Mohsin Lag
Sometimes we can’t help but love those coward anime characters because they bring a funny touch to our favorite series.
While everyone adores powerful figures, let’s take a moment to pay tribute to the wimpy and timid characters who often surprise us.
These 30 characters prove that running away and being a crybaby can sometimes be a strength that keeps them alive and out of harm’s way in the most perilous situations.
So, without further ado, we have compiled a list of the top cowardly characters in anime who truly cannot be hated for their shortcomings. Here we go!
30. Myoga
First on the list is Myoga, a coward character from the Inuyasha anime and manga series. Myoga is a male flea yokai who initially served Toga until his demise, after which he became a loyal servant to Inuyasha.
His primary role is to provide Inuyasha with valuable information about current events, adversaries, and the shards of the powerful Shikon no Tama.
In the sequel series, Hanyo no Yashahime, Myoga continues his service as a devoted servant to Inuyasha’s daughter, Moroha. Myoga’s defining trait is his cowardly nature, often opting to flee before or during battles.
This behavior serves as a clear warning to the others, indicating imminent danger. In fact, the mere presence of Myoga in a specific area is enough to assess its safety or potential threats.
29. Eruka Frog
Eruka Frog from Soul Eater is a member of the Witch Order who was forced to collaborate with Medusa Gorgon and her faction as a spy.
Initially, she tried to obstruct Medusa’s plans at the Death Weapon Meister Academy, but eventually became involved in her schemes. Like most witches, Eruka has a desire for destruction and takes pleasure in her innate magical abilities.
Regardless of her affinity for chaos, Eruka is notably a coward female and tends to prioritize escape over confrontation. She lacks courage and often finds herself pleading for mercy when faced with danger.
Additionally, she can display a condescending attitude towards those she considers beneath her.
28. Mr. Satan
Next on our list is the comedic character known as Mr. Satan from the Dragon Ball anime and manga series. Also referred to as Hercule Satan in the Funimation dub, he holds the esteemed title of World Martial Arts Champion and serves as the protector of Earth.
Mr. Satan, whose real name is Mark, is a tall man with an afro hairstyle and a notably muscular and hairy physique. In public, he often presents himself with a commanding presence.
However, despite his outward bravado, Mr. Satan is actually quite timid and cowardly. On television, he shamelessly boasts about his strength, claiming to be the “best fighter in the world.” However, those who know better see him as nothing more than an arrogant show-off.
27. Jaken
Another character from the Inuyasha anime/manga series is Jaken. He is a small imp-like creature who fulfills the role of a devoted minion to the main antagonist.
As a supporting character, he initially appears as a supporting antagonist but gradually evolves into an anti-hero throughout the story. Jaken’s loyalty is directed towards Sesshomaru, the primary character he serves.
In many instances, Jaken is portrayed as fearful and subservient, constantly trying to steer clear of danger or any form of punishment. This cowardly disposition serves as a stark contrast to the more badass and powerful characters featured in the series, often offering funny moments to the fans.
26. Yajirobe
Yajirobe is a character from the Dragon Ball series, he is a lazy and cowardly swordsman who prioritizes his personal needs over engaging in battles.
He is a ronin, or masterless samurai, who crosses paths with Goku while the latter is on a quest to find Tambourine.
Yajirobe spends a significant amount of time residing with Korin on Korin Tower, where he often fulfills the important task of delivering Senzu Beans to the Dragon Team.
With his larger size and reluctance to fight, Yajirobe possesses surprising strength and agility, making him a powerful ally when necessary. He showcases his mastery of the katana, demonstrating precision and skill in his swordsmanship
25. Ritsu Sohma
Ritsu Sohma is a character from the beloved series Fruits Basket. Within the Sohma family, he is known for his wimpy, timid, and fearful nature.
Ritsu is a boy who look like a girl, and is plagued by numerous insecurities, constantly grappling with feelings of inferiority and a lack of self-worth. His deep-rooted self-esteem issues lead him to shoulder the blame for everything, even when it is undeserved.
With a propensity for overreacting, Ritsu becomes consumed by anxiety in various situations. He lives in a perpetual state of apprehension, always on the brink of a mental breakdown.
Even the smallest mistake or a hint of criticism triggers a frantic outpouring of apologies, accompanied by tears and outbursts.
24. Italy
Italy, also known as Feliciano Vargas, is a peace-loving character from Hetalia. He’s a cheerful and kindhearted young man with a deep passion for pasta and a love for women.
Italy is not only talented in art but also has excellent business management skills. However, when it comes to the battlefield, he tends to flee and relies on Germany to come to his rescue when things get tough.
He’s not the sharpest when it comes to military equipment and can be easily frightened, often displaying a tendency to cry. Regarless his shortcomings, Italy always does his best to support his allies and show some bravery in his own way.
23. Oolong
One of the first names that comes to mind When discussing cowardly characters, is Oolong, a key figure in the popular Dragon Ball manga and its anime adaptation.
Oolong is an anthropomorphic pig with the ability to transform into different shapes. He enters the story when he encounters Bulma and Goku during their search for the mystical Dragon Balls.
As their journey progresses, Oolong becomes a recurring presence, eventually finding a home at Capsule Corporation in West City.
While he initially plays a significant role in the early stages of Dragon Ball, his involvement decreases over time, and in Dragon Ball Z, he merely appears sporadically alongside Master Roshi.
22. Komatsu
Komatsu, a coward anime character from the Toriko series, holds the position of Head Chef at the ten-star restaurant located within the renowned Hotel Gourmet, owned by the prestigious IGO.
He serves as the secondary protagonist of Toriko and is Toriko’s enthusiastic and timid chef partner and best friend.
Komatsu is a friendly and caring young man who values his friends and the art of cooking. Despite his natural inclination towards cowardice and his highly emotional nature, he always strives to maintain a cheerful demeanor in most situations.
In spite of his weaknesses, Komatsu’s curiosity is piqued by the discoveries he makes during his travels with Toriko, motivating him to overcome his fears and contribute to their endeavors to the best of his abilities.
21. Sagaru Yamazaki
Yamazaki Sagaru, a character from the Gintama series, is a spy affiliated with the Shinsengumi. He describes himself as “very plain,” which proves advantageous during his undercover missions.
Despite his efforts, Yamazaki often goes unnoticed and gets ignored. Before the official establishment of the Shinsengumi Police team, he was a punk, and his plainness exceeds even that of the protagonist Shimura Shinpachi.
Interestingly, Hijikata implies that Yamazaki has a knack for “wooing” women, despite his unremarkable appearance. His greatest skills lie in infiltration and surveillance.
With his unassuming nature, he can observe his targets without raising suspicion and devise tactics based on this ability. However, there are occasions when he is caught in the act.
20. Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki
In the Fairy Tail anime series, we have a coward character named Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki, who belongs to the Blue Pegasus Guild and serves as its ace.
He is also the leader of the Trimens, a group known for their womanizing tendencies. Despite being 29 years old, many mistake him for an old man due to his appearance.
Ichiya possesses a high level of self-confidence and considers himself quite handsome, although others may not necessarily agree.
Nonetheless, his companions in the Trimens respect him and refer to him as “aniki,” meaning older brother. Ichiya has a history with Erza Scarlet, which greatly annoys her, as he persistently flirts with her.
While Ichiya tends to be cowardly, preferring to avoid confrontations, there are rare instances where he displays bravery. One notable example is when he defies the Council to rescue Jellal Fernandes, solely for the sake of Erza.
19. Kuniharu Saiki
Kuniharu Saiki from The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, plays a supporting role as the father of the protagonist, Kusuo Saiki.
He is depicted as an ordinary and somewhat clueless character. Kuniharu often appears sloppy and unkempt, resorting to begging with teary and pitiful expressions when interacting with his son. He displays a cowardly nature, lacking assertiveness or bravery in various situations.
Well, Kuniharu consistently exhibits a kind and respectful attitude towards others, regardless of how rude or scornful they may be towards him.
This trait is demonstrated in his interactions with his boss, who subjects him to degrading tasks like licking his shoes, as well as with his father-in-law, who harbors a strong animosity towards him. However, it is worth noting that there may be instances where Kuniharu acts in a self-serving manner.
18. Sekke Bronzazza
Sekke Bronzazza is a character from the anime series Black Clover. He belongs to the prestigious Golden Dawn squad and is known for his inflated ego and tendency to shy away from confrontation.
Sekke’s appearance is distinct, and he often serves as a source of comedic relief throughout the show. Regardless of his boisterous and self-centered demeanor, Sekke is portrayed as a chaotic neutral character.
He revels in his hedonistic tendencies and takes pride in his womanizing ways, which only serve to further his reputation as an unpopular knight. However, deep down, Sekke is aware of his own weaknesses and recognizes that he falls short compared to most Magic Knights.
Nevertheless, when faced with challenging situations, he reluctantly steps up and showcases moments of bravery, albeit begrudgingly.
17. Welfin
Welfin, a character from the anime series Hunter x Hunter, is a Chimera Ant with a wolf-like appearance and a former Squadron Leader.
In his human form, he was known as Zaiqahal. Welfin possesses a cunning and cautious nature, always seeking to enhance his status and influence from behind the scenes rather than seeking the spotlight. His manipulative tendencies and ability to scheme make him a standout character among his peers.
However, Welfin is plagued by intense paranoia, constantly suspicious of those around him. This is evident in his Nen ability and his general behavior.
He harbors doubts about his own capabilities, leading him to carefully select battles he believes he can win. In dire situations, Welfin doesn’t hesitate to resort to deceit, even faking fainting fits to avoid interrogation.
He has a calculating nature, but Welfin also exhibits a vindictive side. He takes pleasure in the suffering and potential demise of his enemies, relishing in their agony.
However, when faced with his own mortality, Welfin reverts to a state of fear, begging for his life and displaying his true cowardly nature.
16. King
In the hilarious series One Punch Man, we have the character King, who holds the prestigious S-Class Rank 7 in the Hero Association.
To the public, King is hailed as The Strongest Man on Earth. However, in reality, he is just an ordinary civilian who happened to receive credit for the heroic deeds accomplished by Saitama, the true powerhouse.
When faced with a dangerous situation, King exudes an air of calmness and projects an intimidating presence. Despite his intimidating appearance, King is actually quite timid and tends to shy away from confrontations.
Nonetheless, he enjoys immense respect from both the public and fellow heroes, including those who hold high positions within the Hero Association.
15. Kon
Kon from Tite Kubo’s manga and its subsequent anime adaptation, Bleach is a supporting character. He plays the role of a Mod Soul, an artificial soul created by the Soul Society.
His purpose revolves around assisting the powerful main protagonist, Ichigo, by temporarily inhabiting his body when Ichigo is in spirit form, thus maintaining the appearance of a normal life.
Kon, however, possesses distinct traits of being a coward and a wimp. Most of the time, he resides within a stuffed lion plushie, using it as his physical form while Ichigo occupies his own body.
Regardless of his primary function of preserving Ichigo’s everyday routine during his absence, Kon often succumbs to temptation, attempting to utilize Ichigo’s body to charm girls, seek companionship, and construct a social life of his own.
14. Shu
Shu, is another character from the DragonBall anime series who can be described as a coward. Shu is an anthropomorphic dog, specifically a Shiba Inu, who serves as Emperor Pilaf’s loyal ninja lackey.
Alongside Mai, his partner in crime, Shu carries out the whims and commands of their short-tempered boss. As a wimpy anime character, Shu’s role primarily revolves around providing comic relief within the context of Emperor Pilaf’s antics.
Whenever Emperor Pilaf is involved, Shu’s presence ensures a dash of humor and lightheartedness. He often finds himself in amusing situations, serving as a contrast to Mai, who maintains a serious demeanor and is typically equipped with conventional weaponry.
13. Yoki
Lieutenant Yoki is a character from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. He is a corrupt military officer who often demonstrates cowardly behavior to save himself from harm.
He exploits his position by imposing exorbitant taxes upon the town of Youswell, leading its citizens to financial ruin. Due to his actions, he is widely regarded as a despicable individual.
However, Yoki’s journey takes a twist when he finds himself homeless and destitute, seeking refuge among a settlement of Ishbalans.
Regrettably, his character takes a dark turn as he betrays their trust, revealing their location to the military forces. In a display of cruel mockery, Yoki openly ridicules the Ishbalans for challenging his unjust deeds.
12. Orochimaru
Orochimaru is a character from Naruto. He is a former member of the Hidden Leaf Village and is depicted as a cunning and manipulative antagonist.
Driven by a relentless desire to uncover all the world’s secrets, Orochimaru’s ultimate goal is to attain immortality. This way, he believes he can acquire the time and knowledge necessary to achieve his ambitions.
However, Orochimaru’s insatiable thirst for knowledge led him down a dark path. He conducted unethical experiments on his fellow citizens, seeking immortality at any cost.
When his actions were exposed, he chose to defect from Konoha rather than face persecution for his deeds. For years, he hid himself and plotted the destruction of the village as a means of revenge and to demonstrate his vast knowledge.
11. Hol Horse
Derived from the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders series, Hol Horse is a member of Dio Brando’s group of henchmen. Hol Horse’s character is characterized by his consistent display of cowardice.
He is self-centered and always on the lookout for personal advantages during battles, often opting to retreat when faced with formidable opponents. Aside from his initial portrayal as a bold and charismatic gunfighter in the Western style, his true nature as a fearful individual becomes apparent under pressure.
Hol Horse embodies the persona of a clever trickster and opportunist. He relies heavily on the assistance of others and relies on luck to save himself from dire situations.
While he may present himself as a womanizer and exude confidence, his fearfulness lies just beneath the surface, impacting his actions and decision-making.
10. Gladino
Galdino, aka Mr. 3, is a former operative of Baroque Works, a notorious organization, and partner to Miss Goldenweek.
Galdino is known for his inflated sense of self-importance, often showcasing his supposed mastery of strategy and cunning. He prides himself on his intellect and lacks any ethical qualms when it comes to achieving his goals.
However, when faced with life-or-death situations that require him to engage in combat, Galdino’s wimpy nature is exposed. Even with his bravado, he proves to be nothing more than a coward, harboring a deep fear of physical confrontations.
During the Little Garden Arc, Galdino serves as the primary antagonist, while also playing a significant role in Miss Goldenweek’s “Operation: Meet Baroque Works” alongside other Officer Agents.
Following his imprisonment in Impel Down, he manages to escape with the help of Buggy and Monkey D. Luffy, subsequently becoming one of Luffy’s key allies throughout the Impel Down Arc and the Marineford Arc.
9. Kobeni Higashiyama
Kobeni Higashiyama is a wimpy female character from the Chainsaw Man series. While not inherently cowardly, Kobeni is often portrayed as a timid and easily frightened girl.
Her appearance reflects her reserved nature, with short hair, glasses, and a delicate figure that conveys a sense of vulnerability. Kobeni Higashiyama is a former Public Safety Devil Hunter who initially joined Makima’s Special Squad as a new recruit.
Regardless of her frequent moments of fear, Kobeni has shown flashes of courage in her actions. During her first encounter with the Eternity Devil, she becomes paralyzed with fright and struggles to articulate her thoughts.
However, when she engages in combat, Kobeni exhibits a remarkable level-headedness and efficiency, effectively dispatching both the Katana Man and Akane Sawatari, forcing them to retreat. It is only after the battles conclude that she succumbs to panic.
8. Marechiyo Omaeda
Marechiyo Omaeda, a chicken character from the Bleach series, serves as the lieutenant of the Second Division under the leadership of Captain Sui-Feng.
Additionally, he assumes the crucial role of Corps Commander within the Onmitsukido’s Patrol Corps. Marechiyo’s personality is defined by a distinct combination of traits.
On one hand, he displays an excessive amount of arrogance, paired with a dull and sluggish demeanor. This, coupled with his cowardly tendencies, makes him a standout figure on our list.
However, beneath his flawed exterior lies an unwavering loyalty towards his captain. Marechiyo’s loyality to Sui-Feng knows no bounds, evident in his willingness to confront enemies much stronger than himself and even sacrifice himself to protect her.
Even Though he has many shortcomings, Marechiyo possesses a surprising level of combat expertise, catching opponents off-guard with surprising attacks.
7. Shinji Ikari
Shinji Ikari, takes on the role of the main protagonist in the original Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. He is a laid-back yet troubled and introverted young boy who grapples with numerous psychological issues stemming from his father’s abandonment and the challenges he faces as an Eva pilot.
Throughout the series, Shinji displays an introverted nature and yearns for validation as an Eva pilot and for the attention of his father, Gendo Ikari.
His character is often associated with the concept of the “Hedgehog Dilemma,” symbolizing his conflicting desire for companionship while simultaneously rejecting it due to his introverted tendencies.
Even woth his reluctance and aversion to being an Eva pilot, Shinji has run away on multiple occasions. However, he always returns, burdened with regret for his actions, even though the experience is deeply painful for him.
6. Hannes
Hannes, served as a unit captain in the anime series Attack on Titan. He held a lifelong friendship with the Jaeger family and played a significant role in saving Mikasa and Eren from the Smiling Titan.
Hannes is a kind-heartedperson who carried deep shame and regret for his past cowardice and lack of bravery, especially during a pivotal event five years prior.
After the fall of Wall Maria, he took on a more responsible and serious approach towards the threat of Titans, particularly in his commitment to protecting Eren.
Hannes cared deeply for Eren, Armin, and Mikasa, taking it upon himself to watch over them after the tragic loss of Carla, Eren’s mother.
Over the years, he sought redemption and eagerly awaited the opportunity to face the Titan responsible for Carla’s death. It became his personal mission to slay the Titan, hoping to atone for his past mistakes and demonstrate his newfound courage.
5. Minoru Mineta
Minoru Mineta, a character from the My Hero Academia anime series, is often referred to as the “Fresh-Picked Hero: Grape Juice.”
He is a student in Class 1-A at U.A. High School, where aspiring heroes are trained. Despite his membership in the hero class, Minoru is known for his timidity and infamous perverted tendencies.
Unfortunately, his behavior makes him unpopular with both female and male classmates, who find his interests and mannerisms objectionable. In tough situations, Minoru easily succumbs to panic and fear.
However, it’s important to note that he possesses a unique Quirk that allows him to produce sticky balls from his head. This ability proves to be advantageous in battles, showcasing his resourcefulness and intelligence.
Even with his cowardly nature, Minoru occasionally surprises others with his ability to think on his feet and devise strategic solutions.
4. Yukiteru Amano
Here we have Yukiteru Amano, the protagonist of the Future Diary series. Initially, Yukiteru is portrayed as a socially isolated and cowardly teenager.
However, as the series progresses, he undergoes significant character development. Yukiteru, also known as “Yukki,” is the main male protagonist and the First Diary Holder in the Future Diary series.
He possesses a superpowered Diary, which provides a detailed explanation of his surroundings in the present and the future” in the anime. Throughout the story, Yukiteru becomes the love interest of Yuno Gasai.
His most notable trait is his timid personality, often finding himself overwhelmed with tears and distress when faced with traumatic situations.
3. Usopp
Usopp is a popular character from the One Piece anime series One, and is considered one of the most notorious liars in the anime world. He represents the stereotype of the cowardly character as a member of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Usopp’s physical appearance is distinguished by his enormous nose and his trusty slingshot, which acts as his primary weapon.
While he frequently spins complex tales and exaggerates his own powers, there are moments of true bravery that show through when his comrades are in danger.
Usopp makes a tremendous transition during the series, gradually overcoming his worries and embracing his duty as a a strawhat’s pirate.
2. Zenitsu Agatsuma
Zenitsu is one of the main characters in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. He is a dedicated member of the Demon Slayer Corps and possesses some distinct personality traits.
He is often portrayed as a fearful and crybaby individual who gets easily startled. However, there is an intriguing twist to his character. Whenever he enters a state of unconsciousness, another powerful side of him emerges, revealing a badass, overpowered, and composed persona.
In spite of his initial cowardice, Zenitsu displays exceptional talent as a swordsman. He possesses remarkable skill in swift Iaijutsu-like swordsmanship, showcasing his expertise in techniques such as the Thunderclap and Flash technique.
His mastery is so advanced that he can even create variations of the technique and employ it effortlessly even while he is asleep.
1. Sawada Tsunayoshi
Wrapping up our list is the coward boy Sawada Tsunayoshi, the main protagonist of the Katekyo Hitman Reborn anime series.
This young guy initially started off as a wimpy and crybaby character, often displaying fear and lacking confidence. However, everything changes when he encounters the mafia baby, Reborn.
Tsuna’s destiny unfolds as he is destined to become the boss of the Vongola Family. Under Reborn’s guidance, he undergoes a transformative journey, taking on the role of a powerful and responsible leader.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn is an incredible series that should not be overlooked. It is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition from fans of the genre. So, be sure to check it out for an exciting and unique zero to hero adventure.
