and makes sure to live up to the teachings of his bro. You may be wondering why they are here on this list again; well, it’s simple, their bromance is one of a kind and must be remembered by everyone.


6. Ginji Amano & Ban Midou from GetBackers

  • Episodes: 49
  • Air Date: Oct. 2002 - Sept. 2003

Getbackers is a small group which only consist of Ban and Ginji. Their main purpose is simple, to take any job that requires them to recover lost or stolen things with 100% success rate. However, only a few people hire them. They need more jobs to keep the money coming so they can put food on their table. But in order to get good money in their pockets, they need to take on dangerous missions, as those kinds of jobs give them a lot of cash.

Their relationship is almost the same as the aforementioned bromance, Nice and Murasaki, but Ginji and Ban take it to a higher level. Out of the two, Ginji is the cheerful and bright person in the group, while Ban is the most level-headed one. Initially, Ban only viewed Ginji as his sidekick and not as someone who is his equal partner. But after quite some time, Ban begins to trust Ginji more and even praises Ginji when he does a good job. Ginji, on the other hand, depends a lot on for Ban for minor things and clings to him often. He is extremely thankful to Ban for helping him keep his other self in check, and for pulling him out from his dark past. Though Ginji is always getting beat up by Ban because of his stupidity, he is happy and comfortable when he is with his bro.



5. Shouyou Hinata & Tobio Kageyama from Haikyuu!! (Haikyu!)

  • Episodes: 25
  • Air Date: Apr. 2014 - Sept. 2014

The moment Hinata saw the remarkable performance of the little giant on the T.V. when he was young, he immediately thought that he too wanted to be like his idol. So when Hinata and his teammates were defeated by Kitagawa Daiichi during their junior high volleyball tournament, he challenges Kageyama and promises to defeat him the next time they meet. But much to his surprise, the one training in front him during his first day of class is none other than his sworn enemy, Kageyama. Though they do not get along in the beginning, they find out that when they are paired together, they can do spectacular things inside the court.

Hinata and Kageyama are frenemies, but are also bros. They strive together to be the best that they can be and even hold deep trust in each other as stated by the people around them. Unlike any other bros on this list, this pair pushes each other’s limits so they can fully support one another during their tournaments. Furthermore, they are good influences in each other’s lives. Like Kageyama, who becomes more open with his teammates and is willing to depend on them when things get tough. Meanwhile, Kageyama makes Hinata realize he must train harder and think critically during their tournaments. They may be different in terms of personality, but still, they are very familiar with each other. They train and go home together, and even share the same level of intellect when it comes to studies, food and their love of volleyball.


4. Tanaka and Oota from Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge (Tanaka-kun is Always Listless)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Air Date: Apr. 2016 - Jun. 2016

Tanaka and Oota are best buddies and are popular around the school because of their unusual closeness. Since Tanaka is always lazy and has no intention of going all out with his energy, Oota takes it upon himself to take care of his bro because of his caring nature. Oota will always be beside Tanaka doing everything from minor little things to large errands for his friend.

Because of Oota’s constant support on Tanaka, they are often seen or mistaken for a couple. They don’t mind the rumors though, as Oota is busy looking after his friend, while Tanaka is busy being... well, listless. Tanaka even admitted that Oota is a good candidate for marriage, but hey! No homo here, Tanaka was just being a bro telling his best bro that he’ll be a good husband/wife in the future. That’s how deep their bromance goes. It may not look like it, but Tanaka appreciates Oota’s support and care towards him.


3. Sorey & Mikleo from Tales of Zestiria the X

  • Episodes: 12
  • Air Date: Jul. 2016 - Sept. 2016

In Tales of Zestiria, humans and seraphim used to live together thousand of years ago. However, humans became selfish and are usually surrounded malevolence, hence the reason why they are not able to see the seraphim anymore. Since malevolence is almost taking over the world, and it’s too much for the seraphim to bless each land, both humans and seraphim pray that one day the Shepherd will show up to stop the malevolence from spreading. But it seems the Shepherd is only a myth that will never come true.

Sorey and Mikleo grew up together in the peaceful seraphim village of Elysia. Although Elysia avoids humans in general, they accepted the human Sorey into their village. Both of the boys are often seen together, they play together, train together, and even have the same likes, such as exploring ancient ruins and curiosity about the world in general. Even when Sorey was prepared to leave alone to see Alisha, or when he became the Shepherd, Mikleo was there to be beside Sorey until the end. They do have some minor quarrels here in there, but the cause is either about their theories on the ancient ruins or because they are worried for each other’s safety. Sorey and Mikleo are very loyal to one another and share their joys, hardships, adventures and burdens.


2. Kaoru Nishimi & Sentarou Kawabuchi from Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Air Date: Apr. 2012 - Jun. 2012

Kaoru and Sentarou are two different people, yet they find themselves together a lot. Kaoru is a very quiet person since he already gave up on interacting with other people, as he believes that he will move to another place again because of his father’s work. On the other side of the coin, Sentarou is mostly mistaken for being a delinquent, which results in him getting into fights. But the truth is, Sentarou is very kind and only wants peace in his life. Because of jazz music, they become irreplaceable bros.

Just as we said, jazz music was what pushed these two bros to be together. Kaoru may have been irritated at Sentarou in the beginning, but over time, he begins to generally see him as a close friend. They support each other through thick and thin and help each other to overcome their family issues. Both of them eventually change for the better, even with their short time together. It only goes to show that bromance can begin whether you are together for a short while or much longer than that.


1. Aladdin & Alibaba Saluja from Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

  • Episodes: 25
  • Air Date: Oct. 2012 - Mar. 2013

Aladdin meets Alibaba during one of his travels and his first impression of Alibaba wasn’t nice at all. At first, Aladdin sees Alibaba as someone greedy and a bit rude, but after a certain incident in their travels, he warms up to Alibaba, as he feels that there is something more within his new friend. Alibaba, however, has other plans for Aladdin. Alibaba intends to befriend Aladdin so he and his friend Ugo can help him capture a dungeon and take all its riches. After successfully capturing a dungeon, the two regard each other as true friends (future bros).

Aladdin and Alibaba’s bromance goes through a lot but it only becomes stronger as they pass through battles and trials. While Alibaba is confused on what decisions and paths he should take, Aladdin is the number one person who reminds him to be himself and not let others manipulate him. Aladdin believes in Alibaba a lot and trusts that his bro’s kindness and wisdom can change the world. On Alibaba’s part, he is very much thankful for Aladdin’s genuine support. He occasionally teaches Aladdin about things that he is knowledgeable about and listens carefully to his bro’s advice. Although they are mostly apart because of their different journeys, when they do see each other, they never forget to give the warmest of hugs, smiles, and hand claps to one another.


Final Thoughts

Bromance is truly fulfilling to watch and we do hope to see more of this trope in different creative ways. So now that our list has ended, do you want to add any other bromances that you deem fit for this list? What do you think of the this updated bromance list? We’d like to hear from you so write down all of your thoughts regarding this topic in the comment section below! Always keep in touch with Honey’s Anime and I’ll now be signing off~

By: Jopz “Yuuema”

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

Writer

Author: Jopz "Yuuema"

I'm an anime and manga enthusiast who is also sinking deeper and deeper into the world of video games. I’m also a traveler by heart who goes out a lot in seek of adventures by studying/learning other histories and cultures of different places and people. Besides the above mentioned, my other interests include reading, writing, cooking/baking, listening to music, observing people, and imagining/appreciating all kinds of things. Oh, by the way, I don’t bite! :3

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Top 5 Anime by Jopz "Yuuema"



Original Article Below

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

Other Reference: Tiger and Bunny

Friendship is a pretty common theme in anime, but some male characters share a special kind a friendship that transcends family ties and romantic endeavors. They have a bromance. Even if they aren’t family, and there’s no real romance, they have an unwavering brotherly love that ultimately makes them better people for it.

Why do we, as fans, love watching bromances? You probably have to ask a sociologist for a proper answer, but for us laymen, bromances are heartfelt and life-affirming pieces of storytelling that should never die! Thus, in celebration of the greatness of the bromance, here are the top ten bromance anime.

10. Killua and Gon from Hunter x Hunter (2011)

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

  • Episodes: 148
  • Aired: Aired: Oct. 2011 – Sept. 2014

In this shonen fighting anime, Hunters are registered adventurers who fight bad guys and explore new worlds. Gon Freecss and Killua Zoldyck both wish to become Hunters and gain supernatural fighting abilities in order to reconcile with their pasts. Killua is from a family of legendary assassins and was guarded from making friends to maintain a killer’s instinct. His friendship with Gon becomes a crucial stepping stone in leaving behind his dark assassin past. Killua continues to look to Gon as a contrast to the life his family gave him. He once elaborates, “Gon, you are light.”

Gon is an upbeat kid who would believe in platitudes like “Friends are the best!” and “I’ll do anything for a friend.” This attitude got the friendship started, but it’s Killua’s treatment of their relationship that truly makes this a bromance. Gon is Killua’s first real friend, and finding his first friend at the age of twelve carries a certain weight. He treasures Gon and their friendship so much that he would defy prophecy and risk his life to protect both, making this bromance the foundation of the Hunter x Hunter series.

Bro Lesson: A bro never gives up on a bro.

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9. Nicolas and Worick from Gangsta.

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: Jul. 2015 – Sept. 2015

Nicolas Brown and Worick Arcangelo are the “Handymen,” a neutral duo in a Western city ruled by organized crime. They fight off people who are breaking the rules of the city, do hit jobs for the police, and finish a plethora of other small tasks like deliveries for a local doctor. They are a constant fixation in the city, but they weren’t always.

Worick is an illegimate son of the influential Arcangelo family and lived on his father’s estate as a child with Nicolas as his bodyguard, a deaf boy with mixed Twilight heritage. Twilights are humans with extraordinary physical prowess but are treated with disdain and discrimination. Worick feels connected to Nicolas as both are abused and neglected by their fathers. The two bond as Worick teaches Nicolas to read, and they learn sign language together. After Nicolas’ father abandons him and Worick’s father’s abuse escalates, a bloody and tragic incident has the two on the run and living on the streets together.

Many think Worick was kidnapped by Nicolas, and now Worick depends on him for survival. Others think Nicolas is living under contract, doing Worick’s bidding, but the two see each other as good friends. They share clothes and playfully bicker, and they will do anything to guarantee the survival of their buddy. Despite or because of their tragically haunting past, they remain by each other’s side and share each other’s burden.

Bro Lesson: Bromance knows not of race, class, or status.

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]


8. Mikazuki and Orga from Kidou Senshi Gundam: Tekketsu no Orphans (Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blood Orphans)

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: Oct. 2015 – present

In Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blood Orphans, Mikazuki Augus and Orga Itsuka, childhood friends who have been living on their own since a young age. While working at a security company, Mika and Orga’s unit, mostly teenagers and children, is assigned to escort a Martian aristocrat to Earth for negotiations on Martian independence, but a military group that rules the inner Solar System attacks the civilian workforce in order to stop her journey. The adults of the company run away and leave the younger men behind to die. Through Orga’s leadership and Mika’s brutal fighting ability, the young unit is able to defeat their attackers and take over the company from the adults who betrayed them.

Mika admires Orga’s charismatic leadership and always expects Orga to show him new and interesting things. Orga often exceeds his expectations. As the boss of their new company, Orga organizes a new workforce and wins over a powerful ally, a company that rules the outer Solar System. Orga, in turn, admires Mika for always being cool-headed and constantly improving himself. He entrusts Mika to spearhead their battles in his Gundam. This mutual admiration and trust keeps these bros moving forward with incredible resilience.

Bro Lesson: Bros who look forward together, move forward together.

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7. Mashiro Moritaka and Takagi Akito from Bakuman.

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fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

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  • Episodes: 75
  • Aired: Oct. 2010 – Mar. 2013

Mashiro Moritaka and Takagi Akito are a protagonist duo in Bakuman. Takagi sets up a fateful meeting between Mashiro and his crush Azuki Miho, where they promise to get married after achieving their dreams. The promise? Mashiro will create a manga that gets adapted into an anime, in which Azuki would voice the main female character. Thus, the duo start on their first manga creation written by Takagi and illustrated by Mashiro. They set their sights on the biggest goal for a shonen manga artist: to make a manga that is the pillar of Weekly Shonen Jack.

As they finally start getting published, they become one under the pen name Ashirogi Muto, and their individual talents grow immensely while overcoming talented rivals, failed manga titles, and health issues. Working together isn’t always smooth sailing. Mashiro and Takagi could break up and easily work with other writers or illustrators and probably still be successful, but that’s simply out of the question. They are determined to accomplish their goals as Ashirogi Muto, a symbol of their unbreakable bond as bros.

Bro Lesson: A good bro believes in his bro’s dreams.

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6. Gakuto and Kiyoshi from Prison School

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  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: Jul. 2015 – Sept. 2015

In the ecchi comedy Prison School, five high school boys find themselves serving out a cruel and unusual prison sentence for peeping. The prison facility is owned and operated by the Underground Student Council, who are looking to make these boys the first and the last five boys to ever attend their high school.

Enduring hard labor, unspeakable violence, and a possible expulsion, the boys grit their teeth. Yet despite having a healthy amount of male camaraderie, seeds of distrust start to appear, especially focused on our main man Kiyoshi. His best bro Gakuto always gives Kiyoshi the benefit of the doubt, helps him get away from the prison for a date with his crush, and does even more amazing, self-sacrificing feats that would easily earn Gakuto the “Bro of the Year” Award. Together they instill hope and faith in humanity in each other even in their dire situation.

Bro Lesson: A bro in need is a bro indeed.

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5. Kuroko and Kagami from Kuroko no Basket (Kuroko’s Basketball)

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

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  • Episodes: 75
  • Aired: Apr. 2012 – Jun. 2015

This shonen sports anime explores all the stages of the bromance. Broken bromances, budding bromances, fully functioning bromances—Kuroko’s Basketball should be called Kuroko’s Bromance. The main bromance of the story is between Kuroko Tetsuya and Kagami Taiga.

Kuroko loves basketball and loved playing with his best friends in junior high school, a group of incredible basketball players called the Generation of Miracles. Being the best comes with its consequences. They only cared about winning. Friendship and sportsmanship were pushed to the sidelines, and the six regular players eventually had a falling out. After graduation, each player went to a different high school, becoming rivals for the Number 1 spot in the nation.

Devastated by how things turned out in junior high, Kuroko is determined to prove victory-centric thinking is no way to treat basketball by defeating his former teammates. He joins Seirin High School, where he meets Kagami, a freshman with miracle-level talent. After seeing Kagami’s skill up close, Kuroko vows to become the shadow to Kagami’s light. Kagami is impressed by Kuroko’s love of basketball, and the two agree that no friendship should be lost over basketball. They work together to claim the championship and reclaim lost friendships.

Bro Lesson: Bros who work together can create miracles.

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4. Takeo and Suna from Ore Monogatari!! (My Love Story!!)

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: Apr. 2015 – Sept. 2015

Ore Monogatari!! is not your everyday shoujo anime. It’s a romantic comedy featuring an intimidating-looking man’s man Gouda Takeo and the super cute and mousey Yamato Rinko. When it comes to Takeo’s best bud Sunakawa Makoto, he’s also not your everyday bro. He’s an extraordinary bro. Following the nearly impossible “golden rule” of bros, Suna refuses to date a girl who has talked bad about Takeo, even though Suna is very popular for his good looks and kind demeanor. Some people think the bearish Takeo cramps his style, but the thought doesn’t even enter Suna’s mind.

Likewise, Takeo is no slouch when it comes to his BFF since kindergarten. Takeo is always considering Suna before himself. When Rinko first shows interest in Takeo, he is certain the lovely girl is interested in Suna. He’s willing to give her up for Suna and Rinko’s happiness. Lucky for him, that wasn’t the case. Toss in their mutual admiration for each other’s coolness, and this is easily a high school bromance of legend.

Bro Lesson: A true bro roots for true love.

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3. Kamina and Simon from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

  • Episodes: 27
  • Aired: Apr. 2007 – Sept. 2007

In a strange world where human beings live underground, Kamina dreams of going to the surface, but he can’t imagine what awaits him there, giant mechanized robots piloted by beast-men who are trying to cleanse the world of all humanity.

A self-proclaimed epitome of manliness, Kamina makes it to the surface with the help of a younger friend Simon who finds a robot head that drills them out of ground. Simon is rather introverted but always sticks by Kamina and gladly follows him in his displays of machismo. Kamina believes in Simon strength and latent manly spirit. When Kamina steals a robot from a beast-man, the two combine their robots and together have immeasurable fighting power. Although Simon depends on Kamina, Kamina always pushes Simon to have more self-confidence and always believe in himself and believe in his bro.

Bro Lesson: If you love your bro, let everyone know!

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2. Smile and Peco from Ping Pong: The Animation

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

  • Episodes: 11
  • Aired: Apr. 2014 – Jun. 2014

Ping Pong: The Animation is a seinen anime about ping pong; but more importantly, it’s a coming-of-age tale of two high school boys looking for direction in life. Peco and Smile are both exceptionally talented in ping pong. Upon entering high school, however, the competition is tougher than they imagined. Peco, originally a prodigy and undefeated champion of his age group, defects from the team and quits the sport. Smile, who is usually apathetic about being the best, sticks with the team and gets thumbed for personal coaching, resulting in amazing growth in both his talent and his thirst for winning.

Up to this point, it would seem this is a sad but very normal occurrence between childhood friends who grow apart in adolescence, but Smile isn’t just improving his skills for personal gain. A young man of few words, Smile’s actions speak for him. As Smile poises to dominate the national championships, he’s calling Peco back to the sport to reclaim all that he gave up. Peco, watching Smile become a legend in his own right, just can’t leave him alone. Smile and Peco have a bromance that contains little dialog but is overflowing with redemption and self-sacrifice. It’s the type of bromance that makes even the most cynical of us believe in people again.

Bro Lesson: A bro paves the way for his bro’s greatness.

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]


1. Sen and Bon from Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope)

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  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: Apr. 2012 – Jun. 2012

Male friendship is Watanabe Shinichiro’s specialty. In his works, he is able to show us dynamically different types of male bonding, but Kids on the Slope is by far his most bromantic.

Kids on the Slope is a josei drama that follows “Bon” Nishimi Kaoru, a brainy and privileged young man who has moved from place to place throughout his childhood. Bon enjoys playing the piano as a lone connection with his often-absent father. He is introduced to jazz by “Sen” Kawabuchi Sentaro, a loner who likes getting into fights and playing jazz on the drums. As Bon becomes more intrigued by jazz, the two end up spending all their free time together.

As time goes on, they learn more about each other’s unfortunate family circumstances but continue to face each other on equal terms, while gradually maturing into adults. Even as their hearts are being torn apart by lost loves, Bon and Sen show a strong desire to protect the other’s feelings. Life eventually pulls the two apart, but their bromance is best described by advice they received from a friendly university student: “Unlike love affairs, friendship lasts forever.”

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]


Honorable Mention: Spike and Jet from Cowboy Bebop

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

  • Episodes: 26
  • Aired: Apr. 1998 – Apr. 1999

The space cowboy and the black dog are the iconic duo from Cowboy Bebop, an anime about bounty hunters in space. Spike, formerly a rising youngster in a criminal syndicate, and Jet, formerly a straight-lace police officer, make an odd pair, but their parallel pasts form a strong mutual understanding between the two. Namely, both were betrayed by former bros. Can they ever bro-love again?

Cowboy Bebop was released well before bromance became a “thing,” but the bromance is alive on the Bebop. Throughout the series, the friendship they share is filled with little inside jokes and subtle jabs that make their relationship entertaining and believable. When push comes to shove, they show certain reluctance to the idea of the other leaving the Bebop behind; however, as Spike’s past starts to catch up to him, Jet faces the stark reality that Spike can’t stay.

Bro Lesson: Sometimes the best thing for a bro to do is to let a bro face his demons.

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]


Can you feel the bro love?

In so many different genres, bromance is gaining a lot of traction in anime lately, and it’s a trend we absolutely adore! Male friendships come in so many shapes and sizes, so it’s good to see the bromance breaking through all the semi-friendly rivalries, wingmen, and “male friend B” relationships we often see in anime. Way to go bros!

If you’re looking for some bromances in the making, keep your eyes on Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, and Haikyu!! for more bromantic developments!

fukigen-na-mononokean-Wallpaper-1-700x431 Top 10 Bromances in Anime [Updated]

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Author: Eris

I watch a lot of anime. If you do too, we could be friends.

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