Working in the corporate and commercial sectors can be daunting. However, anime businessmen make it look easy. The usually sharply dressed and forward-thinking men and women know how to turn a profit. Their products may differ, but businessmen in anime are determined to succeed.
Anime businessmen are well put-together and have a keen sense of organization and order. They are also good at their jobs and are known for their reliability. These characters usually prioritize their careers as well, sometimes to the detriment of those they love. Even so, these titans of industry are some fans’ favorite characters who know that hard work pays off.
10/10 The Cabbage Merchant Always Loses His Wares
Avatar: The Last Airbender
The City of Omashu seems like the perfect place to set up a cabbage stand. Unfortunately, that is not the reality one merchant faces in Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender. When Aang and his friends decide to ride the delivery system, it turns disastrous when they destroy much property, including the merchant’s cabbage cart.
Known affectionately as The Cabbage Merchant, this particular entrepreneur is seen throughout the Avatar series – each time lamenting his destroyed cabbages. Fortunately, things seemed to have worked out for him in the end, as fans got a glimpse of the industrious Cabbage Corporation in The Legend of Korra.
9/10 Kyoya Ootori Keeps The Host Club In The Black
Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club stars the titular group full of charming students whose goal so is to make their customers happy… and make some money while doing so. The member who manages all the money is the savvy Kyoya Ootori.
As the son of a prominent businessman, Kyoya has a keen sense of the industry. Although he is only a student, Kyoya’s business knowledge is beyond those who have been working for decades. His keen sense of production and the immense amount of money at his disposal ensures that all the guests of the Ouran Host Club are properly pampered.
8/10 Haida Works Smarter, Not Harder
Aggretsuko
The accounting department for Carrier Man Trading is the setting of the Netflix anime Aggretsuko. One of the most efficient accountants is a hyena named Haida. Haida has a relaxed personality… except where his coworker Retsuko is concerned.
Haida’s efficiency seems to come from the saying “work smarter not harder.” He develops a computer program to help him with his work that catches the attention of his new boss. Haida is promoted but has to be knocked down a few pegs after participating in illegal activity. Despite this, Haida remains a fan-favorite character for his easygoing mood and his endearing affection for Retsuko.
7/10 Kraft Lawrence Hopes To Own A Storefront
Spice And Wolf
Kraft Lawrence is a merchant from the anime Spice and Wolf. Kraft sells various goods from his cart alongside the Harvest Goddess, Holo. Kraft finds Holo in the back of his cart one day and agrees to take her back to her home of Yoitsu. While on their journey, the two sell Kraft’s wares and fall in love.
Kraft is a great businessman and takes pride in his career. Through his endeavors, Kraft hopes to make enough money to eventually buy a storefront. With Holo’s help, she and Kraft might achieve his dream one day.
6/10 Hirotaka Nifuji Works Hard To Play Hard
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
Hirotaka Nifuji is a quiet yet efficient office worker from Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku. Though he seems stoic on the surface, Hirotaka is an avid gaming fan and loves anime and manga as well. He is not afraid of people knowing his interests, but he also does not specifically broadcast them either.
Hirotaka’a personality is in stark contrast to his girlfriend’s, Narumi Momose. Unbeknownst to the bubbly Narumi, Hirotaka has been in love with her since they were children and appears to hold more affection for her than she does for him. Even so, Hirotaka does not let it affect his work, as he is often one of the first to finish by the end of the day. His actions go to show that if people work hard now, they can play harder later.
5/10 Sir Nighteye Runs A Hero Business
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia is known for its incredible Pro Heroes. Yet, none of them are as organized as Mirai Sasaki, also known as Sir Nighteye. Though he used to be All Might’s sidekick, Nighteye is the head of his own hero agency.
Much like his business status, Nighteye models his special moves and techniques after traditional businessmen. He is typically seen wearing a light suit with a polka dot tie and uses weighted signature stamps as weapons. While many fans are still hurt by his untimely death, there is no denying that Sir Nighteye had a hold on both the corporate and hero worlds.
4/10 Seto Kaiba Is A Young Entrepreneur
Yu-Gi-Oh!
Seto Kaiba is the head of Kaiba Corporation in Yu-Gi-Oh!. Kaiba Corp. is a multinational venture that produces various items and aspects for the Duel Monsters card game. Not only is Kaiba CEO of this gaming business, but he also participates in many of the tournaments himself.
Kaiba is a talented individual whose creativity is only matched by his intelligence. Although he is young, his business prowess and smart investments make him a feared yet respected member of the community. With the world at his fingertips, Kaiba hopes to expand Kaiba Corp. as much as possible to make it an all-encompassing global enterprise.
3/10 Robert E. O. Speedwagon Is A Philanthropist
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Robert E. O. Speed wagon begins his JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure debut as a petty thief. Yet, after joining forces with Jonathan Joestar and Will Anthonio Zeppeli, Speedwagon becomes a fierce ally and a shrewd businessman.
After striking oil in America, Speedwagon begins the Speedwagon Foundation. The philanthropic business is incredibly successful, making Speedwagon one of the best businessmen in the series. He is also an ongoing supporter of the Joestar family. Whether he helps them personally or financially, Robert E. O. Speedwagon can be counted upon whenever a Joestar calls.
2/10 Kento Nanami Is Disillusioned With Work
Jujutsu Kaisen
Kento Nanami is a Grade One Sorcerer in the hit show Jujutsu Kaisen. Not only does he fight Cursed Spirits on his own, but he is also the mentor to Yuji Itadori, a new Sorcerer in training. Nanami’s Cursed Technique is Ratio Technique, where he can create weak points on any part of his opponents, whittling them down until they succumb.
However, Nanami was not always a Sorcerer. After graduating, Nanami became a salaryman. He was an exceptionally diligent worker but felt like his life was going nowhere. It was not until a girl thanked him for getting a Cursed Spirit off her shoulder that he decided to go back to sorcery. Nanami’s immense power and knack for precision make him one of the best anime businessmen.
1/10 Iknik Blackstone Varrick Is A Charming Inventor
The Legend Of Korra
The Legend of Korra features many prominent businessmen, as the world is in the midst of its Industrial Age. However, none of them are quite as zany or charismatic as Varrick. Varrick is a self-made man whose incredible ideas and inventions bring him to the forefront of society.
Though he dabbled in more nefarious ventures for a time, Varrick can be counted on to produce amazing products. For instance, he was the one to create the first movies or “movers” in the franchise. He also has a deep affection for his assistant, Zhu Li, whom he marries at the end of the series. Varrick is a cunning businessman who fans cannot help but love.