September 29th is recognized as “Adhesive Day” (Setchaku no Hi) in Japan, celebrating things that “stick together.” Inspired by this day, the anime news website Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “Who is the Best ‘Famous Duo’?”
The poll was held from September 16 to September 23, gathering responses from 320 participants. The gender ratio was nearly equal, with approximately 55% male and 45% female respondents. In terms of age groups, those aged 19 and under and those in their 30s each accounted for about 40% of the total votes.
Let’s dive into the results and see which iconic pairs stood out to fans!
Top 3 Most Iconic Anime Duos
1st Place: Osamu Dazai & Chuya Nakahara (Bungo Stray Dogs)
Securing the top spot with approximately 6% of the votes are Osamu Dazai and Chuya Nakahara from Bungo Stray Dogs.
As former Port Mafia partners with powerful abilities, they are famously known as “Soukoku” (Double Black), once feared as the criminal underworld’s worst duo. Readers shared their admiration for their unique dynamic:
“They bicker constantly, but once they enter battle, their coordination is flawless without needing a single word. Their strength when united is on a completely different level.”
Another fan commented:
“Even though they intensely dislike each other, they understand one another better than anyone else. The fact that they become the most reliable partner in times of crisis is just the best!”
Others pointed out their absolute trust, noting that Chuya can only use his life-threatening ability “Corruption” because he believes Dazai will stop it, making them an irreplaceable duo even after Dazai left the Mafia.
2nd Place: Chisato Nishikigi & Takina Inoue (Lycoris Recoil)
Coming in second with about 3% of the support are Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue from Lycoris Recoil.
This duo serves as agents for the secret organization DA. While they work at Cafe LycoReco, they take on missions using firearms. Readers praised the development of their relationship:
“The contrast between the free-spirited poster girl Chisato and the serious, demoted Takina growing their friendship was wonderful. It’s funny when Takina shows her airheaded side and Chisato plays the straight man. The fish imitation scene made me laugh.”
Another fan shared:
“They are a perfect duo who care for each other and make up for what the other lacks, from daily life to dangerous missions.”
3rd Place: Shoyo Hinata & Tobio Kageyama (Haikyu!!)
Finishing in a close third, just barely behind second place, are Shoyo Hinata and Tobio Kageyama from Haikyu!!.
These Karasuno High School volleyball club freshmen combined Hinata’s extraordinary jumping ability with Kageyama’s highly precise tossing skills to create their ultra-fast combination play known as the “Freak Quick.” Readers expressed their love for their growth:
“I love how they started out constantly clashing, but turned into teammates who bring out the best in each other and grow together.”
Another fan highlighted their deep bond:
“Their relationship, where they can say to each other ‘As long as I’m here, you’re the strongest!’, is precious.”
Fans can also look forward to the upcoming movie Haikyu!! Movie: VS The Little Giant, which is scheduled for release in 2027.
Other Fan-Favorite Nominees
Here are some of the comments for other popular duos who received votes:
- Satoru Gojo & Suguru Geto (Jujutsu Kaisen):
“During their Jujutsu High days, they stood side-by-side as the strongest duo. You could feel their deep bond even in their private interactions, like Geto soothing the wild Gojo. Because they were truly one-of-a-kind to each other, their heartbreaking separation brings tears to my eyes. It makes me wish they could go back to the days when they were best friends.”
- Kirito & Sinon (Sword Art Online):
“When people think of SAO, sword duos like Kirito & Eugeo or Kirito & Asuna usually come to mind, but I want to nominate the swordsman and sniper duo of Kirito & Sinon. The battles where they support each other from short and long distances are thrilling. I was especially moved in Season 2, Episode 13, when Sinon desperately tried to find a way to help Kirito even after her scope was destroyed.”
- Conan Edogawa & Ai Haibara (Detective Conan):
“They are among the very few who know each other’s true identities and circumstances. Conan often relies on Haibara’s knowledge during investigations. In the movie ‘Jolly Roger in the Deep Azure,’ when Haibara asks, ‘My, since when did I become your assistant?’, Conan replies, ‘No, not assistant. Partner, I guess.’ This scene perfectly represents their relationship. While Shinichi’s romantic partner is Ran Mouri, Conan’s partner is definitely Haibara.”
- Maki Nishikino & Nico Yazawa (Love Live!):
“There are various duos in μ’s, but I love the relationship between Maki and Nico. They have different school years, heights, and personalities, and they argue whenever they meet, yet they are similar in some ways. Their duet song ‘Zurui yo Magnetic today’ sings about being drawn to each other while resisting, which fits perfectly with today’s theme of ‘sticking together.’”
Top 10 “Best Duo” Ranking (2026 Edition)
- Osamu Dazai & Chuya Nakahara (Bungo Stray Dogs)
- Chisato Nishikigi & Takina Inoue (Lycoris Recoil)
- Shoyo Hinata & Tobio Kageyama (Haikyu!!)
- Maple & Sally (Bofuri: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense.)
- Cure Arcana & Cure Eclair (Detective Precure!)
- Satoru Gojo & Suguru Geto (Jujutsu Kaisen)
- Reimu Hakurei & Marisa Kirisame (Touhou Project)
- Kumiko Omae & Reina Kousaka (Sound! Euphonium)
- Nanoha Takamachi & Fate T. Harlaown (Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha)
- Yuko Yoshida & Momo Chiyoda (The Demon Girl Next Door)
(Survey Period: September 16 to September 23, 2026)