From anime to video games, Japan does not shy away from including all hair colours when it comes to its characters. Whether that's trailblazing blonde-haired protagonists or their purple-maned counterparts, every shade under the sun has been covered in JRPGs. But there can be no doubt that characters with silvery white hair have proven to be iconic standouts.
These characters are unparalleled in power and unmatched in charisma. Regardless of whether they are a villain or a hero, perhaps possessing hair as white as snow is the winning formula to creating truly outstanding characters in video games.
7 Final Fantasy 7 - Sephiroth
An icon ever since his first appearance in Final Fantasy 7 and its remake, Sephiroth is recognisable with his shiny white locks and penchant for world domination. A once proud SOLDIER for Shinra, Sephiroth turned to villainy after discovering the truth about his origins.
Unsurprisingly serving as the final boss of Final Fantasy 7, Sephiroth's evil deeds have not prevented him from becoming an icon and fan favourite. He isn't evil for evil's sake, and has a motive and purpose for everything he does — everything that makes for a good villain. With a strict haircare routine for that fabulous white mane, Sephiroth certainly knows how to be evil and look good while doing it.
6 Nier: Automata - 2B
The masked protagonist of 2017's Nier: Automata, 2B, stands out with her stark white hair and black, Lolita-style dress. Don't be fooled by her polished appearance, however, as the YoRHa combat android is naturally adept in battle with her armoury of weapons.
Along with her partner, 9S, 2B is tasked with eliminating all machine life, ultimately facing down twin humanoid machines Adam and Eve. A versatile fighter and compassionate individual, both 2B and 9S are designed with eye-catching white hair and obscured eyes. 2B's look is so iconic that it has resulted in some of the most amazing cosplays you'll ever see.
5 Yakuza: Like A Dragon - Joon-Gi Han
Like each Joon gi-Han that has appeared in the games, Yakuza: Like A Dragon's version is a standout all on his own. Despite the customary appearance, with bone-white hair and eyes boldened with liner, Joon gi-Han's personality is a stark contrast to that of his predecessors.
One of the best characters in the game, Joon gi-Han is both serious and aloof. But in spite of his usual indomitable character, this third known iteration of Joon-gi Han knows when to let loose when he is around his friends. A skilled fighter, he continues the tradition of iconic white-haired characters in JRPGs.
4 Persona 4 - Yu Narukami
Another unforgettable staple of white-haired JRPG characters, Persona 4's protagonist Yu Narukami takes centre stage. This silvery-haired high school detective and his band of friends tackle a riveting murder mystery that revolves around the Midnight Channel. Although Narukami's character can be whoever you'd like him to be, his mission of catching the serial killer responsible shows that he has an innate sense of justice.
With his Investigation Team to back him up, Yu Narukami and his iconic Persona Izanagi proves one of the best characters in a JRPG. His silver hair is merely an incidental feature that he shares with the other exemplary characters on this list.
3 Scarlet Nexus - Kasane Randall
One of the two main characters of 2021 JRPG Scarlet Nexus, Kasane Randall is a psychokinetic powerhouse with her stark white hair and her emblematic flower hairpin. The game's talent for seamlessly manoeuvring two different storylines with two different protagonists shows why this JRPG has one of the best character stories ever crafted.
A member of the Other Suppression Force, Kasane is someone who hardly ever loses her cool. Despite her aloof and reserved nature, there are times when Kasane reveals her compassionate side — particularly to her beloved adoptive sister Naomi. A white-haired JRPG character that signifies strength and a refusal to buckle under pressure, Kasane Randall is one iconic individual.
2 Tales Of Arise - Alphen
An amnesiac freedom fighter with the inability to feel pain, Tales of Arise's main character Alphen is the symbol of grit and perseverance. Known initially as the Iron Mask, Alphen is determined to free his fellow Dahnans from the oppressive rule of the Renans. Alongside his Renan partner Shionne and other members of his party, they set out to defeat the mighty Renan Lords, and end them once and for all.
Throughout the game, Alphen displays a strong level of kindness, compassion and empathy for his fellow Dahnans, and hatred for the Renans' cruelty. In an effort to forge a brighter future for his people, Alphen's sheer bravery is shared with other white-haired characters in this list, whether they're a hero or a villain.
1 Tales Of Berseria - Artorius Collbrande
Similar to Sephiroth's story, Tales of Berseria's primary antagonist Artorius Collbrande was not always the villain. Also known as Arthur to his loved ones, the white-haired and polished Artorius was once a kind man, whose love stemmed from his relationship with his wife Celica Crowe. However, after Celica and their unborn baby suddenly died during The Opening, Artorius went down the path of villainy.
Artorius's story is certainly one of good intentions, but extremely poor execution. Believing that he was 'saving' the world, Artorius intended to sacrifice Celica's sister Velvet and her brother for his mission. Despite turning evil, Artorius certainly left his mark as one of JRPGs' defining white-haired antagonists.