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Top Most Favorite Anime Characters in the First Half of 2025
Aug
The first half of 2025 has been nothing short of a festival for anime fans.
From high-octane shonen battles to slow-burn romances and quirky comedies, the anime world has given us a fresh wave of characters who have completely captured our hearts.
Some are entirely new faces making their debut in the anime scene, while others are returning favorites who remind us why we fell in love with them in the first place.
Beyond just watching them on-screen, fans have found countless ways to carry these characters into their daily lives—through collectibles, posters, fan art, and most charmingly, through anime embroidered shirts.
These wearable pieces of art let fans celebrate their favorites while adding a personal, fashionable touch to their wardrobe.
In this blog, we’ll look at the top most beloved anime characters in the first half of 2025—why fans adore them, how they’ve impacted the anime world, and how their personalities and aesthetics inspire incredible embroidery shirt designs.
Sung Jinwoo – Solo Leveling
No list of 2025 favorites would be complete without Sung Jinwoo.
Ever since Solo Leveling began airing in early 2024, the anticipation for its second cour in 2025 was sky-high. And Jinwoo delivered.
His story—going from the weakest hunter in the world to an unstoppable Shadow Monarch—resonates deeply with fans who love underdog transformations.
The fight scenes in the 2025 episodes showcased not just raw power but also Jinwoo’s growth as a leader to his shadow army.
Fans have flooded social media with edits, cosplays, and, of course, fan-made embroidered shirts of Jinwoo standing tall with shadows swirling at his feet.
Embroidery Idea:
A Jinwoo design works beautifully with layered black and deep-blue threads to create the effect of his shadow army.
You could use metallic thread for his dagger hilts to add shimmer.
For a minimalist approach, embroider just his silhouette with glowing purple eyes—subtle yet instantly recognizable.
Taro Sakamoto – Sakamoto Days
Taro Sakamoto is proof that you can be a loving dad, run a humble convenience store, and still be one of the deadliest people alive.
The spring 2025 episodes reminded us how effortlessly cool he is—one minute he’s smiling behind the counter, the next he’s dismantling entire gangs without breaking a sweat.
Part of Sakamoto’s appeal is his humanity. He’s not just a fighter; he’s a father, a friend, and a mentor.
This blend of humor, heart, and lethal skill has earned him a permanent spot in fan favorites.
Embroidery Idea:
A split-design shirt with “Dad Mode” Sakamoto on one half—soft lines, gentle colors—and “Assassin Mode” Sakamoto on the other—sharp lines, darker tones.
This dual design mirrors his two worlds and makes a striking piece of wearable art.
Maomao – The Apothecary Diaries
Maomao has quietly taken over anime fandom. She’s smart, witty, and a little mischievous, using her apothecary knowledge to solve palace mysteries.
In early 2025, her character development deepened as she navigated new challenges and intricate political games.
She’s not a traditional “action hero,” yet her intelligence, resilience, and curiosity make her one of the most empowering female leads in recent years.
Embroidery Idea:
A delicate Victorian-style frame embroidered around Maomao’s face, with a small mortar and pestle motif in the corner.
Pastel greens and creams can capture her medicinal background, while gold thread adds a touch of palace elegance.
Jinshi – The Apothecary Diaries
Jinshi’s mysterious charm and complicated relationship with Maomao make him another standout of 2025.
His blend of elegance, cunning, and subtle vulnerability draws viewers in.
In Season 2’s spring episodes, we saw more glimpses of his real personality beneath the polished exterior.
Embroidery Idea:
A minimalist Jinshi silhouette with an embroidered gold hair ornament, placed subtly above a heart-shaped outline.
For couples’ shirts, you could pair this with Maomao’s design so the two complement each other.
Okarun – Dandadan
Ken “Okarun” Takakura’s arc in Dandadan is pure chaos and charm.
His transformation from a nerdy, awkward boy to the bold, high-energy Turbo Okarun is exhilarating to watch.
The first half of 2025 gave fans plenty of his funniest lines and most intense battles.
Embroidery Idea:
A two-stage embroidery: on one side, Okarun in his normal form in soft blues and whites; on the other, Turbo Okarun in bright reds, yellows, and high-contrast shading.
This captures the wild energy of his transformation.
Rudo – Gachiakuta
Gachiakuta came into the anime scene like a lightning bolt in 2025.
Rudo’s journey—from surviving in a cruel society to fighting for a better world—hit emotional and visual highs.
His gritty backstory and unique visual style made him a fan favorite in record time.
Embroidery Idea:
A scene of Rudo climbing out of a “trash abyss” using layered gray and teal threads.
This symbolic design captures both his struggle and determination.
Momo Ayase – Dandadan
Momo Ayase is confident, caring, and has a knack for stepping into supernatural chaos.
She’s the perfect balance to Okarun’s wild energy.
Spring 2025 gave her more moments to shine as a psychic fighter, earning her a devoted fan following.
Embroidery Idea:
Stars, moons, and small spark effects embroidered around her silhouette to represent her psychic abilities.
Pink and lavender thread would make the design pop on a darker shirt fabric.
Haruka Sakura – Wind Breaker
From street brawler to someone who fights for his community,
Haruka’s growth in early 2025 inspired fans who love redemption arcs.
His mix of tough-guy looks and a big heart makes him an ideal embroidery muse.
Embroidery Idea:
A wind motif stitched in light gray thread around his figure, symbolizing his speed and strength.
A minimalist version could be just his jacket emblem, making it perfect for casual wear.
Kafka Hibino – Kaiju No. 8
Kafka’s dual life—average worker by day, kaiju-powered hero by night—has been an emotional and visual highlight of 2025.
His struggle to prove himself in a world that underestimates him resonates with fans across the globe.
Embroidery Idea:
A half-and-half design: Kafka’s human side on one half, his kaiju form on the other.
Use glow-in-the-dark thread for the kaiju eye to make the design pop under low light.
Satoru Gojo – Jujutsu Kaisen
Even though Jujutsu Kaisen wasn’t the newest release in 2025, Gojo’s magnetic presence keeps him trending.
Memes, fan edits, and constant merch drops ensure he’s never far from the spotlight.
Embroidery Idea:
A sleek embroidery of Gojo’s blindfold with just the hint of his eyes peeking through.
This minimal design works especially well for fans who want a subtle nod to the character.
Why Anime-Embroidered Shirts Are Perfect for 2025 Fans
Anime is not just something we watch—it’s a part of our identity.
Embroidery turns that love into something tangible and personal. Unlike printed shirts, embroidery gives depth, texture, and a handcrafted feel.
It’s more durable, too, so your favorite character won’t fade with the wash.
In 2025, we’re seeing a trend toward minimalist anime embroidery—silhouettes, symbols, and subtle motifs that only other fans will recognize.
It’s the perfect blend of fandom and fashion, letting you show your love without feeling like you’re in cosplay every day.
Closing Thoughts
The first half of 2025 has been a golden era for anime characters, giving us a mix of new legends and old favorites.
Each of these characters has inspired not just incredible storytelling but also unique ways for fans to express themselves—especially through anime embroidered shirts.
Whether it’s Jinwoo’s commanding presence, Maomao’s cleverness, or Gojo’s effortless cool, these characters deserve to be celebrated both on screen and in our everyday fashion.
And with embroidery, that celebration becomes personal, lasting, and endlessly creative.
