There’s something about a character tying their hair into a bun that just hits differently — it signals growth, change, and sometimes, an impending badass moment. Here are 7 unforgettable anime characters who rocked the man bun look and left a lasting impression.
- Eren Yeager – Attack on Titan
Eren starts out as a wide-eyed, hot-blooded teen with sharp green eyes and jet-black hair, full of righteous fury and an unstoppable drive to explore the world beyond the walls. But as the story progresses — through countless battles, betrayals, and the burden of inherited memories — that fire gives way to something more somber.
By the final seasons, Eren’s look matures drastically. His once-youthful face hardens with weariness, and his long hair is tied up in a man bun — a visual cue that the boy we knew has evolved into a hardened man carrying the weight of the world. Despite his moral ambiguity, Eren’s core has always been the same: he values freedom above all and carries immense guilt for the sacrifices of his comrades.
- Suguru Geto – Jujutsu Kaisen
With long black hair, droopy eyes, and a signature ear gauge, Suguru Geto stands out in any crowd. During his time at Jujutsu High, he tied his hair up in a clean man bun, paired with the school’s baggy uniform. As an adult, he changes to a half-up bun and dons the iconic Five-Pronged Robe, exuding both elegance and menace.
Though he’s labeled the “most evil sorcerer,” Geto is a complex character — a hard-working genius who grew disillusioned with the world. He believed in creating a utopia for sorcerers by eliminating those who produce curses — ordinary people. His ideology led to his downfall, ultimately being killed by his best friend Gojo Satoru. A tragic end at just 27.
- Shinpei Ajiro – Summer Time Rendering
Shinpei is your classic bookworm with a twist. Inspired by his father’s love for literature, he’s deeply into sci-fi and mystery novels and dreams of becoming a chef. With shoulder-length black hair usually tied in a bun, he looks more laid-back than heroic.
But things take a wild turn when he returns to his island hometown for the funeral of his childhood friend Ushio — and finds himself caught in a strange loop of life and death. With the mysterious power to rewind time after each death, Shinpei must unravel the island’s secrets while grappling with the weight of every life lost… and reset.
- Taro Sakamoto – Sakamoto Days
Once known as the most feared assassin, Taro Sakamoto was lean, sharp-eyed, and incredibly lethal. His long gray hair, always tied back in a neat bun, framed his steely expression — a silent warning to all who crossed him.
Then… he fell in love.
After retiring, getting married, and having a child, Sakamoto’s life took a drastic turn — and so did his appearance. Now overweight and constantly in an apron, his current image as a humble convenience store owner contrasts hilariously with his deadly past. But beneath the dad bod and gentle demeanor, the killer instinct still lurks.
- Izumi Miyamura – Horimiya
Izumi’s a man of contrasts. At school, he’s the quiet, glasses-wearing loner. But outside? He’s pierced, tattooed, and at times ties his unkempt black hair into a casual bun. His blue eyes and long lashes add to the mystique.
Despite his seemingly gloomy appearance, Miyamura is kind, dependable, and surprisingly sharp-tongued when provoked. After falling for Hori Kyoko, he undergoes a transformation — ditching the long hair, removing his glasses, and revealing a lighter, more confident version of himself. Proof that love really can change a person.
- Asahi Azumane – Haikyuu!!
Asahi might look intimidating — tall frame, scruffy beard, and a loosely tied half-bun — but inside, he’s a sensitive soul. Nicknamed the “Ace” of Karasuno, he once quit volleyball after a particularly harsh block shook his confidence.
Though he looks like the wildest one on the team, Asahi is surprisingly gentle and self-doubting. It’s only through the encouragement of teammates like Hinata and Nishinoya that he finds his way back to the court, rediscovering the fire within.
- Wang Ye – The Outcast (Hitori no Shita)
With messy black hair usually tied into a ponytail or traditional Daoist bun, Wang Ye gives off major slacker vibes. Often seen carrying a thermos and wearing laid-back streetwear (hoodies, T-shirts, caps), he doesn’t exactly look like someone from a prestigious martial background — but that’s exactly what makes him interesting.
Despite being born into a wealthy family and trained in Wudang, Wang Ye never flaunts his background. He’s humble, calm, and a bit of a mystery, often downplaying his intelligence and power. Beneath the sleepy-eyed exterior lies a highly capable young man who started questioning life’s meaning from a shockingly early age.
Final Thoughts
The man bun isn’t just a hairstyle — in anime, it’s often a symbol of transformation, inner strength, and a touch of rebellion. Whether it’s worn by a disillusioned idealist, a reformed killer, or a sensitive volleyball ace, it always tells a story. Which bun-wearing anime character is your favorite?