7 Best Canon Couples In Shonen Anime

Romance isn’t usually a strong point in action-packed shonen anime and manga. These stories prioritize action above all else. However, that doesn’t mean good relationships can’t happen! Over time, several interesting couples have developed within these series, and even if they aren’t the greatest romances ever written, it’s often really fun to watch them grow.

Izuku Midoriya and Ochaco Uraraka

  • Anime: My Hero Academia

The My Hero Academia manga concluded in 2024, and the anime series finished a year later in 2025. As with many popular stories, fans anticipated that creator Kohei Horikoshi would establish the main romantic relationships by the end. However, he deliberately held back on confirming any couples, leaving the pairings open to fan interpretation.

In a bonus chapter, chapter 431, it was shown that Deku and Ochaco became a couple and started dating. They shared a sweet moment where they confessed their feelings for each other. While it’s unclear what happened with their relationship after that – like if they eventually got married – the chapter confirms they are at least dating. This development could be explored further in future My Hero Academia projects.

Tanjiro Kamado and Kanao Tsuyuri

  • Anime: Demon Slayer

Watching the Demon Slayer anime, it’s clear we’re getting close to the end – they’ve started the Infinity Castle arc. But if you’ve read the manga, like I have, you already know how things wrap up, including who ends up together. It’s no surprise to most fans that Tanjiro and Kanao become a couple. Looking back, Kanao was really the only female character who showed any romantic potential with Tanjiro, even if their connection wasn’t heavily focused on throughout the story.

Kanao was a huge help to Tanjiro throughout his travels. During the final battle, when Tanjiro was on the verge of becoming a Demon King, Kanao bravely sacrificed her sight in one eye to inject him with the cure. Though fans appreciated their sweet connection, many wished they’d seen more of their relationship develop before the story ended.

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Scopper Gaban and Ripley

  • Anime: One Piece

The One Piece series isn’t known for its focus on romance, and the creator, Eiichiro Oda, specifically avoids romantic relationships within the Straw Hat Pirates crew. Despite this, Oda does develop romantic storylines for supporting characters. While there are several couples throughout One Piece, many fans consider Scopper Gaban and Ripley to be one of the best.

Scopper Gaban, once the Pirate King’s left-hand man, retired to the land of giants, Elbaf, after the Roger Pirates disbanded. There, he met and married Ripley, a giantess, and they had a son named Colon. Gaban and Ripley share a remarkably strong and lasting love – the most stable relationship among the former Roger Pirates, spanning decades. Both parents are fiercely protective of Colon and would risk everything, even their lives, to keep him safe.

Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga

  • Anime: Naruto and Boruto

The Naruto series is now considered a classic shonen anime and manga. When the original Naruto manga finished in 2014, many popular couples were established. Fans were particularly eager to see who Naruto Uzumaki, the series’ main character, would end up with. There was a lot of debate between those who hoped for a pairing with Sakura and those who preferred Hinata, but the creator, Masashi Kisimoto, ultimately decided that Naruto Uzumaki would marry Hinata Hyuga.

Hinata and Naruto have a long history together. From a young age, Hinata had a strong crush on Naruto, but she was too shy to tell him. Their connection grew during the fight with Pain, where Hinata bravely defended Naruto, and he, in turn, defeated Pain to save her. Their relationship continues to develop in Boruto, where they have two children: a son named Boruto Uzumaki and a daughter named Himawari Uzumaki.

Maki Zenin and Yuta Okkotsu

  • Anime: Jujutsu Kaisen

The Jujutsu Kaisen manga finished in 2024, and at first, the author, Gege Akutami, didn’t share who ended up with whom. However, with the final manga volume, Akutami released a short extra chapter showing Yuta Okkotsu’s two grandchildren, confirming he eventually married. Fans had guessed who his wife might be, but her identity wasn’t officially revealed until the release of Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo, a sequel to the original series.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo provided details about Yuta Okkotsu and Maki Zenin’s family. It was revealed that Yuta and Maki married and had a son named Iori Okkotsu, who then became a father to twins, Yuka and Tsurugi. Fans generally loved this pairing, as their romantic connection was hinted at throughout the original story and felt natural.

Edward and Winry

  • Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Few shonen anime couples are as beloved as Edward Elric and Winry from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Their romantic connection was apparent from the beginning, as they grew up together. Although Winry wasn’t a fighter, she consistently supported Edward, especially by building and maintaining his automail limbs.

Edward and Winry’s marriage was a heartwarming moment at the end of Fullmetal Alchemist. Even years later, they’re still considered one of the most popular and cherished couples in the shonen genre.

Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki

  • Anime: Naruto

Naruto’s parents, Minato and Kushina, had a truly special connection, considered by many to be one of the best relationships in anime and manga. They both dreamed of becoming Hokage as children. Kushina could be impulsive and struggled with self-doubt, but Minato recognized her inner beauty and bravely rescued her when she was captured by Kumogakure. Over time, Kushina became a strong partner to Minato in battle, even sharing the Uzumaki Clan’s sealing techniques with him, which deepened their bond.

During the Third Great Ninja War, Minato created a special technique to protect Kushina, which she later named the Rasengan. This technique became a defining part of their legacy, and they taught it to their son through Jiraiya. Tragically, they both died protecting their son during the attack of the Nine-Tails.

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2026-04-19 16:54