8 Adorable Anime Sidekicks
If you are the protagonist of an anime, there are a few things you’ve just got to have. For [...]
If you are the protagonist of an anime, there are a few things you've just got to have. For instance, you better have brightly colored, gravity defying hair. And, if you're really invested in the cause, you will probably make sure your angst-ridden backstory is one display for audiences to see.
However, there's one thing you would need to have without exception, and that is an adorable sidekick.
In the world of anime, there are more adorable mascots and sidekicks than we can count. From Doraemon to Totoro, the list of cute and cuddly character companions goes on and on.
Here at ComicBook.com, we've compiled a list of eight of the more adorable anime sidekicks for you to squee over. But, do be warned! The following slides contain an excessive amount of cuteness which may result in arrhythmia or uncontrollable fangirling.
Jiji
When it comes to Studio Ghibli, there are dozens of notable sidekicks, but Jiji arguably stands as the company's most helpful ally. The slender black cat assists the beloved heroine Kiki as she trains to become a full-fledged witch in Kiki's Delivery Service.
Known for his erect ears and wide, circular eyes, Jiji is a chatty cat who's always ready to help Kiki out with her deliveries. The film introduced Jiji to audience back in 1989 courtesy of Hayao Miyazaki who adapted Kiki's Delivery Service from a novel by Eiko Kadono. Audiences fell in love with the spirited heroine and her plucky kitty. Even after all these years, Jiji continues to stand as one of the studio's greatest sidekicks of all time.
Luna & Artemis
In the name of the Moon, you better find Artemis and Luna cute! The two feline friends debuted in Sailor Moon and acted as advisors to the earthbound Sailor Scouts. The talking cats are known for the upside-down crescent marks they sport on their foreheads and the fierce protectiveness they have over their destined scouts.
Fans of the Sailor Moon anime are introduced to Luna as the cat is adopted by Usagi Tsukino. Luna detects the teenager's powers but did not know she was advising the Moon Princess herself. Later, audiences meet Artemis when Minako Aino joins the Sailor Scouts as Sailor Venus. The two worked together to advise the scouts on missions as the cats were originally advisors to Queen Serenity, the Queen of the Moon Kingdom. When her reign was threatened, the Queen sent Luna and Artemis to Earth to awaken the Sailor Scouts as they would one day protect the galaxy from evil forces.
Kirara
Inuyasha isn't very well known for its cuddly companions. If anything, the anime is recognized for its grotesque demons and over-the-top violence as Inuyasha slays monstrous allies of Naraku. However, there is one sidekick who looks particularly cute, and it's none other than Kirara.
The nekomata companion is introduced to fans when Sango joins Inuyasha and Kagome on their journey. The fluffy two-tailed creature is a cat demon who acts similar to normal felines. However, her sharp intelligence and combat training make her an invaluable ally to Sango. While Kirara helps her comrades in her mini form, her true power is shown after she transforms into a huge sabre-toothed cat.
Still, Kirara is cute even in her more powerful form. Fitted with red eyes and sharp teeth, the demonic cat still looks lovable despite her deadly features.
Tony Tony Chopper
While 'sidekick' may not be the best description for this character, he certainly is adorable. Tony Tony Chopper from One Piece stands as one of the most important Straw Hat Pirates under Captain Luffy's purview, and he is might be the cutest to boot.
For most of the anime, Tony Tony Chopper takes the form of a tiny humanoid reindeer who acts as the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates. The boy was turned into his adorable form after eating a Devil Fruit known as the Hito Hito no Mi. Over time, the character has acquired an increasingly chibi-like appearance that characters frequently fawn over.
Let's be honest: If you saw someone who looked like Tony Tony Chopper, it'd be hard not to fangirl over their chubby cheeks.
Kero
If you haven't heard of Kero, then you need to check out Clamp's Cardcaptor Sakura. The pint-sized character is one of the most popular of the series with his dainty wings and sweet face - but that illusion is shattered after the mouthy sidekick opens his mouth.
Kero is certainly cute, but his personality isn't always the best. The character is one of two powerful Guardians who were created by Clow Reed, the creator of the Clow Cards. In the show, he acts as Sakura Kinomoto's mentor and sidekick after she accidentally releases Reed's magical cards into the world. Kero takes her on as his apprentice and shows her how to use the cards for battle so she can recollect those she lost.
In his usual form, Kero resembles a soft lion-like plush toy. However, his brash and greedy personality often clash with his winsome appearance. However, fans still fall for the cutie as Kero makes it abundantly clear he truly cares for Sakura throughout the show.
Kon
When you look at Kon from Bleach, you might coo over how darling the character looks. If the character could keep his mouth shut, then you may maintain that belief - but it can only be suspended for so long. While Kon might be Bleach's cutest sidekick, he is also considered one of the anime's most bothersome.
If you've seen Bleach, you'll know why fans complain about the boisterous character. He's loud, perverted, and annoyingly perverted. However, the show capitalizes on those traits to bolster Ichigo Kurosaki.
Whether you hate him or not, you do have to admit he's pretty cute. The mod-soul resides in an adorable lion toy that features button eyes and felt-tipped claws. Even when Kon is going off-the-rails crazy, he at least looks charming.
Akamaru
Audiences met Akamaru years ago when Naruto debuted in 2002. The canine sidekick was firmly attached to a genin named Kiba Inuzuka. The ninja adopted Akamaru to train with him and unleash some seriously devastating ninjutsu moves. But, most importantly, Kiba also sees the pup as one of his best friends.
And dang it - Akamaru is just too cute for the Ninja Academy.
In the original Naruto series, the dog is little more than a puppy with floppy ears. Akamaru is often seen hanging out in Kiba's arms or jacket hoodie, but the character's appearance soon changes. By the time Naruto Shippuden aired, Akamaru had grown up into a massive dog who trades in his delightful looks for dangerous ones.
Pikachu
What would a list of cutest anime sidekick be without Pikachu? The lovable Pokemon reigns as one of the most iconic anime characters of all-time. Partnered with Ash Ketchum, the electric-type pocket monster is arguably the world's best sidekick for a trainer looking to catch 'em all.
Just look at the kawaii creature! His round cheeks, pudgy body, and perky ears are enough to make any heart melt. Pikachu's cuteness is only enhanced by his squeaky vocalizations and dogged loyalty to Ash and his friends. Seriously, if you think you can find a better, more endearing sidekick than Pikachu, then it is time for you to think again.
