Most anime series focus on male protagonists. However, the medium has seen its own heroines and best characters. From action-packed adventures to heartfelt romances and shojo classics, many undersung people in these tales are female characters. Sadly, some of them tend to be underdeveloped.
We must show them more love and appreciation now that March is over. We’ve rounded up some of the ladies from the 2000s anime!
Misato Kururugi (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
On the first of our list is a supporting character, and she’s none other than Misato Kururugi, Shinji’s older sister and maternal figure. She might seem like the type of person who bets on the NBA Odds Today, but she is a force to be reckoned with. She is strong and independent, a great pilot and leader, but her emotional vulnerability makes her compelling and complex.
Misato is a mentor, daughter, and friend role is rooted in many nuances. Her relationships are fascinating to watch, although some facets can be hard to understand for younger audiences. Misato is not afraid to be messy or wear her heart on her sleeve. She asks for help when needed, making her a relatable and sympathetic role model for young women, especially those who feel they are too messy to be loved.
Nana Osaki (NANA)
Nana connects two (2) women: Nana Osaki and Hachi. Despite owning the same name, the two (2) are as different as night and day. One is helpless and naive, while the other is bold and proud. However, they become close and support each other through life.
The story of NANA revolves around relationships – friendship, romance – and the difficulties of adulthood. However, the anime shines most in the execution. The dialogue that Nana employs is realistic and delves into how people think. The characters are written to be simple, complicated and messy – much like the same way real people think and act.
The standout, however, remains Nana Osaki. She may be aloof and strong-willed, but she remains loyal. As a result of her hard life, she’s street-smart and doesn’t trust people easily. However, she is faithful to her dear friends and those she loves.
Kagura Yato (Gintama)
Kagura Yato adds a refreshing energy to Gintama. She has a fiery spirit and boundless energy—the perfect mixture of maturity and humor. She can be kind and gentle. However, she can also be very violent, impulsive, and destructive. Despite her destructiveness, she remains loyal and protective of her friends and acts without thinking. She has become a fan favorite due to her genuine love and cares for her friends, especially Gintoki and Skamachi. Her relationship with them drives a heartwarming element in the humor-filled story.
Haruno Sakura (Naruto)
Often hated because of her actions as a budding teenager who did not suffer any noticeable significant emotional trauma, Haruno Sakura’s growth as a person and shinobi remains one of the best things about her. In Part II of the manga, she loses her inner Sakura and holds a lid on her emotions, especially during the war arc.
In Part II, she is the highly accomplished apprentice of the Hokage, Tsunade. She has excellent strength, which allows her to defeat Sasori, thus making her the first person to defeat an Akatsuki member. She eventually catches up with her male teammates during the War arc, but she can be at her best when she works well with other people through her defeat of the Akatsuki member Sasori. On her own and at her worst, Sakura can be reckless and self-sacrificing, especially when her teammates Naruto and Sasuke are concerned.
Her emotional nature and vulnerability are qualities that should not be mocked and disregarded. Instead, those qualities result from her normal upbringing and her excellent character development has shown her surpassing her immaturity. Her compassion, emotional sensitivity and vulnerability are remarkable character traits that make her relatable, human, and flawed.
Wrapping Up
Although the gender politics of the 2000s in animanga can be dated, yesterday’s media has produced compelling women we can learn about and emulate. Strong female characters are not just about women who can take no shit and kick ass. Instead, they are characters who feel human and can be vulnerable and compelling.