January Birthdays: Anime Character Edition! 

Birthdays in the New Year are so exciting, especially if they’re for a character from your favorite anime! We’ll introduce you to anime characters with January birthdays. We’ll also give you some of their iconic moments (don’t worry, no spoilers), their personality traits, and everything excellent about them.

After reading this list, we hope you’re inspired to watch these series and get to know these characters with January birthdays yourself. Are you ready? Ikimashou! (Let’s go!)

Yoruichi Shihōin (Bleach) 

Sticking with cats, we have Yoruichi Shihōin. This Shinigami is a fan favorite thanks to her unique powers, strong personality, and positive portrayal of a person of color. A princess with the ability to shapeshift, Yoriuchi used to be the captain of the Soul Society’s 2nd Division. She later trains Ichigo, Orihime, and Yasutora (aka Chad). She also helps save Rukia from execution, chases the Bount, and fights Yammy. She’s an absolute legend!

Yoruichi is a boss with great leadership and amazing combat skills. At the same time, she’s playful and a bit mischievous. She likes teasing Ichigo but also cares for him, his friends, and her former pupil, Soifon/Suì-Fēng. Yoruichi is one of Bleach’s best characters.

Birthday: January 1st

Hotaru Tomoe/Sailor Saturn (Sailor Moon) 

Hotaru Tomoe looks like a regular human. But she’s Sailor Saturn, a member of the Outer Sailor Guardians! She uses her Silence Glaive to destroy and recreate everything around her as the Guardian of Destruction. Whenever her powers are activated, she’s also reborn into a new body. Several characters try to control her, like when Mistress 9 possesses Hotaru. No matter the cost, Sailor Saturn is willing to do her part to protect the galaxy.     

Hotaru’s childhood and responsibilities make her both shy (as a civilian) and focused (as a Sailor Guardian). She has a big heart and is willing to give her life to save the world. Hotaru is stronger than she looks; we’re always ready to cheer her on!

Birthday: January 6th

Shoto Todoroki (My Hero Academia) 

Finally, we have one of MHA’s most beloved characters: Shoto Todoroki. His Quirk is Half-Cold Half-Hot, which means he can shoot flames and ice. Since Shoto was the only one to get both Quirks, his father, Endeavor, the Number 2 Hero, separated him from his siblings and forced him to train to surpass All Might. Because of that, Shoto hates him and wants nothing to do with him, even refusing to use his fire powers at first.

Shoto has a cold, quiet personality that warms up as he gets to know his classmates. But despite being more serious, he’s also been part of iconic moments and memes like *Glamouroki”. This Ice Prince warmed everyone’s hearts, and it’s easy to see why! 

Birthday: January 11th

Are you interested in amazing anime merch? Check out YumeTwins! YumeTwins sends all kinds of kawaii character goods – from Japanese plushies to stationery – right to your door so that you can enjoy your best kawaii lifestyle on your way!

Historia Reiss (Attack on Titan) 

When we first meet this soldier, she’s known as Krista Lenz. But later, we learn her real name: Historia Reiss. And she’s also a princess! To save her life, Historia was forced to hide her true identity. With Eren Yeager, Ymir, and the Survey Corps’ help, she later overthrows her father and is crowned Queen of the Walls. She continues to help her friends as the battle with the Titans intensifies. 

Historia looks like a sweet person with a kind heart. But she isn’t sure how to act and feels empty inside. However, she eventually grows into the confident woman she is today, even doing things like punching Levi Ackerman! Attack on Titan has many unique characters, but Historia is our favorite. 

Birthday: January 15th 

Kyo Sohma (Fruits Basket) 

Kyo Sohma seems like an average high school student, but he has a secret: he’s been cursed by the Zodiac Sign of the Cat. When he hugs a girl/woman or is stressed, he turns into a cat! Because of his powers and his proper monster-like form, Kyo was rejected by his father.

After his mother’s death, he’s taken in by the Sohmas and trains to fight his adoptive brother, Yuki (the Rat). If Kyo defeats Yuki before graduating, he can officially join the Zodiac. Otherwise, he’ll spend the rest of his life with the Sohmas. 

Kyo has a short temper and pushes away people to avoid hurting them and himself. However, Tohru Honda helps him become more patient and kind, and eventually, they fall in love. It’s a great character arc and a beautiful romance. Plus, who doesn’t love cats?  

Birthday: Also January 15th

Why are these anime characters with January birthdays so cool? 

First, they have strong personalities. Everyone on the list has a unique and well-rounded personality, especially the female characters. It’s easier for us to like and root for them. And it’s always a pleasant surprise when someone serious like Kyo gives us a sparkling smile.

They also have special abilities. Something else everyone shares? They have a superpower or combat skills! From Shoto’s Quirk to Yoriuchi’s shapeshifting, they’re all fighters who protect their families and friends from danger. Plus, each of their series has epic fight scenes starring these characters!

Not to mention, they are resilient. Each of these anime characters has a painful past. They’ve lost their loved ones or have been mistreated by people they trusted. Learning these stories makes us cry and get closer to them, especially if they initially seem emotionless. It also makes it much easier to root for them when they achieve their goals!

Finally, the people on this list with January birthdays have strong character development. It could be confronting ghosts from their past or learning to control their powers or emotions. Seeing them grow into better versions of themselves is both satisfying and inspiring.

Do you share a January birthday with someone mentioned in this blog? Who is your favorite anime character born in January? Tell us in the comments below. And Happy New Year from everyone at YumeTwins!