Father's Day is a day to pay tribute to those men who, with their love and dedication, make a difference in the lives of their children.
You don't have to be perfect to be a good father; all you need is love, support, and a constant presence. In the world of animation, there are father figures who, beyond being simple supporting characters, become true heroes to their children, proving that paternal love can be as epic as any adventure.
Today, in honor of Father's Day, we bring you a list of the most notable fathers in anime (Japanese animation) and donghua (Chinese animation), to celebrate those fathers who have left a deep mark on the hearts of fans.
From heroic sacrifices to moments of genuine affection, these characters have captured the essence of fatherhood in all its forms in the eyes of their fans.
Piccolo from Dragon Ball Z
Although he is not Gohan's biological father, his role as a father figure is pivotal in the character's development. After Goku's absence, Piccolo takes Gohan under his wing, teaching him important lessons about life, strength, and sacrifice. His relationship with Gohan is a perfect example of how paternal love is defined by dedication and the willingness to care for and protect another, even at the cost of his own life. Given his background and personality, he also exemplifies how you don't need to know everything, but rather you learn from experience and from your children just as much as you teach them.
I would say that not only Gohan, but also the fans have felt him as a true father, and even the best of the series for many.
Maes Hughes from Fullmetal Alchemist
Maes Hughes is the epitome of a father's unconditional love. His devotion to his daughter is heartwarming, and his relationship with her is one of the most endearing in anime history. Hughes demonstrates what it means to be a committed and proud father; he's always there to support his family, with a smile and a heart full of love, and it's clearly reflected in the impression he leaves on his daughter, proving that the legacy of love a father leaves behind is eternal.
Fujitaka Kinomoto from Cardcaptor Sakura
Fujitaka is a father who embodies the perfect balance between tenderness and responsibility. He is a loving and understanding father who faces life's difficulties after the death of his wife, but always puts his children first, creating a warm and loving home, continually reflecting the trust he has in them. His ability to be a present and emotionally available father makes him a role model for many.
NeZha's Li Jing: Zhi mo tong jiang shi
In this story, the protagonist's father plays a crucial role in his life. Although his relationship with NeZha is complicated by family expectations and pressures, he is an essential figure in his development. Through his love and sacrifice, he becomes one of the most complex figures, demonstrating that, sometimes, parents can make mistakes or must confront their own demons while trying to do their best for their children.
Xue ZhengYong from The Husky and His White Cat Shizun
Xue Zhengyong stands out as one of the most admired father figures in modern Chinese literature. One of the most touching aspects of his role as a father is the way he cares for Xue Meng's well-being, showing her support and love at every step of her life. He is a perfect example of how paternal love doesn't always have to be marked by blood to be real and profound. His relationship with Xue Meng reminds us that being a good father doesn't depend on blood ties, but on commitment, unconditional support, and constant love.
Minato Namikaze from Naruto
Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage , is one of the most admired fathers in anime. Though his time with his son was brief, his love for him is palpable. Minato sacrifices himself to seal the Nine-Tailed Fox within his son, hoping that Naruto would one day be recognized as a hero. This act of love is undoubtedly one of the most touching in the series and proves that a father's love can transcend even death.
Kou Shouka from Saiunkoku Monogatari
He's not only a loving and devoted father to his daughter, whom he had to raise alone and whom he raised with care, despite his relaxed and carefree attitude, which often contrasts with hers. He allowed her to be herself, explore, and pursue her dreams, and he trusted her to face her own difficulties, but he was always there to support and protect her from a distance, granting her freedom without ceasing to care for her.
He also devoted himself to others, not hesitating to take a young man under his wing, whom he cared for and raised like a son. During his time working in the palace, he also cared for, taught, and loved the youngest of the princes, becoming someone he admired, like a father figure.
These fathers, although they come from different cultures and animated universes, share one characteristic in common: their unconditional love for their children. Whether through heroic sacrifices, guiding their children through difficult times, or providing a loving home, these characters teach us that being a good father isn't about being perfect, but about being present with your whole heart; it involves constantly learning, trusting, and building a relationship based on mutual trust.
On this Father's Day, we celebrate not only biological fathers, but all those who are fathers at heart and who, with their love and dedication, make the world a better place for their children.
