Anime has absolutely exploded in popularity over the last several decades. The animated export from Japan has really seeped its roots into American culture in particular, with so many memorable and beloved characters becoming cherished by all different kinds of people the whole country over. Today, we’ll take a look at who we’ve determined are the most popular anime characters in each state of the US.
Alabama: Bandit Keith (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
Really, who’s more American than this star spangled, bandit-clad bastard from Yu-Gi-Oh? Obviously everybody wanted to pick him, but hey, Alabama’s first on the list alphabetically, so they got dibs. Sorry North Dakota.
Alaska: Rukia Kuchiki (Bleach)
Rukia’s sword has the ability to freeze someone to death in a chrysalis of ice, which is pretty much the same effect as opening your door and stepping outside in Alaska. It’s not her fault, you guys. You just chose to live in Alaska.
Arizona: Guts (Berserk)
“He just like me!” Ah shut up, Arizona.
Arkansas: Reigen Arataka (Mob Psycho 100)
He may just be a con-man pretending to be a psychic, but the residents of Arkansas see through his facade and know that deep down, somewhere in there, so far you almost can’t see it, there’s a heart of gold.
California: Satoru Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen)
California loves the over-powered prettyboy of Jujutsu Kaisen, Satoru Gojo. His celebrity status and general untouchability makes him a standout, relatable character there.
Colorado: Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop)
I mean… who wouldn’t want to spark a blunt with Spike? It’s every Coloradans’ dream!
Connecticut: Yusuke Urameshi (Yu Yu Haksuho)
This delinquent-turned-martial-artist-turned-demon is simply beloved in the east coast state of Connecticut, who are a bit rough around the edges themselves.
Delaware: Kirito (Sword Art Online)
Aaaaand the most boring state in the nation chooses the most boring main character in existence. Surprise, surprise!
Florida: Kaiman (Dorohedoro)
I mean, he’s got an alligator for a head. And you know they got gators aplenty in Florida. Kaiman is practically hailed like a celebrity there, and is supposed to be added to the state flag.
Georgia: The guy from Kagurabachi
I’m just going to assume this is because of the meme and they don’t actually like this manga. Or maybe they do? I honestly can’t tell.
Hawaii: Mitsuri Kanroji (Demon Slayer)
With her two-toned green and pink hair and quite revealing outfit, this character has to have one of the most over-the-top designs in recent memory. But hey, the state of Hawaii loves her for it anyway. Let your freak flag fly, Mitsuri!
Idaho: Saitama (One-Punch Man)
As previously stated, Idadho loves Saitama because his bald head looks like a potato. Sorry, Idaho! Wish I knew more about ya.
Illinois: Ash (Pokémon)
Chicago, also known as “the second city”, always loves to root for the underdog. And it took Ash a long god damn time to finally win the Pokémon League. Almost as long as it took the Cubs to finally win another World Series!
Indiana: Sōsuke Aizen (Bleach)
What the hell was this guy’s problem? Get your shit together, Indiana.
Iowa: Rock Lee (Naruto)
Iowa loves the good boy of Naruto who always tries his best even though he doesn’t have special ninja powers. He proves that being ordinary can be extraordinary, which is something Iowans would like to believe.
Kansas: Vash the Stampede (Trigun)
Right in the heart of “tornado alley”, Kansas is no stranger to natural disasters. Vash the Stampede is known as the humanoid typhoon, so if he were to ever roll through the state it would be just another day for them.
Kentucky: Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon)
Residents of Kentucky appreciate the simple charm and goofiness that Usagi Tsukino proudly wears upon her sleeve. Sailor Moon herself is adored in Kentucky, and they will do anything to protect her. You know, if she can’t protect herself, for whatever reason.
Louisiana: Sanji (One Piece)
Boy do they love to cook down in the bayou, so naturally Sanji, the chef of the Strawhat Pirates, is a crowd pleaser down in Louisiana. I hear tell he can make a mean gumbo!
Maine: Conan Edogawa (Detective Conan)
Thanks to Stephen King, there’s nothing Maine loves more than a good mystery. I mean, maybe. There’s probably other stuff they like in Maine. But I know Stephen King is from there, so we’re going to go with that. And Conan Edogawa is a teenager-turned-boy detective who loves to solve mysteries. Bing bang boom, done. Thank you, Maine! You’ve been wonderful.
Maryland: Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Alphonse is a good boy who suffered the unfortunate consequence of having his soul bound to a metal suit of armor after helping his brother try to raise their mom from the dead. But… the state of Maryland forgives him for attempting human transmutation. He’s suffered enough already.
Massachusetts: Kamina (Gurren Lagann)
This inspiring figure is respected by the fine state of Massachusetts, and the residents of Boston admire his no-bullshit attitude. Go into any bar in Boston and tell them Kamina sent you to get a free beer (don’t do this).
Michigan: Misato Katsuragi (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
Misato can knock beers back with the best of them, and would be an absolutely great addition to any tailgating party at the University of Michigan. Any given Sunday you can count on Misato to show up with a 24-pack of Yebisu beer.
Minnesota: DIO (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Not to be confused with Ronnie James, DIO is a big hit up in Minnesota. He’s got to be one of the most persistent villains in all of anime, and you can’t have a great story without a great villain– something that is definitely not lost on Minnesotans.
Mississippi: Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Avatar: The Last Airbender isn’t an anime, you baka gaijin! Reeeee!!!
Missouri: Lain Iwakura (Serial Experiments Lain)
What else is there to do in Missouri besides go on the computer, I guess? And there’s nobody in anime with a better home rig than Lain Iwakura of Serial Experiments Lain. Just don’t spend too much time on the Wired or you might just lose yourself.
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