Father’s Day is a special time to honour the diverse roles dads play in our lives. Whether through their unwavering support, the sacrifices they make, or the lessons they impart, fathers shape our world in countless ways.
Though Father’s Day just passed this year, the rich world of anime, where father figures are often portrayed with depth and nuance, is a great reminder any time of the year of the crucial roles they play.
Anime not only provides family-friendly entertainment, but also offers valuable lessons about the complexities of fatherhood – making them the perfect backdrop for some bonding time between dads and kids.
Here are some of our top anime picks to kickstart your watch list.
1. Spy x Family
The father figure: Loid Forger, a.k.a Twilight
Why he makes a great dad: Loid, a world-renowned spy who goes by the alias “Twilight,” takes on his most difficult mission yet – the role of a family man. By posing as a father to a young orphan named Anya and a husband to an office clerk who moonlights as an assassin, he embarks on a years-long quest with the aim of achieving world peace.
But despite Loid’s initial intention of using Anya only as a tool to accomplish his mission, he grows to care deeply for her, showcasing the unexpected and profound bonds that can form in non-traditional families.
His journey from a detached operative to a caring father figure is both heartwarming and humorous. Loid’s efforts to balance his secretive job with his newfound parental duties highlight the complexities and rewards of fatherhood. This dynamic makes for an engaging story that resonates with many viewers.
Watch Spy x Family on Crunchyroll, Netflix or Prime Video.
2. My Hero Academia
The father figure: All Might, a.k.a. Toshinori Yagi
Why he makes a great dad: High school student Izuku Midoriya has dreamt of being a hero all his life, but there’s just one small problem: in a world where almost everyone is gifted with superpowers, Izuku had the misfortune of being born completely normal.
However, his strong conviction and sense of justice led him to be chosen as the protégé of the world’s most famous superhero, All Might.
Serving as a mentor and father figure to Izuku, All Might demonstrates that fatherhood extends beyond biological ties. All Might’s guidance, encouragement, and belief in Izuku are crucial in shaping him into a future hero.
This relationship teaches us the value of mentorship and the significant impact a supportive figure can have on a young person’s life. All Might’s own vulnerabilities and struggles also add depth to his character, making him relatable and inspirational.
Watch My Hero Academia on Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Prime Video.
3. Boruto: Naturo Next Generations
The father figure: Uzumaki Naruto
Why he makes a great dad: There is a high chance that both dads and kids are familiar with Naruto, a legendary series that has made its mark on mainstream anime culture since 2002.
Uzumaki Naruto, who himself grew up without parents, faces new challenges in this follow-up series as the father of Boruto. Naruto’s journey from an orphan to the Seventh Hokage and a father underscores themes of growth, responsibility, and legacy.
His relationship with Boruto is complex, marked by the pressures of his duties as Hokage and the expectations placed on his son. Despite their differences and conflicts, Naruto’s dedication to his family and his efforts to connect with Boruto highlight the evolving nature of fatherhood.
Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and communication between generations.
Watch Boruto: Naturo Next Generations on Crunchyroll or Netflix.
4. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
The father figure: Tanjuro Kamado
Why he makes a great dad: Though he appears only briefly, Tanjuro Kamado, the father of Tanjiro and Nezuko, leaves a lasting impact that can be felt throughout the entire series. His teachings and principles, especially the importance of kindness and strength, profoundly influence Tanjiro in his journey to rid the world of demons.
Tanjuro’s wisdom and values continue to guide Tanjiro through his perilous quest, from the kindness he shows strangers to the love he displays towards his sister, showing how a father’s legacy can endure even after their passing. His calm demeanour and the respect he commands from his children make him a memorable and inspiring figure.
Tanjuro’s legacy can also be seen and felt in the way Tanjiro treats not only his friends and allies, but also his enemies. Admirably, Tanjiro could empathise with many of the demons he fights, mustering a moving compassion for them as he learns more about their plights.
Watch Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba on Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Prime Video.
5. Dr. Stone
The father figure: Byakuya Ishigami
Why he makes a great dad: For a truly timeless example of fatherly love that spans thousands of years, look no further than Dr. Stone.
Set in the year 5738 AD, Dr. Stone is a story about humanity’s attempt to rebuild civilisation after a mysterious flash of light turned the entire planet to stone. At the centre of the story is Senku Ishigami, a scientific genius who breaks the petrification curse after 3,700 years and taps on his ingenuity to reinvent many modern conveniences in a primitive stone age.
Even though Senku’s father, Byakuya Ishigami, has been dead for thousands of years at that point, he continues to play a crucial role even from afar. As one of the few astronauts who survived the petrification event, Byakuya’s efforts to leave behind clues and resources for Senku showcase his deep love and foresight even though he had no way of knowing if his son survived.
Byakuya’s belief in Senku’s potential and his faith in science provide Senku with the inspiration and tools needed to rebuild civilisation. His legacy of curiosity, resilience, and optimism guides Senku’s journey, illustrating how a father’s guidance and support can continue to impact their children even in their absence.
Watch Dr. Stone on Crunchyroll here.
Fatherhood through the lens of anime
Anime provides a rich tapestry of fatherhood, showcasing both its challenges and its rewards. While these characters come from different worlds and face unique challenges, their stories resonate with universal themes of love, sacrifice, and growth.
Watching these shows can be a wonderful way for dads and kids to bond, learn, and find inspiration together, not just on Father’s Day, but any time when the family can come together.
Whether it’s through the unwavering love of Tanjuro Kamado, the complex dynamics of Loid Forger, or the inspirational guidance of All Might, these anime fathers offer valuable lessons and heartwarming stories that can enrich our understanding of fatherhood.
