by Who was your first fictional crush? Was it a kind-hearted heroine, a strong and independent fighter, or a mysterious character whose cool personality made a lasting impression?
Anime characters often leave a special mark on viewers. For some fans, a favourite character is more than someone they admire on screen. They may remember waiting eagerly for a character’s next appearance, feeling excited whenever that character spoke, or developing a childhood crush that stayed with them for years.
A new reader survey by Anime! Anime! has brought back those nostalgic memories by asking fans: “Who was your first-love character?” The 2026 female-character results are particularly interesting, with three familiar heroines taking the top positions: Ai Haibara from Detective Conan ranks first, Ran Mouri from the same series comes second, and Hinata Hyuga from Naruto takes third place.
The results were published on October 31, following a survey conducted from October 15 to October 20, 2026. A total of 261 readers participated, sharing their memories of the anime and game characters who once captured their hearts.
The ranking includes characters from long-running classics as well as more recent anime. It also shows that a memorable first crush does not necessarily have to be a traditional romantic heroine. Sometimes, a character’s confidence, kindness, strength, mysterious personality, or even an unexpected sense of humour is enough to make them unforgettable.
October 30 Is First Love Day: The Inspiration Behind the Survey
October 30 is celebrated in Japan as First Love Day, a date associated with the publication of the poem Hatsukoi (First Love) by renowned Japanese poet and novelist Shimazaki Toson in 1896.
The poem begins with the famous line, “With my bangs just beginning to grow out,” capturing the innocence and excitement of a young person’s first romantic feelings. Even after many years, its words continue to evoke the nervousness, curiosity, and sweetness associated with falling in love for the first time.
However, first love is not always limited to real-life experiences.
For anime fans, a fictional character can become an important part of their childhood or teenage memories. Some viewers may have developed a crush on a character while watching television after school. Others may remember feeling excited whenever their favourite character appeared in a video game or reading a manga chapter featuring someone they admired.
These feelings can be surprisingly lasting. Even after growing older, fans may continue to remember the character who first made their heart flutter.
To explore these memories, Anime! Anime! conducted its reader survey, asking people to name the character who became their first love.
Survey Details
- Survey question: Who was your “first-love” character?
- Survey period: October 15–20, 2026
- Total responses: 261
- Gender distribution: Approximately 25% male and 75% female
- Age distribution: Approximately 20% under 19, 40% in their 20s, and 35% in their 30s
- Category covered in this article: Female characters
The survey received considerably more responses from women than men. Readers in their 20s and 30s formed the largest age groups, suggesting that many participants were looking back on characters they had admired during their younger years.
The results below focus on female anime characters. They represent the memories and preferences of the survey participants rather than a universal ranking of character popularity.
1st Place: Ai Haibara from Detective Conan – The Cool-Headed Girl with a Kind Heart
1st Place
Support rate: Approximately 30%
Taking first place is Ai Haibara from the long-running mystery anime Detective Conan. She received approximately 30% of the votes, making her the clear favourite in the 2026 female-character category.
Ai Haibara, whose real name is Shiho Miyano, has one of the most complicated backgrounds in the series. She was originally a scientist working for the mysterious Black Organization, where she was known by the codename Sherry.
She was involved in the development of the drug APTX 4869, the substance that transformed Shinichi Kudo into a child. After leaving the organization, Shiho took the same drug and unexpectedly experienced the same transformation. She subsequently adopted the name Ai Haibara and began living under the protection of Professor Agasa.
She eventually becomes an important ally of Conan Edogawa, helping him deal with the dangers surrounding the Black Organization while also trying to find a way to reverse the drug’s effects.
Why Did Fans Fall in Love with Ai Haibara?
One of Haibara’s most appealing qualities is the contrast between her outward personality and her inner feelings.
She often appears calm, intelligent, mature, and slightly sarcastic. Her sharp comments can make her seem distant, especially when compared with the more energetic characters around her. However, beneath that cool exterior is someone who has experienced loneliness, fear, and painful memories.
Readers particularly appreciated this contrast.
Some of the comments included:
- “She’s mature and a little sharp-tongued, but she’s actually kinder than anyone. I fell for that gap.”
- “I was touched to see her gradually open up to the members of the Junior Detective League despite her painful past.”
- “I also love Megumi Hayashibara’s performance, where loneliness seems to come through her calm voice.”
- “I’ve been a fan for 20 years, but my first love for her has never faded.”
These comments highlight why Haibara has remained so popular among fans. She is not simply an intelligent character who helps solve mysteries. Her emotional development and gradual relationships with the people around her make her story more meaningful.
Her interactions with the Junior Detective League are especially important. Although she initially keeps her distance, she gradually becomes more comfortable with the group. Small moments of kindness and concern reveal a warmer side that is not always obvious from her expressions or words.
Another major attraction is Megumi Hayashibara’s voice performance. Her restrained delivery gives Haibara a distinctive personality, balancing intelligence, sarcasm, vulnerability, and emotional depth.
For many fans, Haibara represents the appeal of a character who does not need to be openly cheerful or expressive to be lovable. Her quiet kindness and complicated past make her unforgettable.
2nd Place: Ran Mouri from Detective Conan – A Kind-Hearted Heroine with Courage
2nd Place
Support rate: Approximately 23%
Taking second place is Ran Mouri, another major character from Detective Conan. She received approximately 23% of the votes, making it a particularly successful year for the series.
Ran is a high school student at Teitan High School and the childhood friend of Shinichi Kudo, the main protagonist. She is also one of the most important people in his life, even though she does not initially know the full truth about his transformation into Conan Edogawa.
Unlike Haibara, whose personality is often cool and reserved, Ran is cheerful, caring, and emotionally expressive. She is known for her kindness towards friends and family, but she is also an exceptionally skilled karate practitioner.
Her combination of gentleness and physical strength is one of the defining features of her character.
Why Is Ran Still a Favourite?
Ran’s appeal comes from her ability to balance compassion with courage.
She is often shown taking care of Conan and the people around her. Despite being involved in numerous dangerous situations, she does not hesitate to protect others when necessary.
Her karate skills make her more than a typical romantic heroine. She can stand up to dangerous opponents and defend people who cannot protect themselves.
Readers shared several reasons for choosing her as their first fictional love:
- “Seeing how kindly she treats Conan, I often fantasized about having an older sister like Ran (laughs). I was also drawn to her long hair and slender figure.”
- “Even though I’m the same gender, I respect her as a woman. I love that she’s both cute and cool.”
- “The scene where she protects the children with karate gives me chills.”
These responses show that Ran’s appeal goes beyond her appearance or her relationship with Shinichi. Many fans admire her as a person who remains kind even when circumstances become difficult.
Her relationship with Shinichi is another reason she has remained popular for so long. Their childhood friendship gradually develops into a romantic relationship, creating one of the central emotional storylines of Detective Conan.
Ran’s patience, loyalty, and concern for Shinichi make her an important part of the series. At the same time, her courage and independence ensure that she is not defined only by romance.
Her second-place position also demonstrates the lasting appeal of Detective Conan. Even after decades of television episodes, films, and manga chapters, its characters continue to hold a special place in viewers’ memories.
3rd Place: Hinata Hyuga from Naruto – A Shy Girl with Extraordinary Inner Strength
3rd Place
Support rate: Approximately 9%
Coming in third place is Hinata Hyuga from Naruto, with approximately 9% of the votes.
Hinata is a kunoichi, or female ninja, from the prestigious Hyuga clan of Konohagakure, also known as the Hidden Leaf Village. She is introduced as a shy and soft-spoken girl who struggles with confidence, particularly because of the pressure associated with her family’s expectations.
Although she is naturally reserved, Hinata possesses a strong desire to improve herself. Her admiration for Naruto Uzumaki becomes an important source of motivation, encouraging her to become braver and more determined.
As the story progresses, she gradually develops greater confidence and learns to stand up for herself and the people she cares about.
What Makes Hinata So Special?
Hinata’s appeal lies in her combination of gentleness, sincerity, and courage.
She may not always be the loudest or most confident person in the room, but she has a determination that becomes increasingly visible throughout the story.
Her feelings for Naruto are particularly important to her character development. Rather than simply admiring him from a distance, she gradually learns to face difficult situations and express her feelings more openly.
Readers praised her personality and inner strength:
- “She’s cute, kind, and pure, yet incredibly brave when it comes to fighting. She’s the ideal heroine in every way.”
- “She’s modest and quiet, but the conviction she holds within is stronger than anyone else’s. Her refined beauty is also captivating!”
- “Even in difficult circumstances, Hinata doesn’t harbor resentment towards others and single-mindedly strives to become stronger. She’s the goddess of my heart!”
One of the most memorable aspects of Hinata’s journey is the way she refuses to give up despite her insecurities. Her growth demonstrates that courage does not always mean being fearless. Sometimes, it means taking action even when you are frightened.
Her connection with Naruto also gives her story an emotional foundation. She admires his determination and willingness to keep moving forward, but she eventually develops the strength to follow her own path.
For many viewers, Hinata’s quiet personality and unwavering feelings made her a memorable character during the original Naruto anime’s run.
Her third-place finish is another reminder that characters who grow gradually and overcome personal challenges can leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Other Popular Female Characters Who Captured Fans’ Hearts
Although Ai Haibara, Ran Mouri, and Hinata Hyuga took the top three positions, the survey also received votes for several other memorable characters.
The additional comments show that fans are attracted to many different personality types. Some prefer gentle and cheerful heroines, while others admire powerful fighters, mysterious characters, or women with unexpected hobbies and interests.
Here are some of the other characters mentioned by readers.
Kaoruko Waguri – The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
Kaoruko Waguri from The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity ranked fourth.
She is admired for her gentle personality, cheerful nature, and ability to treat people without judging them based on their appearance or background.
One reader commented:
“From the first time I saw her, I was drawn to her appearance, demeanor, and voice. As the story progressed, I learned about her wonderful inner qualities, such as not judging others by their appearance, and I grew to like her even more.”
Kaoruko’s popularity reflects the appeal of a heroine whose kindness is genuine. She is not simply attractive or pleasant to look at; her attitude towards other people is an important part of her charm.
Makina Nakajima – Macross Delta
Makina Nakajima from Macross Delta also received a special mention.
She is a member of Walküre, the tactical music unit featured in the series. Makina has a soft, cheerful, and affectionate personality, often giving the impression of a gentle older-sister figure.
However, she also has a strong interest in mechanical equipment, creating an unexpected contrast with her sweet appearance.
One voter explained:
“She’s a member of the tactical music unit ‘Walküre,’ and despite her fluffy, older-sister-like personality, I was captivated by her unexpected love for mechanics!”
This comment highlights how a character’s unexpected interests can become one of their most memorable qualities.
Erza Scarlet – Fairy Tail
Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail is another character who received votes.
Known for her strength, confidence, and impressive combat abilities, Erza is one of the most powerful members of the Fairy Tail guild. She is often serious and intimidating, but she also has a playful and occasionally clumsy side.
One reader commented:
“She’s usually so cool, but she’s actually a bit of a ditz and loves sweets. She’s the one who taught me about the charm of that kind of contrast. I also love how cute she is when she gets flustered in front of Jellal.”
Erza’s combination of strength and vulnerability makes her an appealing character. Her softer moments reveal a personality that is very different from the formidable warrior viewers usually see.
Oscar François de Jarjayes – The Rose of Versailles
Oscar François de Jarjayes from The Rose of Versailles also received a memorable response.
Oscar is a woman raised as a man and trained as a military officer in the royal court of France. Her appearance, confidence, and commanding personality make her one of the most distinctive heroines in classic anime.
One voter recalled:
“My heart fluttered when I first met this beautiful woman in men’s clothing, and she became the reason I aspired to be a wonderful woman. I got into it from the first anime, and I became a fan of Reiko Tajima, who voiced her, and I still enjoy searching for dramas she appears in.”
Oscar’s popularity demonstrates that first fictional crushes can also be connected to admiration and inspiration. For some viewers, a character becomes a role model whose confidence and individuality influence how they see themselves.
Why Did Ai Haibara Take the Top Position in 2026?
One of the most interesting aspects of this year’s results is the strong performance of Detective Conan. Both Ai Haibara and Ran Mouri occupy the first and second positions, together accounting for more than half of the reported support in the female-character results.
Haibara’s victory is especially notable because the 2025 female-character survey had a different top three.
In the previous year’s ranking, Ran Mouri placed first, Hinata Hyuga came second, and Ai Haibara ranked third. In 2026, Haibara moved to the top, Ran took second place, and Hinata remained in the top three.
This change suggests that readers’ memories and preferences can shift over time, even when the characters themselves remain familiar.
Haibara’s appeal may come from her combination of intelligence, emotional vulnerability, and dry humour. Ran offers a different kind of attraction through her kindness, courage, and loyalty, while Hinata represents quiet determination and personal growth.
The survey does not establish why individual voters changed their preferences, so it would be inaccurate to attribute Haibara’s rise to one specific event or development. Nevertheless, the results show that all three characters continue to resonate with fans.
A First Fictional Crush Can Stay in Your Memory Forever
The 2026 Anime! Anime! survey offers a nostalgic look at the female anime characters who made a lasting impression on viewers.
Ai Haibara takes first place with approximately 30% of the votes, followed by Ran Mouri at approximately 23% and Hinata Hyuga at approximately 9%. Their different personalities demonstrate the many ways a fictional character can become special to someone.
Haibara’s cool exterior and hidden kindness, Ran’s combination of compassion and courage, and Hinata’s quiet determination each represent a different kind of appeal.
The other characters mentioned in the survey also remind us that a first fictional crush does not have to be based on appearance alone. A character’s voice, personality, personal struggles, humour, strength, or emotional development can all create a lasting connection.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the survey is that many readers still remember the characters they admired years ago. Even after growing up, discovering new anime, and moving on to different stories, those early memories remain special.
After all, sometimes the first character who makes your heart flutter is someone you never forget.
