The realm of anime is packed with classic heroes and villains alike, ranging from staples like Son Goku and Naruto Uzumaki to recent heroes like Tanjiro Kamado and Yuji Itadori. Interestingly, these shonen stories often present good vs evil in a black-and-white manner, much like the Force in the Star Wars saga.
While the Dark Side calls for ambitious and ruthless people who seek power like a Sith Lord, the Light Side is the ultimate peacekeeping tool for noble, selfless Jedi Knights who champion justice and equality for all. But a Jedi candidate needs more than a lightsaber. They must also have the right worldview and personality, such as favoring compassion over wrath and mastering their emotions like a monk. Who’s got what it takes?
10 Itsuka Kendo, The Big Sister Type (My Hero Academia)
Many anime characters fit the “big sister” or “big brother” role, and in this particular franchise, Tensei Iida is the caring big brother of Tenya Iida. Meanwhile, Itsuka Kendo acts as the unofficial “big sister” of class 1-B, and everyone in her class looks up to her.
Itsuka is tough and responsible, and she is also class 1-B’s humble and hardworking class president. That noble strength, combined with Itsuka’s cool-headed thinking and selfless courage, would make her an exemplary Jedi.
9 Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi, Who Respects His Deadly Power (Bleach)
Although all Soul Reapers are trained to use a sword and fight monstrous Hollows to keep humanity safe, not all of them could qualify as a Jedi Knight. Many Soul Reapers enjoy battle a little too much, such as Captain Kenpachi Zaraki, or are too emotionally distracted or short-tempered (such as Toshiro Hitsugaya).
An exception is Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi of squad 9, who is not only a powerful fighter but also a responsible one who keeps things real. He has learned to respect and fear his own power and never will he be arrogant or boastful in combat. His humble and respectful ways make him a fine Jedi candidate.
8 Thors, The Troll Of Jom (Vinland Saga)
For a time, the mighty Thors was a notable Jomsviking warrior, a fiend in battle. He would have made a lousy Jedi at the time, but then he grew weary of battle and faked his death, escaping to Iceland to start a family. His warrior days are now behind him.
Thors and his son Thorfinn don’t relate to other Vikings’ bloodthirsty and plundering ways. What is more, Thors is ready to lay down his life for his men and his family. He’s attached to them, but he won’t become corrupt or murderous on their behalf. That’s an important distinction for a Jedi, who can’t afford to be too attached to others.
7 Sasha Braus, Who Puts Others First (Attack On Titan)
At first, the goofy Sasha Braus might seem like an odd choice for Jedi training, but she actually does have a good case for it. Sasha may be silly and whimsical, but she is down to earth and not at all ambitious. She won’t do anything for her own sake; instead, she will put her life on the line for others.
This lack of selfish ambition is a good start, and what is more, Sasha is totally honest with herself and isn’t liable to explode with rage or succumb to fear easily. Aside from thinking with her stomach, she won’t let her emotions rule her, and that’s vital for Jedi. If she’s not distracted by hunger, she’ll always put duty first.
6 Hakuro, The Ogre Swordsman (That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime)
Only a few ogres survived the slaughter of their village, but despite that horrible loss, the survivors are ready to move on and make the most of their lives, including the elderly Hakuro. He and his young master Benimaru are masters of the sword, and they are Rimuru Tempest’s loyal servants.
Hakuro is better at controlling his temper and emotions than Benimaru is, and his patient, wise ways also strengthen his case for becoming a Jedi Knight. Before long, he could start training his own Jedi apprentices, and teach them how to wield the Light Side for defense in battle.
5 Tanjiro Kamado, The Selfless Swordsman (Demon Slayer)
The demon slayer Tanjiro Kamado might need to check that temper of his before becoming a Jedi, but as a whole, he’s got what it takes. He is an expert with the sword, and always puts the needs of others before himself. He will openly weep if anyone is hurt or killed while he’s around.
Fortunately, though, Tanjiro doesn’t let these emotions completely rule him. He empathizes with demons, but still slays them out of duty, and he refuses to take questionable shortcuts to help his sister Nezuko regain her humanity. Attachments are risky for a Jedi, but Tanjiro can get away with having this exception.
4 Arthur Pendragon, Ally Of Meliodas (The Seven Deadly Sins)
While the members of the Seven Deadly Sins group are all heroes, many of them have serious attachments to other people or have questionable personalities that might make them unfit for Jedi training. However, an ally of theirs, King Arthur of Pendragon, is an exception.
Arthur lives up to the real-life tales with his noble and courageous deeds, and his selfless devotion to his kingdom and its people. Rather than consorting with dark powers to protect those people, he will lay down his life for them, and that is the Jedi way. Arthur won’t be tempted with corrupted power for any reason.
3 Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, The Sharpshooter (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
It’s true that Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye isn’t trained with the sword the way Shuhei Hisagi and Tanjiro are, but that’s not an issue for this potential Jedi. Riza Hawkeye knows her duty, and she always puts the mission (and others) first. She has no ambitions other than to serve as a model for other Amestris officers.
This humble, selfless commitment to duty is perfect for a Jedi, and Riza is not easily ruled by her emotions, nor is she ever tempted by quick, easy power. She would firmly reject the Dark Side and its false promises and uphold the law as a noble Jedi Knight.
2 Muhammad Avdol, The Fortune Teller (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Although Muhammad Avdol’s Stand (Magician’s Red) burns hot, Avdol himself has a remarkably cool-headed and easygoing personality for the most part. He is a highly cooperative and empathetic teammate, and he won’t let fear or temptation derail him at all.
Avdol takes himself seriously, but not too seriously, and he is not the ruthless or self-centered type at all. In fact, he was ready to risk his life more than once for a friend’s sake, and that’s the kind of sacrifice a Jedi will make. Someone get Avdol a lightsaber already.
1 Dracule Mihawk, The Lone Swordsman (One Piece)
The ultimate swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, might need some rough edges sanded down before he can begin Jedi training, but otherwise, he is a fine candidate. Mihawk is exceptionally powerful but not arrogant, and he does not scheme against others or seek more power for his own sake. He also has a sense of duty.
Better yet, Mihawk is an honorable sort, and he genuinely wants Roronoa Zoro to surpass him someday and realize his potential. If Mihawk can focus a bit more on doing good and helping others, then he’s ready to become a Jedi. It helps that he doesn’t have many attachments either, nor does he let his emotions rule him.
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