40 best anime traps: ultimate list of characters who defy stereotypes

40 best anime traps: ultimate list of characters who defy stereotypes

Anime traps are male characters in anime who possess feminine features and appearances to the point where they can be easily mistaken for females. They are loved because they challenge traditional ideas about masculinity and femininity and their playful antics. This post delves into the best anime traps that have left an indelible mark on the anime world.

Hideri Kanzaki (L), Astolfo (C), Ikuto Tsukiyomi (R)
Anime traps challenge traditional ideas about masculinity and femininity and their playful antics. Photo: @CosuNime, @astolfobesto, @ikutoxamuxyoru on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

We strive to provide our readers valuable insights and information through our various rankings and lists. We used data from The Cinemaholic, Entoin, FaceOff Database, QuoteTheAnime and other publicly available data to compile this list of anime traps. However, this anime traps list is not arranged in any particular order.

40 best anime traps

These anime traps defy traditional gender norms and captivate audiences with unique and enigmatic charm. Below is an anime trap list of the most famous ones from different animes.

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CharacterAnime/manga
Honjo KamatariRurouni Kenshin
Chihiro FugisakiDanganronpa: The Animation
Felix ArgyleRe:Zero - Starting Life in Another World
Astolfo anime Fate/Apocrypha
Haku Naruto
Migurie MinnaSekirei
Hime ArikawaPrincess Princess
AsuramaruSeraph of the End (Owari no Seraph)
Rui Hanazono Fruits Basket
Umio Sonoda Umineko When They Cry
Yuki Sohma Fruits Basket
Kyuubei YagyuGintama
Ikuto TsukiyamiShugo Chara!
Souta TakanashiWorking!! (Wagnaria!!)
Ed Cowboy Bebop
Ruka Urushibara Stein’s Gate
Shidou Mariya Maria†Holic
Afuro TerumiInazuma Eleven
Shiota Nagisa Assassination Classroom
Kikuchi MakotoThe iDOLM@STER
Johan Liebert Monster
Charlotte DunoisInfinite Stratos
Kino Kino's Journey Pico
Jun Watarase Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl
PicoPico
VelouriaFire Emblem: Fates. A Wolfskin
Saika TotsukaMy Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
Gasper VladiHigh School DxD
Hideyoshi KinoshitaBaka and Test: Summon the Beasts (Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu)

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1. Honjo Kamatari

Honjo Kamatari in a traditional Japanese outfit (L). The character with a joyful smile (R)
Honjo Kamatari in a traditional Japanese outfit (L). The character with a joyful smile (R). Photo: @kamatarixx on X (Twitter), @kiriyabb on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Honjo Kamatari is a Rurouni Kenshin anime and manga series trap character. Kamatari is a member of the Juppongatana, a group of elite warriors serving the main antagonist, Shishio Makoto. The character is initially introduced as a male but later identifies as a woman.

2. Chihiro Fugisaki

Chihiro Fugisaki in a white long-sleeve top and a dark pleated skirt (L). The character in a green jacket and a dark pleated skirt (R)
Chihiro Fugisaki is a character from Danganronpa: The Animation. Photo: @Chihiro-Fujisaki on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Chihiro Fugisaki is a character from Danganronpa: The Animation. Chihiro is a student trapped in high school with other characters known for being skilled in programming and technology. Initially presenting as male, Chihiro later identifies as female.

3. Felix Argyle

Felix Argyle wears a white outfit (L). The character reaching out towards a white flower (R)
Felix Argyle wears a white outfit (L). The character reaching out towards a white flower (R). Photo: @FxAxTxE on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Felix Argyle is among the top anime characters from Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World. Also known as Ferris, he is a skilled healer and a member of the Crusch Camp. Felix has cat-like features, including cat ears and a tail.

4. Astolfo

Astolfo from Fate/Apocrypha anime
Astolfo trap character from Fate/Apocrypha anime. Photo: @YourTrapCon, @astolfobesto on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Astolfo is a character from Fate/Apocrypha anime. The character is known for his cheerful and carefree personality. Astolfo is initially introduced in a more androgynous manner, and his gender is not explicitly defined in the series.

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5. Haku

Haku in a pink and white outfit (L). The character in dark clothing (R)
Haku in a pink and white outfit (L). The character in dark clothing (R). Photo: @HakuIsAMan on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Haku is a character from the Naruto anime. He is initially introduced as a skilled and mysterious ninja who serves as an antagonist. While appearing male, Haku's true gender is revealed later in the series. He is known for his exceptional combat skills.

6. Migurie Minna

Migurie Minna from Sekirei anime
Migurie Minna from Sekirei anime. Photo: @ega8523, @LunariaCelestin on X (Twitter) (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Migurie Minna is a trap anime character from Sekirei anime. She is a Sekirei, a humanoid extraterrestrial being with unique powers, and is part of the Sekirei Plan. Also known as Matsu, Migurie is highly intelligent and serves as the strategist for her Ashikabi.

7. Hime Arikawa

Hime Arikawa in black and white maid outfit (L). The character in casual attire including a white top and striped scarp (R)
Hime Arikawa in black and white maid outfit (L). The character in casual attire, including a white top and striped scarp (R). Photo: @aNiMeTrApSS on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Hime Arikawa is a character in Princess Princess anime. Assigned male at birth, Hime is forced to cross-dress and participate in his school's princess program, where boys dress as girls to boost morale.

8. Asuramaru

Asuramaru in green and white outfit (L). The character dressed in a black outfit (R)
Asuramaru in a green and white outfit (L). The character in a black outfit (R). Photo: @Kawaii-Anime-Traps, @BlackDamon.AsuramaruTepes on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Asuramaru, also known as Ashera Tepes, is a character from Seraph of the End (Owari no Seraph). Asuramaru is a powerful demon weapon and is initially introduced as a Cursed Gear, a weapon wielded by the series' protagonists to combat vampires.

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9. Rui Hanazono

Rui Hanazono from Fruits Basket anime
Rui Hanazono strap anime character from Fruits Basket anime. Photo:@Despuntater on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Rui Hanazono is an anime trap character from Fruits Basket. Assigned male at birth, Rui is introduced as a student at Kaibara High School. Rui is part of the student council and initially presents as a boy.

10. Umio Sonoda

Umio Sonoda standing next to a red post (L). The character but in a red and yellow uniform (R)
Umio Sonoda standing next to a red post (L). The character is in a red and yellow uniform (R). Photo: @umisonodacharacterpage on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Umio Sonoda is a character from Umineko When They Cry anime. Umio is introduced as a mysterious and gender-neutral character with a calm and composed demeanour.

11. Yuki Sohma

Yuki Sohma from Fruits Basket
Yuki Sohma from the anime and manga series Fruits Basket. Photo: @YUKlSOHMA on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Yuki Sohma is a character from the anime and manga series Fruits Basket. He is a member of the Sohma family, a clan cursed to transform into Chinese zodiac animals when hugged by someone of the opposite sex or under great stress. He is calm, reserved, and polite, earning the nickname "Prince Yuki".

12. Kyuubei Yagyu

Kyuubei Yagyu from Gintama
Kyuubei Yagyu from Gintama anime. Photo: @tarps on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Kyuubei Yagyu appears in the anime Gintama. They are neither male nor female, and their gender identity is a recurring theme throughout the series. They are skilled swordsmen and members of the Yagyu clan, a family of elite swordsmen.

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13. Ikuto Tsukiyomi

Ikuto Tsukiyomi against a cosmic background of stars and galaxies (L). The character wearing a cross necklace (R)
Ikuto Tsukiyomi against a cosmic background of stars and galaxies (L). The character wearing a cross necklace (R). Photo: @ikutoxamuxyoru on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Ikuto Tsukiyomi is a character from the anime and manga series Shugo Chara! Ikuto has a slender face and body that gives him a feminine look. His expression also adds to this confusion and plants doubts in the minds of the viewers about his sexuality and gender.

14. Souta Takanashi

Souta Takanashi appears frustrated (L). The character holding a plate bearing a dessert (R)
Souta Takanashi appears frustrated (L). The character holding a plate bearing a dessert (R). Photo: @PresidentAnimeMemes, @SetsuAni on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Souta Takanashi is one of the main characters from Working!! (Wagnaria!!) anime. He is one of the main characters and serves as a waiter at the Wagnaria family restaurant. The character is also a cross-dresser who often dresses up in waitress clothes.

15. Ed

Ed strap anime from Cowboy Bebop
Ed strap anime from Cowboy Bebop. Photo: @anotherAnimePagexD, @aNiMeTrApSS on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Ed is a character from Cowboy Bebop anime. A highly skilled hacker and member of the Bebop crew, Ed is initially introduced as an androgynous child with a quirky personality. Ed's gender is intentionally left ambiguous in the series, contributing to the character's carefree nature.

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16. Ruka Urushibara

Ruka Urushibara from Stein’s Gate novel series
Ruka Urushibara from Stein’s Gate novel series. Photo: @Ruka-Urushibara on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Ruka Urushibara is a character from the anime and visual novel series Stein’s Gate. He is a childhood friend of the protagonist, Rintarou Okabe. The character wishes to be female and later acquires a special D-Mail device that alters the timeline, leading to changes in his gender.

17. Shidou Mariya

Shidou Mariya from Maria†Holic anime
Shidou Mariya from Maria†Holic anime. Photo: @mariahorikku on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Shidou Mariya is a character from Maria†Holic anime. Mariya is the series's main antagonist and is initially introduced as a beautiful, refined young man. However, it is later revealed that Mariya is, in fact, a cross-dressing boy who enrols in an all-girls school.

18. Afuro Terumi

Afuro Terumi from Inazuma Eleven anime
Afuro Terumi from Inazuma Eleven anime. Photo: @Afuro-Aphrodi-Terumi on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Afuro Terumi, also known as Aphrodite, is a character from the Inazuma Eleven anime. Afuro is a highly skilled soccer player who initially presents as a boy. Despite his masculine appearance, Afuro's true gender identity is revealed later in the series, adding depth to his character.

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19. Shiota Nagisa

Shiota Nagisa from Assassination Classroom anime
Shiota Nagisa from Assassination Classroom anime. Photo: @Nagisa-Shiota-no-sekai on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Shiota Nagisa is a character from the anime Assassination Classroom. Nagisa is part of the main cast of students tasked with assassinating their alien teacher, Koro-sensei. Nagisa is known for his androgynous appearance and gentle demeanour.

20. Kikuchi Makoto

Kikuchi Makoto from The iDOLM@STER anime
Kikuchi Makoto from The iDOLM@STER anime. Photo: @media on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Kikuchi Makoto is a character from The iDOLM@STER anime. Makoto is a member of the idol group 765 Production and is initially introduced as a tomboyish girl. However, she later reveals that she identifies more with being a girl.

21. Johan Liebert

Johan Liebert from the Monster series
Johan Liebert from the Monster series. Photo: @Johan-Liebert on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Johan Liebert is a character from the anime Monster. He is a central antagonist in the series, introduced as a mysterious figure. His character is deeply complex, and exploring his past reveals aspects of his identity that contribute to the psychological thriller elements of Monster.

22. Charlotte Dunois

Charlotte Dunois from Infinite Stratos anime
Charlotte Dunois from Infinite Stratos anime. Photo: @dantescharlotte on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Charlotte Dunois is among the famous anime trap characters from Infinite Stratos. Initially introduced as a transfer student, Charlotte is revealed to be a male who cross-dresses to attend the all-female Infinite Stratos Academy.

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23. Kino

Kino strap character from Kino's Journey anime
Kino from Kino's Journey anime. Photo: @AnimeNewsz, @tsukkiusa2 on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Kino is the main character in Kino's Journey anime. Kino is a traveller who explores different countries and cultures. Kino's gender is intentionally left ambiguous in the series, and the character is often referred to with gender-neutral pronouns.

24. Jun Watarase

Jun Watarase wearing a maid outfit (L). The character in blue and white attire (R)
Jun Watarase wearing a maid outfit with a white apron (L). The character in blue and white attire with a green scarf (R). Photo: @ntgy666, @YourTrapCon on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Jun Watarase is an anime character from Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl. He is initially introduced as a male high school student but transforms into a girl after a supernatural event.

25. Pico

Pico with his large and expressive eyes (L). The character sits with his knees up and wearing a pink outfit (R)
Pico with his large and expressive eyes (L). The character sitting with his knees up and wearing a pink outfit (R). Photo: @joanadavid0 on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Pico is a character from the anime Pico series. Pico is a young and androgynous character who navigates complex relationships and experiences. The series explores themes of love, identity, and sexual awakening.

26. Velouria

Velouria from Fire Emblem: Fates. A Wolfskin unit video game
Velouria from Fire Emblem: Fates. A Wolfskin unit video game. Photo: @FabricatedGarou on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Velouria is a character from the Fire Emblem: Fates. A Wolfskin unit video game. Velouria is a shapeshifter with wolf-like features. In the game, Velouria can potentially be recruited as an ally. Her character design and background contribute to the fantasy elements of the series.

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27. Saika Totsuka

Saika Totsuka from My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU anime
Saika Totsuka from My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU anime. Photo: @Hikigaya143 on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Saika Totsuka is one of the best anime traps from My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU anime. Totsuka is a member of the school's tennis club and is known for his androgynous appearance. Despite his masculine hobbies, he is known for his gentle and kind personality.

28. Gasper Vladi

Gasper Vladi from the High School DxD series
Gasper Vladi from the High School DxD novel series. Photo: @GasperVladiDxDGerman on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Gasper Vladi is a character from the anime and light novel series High School DxD. Gasper is a young vampire who can manipulate time by freezing it within a specific area. Gasper is initially portrayed as extremely shy and socially anxious, often avoiding direct eye contact with others.

29. Hideyoshi Kinoshita

Hideyoshi Kinoshita from Baka and Test: Summon the Beasts (Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu)
Hideyoshi Kinoshita from Baka and Test: Summon the Beasts (Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu). Photo: @media on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Hideyoshi Kinoshita is a character from the anime and light novel series Baka and Test: Summon the Beasts (Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu). Hideyoshi is a high school student and one of the main characters in the series. Hideyoshi is known for his androgynous appearance, which often leads to confusion about his gender.

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30. Yukimura Kusunoki

Yukimura Kusunoki from The Devil is a Part-Timer! (Hataraku Maou-sama!)
Yukimura Kusunoki from The Devil is a Part-Timer! (Hataraku Maou-sama!) anime. Photo: @WatchHimegoto on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Yukimura Kusunoki is a character from the anime and light novel series The Devil is a Part-Timer! (Hataraku Maou-sama!). Yukimura initially serves the Hero Emilia but later becomes an employee at MgRonald's, a fast-food restaurant in modern-day Tokyo.

31. Kenjiro Hato

Kenjiro Hato from the Genshiken series
Kenjiro Hato from the Genshiken series. Photo: @starchild.genshiken, @MangaListPH on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Kenjiro Hato is one of the famous anime trap characters from the anime and manga series Genshiken. Hato is a university student who initially presents as female but later reveals that he identifies as male.

32. Femto

Femto from Berserk
Femto from the anime and manga series Berserk. Photo: @BERSERK4LIFE.ANIME, @berserkforever on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Femto is a character from the anime and manga series Berserk. Known initially as Griffith, he transforms into the demonic entity Femto. As Femto, Griffith plays a major antagonistic role in the series, and his complex character is integral to the dark and mature themes explored in Berserk.

33. Idia Shroud

Idia Shroud playing a video game (L). The character in a dark jacket adorned with blue glowing lines (R)
Idia Shroud playing a video game (L). The character in a dark jacket adorned with glowing lines (R). Photo: @aNiMeTrApSS, @Idia-Shroud on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Idia Shroud is a character from the mobile game and anime Disney: Twisted-Wonderland. Idia is a student at the Night Raven College and possesses magical abilities. The character is known for his reclusive and introverted personality.

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34. Xianming Lin

Xianming Lin in a white outfit (L). The character holding a glass (R)
Xianming Lin in a white outfit with black and gold accents (L). The character in armour-like clothing and holding a glass (R). Photo: @aNiMeTrApSS on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Lin stars in the Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens anime. He wears women's clothing to feel more connected to his sister, Qiaomei. Additionally, he takes pleasure in applying makeup. Lin is not concerned about conforming to societal expectations or gender stereotypes.

35. Shirogane Naoto

Shirogane Naoto from Persona 4
Shirogane Naoto from the video game and anime series Persona 4. Photo: @Naoto-Shirogane on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Shirogane Naoto is a character from the video game and anime series Persona 4. He is a skilled detective and a member of the Investigation Team in the game. Initially, Naoto's gender is ambiguous, leading to mystery and confusion among other characters.

36. Aoi Futaba

Aoi Futaba from You're Under Arrest
Aoi Futaba from the You're Under Arrest anime and manga series. Photo: @Vivid.Blue.Aoi on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Aoi Futaba is a character from the anime and manga series You're Under Arrest. Aoi is a transgender woman who works as a traffic cop. The series explores Aoi's experiences and challenges as a transgender individual working in a male-dominated profession.

37. Izumi Miyamura

Izumi Miyamura in a neutral expression
Izumi Miyamura in a neutral expression. Photo: @catchyyy.icons on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Izumi Miyamura is a character from the anime and manga series Horimiya. Initially known for his quiet and unassuming demeanour, Miyamura's character is revealed to have a more intricate personality outside school. His design includes piercings and tattoos.

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38. Mare Bello Fiore

Mare Bello Fiore from Overlord
Mare Bello Fiore from the anime Overlord. Photo: @aNiMeTrApSS on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Mare Bello Fiore is a character from the anime Overlord. He is a dark elf and one of the loyal servants of Ainz Ooal Gown. While Mare's gender is officially male, his androgynous appearance, clothing, and gentle demeanour contribute to his unique character design.

39. Hideri Kanzaki

Hideri Kanzaki poses with arm extended outwards (L). The character holding a plate (R)
Hideri Kanzaki doing the peace sign (L). The character holding a plate (R). Photo: @CosuNime on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Hideri Kanzaki is a character from the anime and manga series Blend S. He loves cross-dressing and wishes to become an idol. Hideri is initially introduced as a girl but later reveals that he identifies as male. The character presents himself femininely and often cross-dresses.

40. Kashima Yuu

Kashima Yuu from Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun
Kashima Yuu from Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun. Photo: @KashimaPrinceYuu on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Kashima Yuu is a character from Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun anime. Kashima is a popular and charismatic high school student known for her androgynous appearance and charm. While identifying as female, she often takes on traditionally masculine roles in school plays.

Who is the most famous anime trap?

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Some of the most famous anime trap characters include the following:

  • Astolfo (Fate/Apocrypha)
  • Haku (Naruto)
  • Nagisa Shiota (Assassination Classroom)
  • Felix Argyle (Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World)

Who is the first trap in anime?

The first one is believed to be Michi from Metropolis (1949). Others include Sapphire from Ribbon no Kishi/Princess Knight (1953) and Jun Watarase from Urusei Yatsura (1978).

These anime traps shared are a glimpse into the diverse world of anime, where storytelling transcends conventional boundaries. They add a layer of complexity and richness to narratives and foster acceptance and appreciation for the myriad forms of identity within the anime community.

Best anime traps
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: Original

Legit.ng recently published an exciting post about the most beautiful anime girls from your favourite shows and movies. Anime has some of the cutest girl characters with beauty, charisma, and enthralling personalities.

Plenty of female characters in anime and manga history have appealing personalities and are good-looking. Read on to discover some of the most beautiful anime girls from your favourite shows and movies.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Brian Oroo avatar

Brian Oroo (Lifestyle writer) Brian Oroo has been working as a writer in Legit.ng since 2021. His main area of specialization is on topics regarding lifestyle, celebrities, news, and many more. He won the Writer of the Year Award on Legit in 2023. Brian graduated with a Bsc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University (JKUAT) in 2021. In 2023, Brian finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. His email is brianoroo533@gmail.com

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