Top 10 Anime Mentors

Top 10 Anime Mentors

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When you need training, these mentors are sure to kick you into shape. Welcome to Watchmojo.com and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Anime Mentors. For this list, we’re looking at the wisest, spriest, most memorable characters that impart wisdom in Anime. They kick ass and teach life lessons not just for main characters but for viewers too. That being said, their wisdom has to have had a positive impact on their students. Sorry, Nozomu Itoshiki, you wont be on this list.

“One Piece” (1999-) It takes a special kind of man to train the eccentric Monkey D Luffy. Silvers Rayleigh may be a bit of a laid back guy, but he’s also quite the disciplinarian. In his old age, he grew to appreciate life and soon found a sort of kindred spirit in Luffy, who reminded him a lot of several old friends. This was more than enough reason for Silvers to train Luffy in all of the techniques he knows so as to better himself in combat. If anything, Silvers invigorates Luffy once more to fulfill his dream of becoming the King of Pirates.

“Hunter X Hunter” (2011-14) Great things come in small packages. Biscuit, or Bisky as she’s also known, may look like a cute little doll. But, In reality, this is only the appearance she chooses to walk around in. The real Biscuit is a buff, lady behemoth. It’s a classic case of misdirection that leads to plenty of underestimation, particularly when training new students. Though she’s often known to be devious, Bisky is deadly serious when it comes to the training of Gon and KilIua, pushing both to their limits. If Bisky can make her students shine as brightly as the jewels she likes to collect, then she has done her job right.

#8: All Might

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“My Hero Academia” (2016) In a world where superpowers, known as Quirks, are as common as party tricks, All Might stands above the rest as the world’s greatest hero. He soon finds a pupil in Izuku Midoriya, who, despite being quirkless, risks his own life to save someone. Seeing Izuku’s potential, All Might transfers his Quirk to the young boy to allow him to follow in his footsteps – ensuring that he’ll become a true hero. Though the timid Izuka came close to abandoning his dream, All Might’s heroic presence reignited his passion to serve the greater good. If ever there was a mentor with his heart in the right place, it’s All Might.

"Monogatari" series (2012-) Meme is a paranormal expert who often lends a hand to series protagonist Koyomi Araragi. Full of insight and experience in dealing with apparitions, Meme stands out from other mentors as he requests compensation for his advice. That’s right, he’ll help solve your problems but hardly ever for free. This comes from Meme attempting to stay out of the affairs of the other worldly. Though his prices range from menial to staggering amounts, Meme’s knowledge is worth the expense and it may just save your life as a result.

#6: Master Asia

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“G Gundam” (1994-95) Ever wonder where G Gundam’s lead hero, Domon Kasshu got his flair for the dramatic? It came from this guy, the Undefeated of the East. A capable combatant in and out of a Gundam, Master Asia simply isn’t afraid to go all out to defeat an opponent. He possesses monstrous strength and the ability to level Mobile Fighters with only a weaponized cloth from his Gundam. In a shocking twist, Master Asia does end up becoming an antagonist to his former student during the Gundam Fight Tournament. But Domon never holds back, even against his former master. And that’s just the way Master Asia wants it to be - a true battle of honor.

“Haikyuu!” (2014- ) Though advisor Ittetsu Takeda does lend his words of inspiration, he’s not volleyball coach material. Ukai knows the sport of volleyball, having played on the Karasuno High team during his time there. He also happens to be grandson of the previous coach, which gives him a sort of legacy standing. Despite his lazy disposition, penchant for booze, and initially taking the coaching job to best an old rival, Ukai puts his life and soul into setting his team straight. He is as dedicated to the underclassmen of Karasuno High as he is helping his family shop business and neighborhood association.

“Jojo's Bizarre Adventure” (2012- ) The beautiful teacher, Lisa Lisa, is one of the greatest fighters in the JoJo universe, potentially topping even William Antonio Zeppeli. As a Ripple Master, Lisa Lisa harnesses the power of light as her choice of weapon in battle. Eventually she becomes teacher to Joseph Joestar and isn’t hesitant to train him harshly, like smacking him over the head with an oar. While not without feelings of her own, Lisa always maintains a tough façade, given that she’s leader in the battle against the devious Pillar men. If you wish to send vampires to a dazzling grave, this is the sensei to seek out…if you don’t die during her training in the process.

“Dragon Ball Franchise” (1986-) Everyone’s favorite, shell and shades sporting hermit is one of the most important characters in the Dragon Ball universe. Unlike Dragon Ball Z’s joke spouting master, King Kai, Roshi has been in Dragon Ball from the beginning, serving as teacher to several of Z-Fighters. Most notably, he brought lifelong friends Goku and Krillin together for the first time. When he isn’t trying to catch a cheeky glimpse of a lady, Roshi is testing his pupils in many ways. As a final test for Goku and Krillin, he even entered the World Martial Arts Tournament to assess their combat skills. So don’t let his perverted nature fool you. He’s still able to pull off a pretty powerful Kamehameha.

“Naruto Franchise” (2002-) Kakashi was one of the first mentor figures introduced for the long running Naruto series. At first, he started off with three raw recruits: Naruto, Saksuke and Sakura. Though a bit unorthodox and plenty harsh at times, Kakashi is always thinking about what’s best for his students, even if it’s a hard truth to swallow. Even long past their time as mentors and students, Kakashi continues to fight alongside Naruto and his allies on equal ground. His skill with his powerful Sharingan Eye technique is matched only by his love for a…certain kind of novel, which also happened to be written by another beloved Naruto teacher, Jiriya. Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few Honorable Mentions: Izumi Curtis “Fullmetal Alchemist Franchise” (2003-10) Ryouji Kaji “Neon Genesis Evangelion” (1995-96) Noboru Taki “Hibike! Sound Euphonium” (2015) Rambal Ral “Gundam Build Fighters Series” (2013-14) Eikichi Onizuka “GTO! Grand Teacher Onizuka” (1999-2000)

“Gurenn Lagann” (2007) Sometimes being a mentor isn’t about being old and wise. It’s about living life to the fullest and encouraging others to follow in that mindset. And no one does this better than Kamina of Team Dai Gurren. Kamina is one to shout his dreams and intentions to the world even if no one is listening. And man can he do so in style. Kamina is always trying to encourage his blood brother, Simon, to go the distance. Even if Simon is hesitant, Kamina never stops believing in him and guiding his way. Even in death, this hot-blooded leader is able to invigorate his allies to save themselves…and the whole universe for that matter. Do you agree with our list? Which Anime mentor do you think delivers the best advice and training? For more character spot lighting Top 10’s published daily, be sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.com