There's nothing quite like the crisp, refreshing taste of a cold beer, and we're guessing plenty of you would agree—especially when you're cracking one open on a hot summer day. It's a vibe that anime often captures perfectly, with countless scenes of characters unwinding with a brew after work or just kicking back, creating a moment that feels totally relatable.
This year, Japanese website "Anime! Anime!" decided to settle the debate with its annual reader poll: "Which anime character is the best fit for beer?" After receiving hundreds of submissions, they've crowned the character fans think is the ultimate beer icon.
With nearly a thousand votes cast, here are the top five contenders. Let's see if your favorite made the cut.
▼ 5th Place: Minami Toba from Laid-Back Camp
Minami Toba, the substitute history teacher who gets roped into becoming the Outdoor Activities Club's advisor, is a woman who appreciates a good drink. After a chance encounter with the club members, she takes on the role of their chaperone.
A true alcohol aficionado, she's a regular at the local liquor store, where her habit of buying canned beer by the half-dozen has earned her the nickname "Ms. Six-Pack" (Gubi Nee) from the staff. Fans who voted for her love this side of her personality, noting her discerning taste. She even had a collaboration with the brewing brand "KURAND" for a special line of alcoholic beverages.
▼ 4th Place: Germany from Hetalia: Axis Powers
Hailing from Hetalia: Axis Powers, a series that comedically personifies countries and their historical quirks, Germany is known for his serious, by-the-book personality. He's a stickler for rules and order, applying maximum effort to both work and relaxation.
However, once he's got a beer in hand, all that pent-up stress and frustration comes pouring out. It's this stark contrast that won over voters, who see him as the perfect symbol of beer-fueled catharsis. As one fan put it, watching him drink is "strangely satisfying."
▼ 3rd Place: Hiroshi Nohara from Crayon Shin-chan
When you think of Shin-chan's dad, the image that comes to mind is iconic: kicking back with an ice-cold beer after a long day and a hot bath. His character has become so synonymous with this ritual that he even inspired a real-life "Mortgage-Paid-Off Junmai Daiginjo" sake. For many in Japan, he's the quintessential beer-loving dad. "For Japanese office workers, a beer after work is the ultimate reward," one voter commented. "Hiroshi's beer mug is just too classic."
▼ 2nd Place: Misato Katsuragi from Neon Genesis Evangelion
If you were asked to name a female anime character who loves beer, Misato would likely be at the top of the list. Her scenes at home, enthusiastically chugging Yebisu beer or Dassai sake, are legendary, and her pure, unadulterated enjoyment is practically contagious.
Voters showered her with praise: "She drinks with such gusto, watching her cheers makes you want to crack one open too." "She'll down a whole can and declare, 'This is what life's all about!'—and it's so convincing." "Her fridge is literally just beer. It's wild!" The sharp contrast between her professional and private life only adds to her unforgettable charm.
Alright, folks, it's time to reveal the champion crowned by Japanese fans. Did your number one pick make it to the top? Let's see if your taste aligns with the voters in Japan!
▼ 1st Place: Kogoro Mouri from Detective Conan
While he might be best known for getting tranquilized by Conan, the "Sleeping Kogoro" is just as famous for his love of drinking. Whether he's passing out at his desk in the detective agency or enjoying a cold one on a trip, he's the epitome of a hard-drinking old-school detective.
Fans overwhelmingly associate him with beer. "When you think of Kogoro, you picture him passed out, surrounded by empty beer cans," said one voter. "His desk is always covered in them, and he has to have a drink after closing a case."
His cool factor in this year's film, Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine, also won him points, with fans noting, "He might be a lazy drunk most of the time, but when it counts, he's incredibly cool!"
So, what do you think of the final rankings? In the vast world of anime, popularity definitely plays a role, and there are countless characters who know how to enjoy a good drink. Everyone has their own favorites, so consider this poll a fun snapshot of what some fans are thinking. Cheers to that!
Here's the full top ten list:
9th Place (Tie) - Ruriko from Baseball-jō e Tsuretette!
9th Place (Tie) - Heiter from Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
9th Place (Tie) - Komoe Tsukuyomi from A Certain Magical Index
7th Place - Osomatsu Matsuno from Mr. Osomatsu
6th Place (Tie) - Gintoki Sakata from Gintama
6th Place (Tie) - Roronoa Zoro from One Piece
5th Place - Minami Toba from Laid-Back Camp
4th Place - Germany from Hetalia: Axis Powers
3rd Place - Hiroshi Nohara from Crayon Shin-chan
2nd Place - Misato Katsuragi from Neon Genesis Evangelion
1st Place - Kogoro Mouri from Detective Conan
via： アニメ！アニメ！