by December 21 is celebrated as Basketball Day, marking the anniversary of the world’s first official basketball game, held in the United States in 1891. Since then, basketball has grown into a global sport—and in Japan, it has become deeply rooted in school culture, club activities, and pop culture, especially anime and manga.
With this in mind, Anime! conducted a reader survey asking:
“Which anime character do you most associate with basketball?”
The results highlight just how powerful basketball-themed anime has been across generations.
Survey Overview (Beginner-Friendly Explanation)
- Survey period: November 27 December 2, 2025
- Total responses: 272
- Gender ratio: About 45% male / 55% female
- Age range:
- Under 19 years old: ~45%
- In their 30s: ~15%
The results clearly show that basketball anime continues to inspire fans of all ages, from teenagers discovering the sport to adults who grew up during the 1990s anime boom.
1st Place: Sakuragi Hanamichi “SLAM DUNK” (Approx. 30% Support)
The undisputed No.1 is Sakuragi Hanamichi from SLAM DUNK.
Sakuragi is a complete basketball beginner who joins Shohoku High School’s team for a very simple reason he wants to impress Haruko Akagi. However, his journey from delinquent troublemaker to indispensable team member has left a lasting impression on readers and viewers alike.
Why Fans Chose Sakuragi
- Incredible athleticism despite zero experience
- Rapid growth from novice to “rebounding king”
- Emotional development through teamwork and perseverance
Fan comments included:
- “Watching him fall in love with basketball as he grows alongside his teammates never gets old.”
- “I started playing basketball because of SLAM DUNK.”
- “Even now, reading it before a game motivates me.”
More than just a sports character, Sakuragi has become a symbol of youth, effort, and second chances, making him timeless even decades after the series first aired.
2nd Place: Kuroko Tetsuya – “Kuroko’s Basketball” (Approx. 15%)
Second place goes to Kuroko Tetsuya from Kuroko’s Basketball.
Unlike Sakuragi, Kuroko stands out precisely because he doesn’t stand out. Known as the “Phantom Sixth Man,” he supports his team through misdirection, precise passing, and quiet determination.
What Makes Kuroko Special
- A protagonist who plays a supporting role
- Emphasis on teamwork over individual glory
- Calm personality hiding intense passion
Fans praised:
- “He’s proof that you don’t need flashy moves to be important.”
- “His pride in his unique style really resonates.”
Kuroko represents a modern take on basketball, where strategy and cooperation are just as important as raw talent.
3rd Place: Chinatsu Kano “Ao no Hako” (Approx. 8%)
Taking third place is Chinatsu Kano from Ao no Hako.
Although Ao no Hako is primarily known as a sports romance, Chinatsu’s dedication to basketball has deeply resonated with readers.
Why Chinatsu Stands Out
- A talented second-year aiming to become her team’s ace
- Balances competitive sports with emotional growth
- Represents modern youth struggling between dreams and reality
Fans commented:
- “She’s inspiring because she works hard without giving up.”
- “Her love for basketball feels real and grounded.”
Her ranking shows that basketball characters don’t need to come from pure sports anime to leave a strong impression.
Other Noteworthy Mentions: Basketball Beyond Sports Anime
Interestingly, many votes went to characters not primarily associated with basketball anime, highlighting how deeply the sport is woven into anime culture.
Examples include:
- Floyd Leech (Disney Twisted Wonderland) praised for his basketball club scenes
- Nakano Yotsuba (The Quintessential Quintuplets) remembered for her energetic first basketball appearance
- Top Joy (Shippuu! Iron Leaguer) – a robot basketball player with flashy dunking ability
This diversity shows that basketball imagery resonates even outside traditional sports narratives.
Top 10 Ranking – Anime Basketball Characters
- Sakuragi Hanamichi – SLAM DUNK
- Kuroko Tetsuya – Kuroko’s Basketball
- Chinatsu Kano – Ao no Hako
- Aomine Daiki – Kuroko’s Basketball
- Rukawa Kaede – SLAM DUNK
- Minato Tomoka – Ro-Kyu-Bu!
- Floyd Leech – Disney Twisted Wonderland
- Akagi Takenori – SLAM DUNK
- Akashi Seijuro – Kuroko’s Basketball
- Mitsui Hisashi – SLAM DUNK
Why Basketball Anime Continues to Dominate
From the 1990s boom sparked by SLAM DUNK to modern hits like Kuroko’s Basketball and Ao no Hako, basketball anime continues to thrive because it combines:
- Clear rules that are easy for beginners to follow
- Strong emotional storytelling
- Themes of growth, teamwork, and青春 (youth)
Final Thoughts
This survey proves that basketball anime characters are more than just athletes—they are role models, motivators, and emotional anchors for fans. Whether it’s Sakuragi’s explosive passion, Kuroko’s quiet resolve, or Chinatsu’s steady dedication, each character reflects a different way to love the game.
If you’re new to anime, these rankings offer a perfect starting point. And if you’re a longtime fan, they’re a reminder of why basketball stories continue to inspire generation after generation.
