In celebration of Japan's annual Kyudo Day on September 10, Japanese media outlet Anime! Anime! surveyed nearly 1,800 fans to determine the most memorable bow-wielding figures across anime history. Spanning traditional Japanese archery, tactical modern marksmen, and mystical divine arrows, the results highlight how the bow remains one of anime's most resonant character weapons.
Top Marksmen of the Year
Claiming the top spot for the third consecutive year with 22 percent of the total vote is Kagome Higurashi from Rumiko Takahashi's classic fantasy series Inuyasha. Voters praised her development from an ordinary modern student into a resolute spiritual archer capable of purifying demonic forces with sacred arrows.
Securing second place for the third straight year is Ukyo Saionji from Dr. STONE. A former submarine sonar operator with exceptional acoustic perception, Ukyo earned immense support for his tactical non-lethal marksmanship and moral conviction.
Third place went to Madoka Kaname from Puella Magi Madoka Magica, leaping up from eighth place last year. Madoka's radiant floral bow and cosmic final arrow continue to leave an unforgettable impression on viewers worldwide.
Emerging Archers and Top 10
Recent seasonal hits also gained momentum in the poll, including Yuru from Hiromu Arakawa's fantasy adventure Tsugai of the Underworld and Momoyuki Mogura from Dekin no Mogura.
- 1. Kagome Higurashi (Inuyasha)
- 2. Ukyo Saionji (Dr. STONE)
- 3. Madoka Kaname (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
- 4. Archer (Fate/stay night)
- 5. Minato Narumiya (Tsurune)
- 6. Yuru (Tsugai of the Underworld)
- 7. Uryu Ishida (BLEACH)
- 8. Kikyo (Inuyasha)
- 9. Kaguya Shinomiya (Kaguya-sama: Love Is War)
- 10. Kaga (Kantai Collection) / Eirin Yagokoro (Touhou Project) [Tie]
