Anime often overlooks the eventual figures of the main protagonists in most series. Having to ask permission to save the world doesn't really add meaningful storytelling and dilutes the plot when lives are at stake. However, every now and then, parents do make appearances in a wide variety of anime, playing the part of the wise advisor, neglectful stranger, or even the remaining antagonist.

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However, on occasions when parents are introduced into the story, specifically regarding mothers, they are embodiments of warmth and kindness that care for their children above all else. The relationships between mothers and their sons especially radiate off the screen and show a true family bond. Here are some of the best mother-and-son relationships in anime.

7 Chi Chi & Gohan

A Perfect Portrayal Of Parent And Child

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Dragon Ball
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Release Date
1986 - 1989
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Franchise(s)
Dragon Ball
Main Genre
Anime
Seasons
1
Studio
Toei Animation
Based On
Manga
Number of Episodes
153
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll, Hulu
Creator(s)
Akira Toriyama

Chi Chi has been the pillar of stability and support for Gohan since he was born. While Goku was often busy training and tragically lost his life in a fight against Raditz, Chi Chi was all Gohan had. However, Chi Chi molds Gohan into a respectable man and prioritizes his educational skills while still allowing him some outlets, such as exploring and training.

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The man Gohan is today thanks to Chi Chi's solo parenting, which has landed him a successful career, as well as a loving wife and child. It's clear that Gohan has nothing but respect for his mother and that Gohan is the most importasnt thing in the world to Chi Chi.

6 Misae Nohara & Shinn Nohara

A Tight Bond That Lasts Outside Of Time

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Crayon Shin-Chan
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Release Date
April 13, 1992
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Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
33
Studio
Shin-Ei Animation
Based On
Manga
Creator
Yoshito Usui

Shin is a ball of erratic energy that causes chaos wherever he goes. Wr4aking havoc on the entire city, Shinn is an infamous kindergartner who walks around with a chip on his shoulder and a foul mouth. The only person who is able to keep up with the pint-sized pioneer is his mother, Misae. Misae is clearly where Shinn gets his wild side from, as she can predict the munchkin's antics and combat them to an extent. While the two are constantly at odds, it's always out of love and affection.

5 Ruka Rengoku & Kyojuro Rengoku

A Strong Relationship Built On Morals

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Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer
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Release Date
April 6, 2019
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Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
4
Studio
ufotable
Japanese Title
Kimetsu no Yaiba
Based On
Manga
Creator
Koyoharu Gotoge
Number of Episodes
63
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix

Kyojuro Rengoku is one of the most memorable characters in Demon Slayer. The fiery hashira took pride in protecting humans from demons and caught to inspire his underlings by teaching them to set their hearts ablaze and charge forward. The sole motivation behind Kyojuro's drive was in how he was raised. At the forefront of his childhood are the memories of time spent with his mother, Ruka. Ruka prioritized morals and kindness in Kyojuro, teaching him that the strong protect the weak. Even in his final moments, Kyojuro's heart called out to his late mother, and she saw him off to his next life.

4 Inko Midoriya & Izuku Midoriya

A Mother Worries While Her Son Does His Best

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My Hero Academia
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Release Date
2016 - 2025-00-00
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Studio
Bones
Franchise
My Hero Academia
Japanese Title
Boku no Hero Academia
Based On
Manga
Story By
Kōhei Horikoshi, Yōsuke Kuroda
Number of Episodes
159
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu, Crunchyroll

Izuku Midoriya had a struggle growing up without a quirk and living in a world seemingly ruled by quirks. Heroes of all kinds soared through the skies with fame and fortune, saving the day and receiving the admiration of the people. No one took this harder than Midoriya's mother, Inko. Blaming herself for Deku's predicament, Inko worried endlessly when her son finally became a budding hero but did not stop him. While Midoriya never blamed his mother for his situation, he saw the tole it took on her and cared for her deeply. Together, they both overcame their fears and dreads as Deku continued to grow and Inko continued to cheer for her son.

3 Atsuko Urameshi & Yusuke Urameshi

A Volatile Pairing Of Love And Hate

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Yu Yu Hakusho
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Release Date
1992 - 1994-00-00
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Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
4
Studio
Pierrot
Creator
Yoshihiro Togashi
Number of Episodes
112
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix

Yusuke Urameshi is the textbook definition of a rebel in Yu Yu Hakusho. As a professional delinquent, he takes pride in upending order wherever he goes. Even when his life changes forever and he becomes the front line of defense against powerful demons who threaten the spirit world, his rambunctious nature remains.

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Atsuko is the sole influence on Yusuke, and while she initially comes off as immature, she wants nothing but better things for her son due to her becoming a mother at such a young age. After tears and a few life-and-death situations, Yasuke and Atsuko create a mutual relationship of trust and a familial bond that can't be broken.

2 Sachiko Fujinuma & Satoru Fujinuma

A Picture-Perfect Example Of Family

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Erased
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TV-14
Animation
Crime
Drama
Mystery
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Release Date
2016 - 2016
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Main Genre
Animation
Seasons
1
Studio
A-1 Pictures
Japanese Title
Boku dake ga Inai Machi
Based On
Manga
Number of Episodes
12
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll, Hulu

The relationship between Sachiko and Satoru is a combination of trust, love, and dependability. The supernatural aspects of the Erased anime aside, Satoru could always count on his mother to have his back, and Sachiko could do the same. Sachiko always accepted her son with an open mind and listening ears and tried to understand his point of view, even as a child. Due to the compassionate and understanding mother he was raised by, Satoru grew up kind and compassionate. The two retain a special relationship that radiates off of the animation in the series.

1 Izumi Curtis & The Elric Brothers

A Surrogate Mother To Orphaned Boys

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Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
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Release Date
2009 - 2010
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WHERE TO WATCH

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Main Genre
Fantasy
Seasons
1
Studio
Bones
Based On
Manga
Number of Episodes
64
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll, Hulu

The Elric brothers from Full Metal Alchemist are arguably two of the most tragic characters in anime. Having changed their lives forever by attempting to bring their late mother back to life using alchemy, Edward lost an arm and a leg, while Alphone lost his entire body and was confined to a suit of armor acting as his shell.

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Edward and Al Elric keep most people at arm's length, but that is not true for Izumi Curtis. Izumi started as the boys' teacher, training their bodies and minds to make them into talented alchemists. Upon learning about the predicament, she rushed to their aid and showed them the compassion and understanding they needed. No matter the distance, the bond between Izumi and the Elric brothers is unshakable.

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