Ask John: Why is the Afro Popular in Anime?

Question:
Why is it that the afro appears a lot in anime? It has appeared in Keroro Gunso, Excel Saga, Bobobo just to name a few examples.

Answer:
Although the afro hair style is largely isolated to the 1970s here in America, in Japan it seems to be an enduring symbol of rebellion, individuality, and sheer cool. That perception may be firmly rooted in the iconic appearance of beloved Japanese actor Yusaku Matsuda in his 1979 film Resurrection Of Golden Wolf. Like a Japanese Jimmy Dean, the perm-coifed Matsuda was the embodiment of tough guy, rebel independence and sexy, self-confident masculinity. (Contemporary American anime fans may be most familiar with Matsuda as the model for Rikiya Busujima in Sega’s Zombie Revenge video game, and the model for Yagyu Jubei in Capcom’s Onimusha 2 video game.)

The afro, possibly because it’s such an unusual hair style for native Japanese, who typically have straight hair, stands out as symbol of irreverent individuality. Throughout anime, the afro represents a carefree, fun, and free-spirited attitude. Or it represents uniqueness and a disregard for convention and rules. Police chief Amano in Miami Guns, “Afro Gunso” from the Keroro Gunso anime ending animation, San-X’s popular mascot character Afroken, Guu and Weda’s afro wigs in Hare Nochi Guu, and even the hair style of anime director Shinichi Watanabe and his anime alter-egos in the Excel Saga and Yamato Nadesico Shichihenge all reflect a sense of free-spirited fun and groovy 70s style. Ken Matsuhiro of Yakitate Japan, Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, and Afro Samurai are solitary, wandering warrior types. Their afro hairstyles reflect their fierce independence and refusal to conform to expectations or established rules.

In every instance, the afro is a striking, immediately recognizable symbol of independent thinking and non-conformity. In anime, the visual impact of the afro is useful to set characters apart and often instantly create an atmosphere of parody or light-hearted fun.