Anime Fathers: Exploring the Dads We Choose in Anime!

Father’s Day is this Sunday, so today is a great time to look at some of the best and most iconic anime dads. Let’s explore what makes a great anime father in this blog post!

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Why Are Anime Fathers Interesting to Study?

As a man whose main “father figure” growing up was James T. Kirk from Star Trek, I’m interested in how fictional fathers play important roles in fans’ lives. Being raised by a single mother, I literally got more of my personality as a man from watching Captain Kirk than from any other source. This is why, whenever I’m faced with a crisis, I bite into an apple and say, “I don’t believe in the no-win scenario.”

My unique relationship with the fictional captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise from a young age makes me wonder how anime fans younger than me felt about the various father figures in anime. Did fans spend years imprinting onto various anime fathers, perhaps measuring them against their own fathers? Or am I over-thinking things?

Let’s look at the 11 most iconic anime dads together in this blog post!

Gendo Ikari from Evangelion

Two of the most iconic anime fathers were the two Gendo Ikaris. Yes, there were two of them. The harsh and distant anime dad from the 1995 Evangelion series was totally different from the much more supportive father we meet in the Rebuild of Evangelion films that started in 2007. Which Gendo do you prefer?

Why did Gendo Rokubungi take his wife’s family name of Ikari when they married? Read this blog post to find out!

Son Goku from Dragon Ball

Another iconic early anime dad that might have left an impression on some fans. While he was a loving father, his obsession with training meant his parenting skills often left something to be desired.

Tuxedo Mask Brings Daddy Issues?

Of course, an anime as groundbreaking as Sailor Moon would not shy away from exploring bold psychological ideas. This includes the relationship between Chibi Usa and Tuxedo Mask, her father (albeit in his future persona as King Endymion). When Chibi Usa transformed into the evil Black Lady the show explored Carl Jung’s Elektra Complex, the female version of the Oedipal Complex.

Akio Furukawa from Clannad Is a Great Anime Father

The comic-relief anime dad from Clannad became a very different character in Clannad After Story. When the situation requires it, he steps up to become a father to his granddaughter, Ushio, until Tomoya is ready to take over the reins.

Jotaro Kujo from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Jotaro Kujo is the ultimate “my dad can beat up your dad” character. He might be a distant father to his daughter Jolyne, but he’s cool af.

Thors and Askeladd from Vinland Saga

The “two” anime dads to young Thorfinn. Thors is his father, who desperately tries to shield his son from his former life as a violent Jomsviking. When Askeladd kills Thors, Thorfinn vows revenge. But Askeladd protects the boy while he grows up and learns how to fight…and eventually realizes that revenge is pointless.

Why is Vinland Saga “peak fiction” that you should totally watch? Read this blog post!

Maes Hughes from Fullmetal Alchemist

The Japanese word for a father who dotes overly much on his child is oya-baka. This term definitely applies to Maes from FMA, who is a picture-perfect father.

The Best Anime Fathers Are…Hitmen?

Kazuki and Rei from Buddy Daddies are two assassins who end up taking care of the daughter of a man they assassinated. It’s a ridiculously cute anime!

Sojiro Konata from Lucky Star

Another famous anime dad, Sojiro proves that even an otaku can find love and happiness.

Another Great Anime Father: Inuyasha

Part of the joy of being an Inuyasha fan is seeing the love between the two main characters not only blossom but result in their daughter, Moroha.

Loid Forger from SPY x FAMILY

Finally, the coolest anime dad in recent years is Loid Forger from SPY x FAMILY, a deadly spy who just wants to make his fake family happy.

Thanks for reading this blog post about the 11 best anime fathers. What anime dad made an impression on you as an anime fan? Tell us in the comments below!

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