by To celebrate Watermelon Day on July 27, Japanese anime and pop culture fans voted for the characters that instantly come to mind when thinking of striped (border) designs. From iconic fashion choices to memorable animal patterns, the survey highlights how a simple striped design can become an unforgettable part of a character’s identity.
According to a reader poll conducted by Anime! Anime!, Obanai Iguro from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba claimed the top spot, followed by Wally from Where’s Wally? and Star and Stripe from My Hero Academia.
The results showcase a wide variety of beloved characters whose striped clothing, accessories, or overall designs have left a lasting impression on fans across different generations.
Why Is July 27 Known as Watermelon Day?
In Japan, July 27 is celebrated as Watermelon Day.
The commemorative date comes from a Japanese wordplay. The dark green stripes on a watermelon resemble a rope or cord, while the pronunciation of the numbers 7 (na), 2 (tsu), and 7 (na) sounds similar to a phrase associated with a “summer rope.”
Inspired by the fruit’s distinctive striped appearance, Anime! Anime! asked readers a fun seasonal question:
“Which striped (border) character comes to mind first?”
The survey was conducted from July 8 to July 15, 2026, receiving 181 responses.
Survey Highlights
- Survey Period: July 8–15, 2026
- Total Responses: 181
- Male: Approximately 55%
- Female: Approximately 45%
- Largest Age Groups: Under 19 (35%) and people in their 30s (45%)
The results featured characters from anime, manga, games, picture books, and even classic Western animation.
No. 1 – Obanai Iguro (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Taking first place with approximately 11% of the votes is Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Obanai is immediately recognizable thanks to his black-and-white vertically striped haori, which perfectly complements his mysterious personality. Combined with the bandages covering his mouth, his mismatched eyes, and his calm demeanor, the striped design has become one of the franchise’s most iconic character outfits.
Fans praised both his appearance and emotional depth.
One reader commented:
“His striped haori and heterochromatic eyes create an unforgettable mysterious atmosphere. The design matches his all-black Demon Slayer uniform perfectly.”
Another fan highlighted the emotional side of the character:
“Behind the bandages is a tragic past, yet he continues to care deeply for his comrades and his love for Mitsuri Kanroji never wavers.”
Obanai’s popularity continues to grow thanks to his compelling backstory, powerful Serpent Breathing techniques, and his important role in the series’ final battles.
No. 2 – Wally (Where’s Wally?)
Second place goes to Wally, the famous traveler from the globally beloved puzzle book series Where’s Wally?
Recognizable around the world, Wally’s signature red-and-white striped shirt, matching beanie, round glasses, and blue trousers have made him one of the most iconic striped characters in pop culture.
Many readers shared nostalgic childhood memories of searching for Wally hidden among crowded illustrations.
One participant wrote:
“I spent hours looking for Wally when I was a child. Finding him and all of his lost belongings was always exciting.”
Another reader fondly remembered one of the series’ recurring villains:
“I also remember Odlaw’s yellow-and-black striped outfit. As a child, I jokingly imagined he was an escaped prisoner because of the design.”
Even decades after its debut, Where’s Wally? continues to entertain readers around the world.
No. 3 – Star and Stripe (My Hero Academia)
Claiming third place is Star and Stripe, America’s No. 1 Pro Hero from My Hero Academia.
Although her appearance in the series was relatively brief, she quickly became one of the franchise’s most memorable heroes thanks to her overwhelming strength and charismatic personality.
Her hero costume, inspired by the Stars and Stripes of the American flag, prominently features bold red-and-white stripes, making her an ideal choice for this ranking.
Fans praised both her visual design and her unforgettable battle against Tomura Shigaraki.
One voter commented:
“Her costume perfectly represents an American hero. Combined with her towering height, muscular build, and Romi Park’s powerful performance, she left an incredible impression.”
Another reader added:
“Even though she appeared for only a short time, her battle with Shigaraki became one of the most memorable fights in the series.”
Other Popular Striped Characters
The survey also highlighted many other memorable characters known for their striped outfits or accessories.
Aio Mabayu (Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story)
Fans praised the magical girl’s costume, which features stripe-like patterns inspired by film perforations. Even her school uniform and casual clothing continue the striped design theme.
Tombo (Kiki’s Delivery Service)
Tombo’s classic red-and-white striped shirt remains one of the most recognizable outfits in Studio Ghibli history.
One nostalgic fan shared:
“Whenever my daughter saw red-and-white stripes, she’d immediately say ‘Tombo!’”
Keroppi (Sanrio Characters)
The cheerful frog from Donut Pond also earned votes thanks to his colorful striped overalls, which perfectly match his energetic personality.
Byakuen (Samurai Troopers)
Fans also remembered Byakuen’s charming festival appearance wearing a traditional happi coat and headband, proving that even temporary striped outfits can leave a lasting impression.
Why Stripes Make Characters Memorable
Character design plays a huge role in making anime and fictional characters instantly recognizable.
Stripes can:
- Make costumes visually distinctive.
- Reinforce a character’s personality.
- Highlight cultural or national inspiration.
- Create strong color contrast.
- Help characters stand out even in large ensemble casts.
Whether bold vertical patterns, colorful horizontal shirts, striped socks, scarves, hats, or accessories, these simple design elements often become defining features that fans instantly associate with a particular character.
What the Results Tell Us
This year’s survey demonstrates that a memorable costume can be just as iconic as a character’s personality.
From Obanai Iguro’s striking black-and-white haori to Wally’s instantly recognizable red-and-white sweater and Star and Stripe’s patriotic hero costume, striped designs continue to leave a lasting impression on fans across anime, manga, games, and children’s literature.
Interestingly, voters didn’t focus only on characters whose entire outfits feature stripes. Many votes went to characters whose striped elements appear in accessories, socks, jackets, hats, or even animal fur, proving that even subtle design choices can become unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 “Most Famous Striped Characters” poll celebrates the creativity of character design across anime and popular culture. While Obanai Iguro claimed the No. 1 spot with his elegant black-and-white haori, Wally and Star and Stripe also demonstrated how distinctive striped designs can become timeless symbols recognized by fans around the world.
Although the survey is intended purely for fun and does not measure a character’s overall popularity, it offers an entertaining look at how visual design influences fan recognition. Whether through bold costumes, colorful accessories, or subtle fashion details, these iconic striped characters continue to stand out and remain beloved by audiences of all ages.
