The Top 10 Unforgettable Anime Traps in 2024

1. Astolfo

• Anime – Fate/Apocrypha
• Studio – A-1 Pictures

Astolfo is a character from the world of anime who has gained significant recognition and popularity. His appeal comes from his engaging personality and visually appealing design. But, it also comes from the numerous memes he has inspired. These memes have become a part of not just his series. They have permeated the broader anime fandom, resonating with fans and fellow characters alike.

Astolfo’s character is often referred to as a ‘trap’, a term used in anime to describe a character who does not conform to traditional gender norms. His portrayal has breathed new life into this trope, which had been somewhat stagnant in the late 2010s. Astolfo’s influence has been so profound that he is often considered the epitome of this trope, setting a new standard for such characters in anime.

In essence, Astolfo’s impact extends beyond his character. He has shaped trends within the anime community. He’s contributed to the evolution of character archetypes within the genre. His legacy is a testament to the dynamic and diverse nature of anime. It demonstrates its capacity to challenge conventions and continually reinvent itself.

2. Nagisa Shiota

• Anime – Assassination Classroom
• Studio – Lerche

Nagisa is a key character in the Assassination Classroom series. He’s not just an expert assassin with good looks, but he also has a charming personality that adds a lot of humor to the show. His character is often referred to as an ‘anime trap’, which adds another layer of complexity to his role. As the series progresses, viewers get to see the world through Nagisa’s eyes, which is both entertaining and insightful. One of the most touching aspects of his character is his transformation from being shy to becoming a dependable figure. This journey is truly moving to witness.

3. Kanzaki Hideri

• Anime – Blend S
• Studio – A-1 Pictures

Hideri, the famous maid Idol, grabs our attention at 3rd place with his flawless feminine look that can make anyone’s heart race. He’s a lively character with a strong presence. This is thanks to his spot-on depiction of femininity. It always leaves the audience emotionally puzzled.

Moreover, the constant conflict between his feminine persona and his boyish behavior is a unique aspect of his character. This clever character development for an anime trap hasn’t been replicated since.

4. Seishirou Tsugumi

• Anime – Nisekoi
• Studio – Shaft

Starting off our list with a bang, we have Tsugumi, one of the best reverse traps in anime. Tsugumi is endearing with her extremely boyish personality. But this characteristic is what makes her feminine side even more pronounced when she chooses to reveal it. We always anticipate these moments. When we finally get to see the girl beneath the tomboy exterior, it always rewards us with hilarious outcomes. This makes her one of the most memorable tomboy characters in anime.

5. Fujioka Haruhi

• Anime – Ouran Highschool Host Club
• Studio – Bones

6. Haku

• Anime – Naruto
• Studio – Pierrot

7. Konoe Subaru

• Anime – Mayo Chiki!
• Studio – Feel

“The ideal man is actually a woman” – this phrase captures Subaru’s character perfectly. She’s not just an amazing butler, but also the perfect partner for Kinjiro, who unfortunately has developed a fear of women. Subaru’s character is deeply rooted in a sad backstory, as she struggles with self-acceptance due to her family’s gender expectations. However, watching Subaru and Kinjiro support each other through their issues is genuinely touching and inspiring.

8. Osana Najimi

• Anime – Komi Can’t Communicate
• Studio – OLM

Najimi embodies the concept of “Uncertainty”. It’s unclear whether they fit into the anime trap trope or if they’ve created a unique trope just for themselves. Najimi is a mysterious character. They always share their intriguing energy with everyone, regardless of gender. It’s difficult to portray an LGBTQ character in media without resorting to self-insert propaganda. The fact that Najimi is such a fun and well-rounded character is a testament to the skill of the Mangaka.

9. Urushibara Ruka

• Anime – Steins;Gate
• Studio – White Fox

Ruka is a living embodiment of the trap meme, but his character is more tragic than joyful. He’s one of the few anime characters who is officially transgender. Ruka grapples with his identity as a biological male who was raised as a girl by his family. He can’t accept himself as long as he’s in a man’s body because he can’t return Okabe’s feelings. Ruka is trapped in a mental conflict over his gender identity. This fuels his self-loathing regardless of the gender he identifies with. This is a situation that no one should have to endure.

10. Arikawa Hime

• Anime – Secret Princess Himegoto
• Studio – Asahi Production

Finally, we present the much-anticipated ecchi character from our list. Hime is a gentle boy with a feminine appearance who desires a quiet life. However, he’s pursued by debt collectors and is compelled to cross-dress by the student council to settle his debts. He often finds himself in awkward situations due to pure misfortune. He is also inexplicably surrounded by an array of eccentric traps and reverse traps, including his younger brother. So, if you decide to watch his series, brace yourself for a wild ride.

Conclusion

The concept of “anime traps” is a popular topic in the anime community. They are often seen as funny or charming characters that defy usual gender roles. Each time, they offer a unique portrayal. As anime keeps changing, new themes will likely become more popular. But, the influence of traps in promoting acceptance of diverse sexual identities in the genre is undeniable.