This anime offered us a curious duo of paranormal investigators. The protagonist (Mob) has a difficult case trying to control his special powers. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on how we look at it), he counts with Arataka Reigen. This guy is the founder of the “Spirits and such Consultation Office”. Arataka also claims to be the greatest psychic of the 21st century, although that’s a lie.

At first, we could judge Arataka as a master manipulator, as he is very good at talking and convincing humans and spirits. However, at a closer look, we notice that he is serious at work when things get dangerous. Arataka might not be the most effusive guy around, but he also collects intelligence and has a vast and handy knowledge due to his experience in several types of work. Arataka also takes care of Mob and does not like to hurt people. As you can see, there is more to Mob’s boss than what meets the eye.

If you ever wondered how would it be to meet grumpy cat in real life, just keep an eye on Yuri Plisetsky. This astounding teenager from Russia is one of the youngest promises who debuted in the adults circuit of the Grand Prix. He did not arrive so far at his age for nothing. Yuri has been working hard since very young, and is so determined to win that he trains ballet with a retired Prima Ballerina. Nothing makes him quit, and even at his saltiest moments, he is capable of impeccable movements in the ice rink.

Yuri is another character that might be unlikeable at first, precisely because he is always screaming and with a moody face. Just wait when you look how he interacts with his fans (who are simply too overwhelming for Yuri). Or how about his interactions with Viktor, his idol? But perhaps Yuri is at his best when he is with his grandpa, who cooks and takes care of him like a real mother. He is simply adorable 🙂

Ah, appearances. Have you noticed that many of our nominees have a bit of a problem with them? For Sakamoto, he’s got it all. Just look at him. Sakamoto is so handsome, mysterious and with a mature aura. Then, we get that Sakamoto is a model student. Whenever there is a problem, he knows how to solve it with all the calmness and elegance in the world. Sakamoto’s talents are endlessly, apparently. Girls pursue him and guys are jealous of his popularity.

It might look like Sakamoto has the best outcomes ever, but truly speaking, he feels lonely 🙁 That is why he likes animals so much, especially birds. Although in the anime, Sakamoto eventually makes some allies among his enemies, the day when people truly approach Sakamoto as a human is still in the future. The lesson this character gives us is that not matter how perfect someone looks, they still have weak spots like any of the rest of us.

We have another winner from Yuri!!! on Ice. This time, we have to remember the protagonist himself. We met Yuri when he became the loser of the year in the Gran Prix. On the first couple of minutes of the show, we found out he cries and can be as disoriented in life as any of us.

Hold your horses people, because when Yuri finds his motivation again, we see him shining as the talented sports guy he is. Yuri loses weight, trains hard everyday, thinks about what to bring out on his performance and is not afraid of asking help to his friends and relatives. And he is so adorable when he wears glasses! The contrast is great when Yuri is performing and looks so handsome in the costumes. But perhaps what stands out more is how innocent he is and how he slowly falls in love with Viktor Nikiforov, who helps him on the road to conquer the Grand Prix.

The supernatural also has been normal among the Best Male Characters of 2016. Meet Osamu Dazai, an important member of the Armed Detective Company. His supernatural ability is to block other supernatural abilities. That in itself is handy, but would be much less useful if not for his quick wit. When Osamu is in a case, he will follow it until the end, although it is not always evident.

We meet Osamu in the first chapter of Bungou Stray Dogs, when he helps Atsushi Nakajima to find out why a tiger is following him. Despite that Osamu passes most of the time as the comic relief and is an eccentric character, we should not take him so lightly. Osamu has an existentialist conflict, a void that he can not fill. That is why he has been so close to criminal organizations, although Osamu usually chooses to side with justice. For being a complex and charismatic character, he has been rated higher by our lectors.

Shokugeki no Souma was the anime for food lovers all over the world. Souma was trained in culinary arts through his rivalry with his father, the owner of Restaurant Yukihira. When the restaurant closes, Souma enters an elite chef school called Tootsuki Culinary Academy. Thus his adventures and rivalries in the professional cooking world begin!

Souma is laid back at school, which is fortunate. Because of his intensive training since he was young, Souma does not only excel at cooking, but is also willing to try almost everything. Although his combinations at first sound weird, many of them work. That gives him points in creativity in the kitchen. Souma also cares for the satisfaction of whoever is going to eat the food and also has a love for improvisation. Guys, remember this: men who cook are sexier than those who don’t. If Souma in the third place does not convince you of that, we don’t know what will :p

Subaru Natsuki is the protagonist of this anime with a very long name :p He is a hikikomori, meaning that he has shut down in his room for a long time. However, Subaru is different from other hikikomoris portrayed in anime before. For starters, he works out and is skillful in combat.

Subaru´s situation in the first chapter is a dream situation to anyone who has imagined themselves in a different and magical world. Unfortunately, things turn out for the worse when he ends up pursued and killed. Nevertheless, that is how Subaru discovers that he has a supernatural ability to go back to life and replay the same day endlessly. Now, as a generally intelligent and resourceful guy, he will have to discover how to get out of that time loop. On the way, we find out that he is loyal and cares about people. For being an unusual hikikomori, he is high on this Top Best 🙂

A very important character from the show simply conquered hearts everywhere. The great Russian superstar of the ice rink, Victor Nikiforov, also won the gold medal in our Top Best Male Characters of 2016. Yes otakus, we know looks are important especially in artistic performances, but Victor is much more than that. The guy knows how to work the audiences, we only have to see how he helps the more insecure Yuri whenever there is an interview. Victor himself starts the show feeling demotivated, but when he watches the video of Yuri performing one of his routines, he feels compelled to meet him and mentor him.

And that is what makes this character so great. Victor passes from being a competitor to being a relatively young but talented couch. He is always there for Yuri but at the same time, he let’s him express himself. Their relationship blossoms in a natural way, to the point of becoming some of the most positive partners in crime of the year.