10 anime characters obsessed with fame
Anime characters often have impressive personalities, but sometimes their character exhibit an intense desire for fame. These characters are driven by insecurity and ambition to ensure that the whole world knows their name.
From seeking adoration to proving their worth on a grand stage, their obsession with the spotlight often defines their choices and actions, leading to triumphs, downfalls, or even chaos. These individuals stand out not just for their skills but for how desperately they crave recognition.
Their quest for fame becomes a defining trait that shapes their story. From Yuga Aoyama to Sakura Minamoto, here are the 10 anime characters obsessed with fame.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and includes spoilers from the manga.
Katsuki Bakugo, Marin Kitagawa, and 8 other anime characters obsessed with fame
1) Yuga Aoyama (My Hero Academia)
Yuga Aoyama from My Hero Academia always seeks attention and adoration as he strives to be distinct from his other students at U.A. High. The flashy quirk that he holds, named Navel Laser, is complemented by his desire to shine in, as he often makes himself the center of attention, unlike being practical about its usage.
Aoyama's flamboyant behavior and dramatic poses reflect his need to be admired. Although his desire for fame is a product of insecurity, he forces himself to be something more than others when he, in turn, feels misplaced. This places Aoyama among the anime characters who are obsessed with fame.
2) Hisoka (Hunter x Hunter)
Hisoka thrives on recognition and attention, treating battles as performances where he can display his power. His crusade to fight the strongest men is a quest to be recognized as the greatest force. Hisoka's flashy personality and flamboyant clothes are a reflection of his desire to stand out in a crowd, making sure that all eyes are on him.
During the Hunter Exam or Heaven's Arena, Hisoka looks forward to opportunities to show himself off, increasing his celebrity status among competitors and fans. This makes Hisoka one of the anime characters who is always hungry for fame.
3) Dio Brando (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Dio Brando's fixation on fame is based on his more fundamental need for power and immortal life. From the word go, Dio craved recognition as better than everyone around him, hoping to dominate others and leave his humble beginnings behind him. After becoming a vampire, his ambitions became more enormous because he was no longer seeking power but eternal notoriety.
Dio's selfish personality and cold-blooded nature, such as creating a cult worshipper, indicate his desire for people to revere him. His relentless desire for domination of the Joestar clan signifies that he wished to be immortalized as never-ending. This makes him one of the anime characters who wants to get famous.
4) Marin Kitagawa (My Dress-Up Darling)
Marin Kitagawa needs attention and admiration, especially through cosplay, as she thrives on fame since she wants to be known and appreciated. She freely shares on social media to let everyone see her creations so that she can be seen.
Marin loves showing off her costumes and receiving compliments about how hard she worked and the style that went into her attire. She is usually super excited when she gains followers and likes. Though her intentions are genuine, her eagerness to be different in cosplay proves her infatuation with the spotlight, making her one of the anime characters who is obsessed with popularity.
5) Don Kanonji (Bleach)
Don Kanonji is a prime example of someone whose desire for fame overrules everything else. Hosting the show Spontaneous Trips to Spiritual Spots, he feeds on public attention and constantly presents himself with his eccentric personality to entertain his audience.
His hyperdramatic performances, such as shouting his catchphrase and doing excessive spiritual exorcisms that aren't even needed, have caused more harm than good. As much as Don Kanonji tries to do the right thing, his actions are blinded by his fixation on remaining popular. This makes him one of the anime characters who always seek popularity.
6) Katsuki Bakugo (My Hero Academia)
Katsuki Bakugo is consumed with an intense urge to become the number one hero, and most of that has to do with a desperate desire to be acknowledged as the best. His explosive personality is matched by his ambition because he needs other people to admire and validate him, especially to supersede All Might's legacy.
Equating fame with proving his strength and superiority, Bakugo pushes himself relentlessly to stand above everybody else. This makes Bakugo one of the anime characters who are obsessed with popularity.
7) Reigen Arataka (Mob Psycho 100)
Reigen Arataka is fond of his "Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century" label. He has no psychic powers but uses his ability to influence situations and people by manipulating what others think and believe to keep his name in check.
He needs to be considered extraordinary, so he often utilizes charisma and wit to garner adoration and clients. Even when caught in the act, Reigen still tries to shine into the limelight, confirming that his fascination with fame is never lost. This places him among the anime characters who are obsessed with fame.
8) Mugen (Samurai Champloo)
Mugen is a fighter who desires recognition, constantly finding opponents to prove his strength and establish a reputation. His free-spirited, rash nature makes him challenge anyone that would raise his status, irrespective of the danger.
He thrives on being known as an untouchable fighter, often boasting his skills in front of people doubting him. Even if he does not openly hunt for fame for its sake, his constant questing in the battle for recognition proves the insatiable desire to be imprinted on the world, never to be forgotten.
9) Shinra Kusakabe (Fire Force)
Shinra Kusakabe wants to become a hero to dispel the shame of his past. Tagged with the "Devil's Footprints" after he was blamed for his family tragedy, Shinra wants to be a hero to redeem himself and gain the respect of society.
His need for fame is actually a want for validation and to trade fear for respect. This ambition drives his determination to join Special Fire Force Company 8 and prove himself a true hero. This puts Shinro among the anime characters who want to get famous.
10) Sakura Minamoto (Zombie Land Saga)
Sakura Minamoto, motivated by her dream of becoming an idol and gaining acknowledgment everywhere, never stops envisioning herself on stage, where fans shower her with admiration. Her survival in the afterlife as a zombie does not make her alter her ambition to be and stand at the center of admiration.
Sakura's obsession with fame forces her to work diligently, making her team persevere and rise to stardom. Her unrelenting drive shows a strong desire for acknowledgment and accomplishment. This makes her one of the anime characters who is obsessed with fame.
Final thoughts
Anime characters obsessed with fame depict how ambition, vanity, or insecurity can mold actions and decisions. Katsuki Bakugo seeks attention in order to validate the strength he possesses, and there are others, like Marin Kitagawa, seeking praise through their creativity and passion.
Anime characters like Dio Brando and Hisoka seek attention as a means to prove their superiority or show themselves better than the rest.
Related links:
- 10 anime characters who rarely show any emotion
- 10 anime characters disliked by their creators
- 10 anime characters so strong that they were removed from the story