Let’s be honest—summer anime season 2025 was stacked with unforgettable male characters. Whether it’s the quiet ones with tragic pasts or the flashy bad boys with hidden warmth, there’s no shortage of fan favorites this year. Here are 8 standout anime guys that stole hearts (and screens) this summer.
1. Rintarou Kasane
From: “Fragrant Blossoms in Full Bloom”
Tall, aloof, with messy golden hair and multiple piercings—Rintarou looks like a typical delinquent. But behind the tough exterior lies a deeply empathetic soul. He’s observant, kind, and fiercely protective of his friends and family.
Rintarou grew up isolated, emotionally shut off, and afraid to be his true self. But thanks to Kuniko, he gradually learns to face his emotions and express love more openly. And we love a character who grows.
2. Gen Narumi
From: “Kaiju No. 8”
Captain of the Japan Defense Force’s First Division, Gen is the strongest anti-kaiju combatant in the country. With his slicked-back hair, slouchy posture, and love for video games, he doesn’t exactly scream “professional”—until he enters battle.
Cool, collected, and a little cocky, Gen commands respect with his unmatched skill—and despite his sharp tongue, his loyalty to his team runs deep.
3. Hanako-kun
From: “Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun”
Originally named Yugi Amane, Hanako-kun is the #1 mystery of Kamome Academy. With black hair, glowing golden eyes, and an old-school school uniform, he’s instantly recognizable. The charm? That mysterious aura and boyish grin.
Despite his sunny personality, Hanako harbors a complicated past and grants wishes—often at a cost. He’s become a fan-favorite for his flirtatious antics and unexpected emotional depth.
4. Akane Aoi
From: “Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun”
Vice President of the student council, and childhood friend to Aoi Akane. With short orange hair and a dependable nature, Akane is kind, level-headed, and a total badass in combat—especially with his time-stopping powers.
He’s confessed to Aoi over a thousand times—each time rejected—but that hasn’t stopped his unwavering love. After a life-threatening crisis, he makes a pact with the Clock Keepers, becoming one of Kamome’s “Seven Mysteries.”
5. Hikaru Kidouin
From: “The Summer When the Light Faded”
Hikaru is the silver-haired, wide-eyed best friend of protagonist Yoshiki. Innocent, curious, and full of childlike wonder—except… the real Hikaru died six months ago.
The creature that returned in his place mimics Hikaru’s memories and behavior but can’t quite grasp concepts like death, friendship, or love. It’s unsettling—and hauntingly beautiful.
6. Mutoya Munashi
From: “Darkness in Peachland”
A roller-skating instructor at Rasetsu Academy, Mutoya is a cold rationalist with a sharp tongue and zero tolerance for inefficiency. He always carries a classic umbrella, wears a serious expression, and trains students like a military commander.
Hot take: His facial structure is so pointy, it’s almost a weapon. Honestly, feels like the manga and anime versions were drawn by two completely different people.
7. Yoshiki Tsujinaka
From: “The Summer When the Light Faded”
A quiet high schooler living in a remote village, Yoshiki has dark hair, soft features, and a small mole on his face. He loves animals, and is weirdly good at crane games.
After Hikaru’s mysterious disappearance and return, Yoshiki notices something is… off. Even after discovering Hikaru’s body, he chooses to keep living with the “new” Hikaru, clinging to the illusion of normalcy.
8. Momokyu Hyakuan
From: “Mole: No Entry Allowed”
A self-proclaimed “sage” living a hermit lifestyle in a place called “Mole Bathhouse.” Momokyu wears a blue-striped kimono and gives off eccentric old-man vibes, but beneath that oddball exterior is a heart of gold.
This show is criminally underrated. Maybe it’s the art style that throws people off, but give it a chance—you just might fall for the weird charm of this reclusive old soul.