Kobeni Higashiyama, a prominent character from the latter part of *Chainsaw Man*, captivates audiences with her striking personality traits. As a significant supporting character in the Public Safety arc, Kobeni’s blend of anxiety and surprising strength resonates with fans, prompting them to seek out similar characters in other anime.
Characterized primarily by her demure nature, Kobeni often displays a sense of cowardice alongside fleeting moments of bravery. Her tendency to buckle under pressure and dissolve into tears when confronted by danger adds depth to her character and makes her relatable. In light of these attributes, here are some anime characters who mirror Kobeni’s captivating persona.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article reflect the author’s opinions and may include spoilers from the anime discussed below.
Characters Similar to Kobeni Higashiyama from *Chainsaw Man*
1. Zenitsu Agatsuma (*Demon Slayer*)
Zenitsu Agatsuma exemplifies a similar dynamic to Kobeni, as both characters experience intense panic when faced with peril. Although Zenitsu possesses considerable strength, he displays profound anxiety in dangerous situations, just like Kobeni during her confrontation with the Eternity Devil. Additionally, both characters share a reluctance to embrace their roles; Zenitsu initially resists being a Demon Slayer while Kobeni struggles with her duties due to financial obligations.
2. Usopp (*One Piece*)
Usopp from *One Piece* perfectly mirrors Kobeni with his cowardly tendencies. He consistently expresses his reluctance to fight and frequently fears for his life, which leads him to flee from danger. In parallel, Kobeni exhibits similar anxieties, revealing her aversion to her job with Public Safety and often considering quitting. Both characters inject humor into their series despite their serious circumstances.
3. Lemon Irvine (*Mashle: Magic and Muscles*)
Lemon Irvine, hailing from *Mashle: Magic and Muscles*, shares a comedic flair with Kobeni. Both reluctant in their respective careers, Lemon approaches his role as a Devil Hunter without enthusiasm, paralleling Kobeni’s ambivalence towards her job driven by necessity. Their comedic reactions to intense situations contribute significantly to the light-hearted moments in their shows.
4. Takeru Noto (*Fire Force*)
Takeru from *Fire Force* parallels Kobeni with his anxious demeanor. Even though he joins the Special Fire Force to combat Infernals, he is easily rattled by danger, reminiscent of Kobeni’s anxiety exacerbated by her financial struggles. Both characters display bravery when necessary, showcasing unexpected resilience amidst their fears.
5. Iruka Umino (*Naruto*)
Iruka Umino from *Naruto* exemplifies a grounded yet resilient character reminiscent of Kobeni. While being an ordinary ninja, he navigates numerous threats, similar to how Kobeni survives in a cutthroat world despite her frazzled nature. Both characters bear emotional burdens, with Iruka looking out for Naruto and Kobeni feeling the weight of familial expectations.
6. Komugi (*Hunter X Hunter*)
Komugi from *Hunter X Hunter* shares low self-esteem with Kobeni. Despite her exceptional skills in Gungi, Komugi underestimates her abilities, mirroring Kobeni’s self-doubt and perceived uselessness. Both characters often succumb to tears when faced with unexpected challenges, amplifying their shared insecurity.
7. Hitori Gotoh (*Bocchi the Rock!*)
Hitori from *Bocchi the Rock!* exhibits profound social anxiety similar to Kobeni’s reactions under stress. Known for freezing up during conversations, Hitori shares Kobeni’s tendency to break down under pressure. Despite their insecurities, both characters display hidden talents; Hitori excels as a guitarist while Kobeni demonstrates impressive agility during combat scenarios.
8. Mare Bello Fiore (*Overlord*)
Mare Bello Fiore from *Overlord* and Kobeni share an overwhelming sense of self-doubt despite their strengths. Mare’s soft-spoken demeanor and nervousness echo Kobeni’s hesitation in combat situations. Both characters struggle with anxiety, tending to inadvertently reveal their fears even in the presence of allies.
9. Hanataro Yamada (*Bleach*)
Hanataro Yamada from *Bleach* resonates with Kobeni’s timid nature. As a healer, Hanataro exhibits anxiety when confronting the stronger Soul Reapers, much like Kobeni’s nervousness in the face of Devils. Both characters prefer to avoid conflict, illustrating a shared reluctance towards combat despite external pressures.
10. Megumi Tadokoro (*Food Wars!*)
Lastly, Megumi Tadokoro from *Food Wars!* shares traits of shyness and self-doubt with Kobeni. Her hesitance in the kitchen reflects Kobeni’s internal fears about combat. Both are thrust into high-pressure situations against their wishes, driven by external circumstances—Megumi by the competitive environment of Totsuki Academy and Kobeni by family obligations.
Final Thoughts
Kobeni’s character in *Chainsaw Man* epitomizes the struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, and the relentless pressure of expectations. Her humorous yet poignant moments provide levity within an action-packed narrative. As the series expands, especially with the anticipated *Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc* set to release in 2025, fans eagerly await further exploration of Kobeni and her fellow Devil Hunters.