In a world where most stories centre onanime protagonists without parents, parental guidance may be few and far between. But some truly rise to the occasion, taking on the responsibility that most would shy away from.
Whether they are taking care of their own children, adopting or guiding the next generation as teachers and mentors, these father figures are brimming with wisdom, empathy, kindness, and a firm hand. From spies to priests and even former criminals, we have compiled a list of the best father figures in anime.
10Soichiro Yagami
Death Note
AlthoughLight Yagami was an evil megalomaniac, his father Soichiro was, in all respects, a good man. He was supportive of his son, cared for his family, and was proud of every one of Light’s academic and career achievements.
Moreover, Soichiro acts as a guiding hand to the task force members he leads to hunt Kira. He was a father figure to the youngest of his men, Touta Matsuda, and led by example. Soichiro’s legacy was such that Matsuda was the most affected by Light’s betrayal.
9Nara Shikaku
Naruto
The father of Shikamaru, Nara Shikaku was part of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and was a Jōnin Commander. Like all the Nara family, he was lazy but brilliant and capable of anything he put his mind to.
He has a strong bond with his son and pushes Shikamaru to think for himself. Instead of discriminating against Naruto as the rest of the villagers did, Shikaku treated Naruto as he would any other, and did not ban his son from playing with him. Despite being laidback and carefree, Shikaku was the Chief Battle Strategist of the Allied Shinobi Forces during the Fourth Shinobi War, and he left a positive impact long after his death.
8Maes Hughes
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
A military officer for the Amestrian State Military, Maes is a warm and friendly person who takes his duties seriously. But what everyone gets to know about Maes instantly is his pride and affection for his family.
Maes keeps pictures of his wife Grace and daughter Elicia with him at all times and is always eager to show them to anyone he meets. He never hesitates to show his love for his family and is especially overprotective of them. He even encourages his friends to marry as soon as possible to feel the same joy he feels. Undoubtedly, Maes is more than qualified to be in the running for the Father of the Year award.
7Joichiro Yukihira
Food Wars!: Shokugeki No Soma
Father of the main character Soma Yukihira, Joichiro raised his son all by himself after his wife’s death. He is a very skilled chef and passed on his love for cooking to his son. Joichiro was once a student at Totsuki Culinary Academy, climbing up the ranks to join the Elite Ten Council, only to drop out due to the high pressures and feeling burnt out.
Flippant and easygoing, Joichiro owns his own restaurant, wherein Soma regularly helps out and gains experience in. He mentors Soma and teaches him ways to handle high-stress situations. Joichiro’s paternal nature extended to others outside his family, such as mentoring Asahi Nakiri and introducing him to cooking.
6Akio Furukawa
Clannad
A former actor turned baker, Akio Furukawa runs Furukawa Bakery alongside his wife Sanae. Akio is a no-nonsense character, prioritising his daughter Nagisa’s happiness and health above all things, even willing to leave his growing career behind.
A firm yet caring figure, Akio encourages his naturally shy daughter out of her shell. He is wary the moment Nagisa starts dating the main character, Tomoya Okazaki, but gradually accepts him and even becomes a father figure to him in place of his dysfunctional family.
5Isshin Kurosaki
Bleach
Former Captain of the Gotei 13, Isshin Kurosaki is the father of Ichigo Kurosaki and his sisters, Karin and Yuzu. He is a fun-loving, sociable, and relaxed person who regularly attacks Ichigo to prepare him for the harsh reality of life.
He cares for his children deeply, having to raise them single-handedly after his wife’s death. Despite his comical personality, Isshin is a skilled warrior who is always prepared to step up to the plate whenever his children’s lives are under threat.
4Shiro Fujimoto
Blue Exorcist
The adoptive father of Rin and Yukio Okumura, Shiro Fujimoto was a priest and Exorcist who was originally meant to kill Rin and Yukio for being the sons of Satan. He couldn’t bring himself to do it and had their powers sealed instead.
Shiro grew to love the boys and desired what was best for them. He has a mischievous, playful personality, but is concerned about Rin’s penchant for getting into fights. Nevertheless, Shiro was willing to lay down his life, stabbing himself after getting possessed to save Rin.
3Oda Sakunosuke
Bungo Stray Dogs
An accomplished ex-assassin and low-ranking member of the Port Mafia, Oda Sakunosuke (or Odasaku) may seem an intimidating figure. However, once the show delves into his story and background in Season 2 of Bungo Stray Dogs, it shows the man is kind, with a soft, paternal side.
When he was barely out of his teens, Odasaku adopted five children left orphaned by the Dragon’s Head Conflict and made sure they were safe and cared for. He is shown to be compassionate and patient with them, humouring their pranks and antics. After losing them, however, Odasaku goes to avenge them and face the perpetrator alone, even at the expense of his own life.
2Loid Forger
Spy X Family
An accomplished spy and operative, Loid Forger had no plans to settle down or have a child. But when he was ordered to as part of a mission, Loid was committed to excelling in parenthood as he did in other aspects of his job.
Alongside Yor — an assassin posing as his wife — Loid looked after Anya, a five-year-old telepath. Although initially he viewed it as just another job, he came to care for Anya genuinely, encouraging and teaching her while learning how to be a father.
1Aizawa Shouta
My Hero Academia
The homeroom teacher for Class 1-A and an underground hero, Aizawa Shouta may seem intimidating and unashamedly straightforward at first, but he cares very deeply for the lives of his students.
He motivates his students and sets extremely high standards for those under his watch, listening to their worries and pushing them to be the best that they can be. Aizawa even gave Shinso Hitoshi a chance to become a hero, noticing his potential when others didn’t. He also helped take care of Eri, being both gentle and mindful of her care.
