When thinking of the oldest anime characters in existence, we may come up with examples like Najimi Ajimu fromMedaka Box(2012), who is said to be 3,402,193,822,311 years old, or the demon Buu fromthe hit series,Dragon Ball Z(1989 - 1996), who supposedly existed before recorded time. But what about protagonists in particular? While many anime series tend to focus on youthful protagonists, there is an intriguing subset that defies this trend by placing older characters center stage. These seasoned protagonists, bearing the weight of experience, wisdom, bring a distinctive flavor to the anime landscape. This article is dedicated to them – the most enduring and mature main characters, protagonists who break away from the conventional mold of youthful exuberance.
10Inuyasha (Inuyasha) - More Than 200 Years Old
Inuyasha, the main character of the anime and manga seriesInuyasha(2000 - 2004) created by Rumiko Takahashi (also known for her work onRanma ½), is a half-demon with a rich backstory. He is characterized by his silver-white hair, dog-like ears, and a red kimono. He wields the Tessaiga, a mighty sword forged from the fang of his demon father. The Tessaiga grants him immense strength and various supernatural abilities, which evolve and grow in power as the series progresses. Initially, Inuyasha is shown as headstrong, impulsive, and sometimes hot-tempered, which often leads to clashes with Kagome, another main character in the series.
When the series begins, Inuyasha is around 200 years old, but his age is a bit more complex due to his supernatural heritage. He spent a significant portion of that time sealed to a sacred tree by a powerful priestess named Kikyo.
9Ai Enma (Hell Girl) - More Than 400 Years Old
Ai EnmafromHell Girl(2005 - 2006), is known for her role as the mediator of supernatural vengeance. Ai Enma has long, ebony-black hair, crimson eyes, and wears a traditional Japanese school uniform. Even though she has the appearance of a young girl, she is said to be over 400 years old. She is often seen carrying a straw doll, a conduit for her otherworldly powers. Ai is stoic, calm, and has a sense of detachment from the emotions and suffering of others.
Ai’s role as the Hell Girl is to offer those who seek revenge a macabre choice. Anyone who desires retribution against their tormentors can access a mysterious website, where they can enter the name of their target. In exchange, they receive a doll with a red string tied around its neck. If they pull the string, Ai will enact the revenge, but in doing so, the person also seals their own fate, as they are destined to go to hell when they die.
8Alucard (Hellsing) - More Than 500 Years Old
Alucard, a character of unparalleled power and complexity, is the protagonist ofHellsing(2001 - 2002),one of the most popular animated vampire seriesin history. Alucard possesses a charismatic aura that gives off a great deal of confidence and authority. His true form is that of a tall, imposing figure with long hair and predatory eyes. His appearance is reminiscent to a Victorian-era nobleman.
Alucard can regenerate from nearly any wound, control shadows, summon and manipulate familiars, and transform into a monstrous, bloodthirsty form. Despite all of this, however, he is bound by a strict code of loyalty to the Hellsing Organization and its leader, Sir Integra Hellsing. Alucard’s age is shrouded in centuries of darkness, as he is one of the oldest and most powerful vampires in the series. Although the exact age of Alucard is never explicitly mentioned, he has existed for over 500 years, making him a truly ancient creature.
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7C.C. (Code Geass) - More Than 500 Years Old
C.C., whose real name remains unknown throughout the majority of the anime seriesCode Geass(2006 - 2008), is a character of ethereal beauty. She often wears a skintight suit adorned with symbols related to her immortality. She is calm and somewhat detached. C.C. serves as a vital catalyst for the events of Code Geass. She possesses a Geass power that grants her the ability to bestow the Geass upon others, a power she had sought to free herself from for centuries.
Her exact age is not explicitly disclosed, but she is revealed to be centuries old, having acquired immortality through a contract with a Geass user in the distant past.
6Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End) - More Than 1000 Years Old
Frierenis the main character inFrieren: Beyond Journey’s End(2023). Physically, Frieren appears as a young woman with long, flowing hair, dreamy eyes, and an ethereal presence. Her attire is a mix of magical, fantasy-inspired clothing. Frieren has a unique perspective on life and death. As an elf and a powerful mage, she is immune to the ravages of time and has experiencedcountless lifetimes, witnessing the passing of friends and loved ones.
Frieren is remarkably ancient, having lived for over a millennium, a fact that plays a central role in the story, which follows her journey to comprehend the meaning of life and mortality. It is her mission to uncover the mysteries of existence. Through her interactions with mortals, Frieren gains insight into the preciousness of fleeting moments and the depth of human emotions.
5Yato (Noragami) - More Than 1000 Years Old
Yato, the protagonist of the action-packed anime and manga seriesNoragami(2014 - 2015), is a deity in the world of Shinto gods. His true age is unknown, but Yato is portrayed as being several centuries old, if not more, as gods in this world have long lifespans.
Yato has striking blue eyes and wild hair, and wears a dark tracksuit. He is the owner of a divine weapon, a katana named “Yukine,” which can transform into various forms for combat. Yato can switch between moments of goofiness and genuine kindness to bouts of ferocity and determination when it comes to protecting his loved ones. He longs for recognition and hopes to become a revered god, often taking on odd jobs as a “Delivery God” to earn a following.
4Tsukasa Yuzaki (TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You) - More Than 1400 Years Old
One of the main characters in the manga and anime seriesTONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You(2020 - 2023),Tsukasa Yuzaki, is a warm and delightful girl who looks like she is in her mid to late teens. However, she is also immortal and said to be more than 1400 years of age.
Tsukasa has long pink hair, and red eyes, and usually wears a white shirt, black mini skirt, and pink socks. Her personality is characterized by kindness, sincerity, and a straightforward nature that contrasts with the series' comedic elements. She is a girl with a mysterious past, marked by an unforgettable encounter with the series' other protagonist, Nasa Yuzaki. Their meeting results in a whirlwind romance that leads to a spontaneous marriage, which forms the central premise of the story.
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3Sebastian Michaelis (Black Butler) - More Than 3000 Years Old
Sebastian Michaelisfrom theBlack Butleranime series (2008- 2011) is a demon depicted as eternally youthful due to his supernatural nature. He is said to be more than 3000 years of age. He is handsome and stylish and serves as the butler to Ciel Phantomhive, the young Earl of the Phantomhive family. His loyalty and dedication to Ciel are unshakable, driven by a special contract the two share.
Sebastian has superhuman strength, agility, and regeneration abilities, which makes him a force to be reckoned with. He is proficient in nearly every task, from household chores to culinary arts, which he performs with unmatched perfection.
2Meliodas (The Seven Deadly Sins) - More than 3000 years old
The main protagonist fromThe Seven Deadly Sins(2014 - 2021),Meliodas, is a blond, short, and extremely young-looking boy. He is also a mighty warrior and an ageless demon. As the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins, he wears a unique broken dragon symbol on his left shoulder. He is over 3,000 years old, making him one of the oldest andcoolest characters in the series.
Meliodas is the eldest son of the Demon King, from whom he has inherited incredible strength and access to a variety of demonic powers. Despite his fearsome potential, Meliodas is known for his kind-hearted and protective nature, especially toward his friends and comrades.
1Yami Yugi (Yu-Gi-Oh!) - More Than 3000 Years Old
Yami Yugi, also known as the Pharaoh, is one of the main characters inYu-Gi-Oh!(2000 - 2006) and Yugi Muto’s dark and powerful alter ego. He lived as a Pharaoh in ancient Egypt, but his soul was sealed within the Millennium Puzzle, putting him in a dormant state for thousands of years. As a consequence, his physical age appears to be that of a teenager, but he is, in fact, over 3000 years old.
Yami Yugi’s appearance is characterized by his tri-color hair, with black, gold, and crimson layers. He wears a special outfit featuring a high-collared jacket, leather pants, and the Millennium Puzzle hanging around his neck. He is a master in the “Duel Monsters” card game, where he becomes an entirely different persona known for his cunning and strategic genius. He possesses ancient Egyptian magic, which he sometimes uses to influence events outside the card game. Yami Yugi is considered one ofthe most beloved charactersin the series.
