Gone are the days when anime series only feature those cringey, degenerately clichéd "girly-girls," who are more useful as objectified props than respectable female representation. Fan service is still achievable, without giving women a bad name!
Although there are several anime icons that unquestionably defy gender stereotyping, many of these people prefer not to align themselves with one specific gender and fall more into the non-binary hemisphere, such as Kino (Kino’s Journey). Similarly, other celebrated characters like Astolfo (Fate/Apocrypha) enjoy dressing outside of the expected gender norms but have not officially aligned with a different sex. The rest of the atypical anime girls are fair game, so long as they identify as female to some degree or another.
The following content contains spoilers from Heavenly Delusion Season 1, episode 3, and Oshi No Ko episode 1.
10 Tomo the Tomboy (Tomo-Chan Is a Girl!)
Tomo Aizawa does what she pleases, regardless of whether it is considered ladylike or not, and as a result, has become such a powerhouse that she puts all the boys to shame. Her strength and martial arts techniques are unparallel, even if the odds are pitted against Tomo when she is outnumbered during combat.
Despite her lack of feminity, this boisterous badass has a variety of suitors to choose from, who all admire Tomo's tenacity and unique charm. Even the girls in Tomo's life can't help but swoon over their knight in shining armor; her self-esteem would skyrocket if Tomo wasn't so blissfully unaware of all the admirers surrounding her!
9 The Mischievous Marin (My Dress-Up Darling)
Marin Kitagawa may look like the typical popular princess type; however, those who know her well are fully aware of her otaku obsession, while most are disturbed by the content she enjoys. Whether it be manga, anime, or cosplay, Marin often selects storylines intended for a male audience (with particularly ecchi features), which she essentially adapts into a celebration of the female form, boldly taking ownership of her sex-positive perception of life.
Marin couldn't be bothered with "woman's work" and has no interest in such things, and therefore never attempts to improve her skills at cooking, sewing, cosmetics, and the like. She just wants to live her otaku life to the best of her abilities, which is made all the much easier thanks to Gojo's incredible talents and faithful devotion.
8 The Quirky Kiruko (Heavenly Delusion)
Kiruko is an Action Girl of note as the no-nonsense, ingenious bodyguard commissioned to protect Maru as they venture across monster-inhabited post-apocalyptic Japan. And although calling Maru defenseless is wildly inaccurate, without Kiruko's help, those fearsome Man-Eaters (and ruthless humans) would've devoured him ages ago! Kiruko's swift reflexes, confident decision-making, and "Kiru-Beam" make her a formidable force despite her young age, while her quick-witted banter is rather entertaining, too!
However, not all is as it seems, as Kiruko is technically male, seeing as the consciousness inside this bewitching vessel belongs to her younger brother, Haruki. There are several other secret gender benders hidden within Heavenly Delusion's multifaceted storyline, so try not to take anyone's sexual identity at face value until confirmation is received.
7 The Un-ambitious Anzu (Romantic Killer)
There are very many girls (and guys) around who would love nothing more than to make their favorite otome game a reality; however, for poor, unfortunate Anzu Hoshino, things couldn't get much worse! Anzu has always been a bit "off" according to social standards, as she would much rather hang out with the guys or sit with her kitty, Momohiko, and play video games. The recipe for bliss, as far as she's concerned!
Apparently, Anzu's lackluster approach to romance needs some improvement, and, despite how perfect the meddlesome Riri's meet-cutes are, this rambunctious redhead refuses to comply. She would rather accentuate her masculinity than resemble anything remotely burikko, while she couldn't be less of a yandere even if she tried!
6 Ai The Imperfect Idol (Oshi No Ko)
Idols, particularly those in the Japanese and Korean music industry, are expected to meet impossible standards of perfection, at least in the public eye. And while the rules are strict for everyone, one could argue that there is more leniency for male Idols. Ai Hoshino, however, couldn't be bothered about sacrificing her happiness for the sake of her fans (besides, they worship liars, a vital skill that she has expertly cultivated.)
When Ai unexpectedly falls pregnant at the tender age of sixteen, anyone in the know anticipated that she would get an abortion without hesitation, for the sake of her career. Female Idols are essentially forced to live a loveless life, while guys like G-Dragon (BIGBANG) and Kai (Exo) basically do as they please, with limited backlash. But not Ai, she gets her cake, and eats it!
5 The Unshakable Utena (Revolutionary Girl Utena)
Ohtori Academy is especially gender-orientated, whereby the girls are fated to be objectified as a submissive and obedient "Rose Bride;" which doesn't bode well with Utena Tenjou! With her handy signet ring in tow, this androgynous advocate opts to take up the position of a Prince, with the goal of rescuing her fellow classmates from their misogynistic doom.
This game-changing yuri icon is everything the LGBTQ+ community is looking for in a hero, particularly since Utena's sexual orientation does not consume her entire identity (like with so many others!) Furthermore, this dream girl bests all the boys at stereotypically masculine activities, dominating the gender pool with suave and grace.
4 The Juxtaposed Jolyne (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean)
Compared to many other anime heroines, Jolyne Cujoh doesn't necessarily stand out from the crowd, apart from her distinctive character design and epic Stand ability. But within the Joestar Universe, this intimidating go-getter is iconic, as she is essentially the first female lead in this rather male-dominated franchise.
After being set up as the perfect damsel in distress, Jolyne refuses to admit defeat and opts to fight her way out of this sticky situation, all the while risking her life to save her estranged father. This Stone Ocean rockstar pushes boundaries and defies the limits, using her superhuman adaptations and keen senses to defeat the seemingly invincible hoard of foes, whilst simultaneously trying to survive the corrupt penal system, with style!
3 Haruhi The Hunk (Ouran High School Host Club)
Haruhi is arguably the Best Boy in the Ouran High School Host Club and has charmed the socks off pretty much all their patrons, subsequently becoming the most in-demand host of them all! Expect, Haruhi isn't a boy, she simply had an unfortunate run-in with a wad of bubblegum, and just so happens to wear pants instead of a skirt.
To keep up the facade, Haruhi masquerades as a man (even after her cover gets blown) and amasses a pretty substantial fanbase. She is indifferent when people misgender her, as she believes these social constructs to be nonsensical; a person should be judged by their merit, not their sexual identity!
2 Cheeky Chizu (Kimi ni Todoke)
Kimi ni Todoke has gotten a second wind since the Netflix Live-Action joined the 2023 Winter lineup, bringing this classic masterpiece back into the spotlight. And while Sawako Kuronuma is far from being the quintessential lady, Chizuru Yoshida seems to go out of her way to defy gender stereotypes and is undoubtedly the most boisterous girl of the group.
Chizu's athleticism is unmatched, and not just in terms of speed on the sports field; this cheeky chick dominates her male competitors in impromptu wrestling matches, time and time again! Apart from her flirtatious attire, Chizu has no concerns with emphasizing her femininity, and doesn't seem to have a burikko bone in her body!
1 The Obscure Osana (Komi Can't Communicate)
Some might argue that Najimi Osana doesn't belong with this group of atypical anime girls because, according to Tadano, she has always been a he; up until high school began, that is. And while the gender debate is inconclusive (apart from one Freudian slip to deter Maa and Shii's lustful advances during her debut) Najimi's classmates accept her female identity, wholeheartedly.
Najimi is the perfect companion for shopping sprees, pool parties, or Maid Cafe hostessing (so long as one doesn't mind all the added drama!); she has clearly cemented her position in the girl group. Furthermore, this ambiguous charmer is a top-ranking girlfriend candidate amongst all the boys, regardless of her potentially male origin.