23 Best Reverse Trap in Anime: The Intriguing Girl Who Looks Like a Boy

Hotaru Tachibana’s reverse trap identity is central to the plot of Aoharu x Kikanjuu. As a strong-willed and justice-driven high schooler, Hotaru’s male disguise helps her infiltrate a survival game team led by the charismatic Masamune Matsuoka.

What makes Hotaru stand out is her determination and unyielding sense of morality, which often clashes with the cutthroat nature of survival games.

Her androgynous appearance and tough personality make her a force to be reckoned with, while her moments of vulnerability add emotional depth to the story.

Kou Sakuragi is a prime example of how the reverse trap trope can bring both humor and heart to a story. With her appearance that’s like introverted otaku, Kou easily passes as a boy.

This leads to hilariously awkward moments, especially with her love interest, Naoya Nifuji, who is adorably clueless at first. What makes Kou stand out is how her reverse trap identity isn’t just for laughs, it adds depth to her introverted personality.

Her reserved nature makes her relatable to anyone who’s struggled to open up, and her interactions with Naoya are as sweet as they are awkward. Wotakoi perfectly balances comedy and romance, making Kou’s role unforgettable.

In A Silent Voice, Yuzuru Nishimiya is a standout character not only for her reverse trap traits but also for her role as an emotionally rich and fiercely protective sibling.

She disguises herself as a boy to shield her sister, Shoko, from bullying, showcasing her deep sense of responsibility. Yuzuru’s tough exterior contrasts beautifully with her vulnerability, making her one of the most complex reverse trap characters in anime.

Her disguise is not just a plot device, it symbolizes her strength and devotion to her family. Her actions and personality add emotional weight to the story.

Kino’s gender? A mystery wrapped in a traveler’s cloak. With her gender-neutral appearance and stoic demeanor, Kino travels through various worlds, observing and reflecting on the complexities of humanity.

Her ambiguity isn’t a gag. It’s a narrative tool to highlight how each world she visits grapples with identity and morality.

Kino’s calm demeanor and refusal to conform to labels make her the ultimate enigma, reminding us that sometimes, the most profound stories are the ones left untold.

Yuu Kashima is the comedic powerhouse of Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun, and her princely charm takes the reverse trap trope to hilarious new heights.

As a girl who exudes the charisma of a fairytale prince, Yuu is constantly stealing the spotlight and wooing her female classmates (much to their delight).

What makes Yuu unique is how her role parodies the reverse trap archetype. She fully embraces her princely demeanor, creating laugh-out-loud moments in every episode. Her dynamic with her straight-laced best friend, Mikoshiba, only adds to the comedy.

As the head of the Sohma family, Akito Sohma initially presents as male, but her true gender is revealed later in the series. This revelation adds layers of emotional depth to her character and the story as a whole.

Akito’s reverse trap identity is tied to her struggle with power, control, and her role within the cursed Sohma family.

Her journey of self-discovery and redemption is both heartbreaking and inspiring, making her one of the most unforgettable characters in anime.

Hinako Nakayama steps into the world of delinquent boys in Kenka Banchou Otome, proving that a girl can be both tough and relatable.

Disguised as her twin brother, Hinako must navigate a high school full of fighters, holding her own in battles while hiding her true identity.

What makes Hinako stand out is her determination and inner strength. Despite being thrust into an unfamiliar and dangerous environment, she never loses her sense of kindness and justice.

Haruhi Fujioka is arguably one of the most iconic reverse trap characters in anime. Her accidental induction into the prestigious Ouran High School Host Club, after breaking an expensive vase that leads her to disguising herself as a boy to repay her debt.

What makes Haruhi special is her effortless charm and unflappable nature. With her nonchalant attitude toward traditional roles, she wins over both her fellow hosts and the audience.

Touma Minami brings a comedic twist to the reverse trap trope in Minami-ke. As the tomboyish youngest sibling in the Minami family, Touma is often mistaken for a boy due to her short hair and boyish demeanor.

Her antics with her siblings and classmates lead to countless hilarious moments, especially when others misinterpret her actions. Touma’s carefree and mischievous personality makes her a lovable and entertaining addition to this slice-of-life comedy.

Yukimura Kusunoki takes the reverse trap trope and flips it on its head in hilarious ways. Initially introduced as a character who believes herself to be a boy, Yukimura’s story is one of discovery and comedic misunderstandings.

Her overly formal demeanor and dedication to samurai values make her interactions with the rest of the Haganai cast endlessly entertaining.

As the show progresses, Yukimura’s gender identity becomes a key part of her arc, leading to surprising (and often funny) revelations.

Makoto Kikuchi’s struggle with her tomboyish image makes her a relatable and endearing character in iDOLM@STER. As an aspiring idol, Makoto constantly grapples with being perceived as “too boyish” despite her efforts to embrace a more traditionally feminine side.

Makoto’s androgynous charm and athleticism win her many fans, but her internal conflict adds depth to her character.

Her journey to find self-acceptance and embrace her unique appeal makes her a standout in the ensemble cast, offering a refreshing take on the challenges of idol life.

Disguised as a boy to infiltrate an all-male environment, Charlotte’s secret identity becomes a major turning point in the series. Her initial disguise creates romantic tension and misunderstandings, but what really makes Charlotte shine is her vulnerability.

Once her true identity is revealed, her character becomes even more endearing as she struggles to balance her feelings and her mission.

Initially presented as the dutiful younger brother of protagonist Itsuki, Chihiro’s true gender is revealed to be female later in the story. This secret adds an extra layer of mystery to the already quirky show and raises intriguing questions about her motivations.

Chihiro’s reverse trap persona isn’t just for shock value, it serves as a way to protect her family while maintaining a sense of normalcy. Her calm demeanor and unwavering support for Itsuki make her a standout character who perfectly balances intrigue and heart.

Subaru Konoe is a textbook example of how the reverse trap trope can fuel both comedy and romance. While I’m sure we as the audience won’t be fooled by her “boy” appearance, our protagonist Kinjirou isn’t quite so quick to catch on.

As the personal butler to the wealthy and eccentric Kanade Suzutsuki, Subaru’s male disguise is essential for maintaining her job. However, her true gender is revealed early on, leading to a series of hilarious and awkward situations with protagonist Kinjirou Sakamachi.

Seishirou Tsugumi is a bodyguard with a twist, she’s disguised as a boy to fulfill her duties more effectively.

In Nisekoi, Tsugumi’s tough and stoic personality makes her a formidable presence, but her softer side gradually emerges as her feelings for protagonist Raku Ichijo come into play.

Her reverse trap identity creates a delightful tension in the show, as her tomboyish demeanor contrasts with her growing romantic emotions.

Add in her action-packed fight scenes and comedic misunderstandings, and Tsugumi becomes an unforgettable character in this love-triangle-filled series.

Naoto Shirogane from the Persona series is a brilliant detective who initially presents herself as male to gain respect in her male-dominated profession.

Her reverse trap identity is both a personal shield and a commentary on societal expectations, making her one of the most compelling characters in the series.

Naoto’s character arc is one of self-acceptance and growth as she learns to embrace her identity without fear of judgment. Her intelligence, resourcefulness, and vulnerability make her an inspiring and multidimensional character who resonates deeply with fans.

Nagi Ichinose is a mischievous reverse trap character whose antics add a delightful layer of comedy to Nyan Koi. Initially mistaken for a boy by protagonist Junpei Kousaka, Nagi’s fiery personality and penchant for playful pranks often lead to chaotic yet endearing misunderstandings.

Nagi’s androgynous appearance isn’t just for show, it’s an extension of her bold and unconventional personality.

Her interactions with Junpei and the other characters create laugh-out-loud moments, and her presence adds a refreshing dynamic to the lighthearted tone of the series.

Lucy Morstan’s reverse trap identity is key to the intrigue and mystery of Kabukichou Sherlock. Disguised as a boy to fit into the gritty, male-dominated world of Kabukichou, Lucy uses her cleverness and resourcefulness to uncover the truth behind complex cases.

Her disguise isn’t just a plot device, it highlights her adaptability and determination to survive in a harsh environment.

Lucy’s interactions with the eccentric detective Sherlock Holmes and the rest of the cast add depth and suspense, making her a fascinating part of this unconventional mystery series.

Kanae von Rosewald is a tragic and multifaceted character in Tokyo Ghoul. As a member of the powerful Tsukiyama family, Kanae initially disguises her gender to fulfill her role as a loyal servant to Shuu Tsukiyama.

Beneath her stoic exterior lies a complex character driven by unrequited love, jealousy, and a longing for validation. Kanae’s identity underscores her internal struggles, reflecting the dark and emotional themes of the series.

Her arc is both heartbreaking and compelling, leaving a lasting impression on viewers

Daichi Kaoru brings a comedic twist to the Ladies vs Butlers! anime by disguising herself as a boy while working as a butler at an elite school.

Her sharp wit and mischievous personality often lead to hilarious misunderstandings, especially with the show’s clumsy protagonist, Akiharu Hino.

Kaoru’s disguise isn’t just for laughs, it allows her to navigate the school’s rigid social structure and stand out in a traditionally male role. Her playful nature and ability to keep others on their toes make her a memorable character in this quirky, lighthearted anime.

Haruka Tenou, also known as Sailor Uranus, is a groundbreaking reverse trap character who exudes confidence and charm.

Her androgynous appearance and suave personality often lead others to mistake her for a boy, but Haruka embraces her gender-fluid identity with grace.

Akua Aino’s male disguise adds an extra layer of hilarity to the show’s already absurd premise, which revolves around a magical “Kiss Note” that forces people into romantic pairings.

Akua’s quick wit and sharp tongue make her a standout in the ensemble cast, and her disguise plays into the series’ over-the-top humor.

Her interactions with the other characters often lead to laugh-out-loud moments, making her a fan favorite in this unconventional rom-com.

Masumi Sera is a brilliant and enigmatic detective in Detective Conan, whose ambiguity identity adds to her mystique. With her short hair and tomboyish demeanor, Masumi often surprises those who underestimate her based on appearances.

Her sharp intellect and fearless approach to solving cases make her a formidable ally to Conan and the rest of the cast.

Which Reverse Trap is Your Favorite?

Reverse trap anime is a delightful mix of humor, drama, and heartwarming moments. Characters like Kou Sakuragi, Yuzuru Nishimiya, and Yuu Kashima showcase the versatility of this trope, offering everything from emotional depth to comedic gold.

These characters challenge traditional gender roles, explore themes of identity, and bring fresh perspectives to storytelling. Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or just starting out, these shows are sure to leave you entertained and inspired.

So, what’s your favorite reverse trap in anime? Let us know in the comments and share why you love this unique trope!