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In the world of anime, there are characters who don masks for various reasons. Some wear it to hide their true identities, while others use it as a source of power. Masks have become a staple in anime character design, giving them a unique appearance and creating an air of mystery around them.
Regardless of their reasons, these masked characters have captured the imagination of fans and become some of the most memorable and iconic characters in anime. From superheroes to villains and everything in between, these masked characters have left an indelible mark on the world of anime.
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10/10 Kai Chisaki - My Hero Academia
He has an extremely germaphobic personality and considers himself superior to others, believing that their germs and bacteria are beneath him. The mask he wears covers his mouth and nose, allowing him to breathe in his own filtered air and avoid any contact with outside germs.
This behavior has contributed to his villainous persona, as he views others as disposable and insignificant. The design of the mask itself is also unique, with a metallic beak that resembles a plague doctor's mask, adding to his intimidating appearance.
9/10 Shizue Izawa - That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
Shizue, a former member of the Free Guild Headquarters and the renowned Conqueror of Flames was summoned to an alternate world by the Demon Lord Leon Cromwell during the Second World War's Tokyo bombing. Leon had intended to summon Chloe Aubert, but he decided to use Shizu instead.
He called forth the Flame Giant Ifrit to possess Shizu, and to control Ifrit's will, Shizu was provided with an Anti-Magic Mask. The Anti-Magic Mask grants the wearer resistance to magic, functions as an antidote and breathing aid, and enhances their senses.
8/10 Zero - Code Geass
In the acclaimed anime series Code Geass, Zero is a character played by different individuals who don a striking disguise consisting of a mask and a flowing cape to serve as the heroic savior of Japan. The mask is a carefully crafted piece of headgear, covering the entire face and rendering the wearer's true identity a mystery.
Its intricate design features a crystal-like visor, providing Zero with a clear view of his surroundings, while the Geass symbol stretches across the wearer's face, imbuing him with formidable power. The mask's upper portion is adorned with jagged edges, adding to its intimidating and cool appearance, befitting the character's daring exploits.
7/10 Inosuke Hashibira - Demon Slayer
The reason for Inosuke's boar-like mask is primarily related to his background and personality. Raised by boars in the mountains, Inosuke has a fierce and wild nature, and he believes that wearing the boar mask enhances his fighting abilities and intimidation factor. In addition, Inosuke has a tendency to act impulsively and aggressively, and the mask helps him to hide his emotions and intentions from others, adding an element of mystery to his character.
Furthermore, the mask also serves a practical purpose, as it protects Inosuke's face during battles against the Demons he and his comrades fight. Inosuke is known for his close-combat fighting style, and the mask helps to prevent injuries to his face, which could otherwise hinder his ability to continue fighting.
6/10 Ichigo Kurosaki - Bleach
Upon donning the mask, Ichigo experiences a significant boost in power but also becomes more aggressive and bloodthirsty. The mask's design features striking red markings, with eye holes large enough to reveal Ichigo's entire eyes. His yellow iris is surrounded by a black pupil and sclera, adding to the mask's eerie appearance.
During his intense battle with Ulquiorra, Ichigo's Hollow mask undergoes an upgrade, becoming even more striking with the addition of powerful horns capable of shooting Cero blasts.
5/10 Hei - Darker Than Black
Hei from Darker than Black is one of the best anime characters who wear a mask. His signature white mask features a purple lightning symbol over the right eye and a thin red slit across the mouth. Gifted to him by the Syndicate, the mask helps him hide his true identity and gives him a unique appearance. It also represents his supernatural ability to manipulate electricity, making him a formidable opponent.
Interestingly, behind the mask lies a surprisingly handsome face that catches the attention of everyone. Hei's mask is an essential part of his character, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the already fascinating protagonist. It's a testament to the show's excellent character design that Hei is equally captivating with or without the mask.
4/10 Kaonashi - Spirited Away
Kaonashi, also known as No-Face, is a fascinating anime character from Spirited Away. His white mask, featuring two black eyes and a rectangular mouth, adds to his enigmatic personality. As a dark spirit, he has the power to absorb emotions, causing him to take on the attitudes of those around him and ultimately leading to his transformation into a villain.
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Despite his mask hiding his facial expressions, Kaonashi communicates his emotions and intentions through his actions, making him a captivating character. His unpredictable behavior and mystique keep viewers on edge, and his transformation from antagonist to beloved character is a testament to the complexity of his personality.
3/10 Obito Uchiha - Naruto Shippuden
Obito wears the mask to conceal his identity and to hide his Sharingan eye. The Sharingan is a powerful ability possessed by members of the Uchiha clan that allows them to see chakra and copy jutsu. Obito's Sharingan is unique because it possesses the ability to phase through objects and teleport himself and others to different locations.
Obito uses his mask to hide his identity from his enemies and to conceal his true intentions. He is a member of the Akatsuki, a criminal organization that seeks to capture all of the Tailed Beasts, and Obito is a key player in their plans. By wearing the mask, he is able to keep his true identity hidden from his enemies and maintain his cover as a member of the Akatsuki.
2/10 Ken Kaneki - Tokyo Ghoul
Like many other characters in the series, Kaneki wears a mask to conceal his identity from the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG), a government agency tasked with eliminating Ghouls, who are creatures that can only survive by consuming human flesh.
Kaneki WEARS is a distinctive black mask that covers most of his face. The design of the mask resembles a stylized Japanese Ghoul. The mask is also adorned with a zipper-like design that runs down his lips, which is a nod to Kaneki's transformation and his unique abilities.
1/10 Kakashi Hatake - Naruto
Kakashi Hatake's mask has become an iconic symbol in the Naruto franchise. The mask itself is a simple black cloth covering his lower face and neck, leaving only his eyes visible. It's an accessory that he wears almost constantly, and it has become synonymous with his character.
The mask is believed to have originally been used to protect his identity as an ANBU member, a secret ninja organization, but he continued to wear it even after leaving the ANBU. Over time, the mask has become a part of Kakashi's identity, and it has even become a running joke that no one knows what he looks like underneath it. Despite the humor surrounding the mask, it has an important function in concealing Kakashi's unique Sharingan eye.
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