Sorry, Sailor Moon. New Anime Report Confirms Sakura Is Shonen’s Strongest Heroine

Anime and manga enthusiasts recently participated in an annual survey on the strongest female characters featured in Shonen Jump Weekly and the results are quite surprising. Among the top 10 rankings are some of Shōnen’s most exciting recent hits, such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayerbut the top spots are claimed by women from long-lasting franchises like Dragon Ball and naruto. While the rankings are subjective and based on audience votes, the top picks are truly some of the most powerful female characters in the genre.

As Japan’s most famous manga magazine, Shonen Jump featured countless heroines with unique personalities, incredible strength, and unforgettable stories. While heroines like Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura and InuyashaKagome’s are some of the most recognizable women in anime, their power is eclipsed by a new generation of more complex female characters. Among them are an android, a prisoner, a jujutsu sorcerer, and even a waifu or two, brilliantly reflecting the various essential roles that women in anime and real life play.

Shōnen Jump readers rank the strongest female characters in anime history

Android 18 and Jolyne Cujoh are Femme Fatales fueled by revenge

Jolyne Cujohthe protagonist of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Oceantakes third place in the ranking. As the daughter of Jotaro Kujo, the star of Stardust CrusadersJolyne carries on the Joestar family legacy. Her story unfolds with her unjust arrest and determination to clear her name, which immediately endears her to the public. It’s no surprise that the resilient, courageous, and arrogant heroine resonates with viewers around the world and inspires cosplay from stars like Megan Thee Stallion.

In vice-leadership is Android 18, Dragon Ball Zthe formidable female fighter. Originally created as a weapon by the villain Dr. Gero to destroy Goku, Android 18 later aligns himself with the Z Fighters and marries Krillin. Known for her perpetual energy reactor and superhuman combat prowess, 18 evolves into a protective mother and loyal wife, all while maintaining her edge and competing in tournaments. His redemption arc and iconic battles with Vegeta in DBZ and Cell Max in Dragon Ball Superelevate her to one of the strongest female characters in anime history.

Sakura Haruno from Naruto wins first place

The anime’s #1 heroine recently returned in Boruto: Blue Vortex

Claiming first place is Sakura Harunothe central female character of the naruto franchise. As a member of Kakashi’s Team 7 alongside Naruto and Sasuke, Sakura evolves from the passionate young Chunin to one of the most skilled medical ninjas in the series. Much of this radical brilliance is due to the guidance of the number 11 ranked heroine, Tsunade, who imparts generational medical training to her young protégé. His character arc, in addition to his unwavering devotion to Sasuke, eventually won the hearts of narutothe public and its popularity endures even after a long absence.

Although Sakura plays an important role in crucial battles throughout narutoshe only recently returned to the spotlight in Boruto: Two Blue Vortexes. Little is known about its development, as it is practically absent Borutobuilding anticipation for her return and learning the delightful new tricks she has learned. Sakura hasn’t always been a fan favorite, and this poll shows how the representation of female characters continues to evolve and recontextualize over time. Now narutoThe pink-haired heroine is at the top and continues to inspire the next generation of fierce women in manga and anime.