Male Anime Characters Who Are Younger Than They Look

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Male Anime Characters Who Are Younger Than They Look

Highlights

  • Looks can be deceiving in anime, as characters like Zeke Yager can appear older than they actually are.
  • Kenzo Tenma and Leorio Paradinight also showcase this concept of characters looking mature beyond their years.
  • Even young characters like Katsuragi and Kaoru Hanayama can seem older due to their appearance and demeanor.

As a seasoned observer of characters from the realm of anime, I must say that these four individuals are truly remarkable in their own unique ways. Formatsuragi, despite his youthful age, exudes an air of maturity and strength that belies his years. His physical prowess, coupled with his serious demeanor, makes one forget that he is just sixteen. Kaoru Hanayama, on the other hand, is a testament to the adage “never judge a book by its cover.” At nineteen, he is already the strongest Yakuza in Japan and has fought battles that would make grown men tremble.

In the realm of anime, things aren’t always as they seem. A character’s appearance, demeanor, or actions might lead us astray. This is often how plot twists unfold, and some of the most remarkable story arcs are born when we realize a character isn’t who we initially thought them to be.

Though a character’s appearance and demeanor might seem vastly different, they frequently share traits that allow viewers to understand their personality quickly. This same idea extends to a character’s age, as a character who appears older may symbolize wisdom, intelligence, hardship, or endurance from years of suffering. Keeping this in mind, these upcoming anime male characters seem older than they actually are.

7 Zeke Yager

Age: 29

In the award-winning anime “Attack on Titan,” we meet Zeke Yager, half-brother to Eren Yager, our main protagonist. Zeke, a brilliant individual, was unwaveringly loyal to his father as a true believer in Eldian Restorationism. From the outset, Zeke had devised a strategy to harness the power of the Founding Titan and render infertile all beings of Ymir, which would ultimately result in their demise.

I aim to alleviate the global dread towards the Titans and bring relief to the Eldians from their hardships, as declared by Zeke Yager.

Zeke, despite being young and handsome, seemed surprisingly mature due to the exhaustion from his plan. This was reflected in his unkempt hair and grown-out facial hair, giving him an older appearance. At only 29 years old, he appeared much more mature than his actual age.

6 Kenzo Tenma

Age: 28

The tale of Kenzo Tenma, a neurosurgeon at Eisler Memorial Hospital in Germany, is marked by strain and hardship. He was in a relationship with the hospital director’s daughter and was known for putting others’ lives above his own. One fateful day, Tenma encountered a young patient, only 11 years old, who had been shot in the head. He was instructed to dismiss the boy’s case and perform surgery on the city mayor instead, whose life the directors deemed more critical. Tenma defied this order, saving the boy’s life in the process. However, he soon came to understand that he had given a second chance at life to a malevolent individual, whom he vowed to bring to justice. This monster was a direct consequence of his actions.

When you are in the darkness, you only sink deeper into it. – Kenzo Tenma

Preoccupied with pursuing John (the youth), Tenma’s thoughts were consumed by this single goal, leading him to disregard his own well-being. His hair grew longer and his meals became fewer, causing him to lose weight and appear haggard. At only 28 years old, Tenma’s gaunt appearance made him seem considerably older than he actually was.

5 Leorio Paradinight

Age: 19

Hunter X Hunter ran from 2011 to 2014, captivating its audience deeply. The show’s characters were particularly compelling, with Leorio Paradinight standing out. At first glance, Leorio appears greedy and self-serving, motivated mainly by wealth accumulation. However, he confides in Kurapika that his true ambition is to become a doctor and assist the underprivileged. He holds the opinion that money has unlimited power and can purchase anything, including lives. Leorio embarks on the hunter’s journey to cover the expenses for his medical studies.

Money can purchase more than just trinkets; it can buy aspirations, emotions, and even the very lives of individuals! – Leorio Paradinight

In this group, Leorio often assumes an older brother-like role, and on numerous occasions, Killua’s behavior has caused Leorio to feel annoyed due to the gap in their ages and looks, despite Leorio affirming that Killua appears to be a teenager. However, it’s important to note that Killua is indeed only 19 years old.

4 Kohei Katsuragi

Age: 16

In the captivating world of “Classroom of the Elite,” I find myself among the ranks of Class 1-A, and that includes none other than Katsuragi. As one of our two class representatives, Katsuragi stands out with his diligence, intelligence, and impeccable manners. He’s a rule-abiding student, always striving for excellence. In fact, he’s among the top students in our class, and even got chosen to compete in the mental math section of the Event Selection Exam.

Katsuragi possesses a muscular physique on a towering frame, accompanied by an expression that suggests gravity. His baldness and stern countenance only serve to heighten this impression, leading observers to believe he’s much older than his true age. In truth, however, Katsuragi is merely sixteen years old.

3 Kaoru Hanayama

Age: 19

In the series “Baki the Grappler,” the character Kaoru Hanayama takes on a significant role. Originally from a powerful Yakuza family, he is recognized as the strongest Yakuza in all of Japan. Kaoru prides himself on being a fierce combatant and adheres to a strict code: never to retreat or surrender, even if it leads to his own demise. He frequently offers solace to Baki Hanma during difficult times and engaged in a fight against Baki in an attempt to catch the attention of Yujiro Hanma, a man renowned as the strongest living person. Despite being defeated by Baki, their bond grew stronger, leading them to eventually become friends.

Regardless if I’m asleep, unwell, or engaged with someone else, present your strongest move first and I likely won’t even need to defend myself – Kaoru Hanayama

At his young age, Kaoru appears significantly large and heavily built. A striking feature on his back is a colossal tattoo that’s traditionally given to members of the Hanayam family. His body bears numerous scars, creating an intricate pattern that seems like pieces of a jigsaw when combined with his tattoo. Despite being only 19 years old, it’s evident that no one would dare provoke Kaoru.

2 Piccolo

Age: 8 (At The Start Of The Sayian Saga)

Originally, Piccolo was a Namekian and the reborn form of the Demon King Piccolo, serving as the main antagonist in the final arc of the original Dragon Ball series. He held a deep enmity towards Goku, born to exact vengeance upon him due to their shared past. However, at the onset of Dragon Ball Z (during the Raditz saga), Piccolo had shed all his villainous characteristics and found himself compelled to join forces with Goku, who was previously considered his sworn enemy. As the series progressed, Piccolo took on the role of training Gohan, eventually becoming a permanent member of the Z Fighters.

Up until this point, my intention in teaching you has been motivated by revenge, but things have shifted. Regardless of whatever may befall you, Gohan, know that I’ll always stand by your side as your guardian. – Piccolo (paraphrased)

Piccolo is a towering, muscular Namakian with a striking resemblance to his father. Despite being born later than others of his kind, he grew rapidly thanks to his Namekian genes, making him appear much older at only eight years. In truth, he bears the appearance of a full-grown man (or alien).

1 Bill Watkins

Age: 6

In the world of Spy x Family, I’m none other than Bill Watkins, a young gamer with a unique drive. As the son of an army major, I share the same educational journey as Anya. While most kids my age are focused on playtime, I’ve got a different mission: to make my father proud. To achieve this, I push myself to the limit in training, which might explain why at just six years old, I appear taller and more muscular than my peers. It’s all about honor and respect for me, just like in any good RPG game!

Having grown up in a household where discipline and maturity were highly valued, I can attest to the fact that there are few characters as remarkable as this young lad. At his age, he is not just muscles, but a thinking machine capable of making intricate calculations with lightning speed. His life experiences seem to have fast-forwarded his personal growth, making him appear significantly older than his actual years. It’s truly awe-inspiring to witness such a blend of wisdom and youth in one individual.

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2024-08-21 19:35