When it comes to anime characters and their designs, their races tend to be a bit ambiguous. It’s usually safe to assume that even though it doesn’t really look like it, most of the characters are meant to be Japanese unless it’s stated otherwise. This means we don’t usually get to see a diverse range of characters in anime and this includes black anime characters. 

However, despite them being somewhat few and far between, there are still plenty of amazing black anime characters that bring some diversity to our viewing experience. That’s why we’ve put together our list of the 10 most famous black anime characters of all time. 

Kuzan (One Piece) 

Kuzan, who used to go by the alias Aokiji, is a former Marine Admiral, holding the rank of Fleet Admiral which was given to him by Sengoku. However, after he lost this role to Sakazuki he completely stepped down from the marines and even went so far as to join the Blackbeard Pirates. Talk about a 180. 

Mohammed Avdol (Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders) 

It was a close race between Mohammed Avdol and Bruno Pucci, but with Stardust Crusaders being out for longer we had to give it to Avdol. Avdol was introduced in the first episode of this part of Jojo and made an instant impression. He is the character that was used to help explain the concept of stands and is seen as the straight main within the Stardust Crusaders. 

Despite filling that role, he often finds himself in goofy situations, how could we ever forget about the episode where he gets magnetized to Joseph. 

Ogun Montgomery (Fire Force) 

Now for the newest character on this list, but this doesn’t make him any less of a famous black anime character. Ogun Montgomery was introduced to Fire Force watchers in the show’s second season when Shirou visits Special Fire Force Company 4. Later, when several Special Fire Force Companies are sent off from the mainland of what used to be Japan to investigate happenings Chinese peninsula we get to see him in action. 

His powers allow him to weapon constructs out of his flames, which he usually ends up throwing at his targets. He also has his Flame Ink ability in which he tattoos his flames onto his skin, which increases his power greatly but comes at the risk of overheating himself. 

Coffee (Cowboy Bepop) 

Even though Coffee was in only one episode of Cowboy Bepop, she left a pretty big impression on the audience. Coffee is a bounty hunter and when we meet her she is on a contract hunting for the same target as Edward and Ein. This naturally ends up with the trio ending up in some strange situations. 

Despite having a short overall time in the series, she definitely let her mark with her style and personality. 

Killer B (Naruto: Shippuden) 

Killer B is a man of man talents, he is in charge of protecting his village, he is the Jinchuriki of the 8 Tails, and he also wants to be the greatest rapper in the world even though no one else believes in him, for good reason. Despite his lack of good rapping ability that doesn’t stop him from being good at his other jobs, mainly defending the village hidden in the clouds. 

Despite Killer B’s first impression being pretty goofy but don’t let that fool you, he is an absolute beast in a fight. Aside from having the power of the 8 Tails, he can wield seven swords at one time by combining kenjutsu and his unique fighting style. This creates a chaotic but also very effective way of fighting as his opponents, even Sasuke with his Sharingan, have trouble picking up his movements. 

Yoruichi Shihoin (Bleach) 

black anime character

This character was a bit of a surprise for a lot of viewers when it turned out that the cat from bleach was actually a pretty attractive woman in a disguise. Born into a high-ranking noble house in the Soul Society, Yoruichi is the first woman in her family to be the head of the house and one of the strongest captains in the Gotei 13.

Her look also makes her instantly recognizable, even amongst the colorful cast of Bleach, with her purple hair and sleek outfit. On top of that, she isn’t even the only black anime character in the series but she is definitely the most well know in Bleach. 

Canary (Hunter X Hunter)

Canary hunter hunter black character

When we first meet her, Canary is a loyal apprentice butler to the Zoldyck family. She is cold and ruthless when it comes to her job defending the family, however, Gon notices that she isn’t completely cold. 

Eventually, Canary is forced to choose between her loyalty to her employer and to Killua and she actually chooses to go with Killua, this choice doesn’t make her any less deadly in a fight though. 

Michiko Malandro (Michiko & Hatchin)

Black anime characters

Michiko Malandro isn’t a character that you would think would be nominated for mom of the year at the start of the series but she definitely at least earns her nomination through the series. We first meet Michiko as she breaks out of prison and saves Hatchin from her abusive family. 

The pair then go off on an adventure to help find Hatchin’s father, who Michiko happens to also be in love with. While the two bicker at first, their dynamic slowly grows into a more a mother-daughter style one and it’s adorable to see. 

Afro Samurai (Afro Samurai) 

When it comes to iconic black anime characters, you really can’t do much better than Afro Samurai. This titular protagonist is an incredibly skilled swordsman who is able to slice not only crossbow bolts but also bullets out of the air with ease. While he is at first show to be a generic swordsman, showing no emotion or care for anything, he does have a soft spot deep down for the few people that he lets get close to him, emotionally, getting close to him physically risks you getting slashed. 


Those might be the most famous black anime characters but they definitely aren’t the only ones and with more anime coming out every season, we can look forward to many more to come!

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