The ultimate list of iconic anime rat characters includes Hamsuke, Ebichu, Hamtaro, Yuki Sohma, and Dai from Spellbound! Magical Princess Lilpri.
Who says only cats and dogs get to hog the limelight in anime? Rats, yes, you heard it right; RATS have repeatedly proven they can be just as adorable and captivating as their furry counterparts.
In fact, these little critters have wormed their way into the hearts of fans, with some even snagging leading roles in popular anime shows.
We’re talking about iconic rats like the video game franchise’s lovable mascot, the hamster who stole the show in a children’s-themed anime, the YOLO rats trio leader, and the savvy housekeeping rat from an adult-themed anime.
These furry fellas have made quite an impact, and fans are dying to know more.
The Ultimate List of Iconic Anime Rats: Who Made the Cut?
So, are you ready to delve into the captivating world of anime rats? Buckle up and join us as we explore these charismatic rat characters and how they’ve left a lasting impression on the anime scene.
7Hamsuke – Overlord
When Momonga, the protagonist of Overworld, finds himself trapped in the virtual reality game YGGDRASIL, he has no choice but to use his immense power to rebuild his guild, Darkness, and unravel the mysteries surrounding his predicament.
Along the way, he encounters a giant hamster named Hamsuke, who becomes a loyal guild member.
Despite her modest Level-30 status, Hamsuke is surprisingly agile and quick for her size. She’s also fiercely proud of her heritage and dreams of finding a mate to continue her glorious bloodline.
But don’t mistake her pride for disloyalty – Hamsuke remains fiercely committed to Momonga and his goals, ready to assist him at every turn.
Join us as we witness the unlikely bond between Momonga and his furry sidekick, Hamsuke, as they navigate the treacherous world of YGGDRASIL in Overworld.
6Regent – Yankee Hamster
If you’re new to the Yankee Hamster series, prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the sheer length of this anime gem.
With a whopping 110 episodes from 2013 to 2018, it follows the antics of Regent and his two trusty sidekicks, Mohak and Kohai – all of whom sport some pretty fly haircuts.
Regent is undoubtedly the show’s star, thanks partly to his no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners approach to life. As the self-appointed “boss” of the hamster crew, he’s always ready for whatever comes their way.
His YOLO attitude makes him both hilarious and admirable, and this fearless spirit makes Yankee Hamster such a wild and entertaining ride.
Get ready as Regent, and his furry friends tackle the world – one haircut at a time. You won’t want to miss a second of the action in this unforgettable slice-of-life anime.
5Ebichu – Oruchuban Ebichu
Who says only humans can be the main characters in an adult anime series? Ebichu of Oruchuban Ebichu proves that even a little rat can steal the show. This housekeeping hamster spends most of his time serving his master, the irritable and cynical Office Lady.
Unfortunately for Ebichu, OL is easily annoyed and quick to lash out, often subjecting him to hilarious beatings.
But don’t feel too bad for our furry protagonist – he takes these hilarious thrashings in stride, sometimes even seeing them as a point of pride. Despite OL’s constant bullying, Ebichu remains dedicated to fixing her strange life decisions, much to her annoyance.
For anime fans, Ebichu’s cute appearance is a sharp contrast to the dark and mature themes of the show.
But that’s precisely what makes this rat such an iconic character – his unwavering dedication to his master and his never-say-die attitude.
4Dai – Spellbound! Magical Princess Lilpri
Magical girls are a dime a dozen in the anime world, and Spellbound! This story follows Ringo, Leila, and Natsuki, who were handpicked by mystical Ma-Pets to become Princess Idols and save Fairyland from certain doom.
The catch? They must use their musical prowess to collect Happiness Notes, or else Fairyland and its enchanted inhabitants will disappear into thin air.
But let’s talk about the real stars of the show: the Ma-Pets.
These magical critters are like a guiding light for our Princess Idols, helping them navigate their newfound powers and responsibilities. And regarding responsibility, no Ma-Pet takes the cake quite like Dai. This dormouse with a bushy tail might get mistaken for a squirrel, but don’t let that fool you – he’s the level-headed one in the group.
Despite his occasional comic relief, Dai sets a great example for viewers by reminding Leila of her duties as a Princess Idol and keeping her focused on the task at hand.
3Yuki Sohma – Fruits Basket
If you’re a fan of romance anime, you’re sure to know Yuki Sohma as the quiet and reserved “Prince Charming” of the Fruits Basket series. But don’t let his stoic demeanor fool you – years of abuse and the effects of his Curse have left him distant from others.
It’s only through the help of Tohru Honda that he slowly gains confidence and even becomes the student council president.
And let’s not forget about his other form – a small rat, as part of the Chinese Zodiac. Despite his diminutive size, Yuki’s gray fur and beady eyes make him easily recognizable in both forms.
But there’s much more to this complex character than meets the eye, making Fruits Basket all the more intriguing.
2Hamtaro – Hamtaro
Don’t let his cute and chubby appearance fool you – Hamtaro of the Hamtaro series is no ordinary hamster. Since his debut in 1997, this lovable critter has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his adventures outside the confines of his owner Hiroko Haruna’s home.
But Hamtaro’s friendships with his fellow hamsters – or “Ham-Hams,” as they call themselves- truly steal the show.
In both the manga and anime, these furry pals get into hilarious misadventures that will leave both kids and adults in stitches.
So if you’re looking for a fun and lighthearted anime that will warm your heart, look no further than the Hamtaro series.
1Pikachu – Pokemon
Many people will argue that Pikachu is on this list, but when I was younger, I always thought he was a rat.
Regarding anime rats, none can match up to the iconic Pikachu – the beloved mascot of the Pokemon series. From his beginnings as a plump rodent in Generation 1, Pikachu has evolved into a sleeker and more expressive creature.
And it’s the Pikachu owned by protagonist Ash Ketchum who steals the show with his undeniable charm and refusal to be confined to a Pokeball.
Since their first adventure together in 1997, Pikachu has been Ash’s loyal companion, accompanying him on all their travels across different regions.
Unlike other Pikachu in the Pokemon world, Ash’s Pikachu has chosen to remain in his bubbly and energetic form, refusing to evolve into the more powerful Raichu. This decision only adds to Pikachu’s undeniable charm and complements Ash’s enthusiasm for adventure.