The ongoing spring 2026 anime series is full of popular series and characters, and a Japanese website has asked fans a very relevant question: which male character did you fall for at first sight this season? The responses have poured in from fans of all genders, ages and backgrounds, with the top spot going to a somewhat surprising character, and not one that many would have predicted. The Top 10 includes a variety of personalities and physical characteristics, showing that no matter what, every character in a series is someone's type.
The spring 2026 anime season kicked off in April, following a packed winter lineup of heavy hitters such as The Suitor: Beyond Journey's End season 2, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 and second season of Hell's paradise. Fans haven't been left out, however, as many current releases have received critical acclaim, including the long-awaited adaptation of Witch Hat Atelier and the newest game from Full metal alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa, Demons from the Shadow Realm. As is often the case, a handful of male characters have captured viewers' attention, and a new questionnaire reveals who is currently on top.
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Japanese Poll Asks “Which Male Character of Spring 2026 Anime Season Did You Fall in Love at First Sight?”
A survey launched by Japanese website Anime Anime asked fans which male character they fell for directly in the spring of 2026, with the questionnaire available from April 25th to April 30th. A total of 221 fans responded, with a total of approximately 60% male and 40% female viewers sharing their favorites. While many expected Witch Hat Ateliers Qifrey to take first place, the white-haired wizard came in second, with first place going to the affectionate, yet murderous Kyoichiro Yozakura of Mission: The Yozakura family Season 2. The site reported a three-way tie for third place, with Kill Blues Juzo Ogami shares the spot with Minato Kusunoki from Kusunoki's Garden of Gods and Amane Fujimiya from the romantic comedy The angel next door spoils me rotten.
According to the poll results, the top 10 male characters that viewers fell in love with at first sight are as follows (with several surprising ties):
|
Ranking |
Character/Series |
|
#1 |
Kyoichiro Yozakura (Mission: Yozakura Family) |
|
#2 |
Qifrey (Witch Hat Atelier) |
|
#3 |
Juzo Ogami (Kill Blue) |
|
#3 (tie) |
Minato Kusunoki (Kusunoki's Garden of the Gods) |
|
#3 (tie) |
Amane Fujimiya (The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten) |
|
#6 |
Yuru (Daemons of the Shadow Realm) |
|
#7 |
SAI (Dr. Stone Science Future) |
|
#7 (tie) |
Kujima (Kujima: Why Sing, When You Can Warble?) |
|
#7 (tie) |
Mei Kinosaki (Marriagetoxin) |
|
#10 |
Asama Yoshitsune (Nippon Sangoku) |
|
#10 (tie) |
Qin Shi Huang (Record of Ragnarok) |
|
#10 (tie) |
Mao (MAO) |
|
#10 (tie) |
Yamagami (Kusunoki's Garden of Gods) |
|
#10 (tie) |
Kengo Yozakura (Mission: Yozakura Family) |
Yuru from Demons from the Shadow Realm also ranked high on the list, along with the mathematical genius SAI from season 4 of Dr. Stone. Some of the more curious entries include Mei Kinosaki from Marriage toxina con artist who crosses as an attractive woman to scan his targets, and Kujima, a strange and somewhat off-putting creature who is a cross between a bird and a human. Mao's appearance is not unexpected, as many of Rumiko Takahashi's male protagonists have found immense popularity, including Inuyasha and Ranma Saotome.
While Qifrey failed to take first place, his popularity, along with the popularity of Witch Hat Atelier as a whole has marked a high point for the spring 2026 anime season in the West. Although the adaptation was first announced in 2022, it was delayed after production company Bug Films asked for more time to ensure quality. This has been a blessing, as everything from the show's animation and music to characterization has been highly rated by viewers and critics alike, with the series currently at an 8.76 on MAL.
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While the spring anime season has offered something for everyone, fans are already looking ahead to what summer 2026 has to offer. The most anticipated releases include Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation season 3, The ghost in the shell, The sparks of tomorrowand Skeleton Knight in Another World Season 2.
Source: Anime! Anime!
