Top 8 Most Popular Anime Characters Who Use Sound as a Weapon

An extremely common trope found in anime and manga is the inclusion of characters who possess the ability to fight using sound. This power is highly versatile and can lead to captivating battles when utilized effectively, as it forces opponents to adapt to its unique nature.

Despite their ability to fight with sound, these anime characters may not always enjoy widespread popularity or recognition, often being relegated to the role of “fodder”characters.

Jigglypuff, Margarette Macaron, and Other Anime Characters Who Use Sound as a Weapon

Character Profile: Kahono from Black Clover

Kahono as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Starting off the ranking is Kahono from Black Clover, whose side character role and minimal involvement in the main storyline result in her being placed at the bottom of the popularity list. While her admirers praise her, she is often overlooked by many and remembered solely as one of the characters from the Seabed Temple arc.

Despite any debate over her popularity, Konoha’s abilities remain impressive, as her Song Magic enables her to execute a variety of functions. These capabilities range from offensive attacks and healing allies to playing a supportive role by manipulating the environment or inflicting effects on foes. The usefulness and versatility of her powers are unquestionable.

Sailor Neptune (Sailor Moon)

Sailor Neptune as seen in the anime franchise (Image via Toei Animation)

Sailor Moon’s Sailor Neptune, also known as Michiru Kaiou, is renowned as a world-famous violinist and utilizes her sonic abilities in both her daily life and combat. While her musical talents are heavily emphasized in her civilian identity, they also play a crucial role in her fights as Sailor Neptune through her attacks Submarine Violon Tide and Galactica Violon Tide.

In her first attack, she utilizes her skills as a violinist and Sailor to produce a massive tide from her violin, capable of effortlessly defeating enemies. The second attack is a heightened version of the first, able to unleash a destructive force with immense power. While her fame may have diminished compared to other anime characters in recent years, her presence in such a renowned series continues to make her widely recognized.

Bonolenov (Hunter x Hunter)

Bonolenov is one of the most unique anime characters who fight with sound (Image via Madhouse)

Bonolenov, a character from Hunter x Hunter, hails from the Gyudondond Tribe where the male members follow a ritualistic tradition of mutilating their bodies. This enables them to produce a wide range of sounds through holes on their bodies. They are referred to as the “Bap”or the Dancing Warriors, and their skill level can even surpass that of tribal elders. According to their beliefs, the more melodious the sound they create, the stronger the spirit they can summon.

Similarly, Bonolenov’s combat strategy is based on the utilization of techniques known as Battle Cantabile, through which he creates sounds with diverse effects. For instance, his Prologue technique involves playing a song that enables him to summon warrior attire and a spear. Furthermore, his Jupiter technique enables him to summon a colossal sphere resembling the planet Jupiter, which relentlessly pursues and strikes any opponents within earshot of the sound.

Margarette Macaron (Mashle)

Macaron as seen in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Despite being a character from a relatively new series, Margarette Macaron from Mashle has gained significant popularity for her ability to fight using sound. Her magic, known as Sounds, allows her to create musical notes with a variety of properties and purposes.

As an illustration, certain individuals may launch explosive attacks against his adversary, whereas others provide him with complete protection from hostile assaults. He can also utilize his abilities to soften his descent from considerable heights or conjure up full-sized instruments like a piano, amplifying the strength of his music. With these unforgettable powers and his distinctive persona, it is no surprise that he holds a high position on this list.

Character Profile: Scratchmen Apoo

Apoo as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

It is not surprising that the expansive universe of author and illustrator Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece series features numerous anime characters who utilize sound in battle, with Scratchmen Apoo being widely recognized as one of the most renowned. Known as the “Roar of the Sea,”Apoo not only possesses sound-based combat abilities, but also possesses exceptional musical talents and is a skilled DJ, making his attacks even more formidable.

After consuming the Tone-Tone Fruit, Apoo gained the ability to transform parts of his body into musical instruments. By playing specific notes and songs on these instruments, he can produce a range of effects that can cause physical harm to specific targets within his line of sight and hearing. Due to the nature of his Quirk, the effects are nearly impossible to avoid unless the target is prepared to defend against or anticipate his attacks.

Rose Otoribashi

Rose as seen in the anime (Image via Pierrot)

Despite being one of the lesser-known characters in Bleach, Rose’s popularity is boosted by the worldwide success of Tite Kubo’s original story. His Zanpakuto, in its Shikai form, is known for its musically themed attacks, with sound effects that mimic the sounds of instruments such as softly played piano keys or a strumming guitar.

In its Bankai form, Rose takes his abilities to the next level by creating full songs that have the power to manifest physical illusions, manipulating the hearts of his targets. These illusions are capable of inflicting physical harm to both the opponent and their surroundings. One of his attacks involves Rose commanding a group of “Dancers”using a conducting baton, similar to how a music conductor directs their orchestra.

Jigglypuff (Pokémon)

Jigglypuff as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokémon Company)

Despite her diminished presence in recent Pokémon anime series, Jigglypuff remains one of the most recognizable characters who utilize sound in battle. Despite her lack of appearances, she still maintains a high level of popularity and her unique use of sonic powers sets her apart from others on this list.

In combat, she utilizes her signature song to lull her enemies into a deep slumber, leaving them vulnerable to a powerful and unstoppable attack. However, in non-combat situations, she playfully uses her song to create silly drawings on the faces of those who have fallen asleep while listening to her, contributing to her widespread fame.

Kyouka Jirou (My Hero Academia)

Jirou as seen in the anime (Image via BONES)

My Hero Academia’s Kyouka Jirou is undeniably one of the most beloved anime characters on this list, and quite possibly the most renowned among those who utilize sound in combat. Her Quirk Earphone Jack allows her to use headphone jacks hanging from her earlobes to transmit the sound of her heartbeat, unleashing a powerful vibration attack.

The Quirk also grants her the ability to connect to walls and the ground, enabling her to eavesdrop on her surroundings and capture even the slightest noises. This feature not only makes it one of the most fascinating uses of sonic abilities in anime, but also one of the most potent, efficient, and adaptable. With her immense popularity and that of the series she originates from, she is undeniably the most favored among the anime characters who possess this type of power.

In conclusion

Despite numerous anime characters utilizing sound in their battles, the eight previously mentioned unquestionably dominate in terms of popularity. Furthermore, the fact that these characters span across various points in their respective series proves that this theme is not a recent trend and is likely here to stay.