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One of the great things about fiction, regardless of the genre or medium, is the way it lets us envision the way we want the world to be. Fiction can have a profound effect on us and even serve as an ideal to strive for. Which, now that we think about it, is kind of like what a good boss should be — a role model for their workers!

So, taking this thinking to its natural conclusion, we have to wonder: What fictional characters would make the best bosses? Jack Sparrow might be fun to watch, but we would hate to be in his crew! A recent online poll asked a group of Japanese businessmen in their thirties which manga character would be their favorite pick for their boss. A good question, indeed. Find out how they responded below!

▼ A great leader doesn’t need to be the center of attention, right?

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Web R25 is the online version of R25, a Japanese magazine that targets businessmen 25 years old or older. The site focuses on short, concise content for the (ostensibly) busy professional, in addition to reader polls. This time, they surveyed 200 businessmen in their 30s, asking them for the top three manga characters closest to their ideal boss. The first-place choice for each respondent got three points, the second two points, and the third one point. Then the results were calculated and used to make a top ten list. The men polled were asked to choose from a list of 17 characters who were considered leaders or teachers, so the list may not have included your favorite choice, but based on the results, it doesn’t look like it was too narrow.

1. Coach Anzai (Slam Dunk)

2. Kame-sennin/Master Roshi (Dragon Ball)

3. Whitebeard/Edward Newgate (One Piece)

4. Eikichi Onizuka (GTO)

5. Chief Patrol Officer Daijiro Ohara (Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo)

6. Kosaku Shima (Kachō Shima Kōsaku)

7. Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)

8. Genkai (Yu Yu Hakusho)

9. Roy Mustang (Fullmetal Alchemist)

10. Koichi Kawato (Rookies)

If nothing else, this proves just how popular Slam Dunk continues to be!

▼ Is that a mustache or are you just happy to lead me?

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Here are a few comments the participants had for the top five selections.

About Coach Anzai (who had a total of 270 points), one respondent wrote, “I chose him because he gets those he leads to perform at the very limits of their abilities.” Another man said, “He doesn’t just care about skills, but also the mind.”

Regarding Kame-sennin, who had 216 points, one respondent wrote, “I really appreciate that when correcting someone, he gives them a model and does it with them.” Whitebeard, who got 80 points, was praised for his kindness towards subordinates, jokes, and actual abilities.

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In fourth place, Eikichi Onizuka got 73 points and one participant noted that he, “seems like he could be motivating. And you could always rely on him.” As for Chief Patrol Officer Daijiro Ohara, who had 79 points, respondents praised the character for his dedication, composure, and thoughtfulness for subordinates.

Of the other five, Kōsaku Shima received 68 points, Kakashi Hatake had 63 points, Genkai got 54 points, Roy Mustang had 53 points, and Koichi Kawato received 48 points.

So, what about you, dear readers? What manga character would you want as your boss? For me, it would definitely be Major Matoko Kusanagi from Ghost in the Shell. I don’t have a good reason — she’s just so badass!

Sources: Web R25 via Otaku 
Top image: Amazon Japan (1, 2) (edited by RocketNews24)