One category of anime character that’s always popular with fans are dark-skinned characters with tanned bodies that create interesting visual dynamics. Today, let’s explore why these characters are always some of the most popular with anime fans!
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Why Are Dark-Skinned Anime Girls So Popular?
When anime or manga creators go to make a new character, they have many options. These include a vibrant palette of basic character archetypes, hairstyles and colors. Often, they’ll introduce a character with dark or tanned skin into the story to keep things interesting. Usually, these characters become very popular with fans. Let’s examine this unique anime phenomenon!
- Obviously, there’s an exotic aspect to these characters. With a cast of (usually) vanilla Japanese characters, having one with darker coloring adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the mix.
- An air of health. If a character is tanned because they play sports all day, like Nagatoro or Uruka from Bokuben, it’s natural that we feel attracted to them.
- The unique trend of “Gals” in Japanese fashion and anime culture can be interesting to analyze. It’s tied to the popularity of singer Amuro Namie, who was so popular that she inspired multiple generations of girls to imitate her style in the mid-1990s.
- Sometimes, dark skin can be an “element of moe.” The idea of moe involves unique character traits that can be charming to fans, like bad eyesight or clumsiness. Choi from Tamako Market not knowing what’s going on most of the time was related to her being from another country.
- Tan lines are sexy. That is all.
It’s interesting to note that dark skin in anime characters is often not tied to a specific country. Jahy has dark skin because she’s a demon lord from another dimension. Yaoi Ro Dushi has dark skin because she’s a Dark Elf. Urd is a literal Goddess. Sometimes, dark coloring is associated with an unnamed “south seas island,” like Choi from Tamako Market. Umiko from New Game!, who is from Okinawa, is another example.
How does black culture filter into Japanese society, including anime? Read this blog post I wrote!
Which Character Created Your Fascination with Dark-Skinned Anime Girls?
I asked J-List customers to tell us which character turned them on to dark-skinned anime characters, and here are the responses we got!
I watched the entire run of 7th Prince anime because this girl was in it.
I’d have to go with Ranko from My First Girlfriend is a Gal.
Urd was the one who got me hooked on dark-skinned anime girls, and her mom got me hooked on anime moms.
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It was Aisha Clanclan from Outlaw Star for me.
It’s a toss-up between Aisha Clanclan from Outlaw Star and Mihoshi Kuramitsu from Tenchi Muyo. I watched both pretty much at the same time.
Ayuko from Golden Boy left quite an impression on us.
Ria Hagry (Kirino’s track rival) from Oreimo.
For me, I have to go with Chloe (Kuro) from Fate/kaleid liner Prisma☆Illya. I love her for reasons.
I can’t say it’s just one character.
People who know…
If you love Yukikaze, we’ve got her official naughty products in stock for you. Browse here!
What about me? In my case, I fell hard for Chika Minazuki from Ai Yori Aoshi. There was something about her cute character design and twintail hair…and of course, those tan lines.
Thanks for reading this blog post exploring why dark-skinned anime girls are so popular and which character made us into fans of “tanned waifus.” Which character made you a fan of these characters? Tell us in the comments below!
Happy New Year from your Friend in Japan, J-List! We hope 2026 is a year of happiness and peace for you. To get things off right, we’re having a huge site-wide New Year’s Sale through Jan. 6, giving you $15 off all in-stock products. Start browsing now!
