𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼n
ᴛᴏᴘ 𝟭𝟬 ᴍᴇɴᴛᴏʀs ɪɴ ᴀɴɪᴍᴇ: In the vast and diverse world of anime, mentors who are also called as “ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀs”, play a crucial role in shaping the destinies of protagonists and adding depth to the narratives. This article delves into the realm of anime mentors, highlighting the 10 best mentors who have left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers. From imparting wisdom to nurturing growth, these characters have become iconic in their roles as guiding lights.
𝟭. ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀ ʀᴏsʜɪ ( 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 )
The wise and eccentric Master Roshi from the Dragon Ball series kicks off our list. Despite his comical demeanor, Roshi is a martial arts master who imparts invaluable lessons to Goku and Krillin. His teachings go beyond physical strength, emphasizing discipline and humility.
𝟮. ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀ ᴊɪʀᴀʏᴀ ( 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗼 )
Jiraiya, the ninja from Naruto, takes the second spot. As Naruto’s mentor, he not only teaches him powerful jutsu but also imparts life lessons about perseverance and the true meaning of strength. Jiraiya’s influence extends far beyond the battlefield.
𝟯. ᴀʟʟ ᴍɪɢʜᴛ ( 𝗠𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗮 )
All Might, the Symbol of Peace in My Hero Academia, serves as a mentor to Izuku Midoriya. As a powerful hero and a symbol of hope, All Might instills the values of heroism, courage, and selflessness in his protégé.
𝟰. ᴋᴀᴋᴀsʜɪ ʜᴀᴛᴀᴋᴇ ( 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗼 )
Another mentor from the Naruto universe, Kakashi Hatake, earns his spot. His calm demeanor and tactical brilliance make him an exceptional mentor. Kakashi’s guidance is instrumental in shaping the skills and personalities of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
𝟱. ᴋɪsᴜᴋᴇ ᴜʀᴀʜᴀʀᴀ ( 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 )
Kisuke Urahara, a key character in the anime and manga series “Bleach,” is a former Soul Reaper captain with a mysterious and laid-back demeanor. Known for his hat and clogs, Urahara is a skilled strategist and scientist. As the owner of the Urahara Shop, he provides essential support to protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends. Urahara’s enigmatic past, vast knowledge, and humorous personality make him a fan-favorite within the “Bleach” community.
𝟲. ᴋᴏᴛᴇᴛsᴜ ᴛ. ᴋᴀʙᴜʀᴀɢɪ ( 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 & 𝗕𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 )
In the superhero-centric anime Tiger & Bunny, Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, also known as Wild Tiger, serves as a mentor to the young hero Barnaby Brooks Jr. Their dynamic explores themes of partnership, trust, and the evolving nature of mentorship.
𝟳. ɪᴢᴜᴍɪ ᴄᴜʀᴛɪs ( 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁: 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱)
Izumi Curtis, a skilled alchemist in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, acts as a mentor to the Elric brothers. Her tough love and profound understanding of life’s hardships shape Edward and Alphonse Elric into resilient individuals.
𝟴. sʜᴏʏᴏ ʜɪɴᴀᴛᴀ ( 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗸𝘆𝘂𝘂!! )
In the world of sports anime, Coach Ukai from Haikyuu!! stands out as a mentor figure. He molds the young and ambitious Shoyo Hinata into a formidable volleyball player, teaching not just skills but also the importance of teamwork and determination.
𝟵. ᴋᴏʀᴏ-sᴇɴsᴇɪ ( 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 )
Koro-sensei, the tentacled teacher in Assassination Classroom, brings a unique twist to the mentor role. Despite the assassination premise, he dedicates himself to the growth and well-being of his students, imparting academic and life lessons.
1𝟬. ʜɪᴋᴏ sᴇɪᴊᴜʀᴏ xɪɪɪ ( 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗶 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻 )
Rounding out our list is Hiko Seijuro XIII from Rurouni Kenshin. As Kenshin Himura’s master, Hiko’s teachings go beyond swordsmanship, encompassing themes of atonement, responsibility, and the consequences of wielding a blade.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Anime mentors play pivotal roles in shaping characters and storylines, contributing to the enduring appeal of these animated worlds. From martial arts masters to superhero mentors, each character brings a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and the journey towards self-discovery. As viewers, we find inspiration in these mentors who transcend the animated realm, leaving an indelible mark on our own quests for personal and moral development.
-By Subhankar Das
