Top 8 Anime Characters Who Are Vegan

Vegan anime characters aren’t widely talked about in the world of anime. It’s not a common theme, mainly because many shows don’t focus on what characters eat.

This lack of attention to dietary choices limits the exploration of vegan characters.

Still, despite the rarity, there are some vegan characters scattered throughout the anime.

They might not be numerous, but they exist. Here are eight examples of such characters from various anime series, presented without any specific ranking.

Vegan Anime Characters From One Piece and Other Anime Shows

1. Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion

“Neon Genesis Evangelion” stands as a beloved classic in the anime realm, and Rei is an iconic figure from the series. Even those unfamiliar with the show likely recognize her due to her widespread popularity.

Shonen Jump — Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion (Credits: Hideaki Anno)

She holds a notable place as one of the earliest vegan characters in anime.

In an early episode of the series, Rei shares a meal with Asuka, another prominent character. During this encounter, Rei explicitly expresses her aversion to pork, solidifying her stance as a non-meat eater.

Asuka isn’t pleased with Rei’s dietary choice, but Rei remains steadfast in her decision.

2. Tanktop Vegetarian in One Punch Man

In the world of “One Punch Man,” the Tanktop Vegetarian holds the esteemed title of an A-Class Hero within the Hero Association. Notably, he serves as the second in command of the Tank Topper Army.

His unique characteristic, as his name aptly implies, is his reliance on a plant-based diet for strength and sustenance.

Among the roster of anime characters, the Tanktop Vegetarian stands out as one of the most recognizable proponents of veganism. His presence within the immensely popular series “One Punch Man” further elevates his prominence in the medium.

3. Fardania in Restaurant to Another World

This series revolves around a Japanese restaurant that serves Western cuisine and, intriguingly, opens its doors to beings from a fantasy realm on Saturdays.

It’s an inventive twist on the popular isekai genre, blending elements of fantasy and food-themed anime. Within this narrative, Fardania emerges as a beloved character.

Fardania’s identity as a vegan adds depth to her character and is a significant aspect of the series. The attention to her dietary choice is notable, with the restaurant crafting unique dishes specifically for her.

Additionally, Fardania harbors aspirations of replicating these dishes for her own establishment, the Western Restaurant Nekoya.

4. Nadia La Arwall in Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water

It’s worth noting that this series shares a creator with Neon Genesis Evangelion, as both were brought to life by Hideaki Anno. This connection suggests a consistent theme or style in Anno’s work. The series owes much of its quality and allure to its central character, Nadia La Arwall.

Nadia is shrouded in mystery, adding intrigue to the storyline. Her enigmatic origins play a key role in the unfolding narrative. Furthermore, Nadia’s veganism is a significant aspect of her character development.

Her ability to communicate with animals deepens her empathy towards them, emphasizing her commitment to a cruelty-free lifestyle.

5. Buddha in Saint Young Men

“Saint Young Men” presents a rather unconventional concept, depicting Jesus Christ and Buddha as friends leading ordinary lives in the human realm. The series ventures into various intriguing scenarios, offering insights into understanding and empathy across different religious beliefs.

Notably, Buddha emerges as a prominent vegan character within the anime landscape. His straightforward declaration of being vegan adds depth to his character.

Throughout the narrative, Buddha remains steadfast in his commitment to this dietary choice, showcasing consistency and loyalty to his values.

6. T-Bone in One Piece

T-Bone makes his debut in the Water 7 Arc of One Piece, appearing as a Marine Captain encountered by Luffy and the Straw Hat crew while they journey on the train bound for Enies Lobby.

Despite his brief appearance, T-Bone’s encounter with Roronoa Zoro highlights the swordsman’s remarkable growth and skill in recent arcs.

What distinguishes T-Bone is his sense of honor and unwavering dedication to protecting his subordinates. His commitment to his principles shines through, even in the face of formidable opponents.

Additionally, his portrayal as a vegan character adds depth to his role, especially within the expansive universe of One Piece.

7. Taikobo in Soul Hunter

Soul Hunter stands out as a shonen series from the late 2000s, often overlooked despite its intriguing characters and rich lore. The anime adaptation only scratched the surface of its potential.

Amidst this, Taikobo, the series’ protagonist, shines with his unique approach to conflict resolution and undeniable charisma.

Taikobo’s standout trait is his ability to navigate conflicts without resorting to physical combat, a rarity in the shonen genre. His preference for non-violent solutions sets him apart and adds depth to his character.

Additionally, Taikobo’s vegan lifestyle is another distinctive aspect, as depicted in various scenes throughout the series, especially in the original early 2000s adaptation.

8. Ryuuko Mifune in Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl

In this anime, the focus leans heavily on slice-of-life moments, offering glimpses into the characters’ lives. Among them is Mifune, who plays a supporting role rather than taking center stage. Despite this, her presence resonates with fans, drawing admiration for her portrayal.

Mifune’s passion for basketball shines through, adding depth to her character. Throughout the series, her adherence to a strict vegan diet is consistently emphasized.

Additionally, Mifune experiences a brief arc where she develops romantic feelings for the protagonist, Makoto Niwa, adding layers to her character development.