by February 24 is celebrated in Japan as “Moonlight Mask Appearance Day,” commemorating the premiere of the classic 1958 TV drama Moonlight Mask. In honor of the occasion, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey to determine the most beloved masked characters in anime and related media.
Masked characters have long fascinated audiences because their hidden identities add mystery, drama, and emotional depth to stories. From heroic vigilantes to dangerous villains, these figures often play pivotal roles in shaping narratives.
The 2026 survey received 173 responses between February 7 and February 14, with approximately 65% female and 35% male participants. About half of respondents were under 19 years old, showing strong interest among younger fans.
1st Place — Tuxedo Mask (Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon)
Topping the ranking for the second consecutive year, Tuxedo Mask captured roughly 10% of the vote.
Tuxedo Mask is the mysterious ally of Sailor Moon, instantly recognizable by his tuxedo, cape, mask, and top hat. He often appears at critical moments, throwing a rose to disrupt enemies before delivering dramatic lines and support.
Fans praised both his heroic presence and romantic storyline:
- His timely rescues of Sailor Moon
- His elegant, prince-like image
- The emotional love story between him and Usagi
Many respondents described him as an “idol-like” character whose charm lies in both mystery and devotion.
2nd Place — Nikolai G (Bungo Stray Dogs)
Ranking second with about 6% of the vote is Nikolai G, a chaotic antagonist from Bungo Stray Dogs and member of the terrorist organization “Decay of the Angel.”
Nikolai’s distinctive design features a clown-like costume and a mask covering one eye, resembling a playing card. Fans noted that his personality shifts dramatically when the mask comes off, enhancing his unpredictable nature.
Popular reasons for his ranking include:
- His unsettling dual personality
- Striking visual design
- Intriguing motives and philosophy
- Memorable unmasked appearance
Many respondents admitted they were captivated by his eerie charm and theatrical behavior.
3rd Place (Tie) — Char Aznable & Vanir
Char Aznable (Mobile Suit Gundam)
Char Aznable, the legendary “Red Comet,” remains one of anime’s most iconic masked characters. As a top ace pilot of the Principality of Zeon, his mask conceals both his identity and his tragic past.
Fans emphasized his importance to anime history:
- Often considered the origin of the “masked rival” archetype
- Appears across multiple Gundam works
- Combines charisma, skill, and moral complexity
His enduring popularity demonstrates how influential classic characters remain even decades after their debut.
Vanir (KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!)
Sharing third place is Vanir, a high-ranking demon from KonoSuba. Known as the “Devil Who Sees Through Everything,” Vanir wears a distinctive mask and possesses immense power.
Despite his intimidating status, he often appears in comedic situations while running a shop with Wiz, making him both formidable and oddly lovable.
Fans cited:
- His overwhelming strength
- Mischievous personality
- Unique blend of comedy and menace
- Standout presence among eccentric characters
Other Notable Masked Characters
The survey also highlighted many beloved figures across anime, games, and related media.
Top 10 Highlights
- Meta Knight — Kirby series
- Mr. Compress — My Hero Academia
- Abyss Razor — Mashle: Magic and Muscles
- Dire Crowley — Disney Twisted-Wonderland
- Ren Amamiya / Joker — Persona 5
- Kokoro Hata — Touhou Project
- Saburo Hachiya — Nintama Rantaro
Why Masked Characters Are So Appealing
Masked characters often embody themes of dual identity, secrecy, and transformation. Removing the mask can symbolize vulnerability, truth, or a dramatic turning point in the story.
Common archetypes include:
- Mysterious heroes
- Tragic antiheroes
- Secret royalty or vigilantes
- Manipulative villains
- Characters hiding trauma or shame
This narrative flexibility makes masked figures especially memorable.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 ranking shows that both classic icons and modern antiheroes continue to captivate fans. Whether elegant heroes like Tuxedo Mask or unsettling figures like Nikolai G, masked characters remain a powerful storytelling device in anime.
As new series debut each year, this list will likely evolve — but the fascination with hidden identities is timeless.
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