As with the rest of the global entertainment industry, black characters have not had the best representation in Anime, (if any at all) and are generally cast in an unfavorable light. After years of submitting to a whitewashed television screen, the arrival of Bleach thankfully changes the tone by casting an attractive black woman as one of the most significant characters in Ichigo's development (initially, at least.)
The introduction of Yoruichi Shihōin is one of the first moments in Anime history whereby a black character is portrayed as powerful, successful, and respectable, and fundamentally impacted the industry to create opportunities for celebrating these previously disgraced role models in all their glory.
Yoruichi Leaves Her Mark
Yoruichi arrives on the scene relatively early in Ichigo's adventures, making her first feline appearance in Season 1 episode 13, "Flower and Hollow." The young Shinigami-in-training was kept in the dark about this black cat's true form for quite some time, having no idea of her human, female identity until episode 41 rolled around. The wisdom behind his animal guide's advice all makes sense after realizing Yoruichi's ranking within Soul Society, as she was previously the Commander of the Onmitsukidō (Secret Special Ops Force) and the 2nd Division Captain of the Gotei 13 (responsible for protecting the most valuable treasures of Seireitei.)
Born into one of the four noble families also elevated Yoruichi's status significantly higher than most other Shinigami, particularly when she gained authority over the Shihōin Clan as their first female leader. She is also the mastermind behind the highly renowned Shunkō technique (Flash Step), which she devised by combining Kidō and Hakuda, resulting in a massive increase in agility and speed. Yoruichi's impact on Seireitei has been revolutionary, to say the least.
The fact that Yoruichi quickly became a fan-favorite character is no surprise as she is a mysterious yet well-rounded character who entertains viewers with each interaction. Her playful banter (with sexual undertones) and refusal to enforce honorific titles (upon herself) make this highly respectable "princess" very down-to-earth. Yoruichi lacks that certain presumptuous vibe that many other authority figures exude, and shows more loyalty towards her loved ones than most Shinigami, who generally prioritize Seireitei's rules over their own moral codes. Orihime, Chad, and Ichigo wouldn't be half as powerful as they are today if they did not have Yoruichi's selfless assistance along the way.
Yoruichi's Waifu Factor
The Flash Goddess may be the fastest Shinigami around, but she also possesses an extreme waifu factor and is one of the most sex-positive women in all of Bleach (alongside Matsumoto and Kūkaku Shiba). While there have been only a handful of black females with highly desirable attributes in the past, none of their corresponding anime have been as successful as Bleach, an esteemed member of the notorious Big Three.
The Japanese culture has celebrated pale skin throughout its history, even coining the phrase Bihaku ("beautifully white") to describe skin-lightening cosmetics. From Geisha girls to traditional Japanese paintings, this white-faced fad unfortunately overflowed into the Anime industry too. Statistically speaking, there are arguably more Western-influenced caucasian character designs in Anime than those with a typically Asian likeness (let alone black representation.) And while the modern Ganguro aesthetic may be trying to alleviate the pale-skinned appeal, unfortunately, their style closely resembles Black-Face mockery instead.
Previous Powerful Black Characters
With a history dating back to the 1930s, it is terribly depressing to have such limited options to choose from when discussing beautiful black representation in the Anime industry. Before Yoruichi made her grand statement, black female characters were generally marginalized or stereotypically (and offensively) portrayed, with little-to-no appeal even suggested.
The powerful Caldina from 1994's Magic Knight Rayearth is a master of illusion with mind-control capabilities who is first introduced to viewers as an antagonist sent to assassinate the Magic Knights. However, the seductive dancer is inspired by their unwavering friendship and takes the moral high ground, joining the magic girls instead. While Caldina's desirability is undeniable, it is arguable emphasized too severely and to her detriment, as her wardrobe leaves little to the imagination.
Urd and Hild are the sister and mother of the main character, the pale-skinned Belldandy in Oh My Goddess. While promoting interracial families is admirable, it seems like a missed opportunity (or a cop-out) to encourage the white family member to cast a shadow on her black supporting characters, for no apparent reason (other than the obvious racially motivated ones.)
A young French inventor, Jean, and a homesick African-born acrobat, Nadia, team up in this "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" inspired adventure. Not only is Nadia the leading lady, but her character development is significantly more fleshed out than Jean's (although, sadly, the Africa Arc did Nadia no favors in the eyes of fans.)
Those Who Followed
While the equality of racial representation is still wildly unbalanced and favors Western-inspired aesthetics, black characters have had more opportunities to shine since Yoruichi was so well received by audiences back in 2004. Tite Kubo reverted from traditional aesthetics to create a unique, powerful, and admirable black character, paving the way for the highly celebrated roles today, such as with Michiko & Hatchin, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Yasuke, Tiger & Bunny, Black Lagoon, and more. Not only are these previously stigmatized character designs more prevalent now than 20 years ago, but some even steal the spotlight as the main protagonists, creating more diversity and allowing for greater self-reflection potential.
Carole & Tuesday has several significant black roles in its line-up, with Carole Stanley as a leading lady who not only physically represents the black community, but also culturally (to an extent.) Carole draws her inspiration from the great Whitney Houston herself, with Ezekial throwing in some hip hop action too, in an ode to black musicians. Unfortunately, Carole is stereotypically represented as the poor kid on the block and Ezekial has a few run-ins with the law leaving many viewers divided on Netflix's sci-fi musical anime's success.
Even though Naruto's Darui does not fulfill the leading role, he is a formidable warrior in his own right who is the closest confident of the Fourth Raikage and the second person ever recorded capable of manipulating black lightning. Moreover, he nearly eliminated the Gold and Silver Brothers, unassisted, and worked his way up to becoming the leader of the Allied Shinobi Forces First Division. The aforementioned Fourth Raikage is also a powerful force, and, along with the seven-sword-wielding Killer B, these brothers are considered some of the stongest Shinobi in the series, thanks to his signature nintaijutsu technique.
Afro Samurai is in a league of its own, as the first predominantly black anime that the reputable Samuel L. Jackson took the initiative to create. With the help of Takashi Okazaki and Gonzo, this dystopian sci-fi Japanese fusion prioritizes the empowerment of black heroes without impairing the storyline. As the No. 2 Warrior, Afro Samurai must defend his title while reaching for the top status but learns the hard way that vengeance is an endless cycle of destruction, camouflaged in the name of honor. Just like how the effects of racism will never heal if past wounds are constantly repeated and reopened.