We’re excited to present the character popularity ranking for CITY THE ANIMATION! Airing as a summer 2025 anime, this series marks Kyoto Animation’s first new TV project in six years and brings Keiichi Arawi’s gag manga CITY to life. While it looks like an everyday slice-of-life on the surface, the story is packed with surreal humor that has caught the attention of fans everywhere.
In this article, we’ll cover the series overview, highlight its most charming characters, and reveal the Top 5 character ranking. By the end, you’ll have even more reasons to dive deeper into the quirky world of CITY THE ANIMATION.
Series Overview: Keiichi Arawi × Kyoto Animation Bring a Unique City to Life
CITY THE ANIMATION is a youth comedy based on Arawi Keiichi’s manga CITY. Arawi himself calls it a “Girls’ Run Comedy”, centering on the daily antics of three college girls—Nagumo Midori, Niikura, and Izumi Wako—alongside the not-so-ordinary residents of an otherwise ordinary city.
The story doesn’t follow a single overarching plot. Instead, surreal gags unfold as the city’s quirky inhabitants constantly stir up chaos. Produced by Kyoto Animation, the anime carries the tagline “Tanoshii (Fun) is the magic word” and blends laughter, romance, and tear-jerking moments into unpredictable everyday life.
Fans of Arawi’s previous hit Nichijou will recognize the shared atmosphere. In fact, the first manga volume’s obi (cover band) features Nichijou’s Yuuko Aioi “passing the baton” to Nagumo Midori. While Midori is the protagonist, the series as a whole plays like an ensemble drama where the entire city itself feels like the main character.
Broadcast began on July 6, 2025, with 13 episodes produced—Kyoto Animation’s first new TV series in about six years.
Spotlight on the Main Cast: A Trio Bursting with Personality
The three core heroines—Nagumo Midori, Niikura, and Izumi Wako—each bring unforgettable quirks that make them the heart of the story. All three are students at Mont Blanc University and residents of the same apartment complex, Mokumesei-sou. Let’s break down what makes each of them shine.
Nagumo Midori – CV: Komatsu Mikako
Midori is our protagonist: a 20-year-old college student with a reddish-brown ponytail and a tomboyish vibe. Constantly broke, she’s always behind on rent and running from Obaba, the terrifying landlady.
She’s sloppy and scheming, but also pure-hearted and oddly endearing. She hates scary stories, has incredible athletic ability, and in high school became a legend for defeating sports club aces despite not joining any clubs herself. Now, she’s often late for her part-time job at Makabe’s restaurant and forever dreaming of “easy money.”
Still, Midori has a kind streak—she can’t ignore people in trouble and genuinely cares about her friends. Her chaotic yet energetic presence makes her the most popular character in CITY.
Niikura – CV: Toyosaki Aki
Niikura, an 18-year-old freshman at Mont Blanc University, is Midori’s underclassman and one of the few who can keep up with her. Her real name is unknown—everyone just calls her Niikura. She’s an aspiring photographer, sporting a bob haircut and zipping around on a scooter.
She’s the group’s reliable tsukkomi (straight man), constantly reining in Midori’s wild antics. While she’s caring and sensible, she’s also a little sharp-tongued and not afraid to scold her friends.
Voiced by Toyosaki Aki, Niikura’s high-energy tsukkomi has become a highlight of the anime. Fans love cheering her on, often calling out, “Ganbare, Niikura!” She’s the dependable best friend everyone wishes they had.
Izumi Wako – CV: Ishikawa Yui
At first glance, Wako seems like a sweet, laid-back girl with black semi-long hair and a constant smile. In reality, she’s one of the series’ biggest eccentrics. She once moved into Niikura’s closet without asking, worships a creepy black mouse doll as her “god,” and comes up with bizarre hobbies.
Wako’s passion is photography, but her real charm lies in her unpredictable behavior. She’s carefree, genius-like, and absolutely impossible to ignore.
Voice actress Ishikawa Yui admitted she worried about capturing Wako’s surreal humor, but her performance nailed the character’s chaotic cuteness. Fans describe Wako as “a lovable wild card—every time she shows up, you can’t look away.”
Beyond the Main Trio: Meet the Colorful Residents of City
The appeal of CITY THE ANIMATION doesn’t stop with its leads. The supporting cast is equally packed with personality.
- Obaba: The landlady of Mokumesei-sou and grandmother of Tatewaku and Matsuri. Her monstrous physical strength terrifies even Midori. A former student council president who solved problems with brute force, she’s legendary in her own right.
- Makabe Tsurubishi: The burly, kindhearted chef who runs Western Restaurant Makabe (and father of Tatewaku and Matsuri). A member of the local trio “City’s Three Crows,” he’s both a reliable father figure and a comedic presence.
- Makabe Tatewaku & Matsuri: Tsurubishi’s children. Tatewaku is a high schooler with a hopeless crush on Izumi Riko, while Matsuri, a middle schooler, is known for her playful “clubs” with her best friend Ecchan.
- Adatara Family: A large, eccentric clan that includes Hakase (a mad scientist voiced by Koyasu Takehito) who spies on the Makabe family, and siblings like Kamome, Umi, and Sora, each brimming with quirks.
- Izumi Riko: Wako’s younger sister, a high schooler with mysterious talents ranging from hacking to bomb-making, adored by her classmates.
Even the City Minami High soccer team is full of oddballs, from the overly noble captain Obina Rindou to the super-talented but constantly injured Sasago Genjirou.
This rich supporting cast ensures that every corner of City is bursting with comedy and individuality. As many fans put it: “In this city, anyone can be the main character.”
Ranking Criteria: Fan Votes & Online Buzz
For this ranking, we compiled fan votes, social media discussions (hashtags like #AnimeCITY), merchandise sales reactions, and in-anime importance to determine the Top 5 most beloved characters.
Let’s count down from #5 to #1.
5th Place: Oni Kamaboko
The struggling manga artist of Mokumesei-sou, Oni Kamaboko draws Rakutan-kun for Weekly City. Always sweating, crying, or panicking over deadlines, he’s both pitiful and hilarious.
Fans cheer him on with comments like “Hang in there, Kamaboko!”, finding charm in his constant tears and breakdowns. Voiced by Miyazaki Yu, he’s become a surprisingly popular underdog.
4th Place: Izumi Wako
Wako’s unpredictable antics—worshiping dolls, daydreaming bizarre romances between her friends—make her irresistibly funny.
Her natural eccentricity, paired with Ishikawa Yui’s energetic performance, has earned her a devoted following. Many fans say, “Just seeing Wako makes me smile.”
3rd Place: Niikura
As the group’s only voice of reason, Niikura grounds the chaos with sharp tsukkomi while still getting caught up in the fun herself. Her human flaws and loyal friendship make her highly relatable.
Toyosaki Aki’s passionate performance sealed the deal, with fans praising her comedic timing and heartfelt delivery.
2nd Place: Makabe Tsurubishi
Surprisingly, the rugged middle-aged chef ranked second! Tsurubishi combines fatherly warmth, comedic blunders, and local legend status as one of the “Three Crows of City.”
Voiced by Kawahara Yoshihisa, his mix of toughness and humor has won over fans, proving you don’t need to be a heroine to be beloved.
1st Place: Nagumo Midori
The top spot goes to none other than our protagonist, Midori. While it might seem obvious, her win is no accident—her magnetic energy, chaotic charm, and hidden kindness make her unforgettable.
Whether escaping rent collectors with wild stunts, showing off her legendary athletic skills, or comforting friends, Midori is the beating heart of CITY THE ANIMATION. Komatsu Mikako’s spot-on performance only amplifies her appeal.
As fans put it: “Midori alone makes the show worth watching.”
Behind the Scenes: Director Ishidate Taichi & the Voice Cast
Director Ishidate Taichi (known for Violet Evergarden) emphasized that the show is “not just gag, but comedy.” He aimed for humor that feels clever and charming rather than brainless slapstick.
To capture Arawi’s manga style, the staff even set rules like “background lines must always be thinner than character lines” for visual consistency. This meticulous detail created the sense that the manga’s panels had truly come to life.
Recording sessions also prioritized real-time interaction between cast members. With Komatsu Mikako (Midori), Toyosaki Aki (Niikura), and Ishikawa Yui (Wako) often ad-libbing, the studio was filled with laughter—bringing natural timing to every gag.The cast repeatedly highlighted the show’s underlying warmth. Komatsu described it as “chaotic and crazy, but never cruel.” Ishikawa added, “It makes you want to live in City too.” This kindness, mixed with comedy, gives CITY THE ANIMATION its unique charm.
Conclusion: Fall in Love with City All Over Again
From its quirky leads to its eccentric side characters, CITY THE ANIMATION is a treasure chest of individuality. Our ranking crowned Nagumo Midori as #1, but every character contributes to the city’s unpredictable yet heartwarming daily life.
If this article piqued your interest, rewatch the anime or dive into the original manga. Focus on the characters’ quirks, relationships, and little details—you’ll discover even more to love.As the tagline says: “Laughter, love, and a touch of tears”—that’s City life. Find your own favorite character and enjoy the ride. Who knows? A little bit of City’s fun might just spill into your everyday life too.
