Top 20 Anime Character Deaths Fans Wish Never Happened｜Takasugi Shinsuke Tops the List!
Every anime fan has that insurmountable hurdle in their heart—your most beloved character meets a heartbreaking end in the story. Whether it's a heroic sacrifice, a sudden accident, or a twist of fate, these "deaths" often become a permanent pain for fans.
Recently (December 2025), the well-known anime information website Spacomic released a heart-wrenching ranking—"死んで欲しくなかったキャラといえば" (Which character do you wish hadn't died?). The list gathers classic characters from masterpieces like Gintama, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and Jujutsu Kaisen. Below is an in-depth analysis of this TOP 20 Anime Character Death Ranking that has made countless fans burst into tears.
Anime Character Death Ranking TOP 11-20
Before entering the top ten, let's look at ranks 11 to 20. This range includes two core characters from Oshi no Ko and a classic ONE PIECE character.
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20th: Yugi Amane ——Toilet-bound Hanako-kun
- As the living identity of the protagonist Hanako-kun, his past is full of mystery and tragedy.
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19th: Reze ——Chainsaw Man
- The "Bomb Girl" who had a brief romance with Denji; her ending is a thorn in the hearts of many readers.
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18th: Kurokami Maki ——The Possessed Me and the Black God Counseling Office
- In this supernatural-themed work, Kurokami Maki's fate is regrettable.
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17th: Osamu Dazai ——Bungo Stray Dogs BEAST
- The IF-line novel version of Dazai chose a shocking ending to protect a certain future.
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16th: Hoshino Ai ——Oshi no Ko
- The fall of the legendary idol is the beginning of the entire story and an unfillable void in fans' hearts.
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15th: Toga Himiko ——My Hero Academia
- Her twisted love and final outcome evoke more complex emotions towards "villains."
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14th: Portgas D. Ace ——ONE PIECE
- The scene from the Summit War remains one of the most tear-jerking moments in anime history. Ace's death brought growth to Luffy but left an eternal regret.
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13th: Hange Zoë ——Attack on Titan
- To allow her comrades to advance, she faced the Rumbling Titans alone. Hange offered her heart, embodying the spirit of the Scout Regiment.
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12th: Hoshino Aqua ——Oshi no Ko
- Following his mother Hoshino Ai, Aqua's fate becomes the most heart-wrenching part of the series.
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11th: Yoshida Shouyou ——Gintama
- As the mentor of Gintoki and others, his death is the starting point of all tragedy and bonds in Gintama.
Heart-Wrenching Regrets: Analysis of TOP 4-10
Entering the top ten, the competition becomes fiercer. Here we have the peak of popularity from recently concluded masterpieces and classic characters from long-running series.
10. Hayakawa Aki ——Chainsaw Man
Originally the one most eager for revenge, he ended up longing for a peaceful life, but author Tatsuki Fujimoto didn't give him that chance. The moment Hayakawa Aki turned into the Gun Fiend was the beginning of a nightmare for countless readers.
9. Matsuda Jinpei ——Detective Conan
Appearing in very few episodes, Matsuda Jinpei secured an unshakable place in Conan fans' hearts with his cool image and heroic sacrifice. The final text message sent from the Ferris wheel remains a classic to this day.
8. Tokito Muichiro ——Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
The tragic sacrifice of this genius boy in the Infinity Castle arc makes one lament his youth and talent.
7. Gojo Satoru ——Jujutsu Kaisen
As the strongest modern sorcerer, Gojo Satoru's "bisection" ending sparked months of mourning and discussion on global social media. Even today in 2025, many fans refuse to accept it, hoping for some form of revival or twist.
6. Tokugawa Shigeshige ——Gintama
The Shogun's death is the key turning point where Gintama shifted from comedic daily life to a serious main plot. The gentle and kind Shigeshige peacefully passed away on his sister's lap, making all viewers cry uncontrollably.
5. Rengoku Kyojuro ——Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Big Brother's "burning heart" and the ending of the Mugen Train arc are a phenomenal tear-jerker, still one of the most classic farewell scenes in anime fans' hearts.
4. Oda Sakunosuke ——Bungo Stray Dogs
He is the only "light" in Dazai's heart. Oda's death directly led Dazai to leave the mafia and join the Armed Detective Agency. His final words, "People live to save themselves," run through the core of the entire series.
The Peak of Tears: TOP 3 Characters Fans Most Want to Revive
The departure of these three characters is not just a plot necessity but also a key element that elevates the entire work.
3rd: Kocho Shinobu ——Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Shinobu Kocho's death was a meticulously planned revenge. To defeat Douma, who killed her sister, she turned herself into a vessel filled with wisteria poison. This desperate, mutually destructive resolve showcases her incredibly strong will within her petite frame.
2nd: Koro-sensei ——Assassination Classroom
This might be the most perfect "death" in anime history. Koro-sensei nurtured Class 3-E for three years, and in the end, it was these students who personally sent him off. The tears and emotion in the roll call scene transcend sadness, becoming the ultimate symbol of education and growth.
1st: Takasugi Shinsuke ——Gintama
Topping the list is Gintama's most radical, yet most affectionate man—Takasugi Shinsuke. Gintama occupies four spots on the list (including Shouyou and Shigeshige), showcasing author Hideaki Sorachi's skill in character portrayal.
Takasugi fought his whole life to reclaim his lost mentor. His final confrontation and reconciliation with Gintoki is the soul of the entire series. The moment he closed his left eye, countless fans' hearts shattered along with his. This "lingering regret" remains at the top even after many years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the criteria for Spacomic's Anime Character Death Ranking? This ranking is based on a poll of Japanese netizens, tallying votes for "the character you most wish hadn't died."
Q2: Why does Gintama occupy multiple spots on the list? Gintama is known for its profound character development. The deaths of characters like Takasugi Shinsuke, Yoshida Shouyou, and Tokugawa Shigeshige carry strong emotional impact.
Q3: Is Gojo Satoru really dead? Will he be revived? In the original Jujutsu Kaisen work, Gojo Satoru is indeed deceased. Any potential revival depends on future official announcements.
Q4: How often is this ranking updated? Spacomic updates such poll-based rankings irregularly. It is recommended to follow their official website for the latest information.
Conclusion
From this list, it's clear that those anime characters fans most wish hadn't died are often either the strongest or the kindest. Their deaths carry themes of protection, redemption, or cruel fate.
Whether it's Takasugi Shinsuke's tragic destiny or Gojo Satoru's fall of a powerhouse, while these characters' departures are painful, it is precisely these imperfections that make the works classics. Is your "lingering regret" on the list? Feel free to share your thoughts!