Anime! Anime! released the results of its annual tsundere poll on January 11 tied to Japan’s “Salt Day,” and Nino Nakano from The Quintessential Quintuplets claimed the top spot once again.
With 10% of total votes from 890 participants, the pink-haired quintuplet secured her fifth consecutive victory, proving her reign over the tsundere throne shows no signs of ending.
The poll, conducted in December 2025, drew responses primarily from younger fans, about 50% under 19 years old and 20% in their twenties.
Voters praised Nino’s dramatic transformation from the sister who despised protagonist Futaro the most to becoming what fans call a “love locomotive” who aggressively pursues him.
Comments highlighted her iconic motorcycle confession scene and Ayana Taketatsu’s stellar voice performance as key reasons she continues dominating the rankings year after year.
Classic Tsunderes still pack a punch
While Nino maintains her crown, the old guard isn’t backing down. Taiga Aisaka from Toradora! climbed from fourth place last year to second with 9% of votes.
The legendary “Palmtop Tiger,” voiced by tsundere queen Rie Kugimiya, remains the gold standard for many veteran fans who appreciate her mix of aggression and vulnerability that defined the archetype for an entire generation.
Third place went to England from Hetalia Axis Powers, representing the rare male tsundere with his cynical yet gentlemanly personality that resonates with fans.
The complete Top 10
The final rankings blend classic favorites with newer hits:
- Nino Nakano (The Quintessential Quintuplets)
- Taiga Aisaka (Toradora!)
- England (Hetalia Axis Powers)
- Karane Inda (The 100 Girlfriends Who Really Love You)
- Ai Haibara (Detective Conan)
- Louise Françoise (Zero no Tsukaima)
- Shana (Shakugan no Shana)
- Asuka Langley (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
- Haruka Sakura (WIND BREAKER)
- Mikoto Misaka (A Certain Scientific Railgun)
Nino’s continued dominance proves that character development matters. She started as the least popular quintuplet in early polls but became a fan favorite after cutting her hair and confessing her feelings twice in one day, breaking every tsundere trope in the best way possible.
Five years at number one isn’t just impressive; it’s legendary.
Want more anime news and rankings? Follow Geek Realm Hub on Facebook and stay in the loop with everything geek!