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Tokyo Weekender
12 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Tokyo Weekender
The Complete Azabu Juban Guide: The Romantic, International Shopping District
Between the glittering towers of Roppongi and the iconic silhouette of Tokyo Tower lies one of the capital's most enchanting neighborhoods. Azabu Juban is a district where centuries-old traditions seamlessly blend with international sophistication, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Tokyo. For visitors seeking an authentic yet cosmopolitan Tokyo experience, Azabu Juban offers the perfect introduction to Japan's ability to honor its past while embracing the world. Many expats find their homes in Azabu Juban, comforted by its international and professional atmosphere, balanced out by the charms of local history. For anime fans, Azabu Juban is the setting of Sailor Moon , adding to the whimsy of the neighborhood. Azabu Juban represents something increasingly rare in major world cities: a neighborhood that has successfully preserved its historical character while adapting to contemporary needs. The area's success in balancing tradition with international openness offers visitors insight into how Tokyo maintains its cultural identity while embracing global influences. For travelers seeking to understand modern Japan beyond the typical tourist sites, few neighborhoods provide such rich experiences in such a compact area. The combination of historical depth, culinary excellence and genuine community spirit makes Azabu Juban an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience the full spectrum of Tokyo life. List of Contents: Getting to Azabu Juban Things To Do in Azabu Juban A Culinary Journey Through Azabu Juban Shopping and Local Life in Azabu Juban Experiencing Azabu Juban Like a Local Related Posts Getting to Azabu Juban: Your Gateway to Traditional Tokyo Azabu Juban's central location makes it one of Tokyo's most accessible neighborhoods. The area is served by Azabu Juban Station, where the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line and Toei Oedo Line converge, providing direct connections to major destinations across the city. What sets this area apart is its walkability. Tokyo Tower looms just 10 minutes away on foot, while the upscale shopping and dining complex of Roppongi Hills is an easy 15-minute stroll. This proximity to major landmarks makes Azabu Juban an ideal base for exploring Tokyo, yet the neighborhood maintains a tranquility that feels worlds away from the urban hustle. Things To Do in Azabu Juban The soul of Azabu Juban guide lies in the neighborhood's remarkable ability to preserve its historical character. The main artery, Azabu Juban Shotengai, stands as one of Tokyo's most atmospheric traditional shopping streets, teeming with century-old establishments. The Legendary Shotengai Experience Walking down the shotengai feels like traveling through time. Among the must-visit traditional establishments, Mamegen deserves special attention. Operating since 1865, this remarkable bean snack shop offers an astounding variety of unique treats, each prepared using recipes passed down through generations. The shop's longevity speaks to both the quality of its products and the neighborhood's commitment to preserving its culinary heritage. Equally impressive is Naniwaya Sohonten , where the aroma of freshly made taiyaki has been drawing crowds for over a century, since the Meiji period. Their thin-crusted, fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste are not only delicious, but demonstrate how traditional flavors continue to find their place in modern Tokyo. Sacred Spaces and Green Retreats Beyond shopping, this neighborhood offers several peaceful sanctuaries. Zenpuku-ji Temple stands as one of Tokyo's notable religious sites, featuring magnificent 750-year-old ginkgo trees that create a natural canopy over the temple grounds. The contrast between these ancient giants and the surrounding urban landscape perfectly encapsulates Azabu Juban's character. For a more intimate spiritual experience, visit Juban Inari-jinja Shrine , known for its unique stone statues depicting the Seven Lucky Gods and protective parent-child toads. Local legend credits these statues with protecting the neighborhood from fire disasters, a belief that has strengthened community bonds for generations. The nearby Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park provides the perfect escape from city life. This beautifully landscaped Japanese garden features traditional elements like carefully maintained ponds, seasonal flower displays, and winding paths that invite contemplation. During cherry blossom season, the park transforms into one of Tokyo's most picturesque hanami spots. Naniwaya Sohonten Azabujuban, courtesy of Tokyo Shimbun A Culinary Journey Through Azabu Juban No Azabu Juban guide would be complete without extensive coverage of the neighborhood's exceptional dining scene. The area's unique international character has created a culinary landscape where traditional Japanese establishments coexist with world-class international restaurants, often within the same block. Traditional Japanese Flavors The neighborhood's culinary heritage runs deep, with several establishments serving dishes that have remained virtually unchanged for decades. Sohonke Sarashina Horii continues the centuries-old tradition of handmade soba noodles, using techniques that showcase the subtle complexity of buckwheat. The restaurant's commitment to traditional preparation methods provides diners with an authentic taste of old Tokyo. For those interested in experiencing traditional Japanese sweets, the area offers numerous options beyond the famous taiyaki. Stop by any local wagashi shops, including Tsukishimaya , a historic joint serving up fresh imagawayaki cakes, for a bite into sweet history. International Sophistication What truly distinguishes Azabu Juban restaurants from other Tokyo neighborhoods is the seamless integration of international cuisine. The area hosts several Michelin-starred establishments, including exceptional French and Italian restaurants that rival those found in their countries of origin. These high-end establishments cater to the neighborhood's international diplomatic community while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that defines the area. For more casual international dining, options range from casual Tex-Mex fare at Frijoles to the famous pizza at Savoy . Unique Food Experiences Among the most interesting aspects of Azabu Juban's food scene is Nissin World Delicatessen , an international supermarket that serves as a cultural crossroads. Here, diplomats, expats and curious locals browse shelves stocked with products from around the world. The store represents the neighborhood's international character in microcosm, where global tastes are not just accommodated but celebrated. For those seeking Instagram-worthy treats, Dumbo Doughnuts & Coffee has gained a following for both its photogenic creations and exceptional coffee. If you need a spot to caffeinate and get some work done, Streamer Coffee is always a great spot. Shopping and Local Life in Azabu Juban The shopping experience in Azabu Juban extends far beyond the famous shotengai, encompassing everything from artisanal crafts to modern conveniences that serve the area's diverse population. Traditional Crafts and Specialty Items Many shops along the shotengai specialize in traditional Japanese items that make exceptional souvenirs or gifts. Tea shops offer carefully selected varieties alongside the knowledge needed to appreciate their subtle differences. Craft stores sell handmade items that represent regional Japanese traditions, allowing visitors to take home authentic pieces of Japanese culture. The persistence of these traditional businesses in one of Tokyo's most expensive real estate markets speaks to both community support and the enduring appeal of quality craftsmanship. Many shop owners represent multiple generations of the same family, creating a continuity that adds depth to every purchase. Modern Conveniences For practical needs, larger establishments like Daiei Azabu-Juban Store and Seijo Ishii provide everything necessary for daily life. These modern supermarkets stock both Japanese staples and international products, reflecting the neighborhood's diverse population. The seamless integration of traditional shops and modern conveniences exemplifies how Azabu Juban has evolved while maintaining its essential character. Experiencing Azabu Juban Like a Local Understanding the rhythm of local life enhances any visit to this unique neighborhood. The annual Azabu Juban Noryo Festival, held on the last weekend of August, transforms the usually serene shopping street into a vibrant celebration featuring local food stalls, traditional performances, and community activities. This festival provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into the strong community bonds that define the area. Family-Friendly Features Families will find Azabu Juban particularly welcoming, with several parks designed for children. Ichinohashi Park Playground and Iigura Park are relaxing settings where local children gather. The nearby presence of international schools and family-friendly restaurants creates an environment where diverse families feel comfortable and welcome. Best Times To Visit While Azabu Juban rewards exploration year-round, certain seasons offer special attractions. Spring brings cherry blossoms to the local parks, summer features the lively Noryo Festival, autumn colors enhance the temple grounds and winter creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for exploring cozy cafes and shops. Early morning visits to the shotengai provide the most authentic experience, when shop owners prepare for the day and the neighborhood awakens gradually. Evening strolls reveal a different character, as international restaurants come alive and the area's sophisticated nightlife emerges. Related Posts A Foodie's Guide to Higashi-Azabu: Restaurants Near Tokyo Tower One Day in Roppongi: Tokyo Guide to Shopping, Museums & Nightlife The Ultimate Guide to Nakameguro: Tokyo's Stylish Canal-Side Gem
Metropolis Japan
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Tokyo's 'Magical Girl' Fashion Trend
Every year, a new microtrend floods our feeds— blokette , angelcore , balletcore and whatever '-core' . Blink, and it's gone. Meanwhile, in Japan, globally recognized fashion subcultures like gyaru , lolita and jirai-kei are more long-standing community-based microgenres. Somewhat of a crossover between these fashion paradigms—at least, that's how I see it—Magical Girl is 2025's latest aesthetic buzzword, but it might be more than just that. Inspired by the kitschy but whimsical manga and anime genre, with pastels, plastic charms and metallic sparkle, the look is everywhere, from K-pop stages to runway campaigns. While the world calls it a trend, in Japan, it was never just a phase. After all, Sailor Moon didn't fade—she transformed. Magazines like Nylon have been quick to report on the rise of 'magical girl' aesthetics in fashion, but what exactly is it? Magical Girl (direct translation of mahou shoujo ), is a genre of Japanese anime and manga where ordinary girls transform—often dramatically—into powerful, magical versions of themselves. The genre first took off in the 1960s with shows like Himitsu no Akko-chan and Sally the Witch, but reached international fame in the '90s with Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura and PreCure (No one asked, but Sailor Moon was my favorite haha). The Magical Girl genre is closer to tokusatsu than European fairy tales. Unlike classic fantasy with witches or princesses, the stories were more quotidian, cutesy and comedic. Later, shows like The Powerpuff Girls and Winx Club followed the blueprint, turning it into a global phenomenon. Want to know how the genre evolved—and why it matters so much for gender expression? Beyond the young girls who unironically wore anime-themed outfits, microgenres like yume kawaii , fairy-kei , decora , majo-kei (witch girl), jirai-kei and lolita substyles like sailor lolita or cyber lolita have long incorporated magic girl elements. But in the early to mid-2000s, mahou shoujo-kei (sometimes called mahou-kei ) emerged as a style that took direct inspiration from the anime genre itself. Recently, international brands have started leaning into that same transformation fantasy. Jimmy Choo released a Sailor Moon collection in 2023. Designers like Simone Rocha and Sandy Liang have been channeling coquette anime-girl energy into everyday looks. A major turning point came when Gentle Monster launched a collection featuring bejeweled magical girl eyewear with Y2K vibes. Member Rei especially captured attention, sparking calls from fans for the return of unironically cutesy concepts in K-pop. Courtesy of @LOKTINBEAR via X (April 6, 2025) Yunjin, Gaeul and Rei from IVE performing 'Magic Girl', Courtesy of @YEPinyourheart via X (April 13, 2025) But no one channels the magical girl vibe quite like K-pop. Recently, IVE went viral after covering Orange Caramel's anime-inspired track Magic Girl ( Mabeop Sonyeo / Mahou Shoujo ) with cutesy lolita-inspired outfits with a wand. IVE's Rei in concept photo for 'Switch' Courtesy of Starship Entertainment, @IVEstarship via X IVE's Leeseo in concept photo for 'Switch' Courtesy of Starship Entertainment, @IVEstarship via X IVE's Rei in concept photo for 'Switch' Courtesy of Starship Entertainment, @IVEstarship via X IVE's Leeseo in concept photo for 'Switch' Courtesy of Starship Entertainment, @IVEstarship via X Before the cover, their second Korean-language EP Switch already had magical girl elements. The concept photos featured fantastical, metallic looks—Magical Girl meets fashion editorial, much like Gentle Monster's campaign. The title track 'Accendio' tells a story of the members battling over a magical wand, with dark, mysterious magical girl aesthetics. And with the long-standing popularity of K-pop and Korean youth culture in Japan, it's no surprise that these influences are now inspiring the streets of Tokyo. Tokyo's deeply rooted subculture fashion scene, combined with the reimported international magical girl microtrend, has made 2025 feel like a full-blown renaissance of magical girl fashion. We've seen all the pieces come together to build 2025's big magical girl renaissance—but how can you actually take part in it? What brands should you look out for and who's leading this aesthetic today? Thankfully, Tokyo is the capital of this look—and if you're in Japan, you're in good hands. At the forefront is MIKIOSAKABE. Quintessentially Harajuku: a surreal, yume-kawaii take on femininity that feels both romantic and modern, avant-garde but pastel dreamy streetwear. Jenny Fax, MIKIOSAKABE's sister brand, led by Shueh Jen-Fang, takes that energy even girlier. grounds grounds Sakabe also runs grounds, a legendary shoe label known for its futuristic bubble-soled sneakers. They're chunky, sculptural, and look like something a magical girl would wear to fly. Another pioneer—and a personal favorite of mine—tanakadaisuke leans theatrical and romantic. Less toycore, more European classicism, the brand draws from Baroque and Rococo aesthetics filtered through the lens of Tokyo street fashion. Expect ornate embroidery, sculptural silhouettes and oversized bows. The mood can shift from princess to militaristic, fairytale to mysterious—but it's always dramatic, fantastical and utterly committed to its vision. On the more experimental side is Pays des Fées, a long-standing Tokyo indie label known for constantly reinventing itself. Each season feels like a new crossover episode—magical girl meets Japanese horror, Belle Époque cirque, conceptual mode and so on. Foundry Mews, born in London but now based in Japan, takes a more artsy and minimal Japandi approach. Their shoes feel like essential, everyday footwear for a magical girl. S.F Sukoshi Fushigi 2025 Spring/Summer Collection Photo courtesy of the brand. S.F Sukoshi Fushigi 2025 Autumn/Winter Collection Photo courtesy of the brand. S.F Sukoshi Fushigi 2025 Spring/Summer Collection Photo courtesy of the brand. S.F Sukoshi Fushigi 2025 Autumn/Winter Collection Photo courtesy of the brand. A newer brand, S.F Sukoshi Fushigi, takes a more experimental approach—think gyaru meets magical girl, embracing asymmetry, deconstruction and punk elements. Founded by Fantasista Sakurada, the pieces are sexy yet innocent, mysterious yet pastel—still within the realm of kawaii. You'll also find pieces that align with the magical girl revival at curated boutiques like SHEEP—or just wander around Laforet Harajuku, a compact mall specialized in subculture-driven fashion. For a more affordable entry point, axes femme is a familiar name in shopping malls across Japan. Romantic and maximalist yet wearable, its collections feature lace blouses, corseted dresses and long skirts. Loved by students and subculture fashion fans alike, it's often the casual or everyday way into the vintage magical girl aesthetic. (L) Yuhei's costume design for musical artist YUKKYUN (C) Yuhei's costume design for musical artist YUKKYUN (R) Yuhei's costume design for musical artist YUKKYUN Costume design by Yuhei Provided by Yuhei (@sgmsgmsgm) Yuhei's work for underwear brand GX3 Provided by Yuhei (@sgmsgmsgm) If you're looking for inspiration, look no further than YUHEI—a costume designer active in Tokyo's queer scene. His designs and styling are the epitome of magical girl aesthetics: campy and editorial. The magical girl aesthetic isn't just about fashion—it extends into beauty, nostalgia and online culture. Credit: JILL STUART Beauty Credit: JILL STUART Beauty Jill Stuart Beauty, a J-beauty brand inspired by the coquette American label of the same name, has long been a favorite for packaging that looks like a jeweled tiara. Their products wouldn't look out of place in a transformation scene. Anna Sui Cosmetics, another American fashion brand with a Japanese-owned makeup line, leans darker and more mysterious—think Black Moon Clan from Sailor Moon (IYKYK). Its rose compact mirror was a staple in many Japanese girls' bags through the 2000s. Now discontinued, Ladurée's short-lived makeup line—yes, from the French macaron shop—offered a fairytale version of the magical girl vibe. If Jill Stuart was crystal and silver, Ladurée was gold and rococo. It was especially beloved by the lolita subgenres for its soft, vintage fantasy. Courtesy of Flower Knows Courtesy of Flower Knows While Ladurée Les Merveilleuses is gone, C-beauty brands have stepped in to fill the void. Flower Knows, in particular, ticks every magical girl box with incredible detail. But it's not just for show; the brand is regularly praised in Japan's beauty scene for its innovative formulas and quality that go beyond aesthetics. Not just fashion and beauty—the magical girl renaissance has even reached the aisles of Japanese supermarkets. Let me explain. One reason magical girl style has recently resurfaced beyond its usual subculture circles is the rise of Heisei Joji—literally, 'girls of the Heisei era (1989–2019).' It's an internet buzzword loosely tied to the broader Y2K revival, but Heisei Joji leans more into the toy-like aesthetic of the late '90s and early 2000s—especially the pastel plastic goods once made for elementary school girls. Sebon Star by Kabaya Foods Corporation Magical stick toys at SPINNS , nostalgic wands sold for young adults At the center of it all? Sebon Star—a long-selling chocolate that comes with a toy accessory, kind of like a Japanese Kinder Surprise. But the prize was always plastic jewelry: geometric gems, celestial motifs, princessy pendants. For kids watching Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura or PreCure, opening a Sebon Star felt like a mini transformation moment. Now, with the aesthetic back in the spotlight, a wave of grown-ups are buying them again—nostalgia is a powerful thing. What makes magical girl fashion so special is how it blurs lines—between irony and sincerity, costume and everyday wear, softness and strength. It lets people indulge in the fantasy of anime femininity both ironically and unironically. Where the coquette trend drew backlash for reviving outdated gender roles, magical girl style doesn't erase feminine signifiers in pursuit of neutrality. It reframes them as powerful—especially within queer fashion spaces, where dressing 'like a girl' can mean something entirely new. Gender studies scholars like Jennifer Prough, Mary Grigsby and Samantha Close have highlighted the uniqueness of the Japanese magical girl genre as a model where characters gain agency without abandoning hyper-feminine kawaii signifiers associated with shojo manga and anime. Unlike iconic Wonder Woman, which as an effort of inclusion, positioned female heroes within traditionally masculine aesthetic and ideological frameworks of power. Magical girl narratives carved out an alternative space, where transformation and glittering accessories became sources of strength. And magical girl fashion today isn't just for girls. Like crop tops or low-rise jeans reclaimed under the Y2K umbrella, the aesthetic has become a shared language across genders—something that was far less common in the actual early 2000s. As Kawaii Monster Girls (the brightly dressed staff of Harajuku's now-closed Kawaii Monster Cafe) once said, 'being a girl is a state of mind.' In 2025, that feels especially true. Curious to dive deeper into Tokyo's cutest subcultures? Discover more kawaii stories here: 'Ruby-chan! Hai! Nani ga suki?' Trend Explained: What It Means and Where It's From Celebrate Hello Kitty's 50th Birthday Based in Japan: RinRin Doll
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Watch out for digitally-edited photo of Lauren Sánchez
Claim: A picture authentically depicts journalist Lauren Sánchez, Jeff Bezos' fiancee, with large lips and cheekbones enhanced by plastic surgery. Rating: In late May 2025, an allegedly authentic image of former news anchor Lauren Sánchez, billionaire Jeff Bezos' fiancee and founder of aerial film company Black Ops Aviation, circulated widely online. The picture spread on X, Threads and Facebook. Similar pictures purporting to show Sánchez's plastic surgery alterations also spread online. (X user @DailyLoud) However, this image is fake — as are the related pictures above. A comparison with legitimate photos of Sánchez on Getty Images credited to several different photographers show that the fake picture circulating greatly exaggerates her actual lips and cheekbones. Someone either digitally edited the image or used artificial intelligence to generate it — or both. Here is the original image that the digitally-altered image appears based on, per Getty Images: Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos attend the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 10, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Getty Images) It is unclear who made the image; a reverse image search largely returned the authentic image, rather than the altered one, making the source of the image difficult to determine. Snopes reached out to Daily Loud, one of the largest X accounts posting the fake picture, to ask about the origins of the picture. This story will be updated if they respond. It is worth noting the "before" picture that often accompanies the digitally altered image of Sánchez appears to be an authentic photo of her from 2003. Legitimate pictures of Sánchez which the other digitally altered pictures appear based on are also available on Getty Images here and here. Snopes often fact-checks fake and altered images of well-known people; see, for example, our story on an edited image of tech billionaire Elon Musk's chest and a fact-check debunking an image of United Healthcare CEO shooting suspect Luigi Mangione allegedly wearing a "Sailor Moon" costume from the popular Japanese manga. Aussenard, Jean-Paul. "Lauren Sanchez during 'Dreamkeeper' ABC All-Star Winter Party At..." Getty Images, 6 Oct. 2010, Accessed 28 May 2025. Faraone, Philip. "Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos Attend the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party..." Getty Images, 11 Mar. 2024, Accessed 28 May 2025. Grant, Jesse. "Lauren Sánchez Attends the 11th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at Barker..." Getty Images, 6 Apr. 2025, Accessed 28 May 2025. Hill, Taylor. "Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos Attend the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party..." Getty Images, 11 Mar. 2024, Accessed 28 May 2025. Keenan, Stefanie. "Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos Attend the 2024 Vanity Fair..." Getty Images, 11 Mar. 2024, Accessed 28 May 2025. Ord, Cindy. "Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Attend the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating..." Getty Images, 7 May 2024, Accessed 28 May 2025. "The Best Free AI Powered Reverse Image Search like No Other." 2025, Accessed 28 May 2025.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Country music star Kacey Musgraves stuns fans after debuting wild anime-inspired look: 'Didn't recognize her!'
Country music darling Kacey Musgraves stunned her fans this week after debuting a wild new look at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Tokyo. Instead of one of her usual stylish cowgirl getups, the High Horse hitmaker transformed herself into a character from the iconic Japanese series Sailor Moon. The 36-year-old rocked Sailor Moon's signature 'meatball head' buns and trailing pigtails, which were so long they cascaded down past her waist. She added the Sailor-themed schoolgirl outfit to complete the look, but wore it in black instead of the usual blue and white. Fans online were blown away by the look, with one writing, 'Sailor Moon's got nothing on her!' A second commented, 'Just when I think she couldn't possibly be anymore beautiful, she goes and does this.' Another wrote, 'Country music? That explains why I don't know her,' while a fourth admitted that they didn't recognize her at first. Kacey wasn't the only celebrity at the event, with Japanese-British pop star Rina Sawayama also attending. Instead of going in cosplay, Rina rocked an extravagant designer ensemble consisting of a puffy red frock from Marc Jacobs and sleek black stilettos from Jimmy Choo. Other stars at the event included boxer Ben Whittaker, Brazilian drag queen Pabllo Vittar, and Chilean singer Paloma Mami. It comes after the eight-time Grammy winner revealed that she has significantly cut back on her marijuana use during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Although she laughed off the notion that she is completely sober, the songstress set the record straight on whether she is still gets high and how often. 'I never said I don't ever partake,' she told the outlet. 'I just don't wake up and hit a gravity bong the size of my face anymore, which is what I did for a long time. But, hey, more power to whatever suits you.' Last year, it was widely reported that Golden Hour hitmaker was done with cannabis after she told The Cut that pot was 'not for this chapter' of her life. 'Maybe later, when I'm a 60-year-old lady with nothing to do and I'm just doing pottery all day, maybe. We'll see,' she said, at the time. Still, she said she wasn't quitting all mind-bending substances. During the 2024 interview, Musgraves also confessed to being a fan of psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by more than 200 species of fungi, aka magic mushrooms. 'When used with intention, I think it's a massive dose of compassion and reverence for nature, fellow humans, yourself,' she claimed to the outlet. In the title track to her sixth studio album, Deeper Well, released last year, she admitted that she 'used to wake and bake.' After those eyebrow-raising lyrics, she went on to declare she was 'getting rid of the habits that' she feels are 'real good at wasting' her time. During her chat with THR, Musgraves also reflected on how her 2013 track, Follow Your Arrow, which embraces weed and homosexuality, upset a lot of conservatives. 'Oh my gosh, it was so controversial. I was told not to [release the song] and all these reasons why,' she recalled to THR. 'I was nervous... it ended up tanking — it was banned by country radio.' Still, the singer insists she would never had traded that 'for the love and the people it brought' into her world. 'I'm not going to present a watered-down version of myself to be accepted,' she explained. 'Anyway, it ended up working out.'
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
10 greatest anime protagonist of all time
Top anime protagonist of all time (Image via Crunchyroll) When we think about the greatest anime protagonists of all time, we often think about strength but true greatness goes beyond power. These characters left a lasting mark not just because of what they did, but because of how deeply they connected with us. Whether they made us laugh, cry, or rethink life itself, their journeys became a part of ours. Ten iconic anime characters that made their mark in memorable ways From Goku to Nana, these unforgettable protagonists didn't just define anime, they defined an entire generation. Here's why fans still carry their stories years later. The reason shonen anime is special is due to Goku (Dragon Ball). He always has a smile on his face, is blamelessly youthful and looks forward to new experiences. He fights when he can but not out of hatred, but for fun and as a means to defend people. Millions of children saw him as a role model because of his strong friendship and eager mind. Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto) began with nothing other than his big dreams. Being lonely, having mean reasons and being ignored didn't stop him. He used kindness and his own determination to overcome his pain. His past doesn't have to determine the direction of his future. Even though Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece) is always wild and laughing, he's actually quite faithful and fearless. He's not driven by the desire for power, but only wants personal and collective freedom. His example encourages us to be happy and willing to help those important to us. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood shows Edward Elric, who possesses great talent in alchemy and lots of determination. His brother's presence and Miura's wish to do the right thing make you relate easily to him. Edward shows that the strongest move a person can take is to own their shortcomings and deal with the things they do. Many people are drawn to Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon) because she is awkward, feeling and sweet. She points out that being soft doesn't mean you lack strength. The love and companionship she experiences allow her to help the world avoid danger. In the Ghost in the Shell story, Motoko Kusanagi is calm, organized and well-thought-out. Like many others in her field, she questions what it is to be human and to live. Both courage and depth can be seen in Motoko when everything around her is unfamiliar and dangerous At the beginning, Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan), seeks revenge and is set on fighting, but later turns into a fascinating character in shonen. Because his morals are vague, the audience is forced to consider what freedom actually includes and how much they would pay for it. According to her series, Madoka Magica, Homura Akemi gains most of her strength by loving and enduring her own suffering. Each time she tries to help her friend, her worries grow so much she acts even more desperately. It's truly sad, but stealthy, how effective she is. Gon Freecss (Hunter x Hunter) looks like a simple person, but it's shocking how deeply he feels. Mr. Underhill manages rage, while always being kind and brave. Gon stands for the way growing up involves dealing with the beautiful and the cruel things around us. Nana Osaki (Nana) isn't taking on monsters, she's dealing with real-life issues. She handles love, sadness and heartache as a tough and passionate musician. Her experience speaks to us by showing that some heroes are simply trying to keep going. These characters didn't just entertain us, they taught us, healed us, and challenged us. In their struggles, we saw our own. And in their triumphs, we found hope. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
