Some anime mentors reshape the lives of their protagonists and others with their wisdom, passion, and guidance. In many series, teachers often go above and beyond for their students, teaching them and the audience important lessons. Some methods may be unconventional, but the results shape heroes, legends, and sometimes even viewers’ perspectives.

Every mentor offers more than just knowledge and wisdom. They challenge authority, shape characters into leaders who stand up for themselves and others, and often lead by example. In anime, there are many mentors, teachers, and role models who leave an unforgettable impact.

10

Izumi Curtis

From Fullmetal Alchemist, Produced by Studio Bones, Based on the Manga by Hiromu Arakawa

Fullmetal Alchemist follows the stories of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who aim to restore their bodies after a disastrous alchemical mistake involving human transmutation. The story explores themes of redemption, morality, and the consequences of power. The cast is diverse, complex, and deep, making the series a must-watch anime.

Part of that cast is Izumi Curtis, a master alchemist and a force of nature. As Edward and Alphonse’s teacher, she imparts technical knowledge as well as a sense of personal accountability. She is both terrifying and nurturing, standing out for her ferocity and compassion.

What makes her stand out as a mentor is her dedication to instilling discipline without cruelty. Her methods may be harsh, but they are always purposeful. She pushes her students to their limits to teach them important lessons in humility, resilience, and survival.

Beyond Fullmetal Alchemist, Izumi Curtis is one of the most complex anime characters, with her own grief and mistakes shaping her worldview. She offers wisdom grounded in hard-earned experience and genuinely cares about those she mentors. Izumi raises warriors who truly understand the weight of their power and actions, making her one of the best characters in all of anime.

9

Kisuke Urahara

From Bleach, Produced by Studio Pierrot, Based on the Manga by Tite Kubo

Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who unintentionally gains the powers of a Soul Reaper. Among the characters is Kisuke Urahara, a quirky shopkeeper who is far more complex than he appears. As a former Soul Reaper captain and a scientific genius, Urahara becomes one of Ichigo’s early mentors, providing guidance, training, and knowledge.

What makes him stand out is his unconventional teaching style. Urahara challenges Ichigo to survive under brutal conditions, pushing him to grow through instinct and desperation. His lessons might be cryptic or delivered with dry humor, but they always carry deeper meaning, preparing students for real-life, high-stakes situations.

Urahara is always several steps ahead, guiding others while remaining a quiet figure in the background. His expertise in science and strategy makes him a tactician whose teaching approach is to help others discover and develop their own strengths. Instead of giving direct answers, Urahara emphasizes self-discovery and instills a strong sense of purpose.

8

Master Roshi

From Dragon Ball, Produced by Toei Animation, Based on the Manga by Akira Toriyama

Dragon Ball began as a wild, comedic adventure packed with martial arts, fantasy elements, and a wish-granting dragon at the center of many adventures. The series quickly became a worldwide phenomenon and inspired countless other anime and creators. With many unforgettable and iconic characters, one mentor stands out.

Master Roshi, also known as the Turtle Hermit, may seem like an ordinary old man, but he’s a key character in the series. He trained the hero Goku, along with Krillin and Yamcha, setting them on paths that led to greatness. Roshi is a martial arts genius and often shows surprising insight, guiding the characters from the very beginning.

Master Roshi is a legendary figure who teaches discipline, patience, and control. He’s responsible for shaping many of the heroes’ philosophies, and without him, Goku might have grown into a very different person. Despite his flaws, Roshi has shown that wisdom and experience can be just as powerful as brute strength.

7

All Might

From My Hero Academia, Produced by Studio Bones, Based on the Manga by Kohei Horikoshi

My Hero Academia takes place in a world where superpowers, called quirks, are common, and being a hero is a recognized profession. Through intense battles and a complex social structure, the series examines what it truly means to be a hero, along with the burdens that come with such responsibility and high expectations.

All Might strongly believes in others’ potential and strives to bring out the best in his students.

In the series, All Might symbolizes hope, justice, and peace with a smile and unwavering positivity. As the former number one hero and a teacher at U.A. High School, he mentors the next generation of heroes. His presence alone inspires courage, even when faced with overwhelming odds.

As a teacher, he understands that heroism involves more than just physical strength and that character is equally important. He guides his students with care and teaches his ideals through action, not just words. All Might strongly believes in others’ potential and strives to bring out the best in his students.

6

Yami Sukehiro

From Black Clover, Produced by Studio Pierrot, Based on the Manga by Yūki Tabata

Black Clover follows Asta, a boy born without magic who aims to become the Wizard King. Along his journey, he joins the Black Bulls, led by Yami Sukehiro, who is known for his gruff demeanor and mysterious background. Yet, despite his rough edges and laid-back attitude, Yami is a fierce warrior and a dedicated mentor who pushes his team to unlock their hidden potential.

What makes Yami a great mentor is his focus on strength through perseverance. He values grit and hard work over talent and challenges his squad to fight beyond their limits, fears, and doubts. His blunt, no-nonsense style motivates his team to grow stronger by embracing their flaws.

Yami is more than a powerful fighter and leads by example. He demonstrates the importance of loyalty, courage, and resilience in every battle he takes part in. As the leader of the Black Bulls, Yami fosters unity and confidence, inspiring others to stand tall even when faced with overwhelming odds.

5

Jiraiya

From Naruto, Produced by Studio Pierrot, Based on the Manga by Masashi Kishimoto

Naruto follows the titular character, Naruto Uzumaki, as he aims to become the Hokage. Along his journey, he forms strong bonds and receives mentorship and guidance from many teachers. One of them is Jiraiya, one of the three Sannin or legendary ninja, and one of the most influential mentors in the series.

Jiraiya offers strength, wisdom, and a deep emotional connection to guide Naruto through both physical training and life lessons. He saw Naruto’s loneliness and balanced humor with his mentorship, teaching him not only how to fight but also how to believe in himself. His training taught Naruto how to channel raw energy into controlled strength.

Jiraiya is a teacher who leads by example. His flawed yet noble pursuit of peace shapes Naruto’s entire worldview. He teaches that strength needs to serve something greater and that even those who are imperfect can still uphold strong ideals. His legacy was about skill, resilience, as well as morality.

4

Reigen Arataka

From Mob Psycho 100, Produced by Studio Bones, Based on the Manga by One

Mob Psycho 100 centers on Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, an ordinary middle schooler with incredible psychic powers who struggles to control his emotions and find his purpose. At the core of the series is Reigen Arataka, Mob’s mentor and self-proclaimed psychic. He’s charismatic and quick-witted, guiding Mob through challenges with humor and confidence.

What makes Reigen stand out most is his ability to teach life lessons beyond supernatural abilities. He emphasizes ethics, emotional maturity, and self-respect, highlighting the idea that real strength comes from kindness and humility. Despite his flaws, Reigen consistently offers valuable insights about personal growth and self-awareness.

Though he may be a con artist and runs a fake psychic business, Reigen is sincere in his efforts and commitment to Mob’s well-being. With his humor and empathy, he is one of the most effective and beloved teachers in anime.

3

Satoru Gojo

From Jujutsu Kaisen, Produced by MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Gege Akutami

One of the most iconic figures in Jujutsu Kaisen is none other than Satoru Gojo, who is hailed as the most powerful Jujutsu Sorcerer. As a character, he embodies confidence and overwhelming strength, yet is crafted with intricate depth and moral complexity.

As a teacher at Tokyo Jujutsu High, he pushes his students to surpass their limits while shielding them from the harsh realities of their world to the best of his ability. He has high expectations and refuses to let talent go to waste, encouraging his students to become more powerful than he is.

With his intelligence and strength, Gojo is a formidable protector and an inspiring mentor, urging his class to stand tall in the face of obstacles. What makes him stand out most is his dedication to revolutionizing jujutsu society. His lessons often extend beyond combat, and he encourages his students to reshape their world.

2

Genkai

From Yu Yu Hakusho, Produced by Studio Pierrot, Based on the Manga by Yoshihiro Togashi

Yu Yu Hakusho follows Yusuke Urameshi, a rebellious teenager who unexpectedly dies and is given a second chance as a Spirit Detective. In the series, Genkai is a legendary martial artist and a mentor who trains Yusuke and his friends to harness their spiritual energy.

She reminds her students that one of the most important lessons is that true strength comes from understanding oneself.

While she may be fierce and demanding, she pushes her students to excel with tough lessons and relentless discipline. She shapes them into warriors who are prepared to face any challenge they encounter. Genkai stands out for seeing potential where others would not and for guiding her students to develop both physical and mental strength.

Genkai instills confidence and resilience in her students, along with humility and self-awareness. She reminds her students that one of the most important lessons is that true strength comes from understanding oneself.

1

Koro-sensei

From Assassination Classroom, Produced by Lerche, Based on the Manga by Yusei Matsui

Assassination Classroom begins with a strange premise where a powerful, yellow, octopus-like creature threatens to destroy Earth unless his junior high school students can kill him first. While it seems chaotic, it sets the stage for a surprisingly heartfelt story and a philosophical look at growth, education, and prejudice.

Koro-sensei may appear to be a cartoonish alien, but he turns out to be one of the most compassionate and capable teachers in anime. As the homeroom teacher of Class 3-E, the students assigned to kill him are given an extraordinary level of dedication to their academic, emotional, and moral growth.

What makes Koro-sensei stand out most is his ability to adapt. He tailors his teaching to each student’s learning style, struggles, and hopes for the future. Koro-sensei even goes to extreme lengths to ensure no one is left behind. Whether it’s academic or life lessons, he approaches each interaction with care and his full attention.

Koro-sensei builds confidence in his students, encourages independence, and motivates them to be loyal to each other and to show compassion for others. Even as a target of assassination, he never puts his students’ well-being at risk for his own survival, making him one of the most selfless and dedicated teachers in anime history.