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We’re Relying on These Dependable Anime Heroes in the Year of the Ox

It's the Year of the Ox, and we're thinking of these reliable anime characters!

It’s officially the Year of the Ox! People born under this sign are honest, hardworking, diligent, and reliable. And plenty of our anime faves are just like that.

Of course, not all of these characters are actually under the sign of the Ox. But we sure feel like they merit special recognition for their reliable nature. Can you think of any others who apply?

 

Ami Mizuno

Ami Mizuno, Sailor Moon

The Sailor Guardians of Sailor Moon all come together to make the perfect team. Strength, empathy, and a variety of talents make them shine. And one of the most reliable of all is Sailor Mercury herself, Ami Mizuno.

She exemplifies the Year of the Ox in her hard work both at school and as a member of the Guardians. Not only is she devoted to doing her best in her studies, she’s a core player on the team. Her intelligence and attention to detail have led them to victory more than once.

 

Madoka Kaname

Madoka Kaname, Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Being reliable doesn’t mean you can’t be gentle and kind. In fact, people born in the Year of the Ox are popular among their peers. And we can’t think of anyone in the universe who is kinder and works harder than Madoka Kaname.

The title character of Puella Magi Madoka Magica actually takes a while to show her magical girl side, as we’re seeing things from a very particular point of view. But more than once, she’s given her all to protect the world and her fellow magical girls.

 

Alphonse Elric

Alphonse Elric, Fullmetal Alchemist

If you can’t lean on a giant suit of armor, who can you lean on? The good boy Alphonse Elric, co-star of Fullmetal Alchemist, has more than enough problems of his own. But he’s still there for his brother, and for others, when needed.

Not only that, Al is a dab hand at alchemy, occasionally even catching up to big brother Edward. He’s a perfect fit for the Year of the Ox, even if the world he lives in likely uses a completely different form or astrology.

 

Towa Higurashi

Towa Higurashi, Yashahime: Princess Half Demon

How do you know someone’s reliable? When you can count on them even when you really just want them to go away. That’s big Year of the Ox energy.

The co-star of Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon may get the cold shoulder from her estranged twin Setsuna. And she may annoy Moroha on her many quests for enough rice to feed a small country. But Towa won’t be dissuaded, and always has your back. Plus, you can always count on her to be carrying delicious snacks, and that’s what’s really important.

 

Hatsuharu Sohma

Hatsuharu Sohma, Fruits Basket

We weren’t about to check out without mentioning the literal poster boy for the Year of the Ox! Haru Sohma may have a chaotic side to him, but the Fruits Basket star does exemplify his sign (and his curse).

The family’s local ox is loyal to the people he cares about, especially family members, and is a big brother member within the family. And considering the kind of family the Sohmas are, every little bit of support helps.

Can you think of more anime characters with big Year of the Ox energy?


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Kara Dennison

Kara Dennison is a writer, editor, and presenter with bylines at Crunchyroll, Sci-Fi Magazine, Sartorial Geek, and many others. She is a contributor to the celebrated Black Archive line, with many other books, short stories, and critical works to her name.

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