Not just the main characters! Short quotes that add depth to anime works
When it comes to Japanese animation, also known as Cool Japan, it enjoys explosive popularity worldwide.
Its influence is immeasurable—many people overseas even say they learned Japanese through anime.
This time, we’ve compiled a list of short famous quotes that add depth and richness to these anime works.
We’ve gathered lines not only from the main characters but also from supporting characters and even villains, so check to see if your favorite quote made the list!
Not just the main characters! Short quotes that add depth to anime works (1–10)
Look! Humans are like trash!!Muska 'Laputa: Castle in the Sky'
Muska, a ruthless and ambitious man belonging to a government special agency, seeks the secret treasure of Laputa.
These words symbolize the values held by those who gain overwhelming power.
After seizing the sky castle and acquiring immense power, he comes to believe he is a chosen ruler and begins to look down on others.
Yet it is precisely this arrogance that leads to his downfall.
This quote highlights the self-righteous ideology of the powerful and the precarious loneliness and ruin it can bring about.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of one’s mindset and values, symbolizing the fate that awaits those intoxicated by their own status.
However, I refuse.Rohan Kishibe, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable
Rohan Kishibe is a manga artist with a unique aesthetic, a character who stands out even within the story.
His words are not mere refusal; they express the resolve of someone with unwavering conviction.
He has absolute confidence in his own creations and a personality that allows no compromise.
Therefore, even when tempted or threatened by those with great power, he will never bend to anything that goes against his beliefs.
What matters to him is not the will of others, but whether he himself is satisfied.
These words, symbolizing his intense individuality and independence, convey the importance of staying true to your own path without being swayed by others.
Do you need a reason for not wanting to lose?Shoyo Hinata (Haikyu!!)
Shoyo Hinata, the passionate player who stakes everything on volleyball and the protagonist of Haikyu!! This quote expresses a pure passion that needs no reason for wanting to win.
Ever since he started playing volleyball, no matter what walls he hit, he kept challenging without giving up; for him, the feeling of “I don’t want to lose” doesn’t come from logic but from instinct.
Through steady effort and bonds with his teammates, he grows in the world of competition, giving courage to many.
It’s a famous line that shows an obsession with victory and the strength to keep challenging.
Even if it’s a bit unkempt, living true to yourself is far more admirable.Sakata Gintoki (Gintama)
Sakata Gintoki, once feared as the “White Demon,” now runs the Yorozuya, solving all kinds of problems.
His words convey the importance of living true to yourself without worrying about appearances or others’ opinions.
We tend to live seeking success and fame, caring about how we’re seen, but he isn’t bound by those values.
The message is that living with your own convictions and pride is the right way to live.
Behind his nonchalant demeanor lies a strong will to protect his friends and what he holds dear, and that way of life resonates with many.
It’s a memorable quote that shows the importance of living with pride.
A friend asked me for help—how could I just ignore it?!Gian (from Doraemon)
Gian from Doraemon has a bold personality, but at the same time he’s deeply loving and values friendship.
These words reflect a sense of responsibility as a true friend.
For example, when people around you are struggling, you might reach out and think things through together with them, or when a friend is injured and asks for help, you may have wondered how far you should get involved.
Gian’s attitude may seem intimidating at first glance, but his willingness to stand up to protect his friends comes from love and a sense of responsibility toward them.
His words teach us that not abandoning someone and offering support deepens trust.
It’s not about whether you can—just do it!!Megumi Fushiguro 'Jujutsu Kaisen'
When trying something new, many people have thought, “I’m worried I might not be able to do it.” In those moments, remember these words.
They remind us of the importance of taking on challenges and of having determination.
It’s about taking that first step and saying, “Let’s just try.” When starting something, everyone feels anxiety and doubt.
But if you don’t take action, you can’t move forward, no matter how much you wonder whether you can do it.
It’s the same in sports: you grow by practicing and challenging yourself.
Through action, you gradually gain confidence and improve your skills.
Rather than asking “Can I do it?”, decide “I will do it” and keep moving forward.
Your full strength isn’t enough—squeeze out a hundred times that power!!Tanjiro Kamado 'Demon Slayer'
Tanjiro Kamado’s words in Demon Slayer convey the message that overcoming difficult situations requires effort that surpasses your limits.
To grow in the face of adversity, it’s important to rouse yourself and keep pushing forward.
Athletes, for example, work harder than they do in regular practice to deliver their best performance in competitions.
Training that goes beyond their limits and strengthening their mental resilience are essential.
When you feel you’ve reached your limit, try remembering these words.
They teach us the importance of having the courage to grow.
Doubting without listening—such a bad habit of adults.Shinnosuke Nohara 'Crayon Shin-chan'
These are the words of Shinnosuke Nohara, the protagonist of Crayon Shin-chan, when adults wouldn’t listen to him.
In everyday life, too, when a child tells an adult about something that happened, adults sometimes immediately doubt it and say, “That can’t be true.” Because adults have lots of experience and knowledge, they may be quick to judge.
However, it may be important to first listen carefully to the other person and try to understand.
This isn’t just about children—among adults as well, waiting until the other person has finished speaking and then raising questions can lead to more constructive dialogue and help build trust.
As a starting point for communication, we should value listening.
If you give up, the game is over right there.Coach Anzai 'SLAM DUNK'
I’d like to share a quote from Coach Anzai in SLAM DUNK.
It teaches us the importance of perseverance and effort in difficult situations.
For example, in basketball, as the game goes on and the other team keeps pulling ahead, you start to get tired.
But the moment you think “I can’t do it anymore” and give up, the outcome is decided.
If you remember Coach Anzai’s words and keep fighting until the end, a chance to turn the game around might come.
It’s the same with anything—when you face challenges at work or in your studies, continuing to put in the effort instead of giving up may lead to success.
This quote reminds us of the importance of never giving up and continuing to challenge ourselves until the very end.
You wouldn’t call practice someone else made you do “effort,” would you?Goro Shigeno “MAJOR”
Goro Shigeno is a player who has poured his passion into baseball since childhood, overcoming countless trials to reach the professional stage.
His words express, simply yet fervently, what genuine effort truly is.
Training that you merely carry out because you’re told to will never push you beyond your limits.
Only by taking on challenges proactively do you develop real ability.
These words carry weight because they come from someone who chose to keep working harder than anyone else—out of love for baseball and the will to win.
It’s a quote that teaches the importance of taking initiative in your efforts, not only in sports but in every challenge.