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Woop woop! New Gyaru blog ahoy~!
If you're anything like me, then you were introduced to Gyaru by anime/manga in the first place, so gal characters hold a very special place in my heart. Gyaru characters in anime and manga are so interesting, mostly because people see gals as the opposite of people who read/watch anime and manga, so I really like to see how otaku view gals! Some are obviously... Drawn with one hand, to put it delicately... But others are so interesting and thoughtful!
I was a bit lost as to how to write this blog, since I think it would be really boring to just upload pictures of characters with nothing else. There are also so many characters, and I realized it would be a hassle to have explanations on each character, since I don't know a lot of them that well. I also don't want to be too entirely cherry-pick-y with this one? Some characters are more sexualized than others, but I don't want to exclude them outright since they aren't bad characters. So, there will be some cherry picking going on, but I wanted to try my best to not judge a book by its cover.
Anyway, after a lot of consideration, I had what I think is a really great idea! Why dont I make a showcase of characters that represent different substyles? Like I mentioned earlier, I was introduced to Gyaru through media, so I thought it would be fun to just have an inspiration showcase!
So, a quick note before we begin: these aren't gonna be in any particular order, and Kogal will be the dominant substyle here. I didn't realize the sheer volume of Kogal characters before I did some research, but I did my best to find some non-Kogal characters! Also, some characters will have more information on them than others, because I do indeed play favorites (lol). I will also not be including every possible character, because alas, I am a mere mortal...
Anyway! Let's begin!
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This diva from the "Welcome to Tokyo" Phineas and Ferb MV
Okay, starting off with an admittedly very silly and unserious character... But I couldn't help myself! Someone suggested this character from the music video, and I saw her and fell in love. Obviously, not the best gal character out there, and I don't think she's ever seen again, but I think she's hilarious, and it's just so shocking for an American cartoon, let alone one for children, to include a Yamanba character!
Ran Kotobuki - Super GALS!
I could honestly include every single character from Super GALS!, but I'll stick to our main trio... Starting with the gal, the myth, the legend, Ran! Super GALS! tends to be people's first introduction to Gyaru, so I think she's such an important character in general. She's such a unique character as well, since gals are usually portrayed as bullies and delinquents, but Ran isn't anything like that. She's kind, has a strong sense of justice, and is loyal to her friends. She even saves Ayu from compensated dating, which endears her even more to me. Please read or watch Super GALS!, you will not regret it!
Miyu Yamazaki - Super GALS!
The second member of the main trio of Super GALS! Miyu is also really interesting, because she used to be a gang leader before she and Ran became friends. Ran was tasked with reforming her, so she's now a kind-hearted, albeit headstrong gal!
Ayu Hoshino - Super GALS!
Aya is honestly one of the most unique gal characters, because her character has incredibly real struggles. She's the character Ran saves from doing compensated dating. She's smart, yet she feels an overwhelming pressure from her parents. She starts off as a really lonely girl, but after becoming friends with Ran and Miyu, she really blossoms as a character. She's also a gal with dark hair, which isn't a very common design for gal characters! This is another reminder to PLEASE watch Super GALS!
Nami Komatsu - Nana
Similar to the gals from Super GALS!, Nami was some people's first introduction to Gyaru! She looks actually insane in the anime adaptation of Nana, but I think she's an absolutely adorable character, and a unique one for portraying a Ganguro/Manba style! Nana is not a Gyaru-centered anime, but it's amazing for anyone interested in J-fashion in general, so I recommend it for gals anyway!
Momo Ayase - Dandadan
I'll be honest: I haven't actually seen Danadan yet! However, Momo has undoubtedly shed more light on the Gyaru subculture, so I think she's incredibly important to mention. The amount of gal characters may have convinced me to check the show out...
Kei/Muko - Dandadan
Like Momo, this character has also shed a ton of light on the Gyaru subculture for the average anime watcher. I love any character that has Manba/Yamanba influences, since most characters tend to have more toned-down styles, so I think she's also important to mention!
Miko - Dandadan
Junko Enoshima - Danganronpa
Call me crazy, but Junko might be one of the most popular gal characters of all time. Most people dont immediately clock her as a gal, but she most definitely is!
Ichiko and Kuran - Inkya Gyaru demo Ikigaritai!
SAVE ME GAL X GAL YURI SAVE ME... Someone suggested these characters, and I read the manga the same day. Please read it.
Yua and Rena - Gyaru to Gyaru no Yuri
MORE YURI GIRLFRIENDS!! This manga is so incredibly adorable, and their relationship is so sweet and loving. Read it!!
Mikoto Aiura - The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2nd season)
This is honestly one of the most underrated gal characters, in my opinion. Most people watch Saiki K dubbed, and since season 2 isn't dubbed, they skip that season altogether. Since she appears in season 2, I feel she doesn't get the attention she deserves! She's absolutely hilarious and a great addition to the show, so if you've avoided season 2 because it isn't dubbed, please check it out just for the chance to see her!
Marin Kitagawa - My Dress-Up Darling
Alright, I have my gripes with this anime, but I can't deny that Marin is an absolutely adorable character. I also feel she's brought more attention to Gyaru, like Momo from Dandadan, so she's undoubtedly important.
Naruko Anjou - Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Anohana is absolutely soul-destroying, so proceed with caution, but Naruko is a cutie!
Rio Nakamura - Assassination Classroom
Rio is such a cool character! Her style is definitely more understated and toned down, but she has a really amazing attitude and personality, so she's one of my favorite gal-inspired characters.
Yukimo Satou - The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio
This anime is so stupidly underrated, so I won't go too in-depth into this character because I think everyone needs to check it out!
Mariya Saijou - My Love Story!!
This is a wild-card on my part, I admit. She's only in a couple of episodes, but she left such a lasting impact on me that I had to include her. At first, she comes off as a really stereotypical gal character, but she's actually so endearing. She's also adorable!
Asami Yuuki - Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took in a High School Runaway
I'll be real: I hate this anime. However, she's the best character in the entire show, so I had to include her.
Rumiko Manbagi - Komi Can't Communicate
I also hate Komi Can't Communicate, but there's such a lack of Manba characters that I wanted to include her.
Nanako - Jujutsu Kaisen
A diva, what else can I say? I love it when gals get featured in insanely popular anime.
These divas from Durarara!!
These are the gals that bullied Anri, but look at them. So cunt.
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At last, it is complete! It was a bit difficult to find characters to include, so thank you to everyone who suggested characters! I'm debating making a part 2 to this blog, so if you have characters you'd like me to write about, leave them in the comments or send me an IM! I wanted this blog to double as a spotlight for gal characters, but also as a way to recommend some Gyaru media. Anime is such a huge way people get introduced to Gyaru, and I want to encourage baby gals to seek Gyaru out in all types of media! The next blog will be a crash course about Bodikon, so please look forward to it! After I post that blog, I'll begin the next round of topic voting, so feel free to recommend topics in the comments, or IM me! I'm always interested in seeing what you guys want to read about~ Thank you all so much for reading!
Remember, Antama loves you!
Kiss kiss~ ☆⌒ヽ(*'､^*)chu
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