Kara Dennison
March 11, 2023 
It’s about time to spring forward, which is both good news and bad news. The bad news? Losing a precious hour of sleep. The good news? More sunlight! And after a really long-feeling winter, we’re ready to let the sun shine in. Which is why we’re collecting up a list of cheerful anime characters who are little rays of sunshine in their own world.
Each of these characters stands out in a show that’s otherwise dark, violent, or cynical. Sometimes their good mood is incongruous; other times, it’s contagious. Who are some of your favorites?
Mako Mankanshoku
Kill la Kill isn’t a downer series by any stretch, but it’s pretty serious at times. So having Mako Mankanshoku spring forward into the action makes a big difference. This little ball of energy starts out as a side character and friend, but quickly grows into an important member of the series.
As president of the Fight Club, Mako is no slouch. And she’s got some surprising powers stored away under that cheerful exterior. Of course, if you were to ask her, she’d maintain that her biggest power is the power of friendship. And, you know? She’s probably right.
Kafuka Fuura
If losing sleep as you spring forward has you down, just look to Kafuka Fuura for help. The Sayonara, Zetsubou-sensei heroine has an affinity for finding the bright side of just about anything… to an almost supernatural degree. Even as our title character is about to end it all in episode 1, she’s in full positivity mode. And brings that heartfelt optimism to every single episode.
Of course, if you’ve read to the end of the manga, you know Kafuka’s true nature. If for some reason you haven’t, we won’t spoil the strange twist for you. Suffice to say that her personality is infectious… in fact, you might say there’s a little bit of her in all the students…
Michiru Inukai
If you feel like you need some healing after you spring forward, look no further than Michiru. This little ball of sunshine lights up the world of Talentless Nana like no one else can. The twisty-turny superhero school drama is full of characters with unbelievable abilities. As for Michiru? She’s a healer. But that healing comes at a cost to herself.
Even as a literal murder mystery unfolds around her, Michiru keeps her spirits high. Faced with the machinations of an enemy force in her school, she could be the one to turn the tide. That’s all we’ll say… again, there are some things that deserve to be seen rather than spoiled.
Keep your spirits high with these winter anime ending themes!
