Whether you were a manga series fan or were first introduced to the Tokyo Ghoul characters in the anime series, there’s no denying they are some of the best in the dark fantasy genre in the last decade. The Sui Ishida-created Manga has over 47 million copies in circulation as of January 2021. To this end, Tokyo Ghoul remains one of the best-selling manga series.
Adapted into an anime, the series ran successfully for 3 seasons, from July 4, 2014, to December 25, 2018. The anime is set in Tokyo but in an alternate reality where humans and ghouls coexist. The series follows 17-year-old student Ken Kaneki, who transforms into a half-ghoul after surgically receiving the organs of a ghoul who tried to kill him. These are the top Tokyo Ghoul characters in the anime series.
Ken Kaneki
Ken Kaneki is the main protagonist in the Tokyo Ghoul manga and anime series. The series introduces him as a 17-year-old human college student living a relatively normal life. He’s attacked by Kamishiro Rize, a disguised female ghoul, until he is attacked by a ghoul—a creature that survives by eating human flesh. After a life-saving operation, Kaneki becomes a half-ghoul, retaining human and ghoul attributes. Throughout the series, he struggles to accept his new identity and navigate the complex and dangerous world of ghouls and humans. After he loses his memories, Keneki is named Haise Sasaki.
His internal conflict marks Kaneki’s character development as he grapples with his morality and the violent nature of the ghoul society. Over time, he becomes a central figure in the struggle between ghouls and humans, seeking to find a way for both species to coexist peacefully. His journey is fraught with tragedy, betrayal, and self-discovery, making him a complex and compelling character in Tokyo Ghoul. Natsuki Hanae voices the character in the original Japanese anime series, while Austin Tindle voices the character in the English dub.
Touka Kirishima
Touka Kirishima is also a prominent character in Tokyo Ghoul. Unlike Ken Keneki, she’s a ghoul and works as a waitress at Anteiku—a cafe that serves as a gathering place for ghouls. Touka is initially portrayed as cold and distant but is later revealed to be caring and fiercely protective of her loved ones. Touka Kirishima struggles to balance her ghoul identity and a desire for a normal human life. The character is portrayed as being complex, with experiences of inner conflict and emotional turmoil.
Touka Kirishima navigates the challenges of living as a ghoul in a society that fears and persecutes her kind. Throughout the series, Touka forms close bonds with other characters and becomes involved in various conflicts and battles. Touka Kirishima later becomes Ken Keneki’s love interest. She gets pregnant for him, and they later get married. Japanese voice actress and singer Sora Amamiya voices Touka Kirishima in the original Japanese Tokyo Ghoul anime series. American voice and television actress Brina Palencia voices the character in the English version.
Rize Kamishiro
Rize Kamishiro is one of several supporting characters in Tokyo Ghoul. She is a ruthless and seductive ghoul who poses as a human and preys on unsuspecting victims. Rize’s alluring appearance, charming demeanor, and insatiable hunger for human flesh bring her in contact with the series protagonist, Ken Keneki. Rize’s encounter with Keneki sets off a chain of events that irrevocably alter their lives. After she unsuccessfully tries to kill and eat Keneki, Rize’s organs are transplanted into Ken, turning him into a half-ghoul.
Despite her apparent demise, Rize’s influence continues to haunt Ken as he grapples with his newfound identity and struggles to coexist with humans while satisfying his ghoul cravings. The character is later revealed to have survived the encounter with Ken Keneki. Ken Keneki eventually kills Rize Kamishiro after her rampage as the Dragon causes destruction in Tokyo. Japanese actress and singer Kana Hanazawa voiced Rize Kamishiro in Tokyo Ghoul, while American voice actress and ADR script writer Monica Rial did the character’s voiceover in the English dub.
Hideyoshi Nagachika
Hideyoshi Nagachika was originally voiced by Toshiyuki Toyonaga in Tokyo Ghoul. Clifford Chapin did the voiceover for the English version. Hideyoshi Nagachika is popularly called “Hide” in the anime series. Hide isn’t just a supporting character as Ken Keneki’s best friend, but he’s also portrayed as someone caring, selfless, outgoing, and who values his friendships deeply.
Despite appearing cheerful and lighthearted, Hide is perceptive and often keenly understands Kaneki’s emotional state. Throughout the series, Hide is a loyal confidante to Kaneki, providing unwavering support and companionship. His optimistic demeanor and unwavering loyalty made him a source of strength for Kaneki during his internal struggles and conflicts.
Hinami Fueguchi
The character is also one of Tokyo Ghoul’s supporting characters. Hinami Fueguchi was originally voiced by Japanese live-action and voice actress Sumire Morohoshi. In the English version, Lara Woodhull voiced Hinami Fueguchi. The character is introduced in her early teenage years. Although a ghoul, Hinami is a gentle, kind-hearted girl with a tragic past.
Hinami becomes close to Ken Keneki at the Anteiku coffee shop and enjoys reading and learning new things. Throughout the series, Hinami’s character undergoes significant development as she grapples with society’s prejudices against ghouls. Hinami’s journey is marked by themes of love, loss, and resilience and becomes an integral part of Tokyo Ghoul’s story narrative.
Shū Tsukiyama
Often referred to as The Gourmet, Shū Tsukiyama is one of Tokyo Ghoul’s interesting supporting characters. Shū Tsukiyama is from a wealthy, influential family and is highly educated and cultured. Tsukiyama’s initial encounter with the protagonist, Ken Kaneki, sparks an intense fascination with Kaneki’s unique half-ghoul nature. This obsession makes Tsukiyama increasingly infatuated with Kaneki, viewing him as a rare delicacy and pursuing him relentlessly. He is portrayed as a multifaceted character, capable of great compassion and extreme cruelty. Japanese actor and singer Mamoru Miyano voiced Shū Tsukiyama, while J. Michael Tatum was the character’s voice in the English version.
Yoshimura
Formerly known as Kuzen, Yoshimura is a key character in Tokyo Ghoul. He owns the coffee shop Anteiku, which serves as a front for peaceful ghouls resisting the urge to hunt humans. Yoshimura is highly respected among humans and ghouls due to his wisdom, kindness, and a strong sense of justice. Throughout the series, Yoshimura serves as a mentor and father figure to the protagonist, Ken Kaneki, offering guidance and support as Kaneki grapples with his own identity as a half-ghoul. Takayuki Sugō and Sean Hennigan voiced Yoshimura in the original and English dub of Tokyo Ghoul.
Nishiki Nishio
Nishiki Nishio is one of the ghoul characters in Tokyo Ghoul. Nishiki Nishio attends the same college as Ken Keneki and is known for being arrogant, aggressive, and self-centered. Although a ghoul, he has a human girlfriend, Nishino Kimi (Yurie Kobori, Caitlin Glass). Japanese filmmaker and voice actor Shintarō Asanuma voiced Nishiki Nishio. American anime voice actor Eric Vale did the voiceover for the character in the English version. Besides these Tokyo Ghoul characters, Blue Lock cast and characters are also popular, especially among sports anime audiences.
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