April 18 is known in Japan as “Good Blade Day” (よい刃の日), a wordplay on the numbers 4-1-8 (yo-i-ha). To mark the occasion, the website Anime!Anime! conducted a reader poll asking “Which sword-wielding character comes to mind first?” — the first such survey in more than three and a half years. Data was collected from April 10–14, 2026, with a total of 901 participants. Male and female respondents were nearly equal in proportion, with the under-19 age group forming the largest segment at around 35%, followed by the 30-year-old bracket at roughly 20%.
Rank 1 — Roronoa Zoro from ONE PIECE
Zoro swept approximately 12% of the votes, defending his championship from the previous poll. This fighter of the Straw Hat Pirates stands out with his three-sword style (Santoryu) — holding two swords in each hand and gripping a third in his mouth — which fans unanimously hail as “a style unlike anyone else’s.” Many voters said Zoro is the first person they think of the moment they hear “sword character.” Beyond his sheer strength, his pride as a swordsman who refuses to let anyone cut him from behind earned widespread praise. Some voters also affectionately cited his legendary sense of direction and his bickering with Sanji as reasons for voting. ONE PIECE is currently airing the Elbaf arc.
Rank 2 — Himura Kenshin from Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Romantan-
Kenshin leapt from 5th place in the previous poll to 2nd with roughly 10% of the vote. This wandering hero who vowed never to kill again wields a reverse-blade sword (sakabatō) with the sharp edge facing inward. Fans praised both the sword’s unconventional concept and the spirit of a man who still protects those he loves despite the weight of his oath. The speed of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū style and the spectacular finishing move Kuzu Ryūsen earned particular admiration. Some readers even confessed to mimicking the Kuzu Ryūsen with a broom while cleaning as children. A new Season 3 of the anime has already been confirmed to be in production.
Rank 3 — Kamado Tanjiro from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Tanjiro climbed from 4th place into the top 3 with around 7% of votes. This young demon slayer on a quest to save his sister who was turned into a demon received support both for his Nichirin Blade — simple yet powerful — and for the way his character embodies the ideal of a Japanese sword: unyielding, unbent, and razor sharp, mirroring Tanjiro’s own personality. The series’ massive popularity was also a key factor in his high score. Tomioka Giyu also cracked the top 10, while Tokito Muichiro placed 13th. The series is currently re-airing every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Fan Comments on Other Characters
- Ishikawa Goemon from Lupin III — “His post-slash line ‘Once again I have cut something worthless’ is the definitive pinnacle of sword-wielding characters across every era.”
- Okkotsu Yuta from Jujutsu Kaisen — “His fight scenes in Season 3 during the Culling Game are so cool! My favorite sword character in Jujutsu.”
- Sanada Ryo from Yoroiden Samurai Troopers — “The twin-sword Sōenzan technique is both majestic and refreshing — I look forward to every episode.”
- Sakamoto Mio from Strike Witches — “The commander of the 501st who wields the magic-charged Reppūmaru sword — both her defense and offense are impressive.”
Top 10 Results for 2026
- Rank 1 Roronoa Zoro — ONE PIECE
- Rank 2 Himura Kenshin — Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Kenkaku Romantan-
- Rank 3 Kamado Tanjiro — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Rank 4 Sakata Gintoki — Gintama
- Rank 5 Ishikawa Goemon — Lupin III
- Rank 6 Konpaku Youmu — Touhou Project
- Rank 7 Okkotsu Yuta — Jujutsu Kaisen
- Rank 8 Mikazuki Munechika — Touken Ranbu ONLINE
- Rank 9 Fukuzawa Yukichi — Bungou Stray Dogs
- Rank 10 Tomioka Giyu — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
This year’s results make clear that anime fans are not captivated solely by a character’s raw strength — they are equally drawn to the philosophy and conviction embedded in each blade, whether it be a wholly unique style, a vow carried on one’s shoulders, or the true spirit of a swordsman.
Source: aniani
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