The kimono is arguably Japan's most iconic traditional clothing.
It combines simplicity and practical elegance. It also exudes a very distinctive style that, like Chinese and Korean traditional clothing, makes themcompletely unrecognizable among the classic clothing styles in Europe of similar eras.
But you know what's even cooler about it?
Anime characters who wear kimono as their signature costume! Come on, you definitely know one or two characters who are clearly identifiable by their traditional Japanese clothing. And it's not just female characters.
In this list, I want to share the very best anime characters that rock their kimonos in an amazing way.
But before we start, first a few rules:
- One character in the series
- The kimono should be the character's primary attire.
- Otherwise, the kimono must be very important to them.
- Noticeable enough to stand outSubstantial part serials from the Edo/Yamato period will be omitted)
- Furisode, hakama, yukata, houmon'gi, katabira, etc. are all kimonos.
- NO kimonos of the holy virgins (otherwise they will flood the whole list)
In addition, each of these kimono-clad characters is good in their own way. So let's love them all, shall we?
Without further ado, enjoy the list!
22. Ayase Chihaya (Chihayafuru)
The list starts with our favorite karuta queen, Chihaya Ayase.
This series was originally supposed to be presented to Kanade, as she is, after all, an expert in traditional hakama-type kimonos.
But instead, I decided to go with the captain of the Karuta Club of Mizusawa High School.
True, she does not wear a kimono all the time.
But as a karuta, that's basically her life. Its connection to the traditional kimono during official sanctioned tournaments is inextricable.
21. Emma Ai (Jigoku Shoujo)
This is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about kimono and anime. And that's actually some inspiration for this list.
Undoubtedly, the one and only Jigoku Shoujo could have been included in all lists on a similar topic before.
But how can I help?
She deserves a secure place here, no matter how many evil souls she ferries across the Sanzu River.
20. Glass (Tate no Yuusha Nariagari)
A mysterious figure claiming to have been summoned from another isekai, Glass is one of the newest characters on this list since the anime adaptation aired just a few seasons ago.
If you want someone who sticks out like a sore thumb in his kimono, then it will definitely be Glass wreaking havoc in the kingdom of Melromarc.
Pretty much similar to the other but much more deviant dragon woman in the black kimono, which we will also mention later.
19. Ishikawa Goemon (Lupin III)
The thirteenth member of his clan, bearing the same name as their legendary ancestor, Goemon is one of Lupine III's most powerful and loyal aides.
Well, technically he wasn't that loyal at first.
But Lupine eventually earned his respect.
With the near-superhuman abilities of a modern-day swordsman, he and his hakama also stand out like a sore thumb for any western heist or escape Lupine plans to pull off.
18. Himura Kenshin (Roruni Kenshin)
Possibly carved from the same marble slab as Goemon, Himura Kenshin battousai is another katana-wielding badass for this list of anime characters.
Since Rurouni Kenshin is set in the Meiji era, his hakama doesn't stand out too much.
However, currently Japan is literally at the crossroads between a medieval country and a modernized industrial state.
This means that the traditional kimono began its age-old period when it ceased to be used as ordinary clothing.
17. Yuuko Ichihara (xxxHolic)
A character that we can consider as classic as Emma Eye in terms of wearing a kimono.
In fact, she almost feels like a different person when she wears normal dresses and clothes.
As physical as it is, the traditional Japanese dress is certainly part of her character, which usually contrasts nicely with Kimihiro's costumes when he's on duty.
16. Izumi Kyouka (Stray Dogs of Bangu)
Yes, before you ask, Kyoki's entry on this list means that Kyo will not be included.
She may be as cute as a doll, but right now she is far from being a doll.
Who could ever resist those short but precious expressions of pure happiness outside of her risky work?
Well, she kept her quiet and stoic personality.
After all, her kimono is dyed red for a reason. But never tell Atsushi about it!
15. Kokkuri-san (Gugure Kokkuri-san)
Okay, I understand that Kokkuri-san is hardly the first dashing white fox bishi to appear in anime.
But he has one trait that helps him stand out on this particular list: he rocks his kimono perfectly for both man and woman!
Whether it's the original Ono-D version or the Uryocchi version, you have two different kimono flavors to choose from with Kokkuri-san.
14. Kuon (series “Utawarerumono”)
Somewhat wise, stubborn, but very caring, Kuon may not stand out visually... but her existence in the world of Utawarumono is absolutely unlike any other.
Perhaps even more than her father.
Her kimono is a little closer to the kimono we are quite familiar with compared to her guardians, as it was modeled after her late mother's kimono.
13. Kamado Nezuko (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Nezuko simply steals the hearts of everyone, including Tanjiro of course, with her graceful moves and cute moves.
I mean, just look at those beady pink eyes that go with her hemp leaf-themed kimono.
As a bonus, she can even freely adjust her size!
Truly a field day for cultural figures.
Oh, but never try to provoke her, even if she never dines with people. Believe me.
12. Kirihime Yoruka (Saijaku Muhai no Bahamut)
One of the two truly "aggressive" women in the series, Yoruka displays a very different style of wearing a kimono, which only incorporates smaller elements of frills than what the goth version usually displays.
While her Koto princess robes are perfect for concealment, ironically, she is not suited for personal stealth.
But it could probably be used to sneak up on our coveted young dragon knight.
11. Suma Ritsu (Fruit Basket)
Which? Did you think we could get through this list without any traps?
Like Chihaya, Ritsu doesn't actually wear a kimono all the time.
But when he prefers maximum peace of mind, the first clothing he will definitely choose is a kimono.
Although he started wearing women's clothing less and less during his character development, his biggest impression was still the quiet, meek, green kimono-clad Yamato nadoshiko, whom Tohru initially mistook him for.
10. Nora (Noragami)
At first glance, she may seem like a simple cute shinki.
Her rather simple yet distinct kimono design even reflects the somewhat harmless aura around her.
But besides that shy smile, she has the ability to manipulate people to achieve her goals and hold a grudge a long time ago.
Later she turns around. But not before she faced everything that led her to become this in the first place.
9. Shinguji Sakura (Sakura Wars)
The recording is very similar to the one made by the legendary battouse, but this time we take a step forward to the Taishou era... or at least to its artistic version.
Sakura's iconic hakama-style kimono and the oriental swordplay of her pink koubu have become some of the symbols of '90s anime... even though Sakura is technically a video game character.
Stand up for justice, Imperial Assault Squad!
8. Shindo Ayaka (Kyokai no Kanana)
What's not to love about being a gentle youmu fox (in the anime) and speaking Kansai dialect?
Well, she might have a few shady business dealings here and there.
But in difficult times, she is always mentally ready to see through everything.
Sometimes even with the use of force.
As a bonus, she's also with her equally adorable little sister, who can rock a nice yukata herself.
7. Kamazuki Suzuno (Hataraku Maou)
Seemingly innocent, but actually a relatively innocent neighbor of Mao Sadao.
Suzuno apparently "learned" most of what she knew about the human world by watching historical dramas, hence her current fashion choices.
It also means that she insists on something traditional Japanese that extends to just about every part of her life and preferences…perhaps with the exception of her giant sacred hammer.
6. Tio Clarus (Arifureta Shokugyo de Sekai Saikyo)
In the world of Tortus, dragons are mostly represented by Oriental-style dwellers.
As such, Tio wears a set of clothing that closely resembles a Japanese kimono.
Not only does this perfectly complement her long, shiny black hair, but the elegance makes for a stronger impression of a skilled spell caster despite being equally physically capable.
Unfortunately, her outfit doesn't help much in suppressing her final individual impression after meeting Hajime.
5. Araragi Tsukihi (Bakemonogatari series)
The only younger half of the Fire Sisters of the Araragi family.
She doesn't seem to have much affection for kimono in general, but it's her default outfit no matter the season.
Whether it's her light and short yukata for the summer or the more traditional one for the colder months, you can be sure that she will almost always wear a brightly colored kimono to match her true personality when she performs.
4. Tsukuyo (Gintama)
The famous Courtesan of Death has a rather unique taste in kimono design compared to most of the others on this list.
But, alas, this is a wacky and wonderful alternative world of Gintama.
So you better just take it as the norm.
True to her brash reputation, her excellent kimono goes well with her demeanor and fighting style, much to the chagrin of one parfait-loving grey-haired carefree former samurai.
3. Yaya (Indestructible Machine Doll)
Oddly enough, Yaya's kimono is the only one shown here in a trendy oriental gothic style, paired with her deep black hair pulled back into long pigtails.
Like the other entry at the far end of this list, Yayaabsolutely stands out against the background of an alternative country of the Far West of Europe.
And we are not even talking about her abilities as an automaton yet!
2. Yunohana Yuna (Yuragi-sou no Yuna-san)
Earthbound spirits in anime and manga are usually depicted in kyokatabira if they take on human form.
You know, the white kimono that goes with the triangular shawl.
However, since Yuna is spiritually connected to the former traditional Japanese inn, the yukata paired with the red haori becomes her main costume.
Of course, she has the ability to change her spirit form to a different set of clothes.
But her yukata remains the default.
1. Yune (Ikoku Meiro no Croisee)
Last but not least, if you want another character that sticks out like a sore thumb in her kimono, look no further than Yune.
Arriving in France during the industrial revolution, she is as foreign to the whole landscape, style and culture as she herself feels in her new home.
It doesn't help that she's as sweet as a button in every way. Makes her presence in the local shopping area even more visible.
