Although Yusuke is skilled in fighting, that is not all he has. Yu Yu Hakusho shows how he changes over time. His bonds with others deepen and he learns important lessons about life. Yu Yu Hakusho set new standards for character building and engaging storytelling. Yusuke's journey has inspired countless viewers to do their best.
1)Ichigo Kurosaki
Ichigo Kurosaki is the protagonist of the anime series Bleach. He starts out as a typical high school student who can see spirits. This special gift puts him in an unusual position, similar to Yusuke Urameshi of Yu Yu Hakusho. Ichigo's life takes an intense turn when he becomes a substitute Soul Reaper. His new role is to protect the living world from evil spirits called Hollows.
Ichigo and Yusuke share a strong sense of justice. Both bravely protect their loved ones without hesitation. At first, their motivations are personal. But they grow to take on broader roles as defenders of humanity. Ichigo displays unwavering dedication, even against overwhelming enemies. This resilient spirit mirrors Yusuke's relentless drive.
2) Eren Yeager
Eren Yeager from the anime series Shingeki no Kyojin is a powerful example of raw passion and a shifting sense of righteousness. As YusukeYu Yu Hakusho, Eren. His journey is fueled by an intense desire for freedom and revenge against the Titans, gigantic creatures that destroyed his hometown and caused the death of his mother.
This burning desire to protect those he loves, even at great personal risk, reflects Yusuke's initial motivations. Over time, both Eren and Yusuke experience profound character growth. Eren evolves from an impulsive and headstrong young man into a more thoughtful and complex individual, forced to confront the harsh realities of his world.
Likewise, Yusuke’s relentless determination and perspectives on justice and duty mature as he faces new challenges. At their core, both of these characters are driven by powerful emotions and a deep need to change their worlds for the better. This makes Eren a compelling parallel to Yusuke’s unwavering spirit and evolving moral compass.
3) Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto Uzumaki, the main character of Naruto shares many things with Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho. They both had difficult childhoods and a strong desire to protect their friends.
At first, Naruto was an outcast in his village, just as Yusuke was seen as a troublemaker. People did not understand or respect them at first. Naruto went from being a lonely prankster to becoming the hero of the Hidden Leaf Village.
This journey is like Yusuke becoming a respected spiritual detective. Their stories show how they grew up through difficult times, formed strong bonds with friends, and overcame their inner struggles. Naruto's hopeful spirit and belief in himself even when things were tough is very similar to Yusuke's path from troubled teenager to hero.
4) Edward Elric
Edward Elric of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is like Yusuke in many ways. Edward's journey begins because he wants to restore his brother Alphonse's body. This goal motivates him, just as Yusuke wants to protect his loved ones. Both characters are very determined and willing to face difficult opponents to achieve their goals.
Edward grows greatly through his adventures, coming to terms with the consequences of his actions and learning the greater meaning of his quest. This change mirrors how Yusuke evolves from a self-centered rebel to a morally strong protector. Their stories combine action, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of their roles in their worlds. Edward and Yusuke display resilience and complex personalities.
5) Natsu Dragneel
Natsu Dragneel, a central figure in Fairy Tail, mirrors Yu Yu Hakusho The spirited and devoted essence of Yusuke. As a dragon slayer, Natsu wields immense power and unwavering willpower to protect his guild and beloved companions. His journey, filled with battles against formidable adversaries, resonates with Yusuke's tireless fight against demons and other supernatural threats.
Similar to Yusuke, Natsu is driven by a deep sense of justice and an indomitable spirit. His jovial and sometimes brash demeanor hides a deep loyalty to his friends, reflecting Yusuke's rugged exterior and underlying depth of compassion.
6) Gon Freecss
Gon Freecss, a character from Hunter x Hunter, created by Yoshihiro Togashi shares many common characteristics with Yusuke's Yu Yu Hakusho. Gon's journey to find his father and become a Hunter is fueled by his endless energy, positive outlook, and strong determination.
Much like Yusuke, Gon faces numerous challenges and grows significantly throughout his adventures. Both Ido and Yusuke are driven by personal goals that evolve into a broader sense of justice and a desire to protect others. Gon's unwavering determination and ability to inspire those around him reflect Yusuke's role as a leader and protector.
7) Lelouch vi Britannia
Lelouch of Code Geass and Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho have some things in common, but Lelouch is more complex. They both fight for what they believe is right. Lelouch wants to defeat a cruel system and create a better world for his sister. Yusuke fights against terrifying forces to keep people safe.
Lelouch and Yusuke are both courageous leaders who take on great responsibilities to help their loved ones. Lelouch uses his sharp mind and faces difficult choices, and Yusuke takes a more direct approach but is equally driven. They thrive on hard times and make sacrifices to achieve their goals. At their core, they both want to make positive changes in their worlds.
8) Meliodas
Meliodas, the head of the Seven Deadly Sins group, shares many characteristics with Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho. He is a strong leader with hidden depths. As a powerful demon with a sad history, Meliodas combines lightness and complex feelings, some quite painful.
His quest to reunite his friends and protect the kingdom mirrors Yusuke's role in defending others and leading his team. Meliodas acts playful, but deeply values loyalty to his friends, much like Yusuke's caring yet tough nature.
Both face enormous challenges, growing through battles and balancing immense power with duty. Their journeys show personal growth, the formation of strong bonds, and an unwavering desire to protect their loved ones at all costs.
9) Rin Okumura
As Yu Yu Hakusho Yusuke, Rin Okumura Blue Exorcist has a rebellious side and struggles internally. However, Rin's challenges stem from his demonic heritage—he is the son of Satan himself. Despite this, Rin aims to become an exorcist and protect people from harm. He must deal with his demonic nature while following a path of good.
This internal conflict reflects Yusuke's journey from troublemaker to heroic figure. Rin's journey is marked by his strong sense of justice and loyalty to his friends. He is determined to overcome his demonic side through sheer force of will. Similar to Yusuke, Rin grows to embrace his unique abilities and use them for noble causes.
The stories of the characters of Blue Exorcist and Yu Yu Hakusho highlight important themes. These include redemption, personal growth, and forging one's own destiny despite difficult circumstances. Rin and Yusuke show that even those facing great inner turmoil can become forces for good through courage and determination.
10) Ken Kaneki
Ken Kaneki, the main character of the popular anime Tokyo Ghoul experiences a profound change, similar to Yu Yu HakushoFrom Yusuke's Transformation. Initially an ordinary college student, Kaneki's life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes a half-ghoul after a near-fatal encounter. His struggle to balance his human and ghoul sides reflects Yusuke's dual existence as a human and spiritual detective.
Kaneki's journey is marked by his growing sense of self, complex moral choices, and his constant struggle to protect those he cares about. His transformation from a kind bookworm to a powerful and often feared ghoul parallels Yusuke's growth from a delinquent to a respected hero.
Final Thoughts
Yu Yu Hakusho and its main character, Yusuke Urameshi, made a huge impact on the shonen genre. Yusuke has remained very popular since the show aired. Many characters in more recent anime shows share Yusuke's personality traits.
Like Yusuke, they have incredible abilities but act tough on the outside and are actually kind on the inside. Characters like these connect well with viewers. Yusuke started a long-lasting trend of tough but kind protagonists in shonen anime. His influence shows how Yu Yu Hakusho left a significant legacy in the world of anime that continues to this day.
