In this blog we will be examining the MBTI of different anime characters. We will also recommend which Anime you should watch based on your MBTI personality type.
MBTI Anime:
Anime, a term derived from the English word ‘animation’ is a Japan-based animation system. This form of animation has a very specific style and generally involves hand-drawn, computer-based animation. It has moved from a largely domestic audience to become a global phenomenon with various broad as well as niche audiences.
A number of Anime studios including Studio Ghibli, Gainax, Toie Animation have produced a number of globally popular anime television and other programmes. They have rich and well-developed characters and storylines and this makes it easy to typify these characters using different personality systems.
The Myers-Briggs personality system is one such popular personality classification system that can be used. The measurement tool used is the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator). The MBTI is made of 16 different personality types. A person’s personality type on the MBTI indicates the way a person usually perceives and engages with the world around him.
It includes a measure of different cognitive functions. The tool assigns people slong 4 dimensions: introversion vs. extraversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, judging vs. perceiving. Based on where an individual stands on each dimension he or she receives one of 16 possible personality designations. Some examples of MBTI types include: INTP, INFJ, ESTJ, ENFP etc.
Anime is more than just cartoons for children. In anime shows it is possible to find nuanced and complex characters. Thus, they provide a lot of scope to individuals wishing to classify people based on the MBTI system.
Anime Characters as MBTI:
ENFP – Kaori Miyazono from ‘Your Lie in April’:
Kaori is a good example of an Anime ENFP MBTI character with her innovative and free spirit. She embodies a number of the classic ENFP strong points. She doesn’t abide by the rule-book when it comes to her music, which while infuriating some usually captivates and enthralls her audience. ENFPs are intuitive people, and Kaori is no exception. She places less emphasis on being stylistically appropriate and more on making an impression on and touching her audience with her music. In true ENFP fashion she is warm and energetic while also being strong and independent.
Other ENFP MBTI Anime characters include: Misa Amane (D-Note), Aang (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Yui (K-On!), Naruto.
ENTP – Edward Elric from ‘FullMetal Alchemist’:
The ENTPs are strong-willed and perceptive people and Edward Elric from the Anime FullMetal Alchemist, fits this MBTI type perfectly. The Extraverted Intuition and Introverted Thinking function of ENTPs is evident in Elric’s creative and clever personality. Elric, like most ENTPs, is excited by new ideas and theories and is always keen to find and solve problems. His witty and irreverent sense of humour is also characteristic of ENTPs.
Other ENTP MBTI Anime characters include: Mei Hatsume (My Hero Academia), Lloyd Asplund (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion), Ryuk (D-Note).
INFP – Ken Kaneki from ‘Tokyo Ghoul’:
INFPs, more than any other personality type on the MBTI, have a strong desire to express their individuality and stay true to themselves. Ken Kaneki is the perfect example of this. He wishes to retain his freedom and not cave in to the external pressure. This conflict between staying true to his authentic self in the midst of pressure from others is one of Kaneki’s primary struggles. INFPs are gentle and shy people. They are altruistic and devoted to the people in their lives. In line with this, Kaneki often puts his life in danger for his friends. The deep introspection characteristic of INFPs is also evident in Kaneki’s personality.
Other INFP MBTI Anime characters include: Tamaki Amajiki (My Hero Academia), Eric Alphonse (FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood), Nagato (Naruto), Zuko (Avatar).
INTP – L Lawliet from ‘D-Note’:
INTPs are highly intelligent but frequently underestimated people. Nothing could be a more perfect description of L Lawliet. INTPs combine a certain carefree, messy exterior with high intelligence. People often underestimate Lawliet because of his untidy appearance and social awkwardness and ignore his analytical and deductive prowess. The desire to solve problems and discover the truth that is such a staple of INTPs, is evident in Lawliet and his relentless solving of mysteries. His dry sense of humour is also characteristic of INTPs.
Other INTP MBTI Anime characters include: Tsuyu Asui “Froppy” (My Hero Academia), Shiro (No Game No Life), Ginko (Mushishi).
ENFJ – Tanjiro Kamado from ‘Demon Slayer’:
Tanjiro is an example of a healthy ENFJ. He is focused and compassionate and willing to do anything to protect those he loves. His empathy for others is evident from the fact that he even tries to see the good in villains. Like most ENFJs he is good with people and is able to get through to those who put up emotional walls. Hi foresight and capacity to forego present discomfort for future gain is attributable to his Introverted Intuition function.
Other ENFJ MBTI Anime characters include: Osono (Kiki’s Delivery Service), Tsubasa Ozora (Captain Tsubasa), Master Roshi (Dragon Ball Z).
ENTJ – Light Yagami from ‘D-Note’:
Light exhibits many ENTJ strengths. He is hard-working and good at strategizing and problem solving. Like most ENTJs Light has one clear goal. In his case it is to rid the world of injustice. Light is good at analysing a situation logically and devising plans for the future based on his assessment of a situation. However, like other ENTJs, he has a tendency to be highly impulsive and get into trouble as a result.
Other ENTJ MBTI Anime characters include Esd.. (Akame Ga K), Erwin Smith, Roy Mustang (FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood).
INFJ – Izuku Midoriya from ‘My Hero Academia’:
Idealism and compassion for others are the hallmarks of the INFJ personality type, and Izuku MIdoriya is embodiment of that. He is empathetic and focused on a single goal. Like other INFJs Izuku often gets so absorbed in theorising and strategizing that he forgets to actually act on his plans. His Introverted Intuition makes him good at identifying who might be vulnerable and protecting them. His uncanny ability to know how people will react and find logical solutions to situations is attributable to his Introverted Intuition and Introverted Thinking functions.
Other INFJ MBTI Anime characters include: Future Trunks (Dragon Ball Z), Itachi Uchiha (Naruto), Armin Arlert.
INTJ – Lelouch vi Britannia from ‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’:
Lelouch is extremely good at anticipating his enemies actions and strategizing accordingly. He thinks ahead and is good at long-term planning. He places a lot of emphasis on his principles and doesn’t mind coming across as the ‘bad guy’ as long as he stays true to them. His outward coldness masks a genuine desire to help those in need which is courtesy of his Introverted Feeling and Introverted Intuition.
Other INTJ MBTI Anime characters include: Kai Chisaki “Overhaul” (My Hero Academia), Karma Akabane (Assassination Classroom), Ciel Phantomhive (Black Butler).
ESFP – Natsu Draganeel from ‘Fairy Tale’:
Natsu embodies the carefree and adventurous spirit of ESFPs. He is always focused on the present moment. Natsu, like other ESFPs, has a big heart and is loyal and protective of those he loves. He is quick on his feet and good at gauging the environment to get out of a sticky situation courtesy of his sensing function. Like other ESFPs he is cheerful and energetic.
Other ESFP MBTI Anime characters include: Seiya Kou (Sailor Moon), Mina Ashido (My Hero Academia), Yuga Aoyama (My Hero Academia).
ESTP – Katsuki Bakugo from ‘My Hero Academia’:
Katsuki is competitive and aggressive. Like other ESTPs , he never backs down from a challenge. He is intelligent and perceptive capable of improvising as well as more strategizing in advance to cope with a situation.
Other ESTP MBTI Anime characters include: Phinks (Hunter X Hunter), Nemuri Kayama “Midnight” (My Hero Academia), Envy (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood).
ISFP – Shoto Todoroki from ‘My Hero Academia’:
Like ISFPs, Todoroki is good at keeping his head in a crisis. He is committed to his value system and will go to any lengths to maintain his integrity. The Introverted Feeling and Extraverted Sensation functions of ISFPs are a powerful combination and this is exemplified in Todoroki who combines a sense of honour with his quick reflexes on the battlefield.
Other ISFP MBTI Anime characters include: Chizome Akaguro “Stain” (My Hero Academia), Eren Yeager, Yuichiro Hyakuya (Seraph of the End), Haruka Nanase (Free!).
ISTP – Shizuo Heiwajima from ‘Durarara’:
Like most ISTPs, Shizuo is highly aware of his surroundings and uses this to his advantage in tackling his opponents. He doesn’t mince his words and is always direct and logical with his communication. When it comes to emergencies or crises, Shizuo finds a way out easily.
Other ISTP MBTI Anime characters include: Shoto Aizawa (My Hero Academia), Kyoka Jirou “Earphone Jack” (My Hero Academia), Levi Ackerman.
ESFJ – Shirley Fenette from ‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’:
Shirley is a considerate and thoughtful person much like the people-oriented ESFJs. She is practical and grounded. She is always checking up on those around her and is very careful about behaving appropriately and morally.
Other ESFJ MBTI Anime characters include: Sakura Haruno (Naruto: Shippenden), Chi Chi (Dragon Ball Z), Katara (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Rose (Fullmetal Alchemist).
ESTJ – Izumi Curtis from ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’:
The ESTJ’s pragmatism and resourcefulness is captured by Izumi. Her strong leadership skills and ability to take charge in a crisis are characteristic of ESTJ, as are her hard-work and persistence.
Other ESTJ MBTI Anime characters include: Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail), Takaya Abe (Big Windup!), Asuka Langley Sohryu (Evangelion), Cornelia li Brittania (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion).
ISFJ – Rem from ‘ReZero’:
Like ISFJs, Rem is gentle and caring. She is loyal and uses her powers to protect those she loves. She shows her love and affection for others in tangible ways, often putting herself in danger for the sake of others. She can be too good-natured and kind for her own good. Lik ISFJs she is detail-oriented and analytical.
Other ISFJ MBTI Anime characters include: Krillin (Dragon Ball Z), Brock (Pokemon), Miroku (Inyuasha).
ISTJ – Tenya Lida from ‘My Hero Academia’:
Like ISTJs, Tenya Lida is focused on doing what is right. He is responsible and rule-abiding and devoted to his family. He is disciplined and hard-working and places a lot of importance on efficiency. His pragmatism enables him to come up with good plans of action.
Other ISTJ MBTI Anime characters include: Boa (One Piece), Shikamaru (Naruto), Unalaq (Avatar: The Last Airbender).
The Anime each MBTI should watch:
The MBTI personality system classifies people based on their preferences and motives. Thus, it is possible to determine which anime each of the 16 personality types may like to watch. Following are some recommendations:
ISTJ – Hajime No Ippo
ISFJ – Baccano!
INFJ – Gurren Lagann
INTJ – D-Note
ISTP – Paranoia Agent
ISFP – Aria The Animation
INFP – Mishishi
INTP – Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
ESTP – Black Lagoon
ESFP – Ouran High School Host Club
ENFP – Soul Eater
ENTP – Mononoke
ESTJ – Gungrave
ESFJ – Natsume’s Book of Friends
ENFJ – Toradora!
ENTJ – Code Gease : Lelouch of the Rebellion
Conclusion:
In this blog we examined the MBTI of Anime characters. We described the personality types of different Anime characters. We looked at examples of each of the 16 MBTI personality types in different Anime programs. We also recommended some Anime to watch based on a person’s MBTI.
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know.
FAQ on ‘MBTI Anime (An Update)’:
Which MBTI is the laziest?
INTPs are stereotypically the laziest MBTI. Additionally, ENTPs can be lazy as well.
Which MBTI type has the highest IQ?
INTP, ENTP, INTJ, INFJ are some of the personality types with the highest IQs.
What are the Anime personality types?
Some anime personality types include: tsundere, yandere, deredere, dandere, bakadere, kamidere, kuudere, himedere/ouijidere.
Which MBTI type is the kindest?
The kindest MBTI type is usually considered to be the ISFJ.
What personality type is Naruto?
Naruto is usually typified as an ENTP – The Campaigner.
What is the rarest MBTI type?
The rarest MBTI type is INFJ. They make up only around 1-3 % of the general population.
References:
https://www.cbr.com/2000s-anime-watch-based-myers-briggs-mbti/
https://www.cbr.com/mbti-anime-characters-intps/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anime