by September 1st is “Pun Day.” It is a commemorative day established by the Japan Pun Association, a general incorporated association. The puns on the date are derived from the characteristics of puns, such as “creative (9) and impactful (1),” “attractive (9) power (1),” and “saving (9) (1).
Pun-loving characters often appear in anime. They are portrayed in a variety of ways, from chilling those around them with a cheesy pun to lightening the mood in a serious scene to making everyone laugh with a silly one. So, Anime! Conducted a reader survey titled, “Who’s your favorite pun character?” We received 438 responses between August 15th and August 21st. The gender ratio was approximately 35% male and 65% female, with the majority being female.
The age demographic was primarily younger, with approximately 50% under 19 and approximately 20% in their 20s. Their silliness is addictive! The top spot for our list of lovable pun-loving characters goes to Shirakumo Ran from “Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle,” with a support rate of approximately 13%. Shirakumo Ran is a member of Dotsuitare Honpo and also performs as a solo comedian. Readers commented, “While he displays exceptional speaking skills as a TV host, he’s a constant stream of silly puns when talking with his family. He even incorporates puns into his raps, earning him harsh criticism from his partner, Tsutsujimori Rosho.” Others commented, “Even in games, he’ll say things like, ‘Ike ike dondon oyakodon’ (chicken and egg bowl) and ‘Ika ga yita gokigen ika ga?’ (What did the squid say?) I was playing a rhythm game seriously, but my fingers were shaking with laughter, and I missed a full combo…” Many readers noted that he’s the type to make puns at every opportunity.
One reader even said, “When I set Saru as my home screen in games, I hear so many puns, I’ve started making them daily myself.” This year’s movie releases also topped the list of characters who made the most puns. Coming in second place is Izuki Shun from “Kuroko’s Basketball.” He received an approval rating of approximately 11 percent. Izuki Shun is the vice captain of Seirin High School’s basketball team. “He seems like a serious, sensible person, but he’s such a sucker for puns that he keeps them in a notebook. He’s always funny until Captain Hinata tells him to shut up,” and “His habit of making puns even during games is his defining characteristic. They’re all lame, but they lighten the team’s mood with a single shout.” His passion for puns is the reason for his popularity. Some fans were captivated, saying, “His character song, ‘KI・TA・KO・RE,’ which is full of puns, was shocking. His catchphrase, “Kitakore,” is already funny.”
Third place went to Seno from Genshin Impact, with a support rate of about 7 percent. Seno, the Great Mahamatra of the Kyoryoin, was described as, “He was cool in the Demon God mission episode, but otherwise he’s always telling lame jokes, which creates a huge contrast. I love the constant flow of him making lame jokes every time we meet, and his friend, Tinari, ignoring him.” Others commented, “I made a pun, and she didn’t react, and I was like, ‘Isn’t that funny?’ “It’s cute how he asks for an evaluation, saying, “You’re so cute! You can really feel how he wants everyone to laugh,” and “I enjoy how his jokes can freeze the atmosphere, and that’s just how Seno is.” Many readers have embraced his quirks as part of his personality, with comments like, “I’m curious to see how they translate into other languages,” and others commenting that this is something you’d expect from a title that has been released worldwide.
Here are some other comments! For Professor Agasa from “Detective Conan,” The answer to the quiz corner that’s a regular feature in the movies is a pun. The scene where the Detective Boys give him a cold look when they find out the answer is a classic part of a Conan movie!” For Richard Versault from “The Villainess’ Reincarnated Uncle,” “The student council vice president is known as the Sword Master. Whenever he opens his mouth, he makes puns, so everyone tells him to keep quiet, which has given him a cool image.”
Regarding Zorori from “The Great Phantom Thief Zorori,” one reader wrote, “I actually respect Zorori-sensei for his lame dad jokes, which freeze his minions Ishishi and Noshishi (lol). I miss the original item “Book Rakoita” and the dad joke corner in the anime.”
Regarding Miyashita Ai from “Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club,” one reader wrote, “The scene where Yu-chan, who has a ‘baby level of laughter,’ is the only one who laughs at Ai-san’s pun is memorable. At a live concert, she even sings “I love you! Only for Ai!”, a line inspired by her own name.” Votes were cast for a diverse range of characters, both male and female.
This survey featured a lineup of characters whose contrast between coolness and lame puns, as well as their enjoyable banter, including the ripostes from those around them. Many readers even remembered specific pun phrases, reaffirming the mighty infectious power of puns.
Top 10 Rankings [What is the most popular character when it comes to puns? ] 1st: Shirayuki Saru “Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-” 2nd: Izuki Shun “Kuroko’s Basketball” 3rd: Seno “Genshin Impact” 4th: Hamamori Ichiro “Nintama Rantarou” 5th: Professor Agasa “Detective Conan” 6th: Kaioh “Dragon Ball” 7th: Amane Hikaru “The Prince of Tennis” 7th: Symboli Rudolph “Uma Musume Pretty Derby” 9th: Sugiura Ayano “Yuru Yuri” 10th: Zorori “Kaiketsu Zorori” (Response period: August 15th to August 21st, 2025)
Ranking Top 20 [When you think of a “pun” character, what comes to mind? ] 1st place: Shirayuki Saru “Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-” 2nd place: Izuki Shun “Kuroko’s Basketball” 3rd place: Seno “Genshin Impact” 4th place: Hamamori Ichiro “Nintama Rantarou” 5th place: Professor Agasa “Detective Conan” 6th place: Kaioh “Dragon Ball” 7th place: Amane Hikaru “The Prince of Tennis” 7th place: Symboli Rudolph “Uma Musume: Pretty Derby” 9th place: Sugiura Ayano “Yuru Yuri” 10th place: Zorori “Kaiketsu Zorori” 11th place: Sans “UNDERTALE” 12th place: Fukunaga Shohei “Haikyu!!” 13th place: Miyashita Ai “Love Live! 14th place: Nijigasaki High School Idol Club” 14th place: Sugawara Koushi “Haikyu!!” 14th place: Da Cider “NG Knight Ramune & 40” 16th place: Ando Natsunojo “Nintama Rantarou” 16th place: Maido-kun “Hamtaro” 18th place: Mouri Kogoro “Detective Conan” 18th place: Richard Versault “The Villainess Reincarnated as an Old Man” 20th place: Professor Oak “Pokémon” 20th place: Gobo Chama “Obocchama-kun” 20th place: Polar Bear “Polar Bear Cafe” 20th place: Franky “Lewis and the Thief” (Response period: August 15th August 21st, 2025) This survey is part of a survey of readers’ awareness of their “interest and attention in current anime works and characters.”
The results are not intended to determine the superiority or inferiority of any character or work. This article will help you learn about the series and its characters for the first time, and it will also help you deepen your understanding and interest in them.
