by August 1 is celebrated as Water Day in Japan, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of water and the need to conserve one of Earth’s most valuable natural resources. Since August is typically the month with the highest water consumption in the country, the occasion also serves as a reminder of water’s vital role in everyday life.
To mark the occasion, Anime! Anime! conducted its annual reader survey asking a simple but fun question:
“Which anime character comes to mind when you think of water?”
The results are now in, and while the top three remain unchanged from last year, the full ranking highlights a wide variety of beloved characters known for water-based abilities, aquatic themes, or unforgettable personalities.
Leading the list once again is Giyu Tomioka from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, who secured the top position for the fourth consecutive year.
Survey Overview
The annual poll was conducted between July 14 and July 21, 2026, receiving 368 responses from anime fans.
Survey Demographics
- Total Participants: 368
- Male: Approximately 45%
- Female: Approximately 55%
Age Breakdown
- Under 19: Around 30%
- 20s: Around 20%
- 30s: Around 20%
- 40s: Around 20%
The diverse audience resulted in a ranking that combines legendary anime classics with newer fan-favorite characters.
- Giyu Tomioka (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Support Rate: Approximately 21%
For the fourth year in a row, Giyu Tomioka tops the list as anime’s most iconic water-themed character.
As the Water Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, Giyu is synonymous with the elegant and powerful Water Breathing sword style.
Fans praised him for combining graceful techniques with overwhelming combat ability.
Popular comments included:
- “He’s the perfect Water Hashira. Every Water Breathing technique looks beautiful and powerful.”
- “His Eleventh Form: Dead Calm remains one of the coolest techniques in the series.”
- “Even during the Infinity Castle battles, Giyu’s calm personality and incredible swordsmanship stood out.”
Many voters also mentioned that Giyu’s reserved personality contrasts beautifully with his explosive fighting style.
His awkward social interactions and unintentionally humorous moments continue to make him one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
- Aqua (KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!)
Support Rate: Approximately 10%
Holding second place for the fourth consecutive year, Aqua remains one of anime’s funniest and most recognizable goddesses.
Although officially the Goddess of Water, Aqua is famous for creating as many problems as she solves.
Readers commented:
- “When you think of water, Aqua immediately comes to mind.”
- “Her beautiful blue hair perfectly matches her role as the Goddess of Water.”
- “She may be incredibly powerful, but somehow she always ends up causing trouble.”
Fans fondly remembered some of her funniest moments, including:
- Accidentally ruining hot springs by purifying them.
- Flooding entire towns with powerful spells.
- Leaving Kazuma responsible for enormous debts.
Despite frequently being called a “useless goddess,” Aqua’s lovable personality and hilarious misadventures continue to earn her devoted fans.
- Sailor Mercury / Ami Mizuno (Sailor Moon)
Support Rate: Approximately 8%
Rounding out the top three is Sailor Mercury, one of the original Sailor Guardians and one of anime’s most iconic water-themed heroines.
Known in everyday life as Ami Mizuno, she combines exceptional intelligence with elegant water-based attacks.
Fans praised her for:
- Water-themed special techniques.
- Analytical fighting style.
- Calm and collected personality.
- Distinctive blue costume.
Many also fondly remembered her famous anime catchphrase:
“Go splash yourself with water and reflect on your actions!”
Beyond combat, Ami is also portrayed as an excellent swimmer, reinforcing her connection to the water element.
Other Fan-Favorite Water Characters
While the top three remained unchanged, several other characters received strong support.
- Nitori Kawashiro (Touhou Project)
The friendly kappa engineer from the Touhou Project ranked fourth thanks to her close connection with rivers and aquatic folklore.
- Roxy Migurdia (Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation)
Roxy continues to be one of anime’s most beloved water mages.
Fans praised both her incredible magical talent and her role as Rudeus’ first teacher.
- Ryo (The Water Magician)
As expected from the title, Ryo specializes in powerful water magic.
Readers admired both the character’s magical abilities and swordsmanship, noting that Ryo can hold their own in close combat despite being a mage.
- Squirtle (Pokémon)
One of Pokémon’s original three starter Pokémon remains one of the franchise’s most recognizable Water-types.
Fans commented that whenever they think of Water Pokémon, Squirtle is still the very first character that comes to mind.
The character’s continued popularity has also been boosted by Pokémon’s anniversary celebrations and ongoing merchandise collaborations.
- Kieffrey (Witch Hat Atelier)
The mysterious magician from Witch Hat Atelier shared eighth place.
- Kunon Grion (The Magician Kunon Can See)
Another newcomer receiving strong support was Kunon Grion, whose growing popularity reflects the success of the recent anime adaptation.
- Shin Mori (Ronin Warriors)
Fans fondly remembered Shin Mori’s iconic Water Armor, trident-like weapon, and signature attacks based on flowing water.
Honorable Mentions
Several additional characters narrowly missed the Top 10 but still received significant support.
Notable mentions include:
- Aria Aquarius (The Black Cat and the Witch’s Classroom)
- Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer)
- Shizuku-chan
- Vaporeon (Pokémon)
- Haruka Nanase (Free!)
- Noelle Silva (Black Clover)
- Swampert (Pokémon)
- Umi Ryuzaki (Magic Knight Rayearth)
- Kanne (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)
- Cure Aqua (Yes! Pretty Cure 5)
- Juvia Lockser (Fairy Tail)
- Sui (Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill)
- Furina (Genshin Impact)
- Wakasagihime (Touhou Project)
- Kinuho Wanai (A Certain Scientific Railgun)
The diversity of nominees shows just how many memorable anime characters are associated with water through abilities, personalities, or visual design.
Why Water Characters Are So Popular
Water-themed characters have remained fan favorites for decades because water symbolizes many different qualities:
- Calmness
- Adaptability
- Intelligence
- Strength
- Purity
- Healing
- Elegance
Whether through graceful swordsmanship, powerful magic, or aquatic lifestyles, these characters often leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Final Thoughts
Anime’s fascination with water-themed characters continues to captivate fans across generations, and the 2026 Water Day survey once again proves the enduring popularity of these iconic heroes and heroines. Giyu Tomioka’s fourth consecutive victory highlights the lasting impact of Demon Slayer, while Aqua and Sailor Mercury remain timeless favorites thanks to their unforgettable personalities and signature water-based abilities.
From legendary classics like Sailor Moon and Pokémon to modern hits such as Frieren, The Water Magician, and Mushoku Tensei, this year’s rankings celebrate the incredible variety of characters connected to the element of water. As new anime continue introducing memorable water users, it will be exciting to see whether anyone can challenge Giyu Tomioka’s reign in next year’s poll.
