Happy “Good Oniisan” Day!

Japan has all the best special days! November 23 has been designated #いい兄の日 ii ani no hi, which gets its name for phonetic reasons only they can understand. So here’s J-List’s picks for the best anime older brother characters!

Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)

I’m sure you all know about Edward Elric, he’s quite the character! He lost his arm and left leg due to a failed Human Transmutation attempt, Ed became the youngest State Alchemist in history by achieving his certification at age twelve. Three years later, Ed has become fully engrossed in his search for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, an item with which he hopes to restore his younger brother Alphonse Elric – whose whole body had been lost in the aftermath of the human transmutation.

Portgas D. Ace (One Piece)

Ace was an intelligent, polite and caring man and was the adopted older brother of Luffy and Sabo in the One Piece series. Not only was Ace a caring brother to Luffy, but he also believes Luffy’s dream of becoming pirate king.

Lelouch of the Rebellion (Code Geass)

Although he’s willing to enslave the world to save it, Lelouche is super dedicated to his sister Nunnally and his (sort-of) brother Rolo from season 2.

Sora (No Game No Life)

An isekai anime about a brother and sister duo who are great at playing any game you could think of. No anime older brother is as dedicated to his sister as Sora.

Araragi Koyomi (Monogatari Series)

Another dedicated older brother is Koyomi from the Monogatari series, always willing to go out on a limb for his two sisters whenever they get possessed by spirits or experience other problems in life.

Kamina (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)

The most inspiring anime older brother, Kamina is always there for Simon, even when he’s not.

Taihei Domaru (Himouto! Umaru)

Although his younger sister is a handful, Taichi is always willing to do nice things for her, no matter how often she pouts.

Hachiman Hikigaya (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy)

Perhaps the most deadpan anime character ever, Hachiman nevertheless has a soft spot for his younger sister Komachi.

Kyosuke Kosaka (Oreimo)

Though she’s not the easiest sister to deal with, Kyosuke makes a great effort to be part of Kirino’s life, even getting into her imouto incest games. If that’s not dedication, I don’t know what is!

Haruka Kasugano (Yosuga no Sora)

On a related note, Haruka from Yosuga no Sora is a kind and gentle anime older brother, who can never deny his sweet younger sister anything she asks for.

Did we miss your favorite anime older brother? Tell us below or on Twitter! And happy Good Oniisan Day!