Masks are worn for a variety of reasons－protection purposes, fashion, to hide one's identity, and so on. This goes for anime characters as well. 

The mysterious allure of their secret identity is something of true beauty. Let's check out 14 of the most iconic anime masks in existence!

1. Kakashi's mask From Naruto

Design: black anime mask that covers half of Kakashi's face

While there are numerous masked characters in Naruto, Kakashi represents one of the most curious, as no one seems to know what he looks like behind his veil. 

What kind of lips does he have? What does his chin look like? Why does he hide a portion of his face? Kakashi gains special recognition for stealing the spotlight on a number of occasions with comical segments devoted towards his mysterious mask. Kakashi never reveals what he looks like and takes great care in keeping it a secret.

 

2. Kagetane's mask From Black Bullet

Design: a white mask which exposes portions of Kagetane's eyes and jawline

Kagetane's entire personality and appearance is a prime example of a true antagonist not bound by rules. 

Kagetane’s outfit reflects a most esteemed gentleman, except for his disturbing mask that hides his face. His mask depicts a frighteningly happy smile that hints at his psychotic and murderous personality.

3. Hei's mask From Darker than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha

Design: a white mask with a purple lightning symbol on the right eye and a red slit across the mouth

If you have ever been to an anime convention, chances are you have seen a few Hei cosplayers. Split between multiple personalities, Hei is a prime example of someone who dons a mask to hide who they are. 

As a killer working for The Syndicate, Hei takes on multiple personas and identities depending on the job, and as such there is always a mystery surrounding who Hei really is. 

One thing is certain about Hei: his white mask with a purple lightning symbol over the right eye identifies him as a dangerous and troubled soul.

4. Zero's mask From Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch

Design: a black and indigo mask which appears opaque on the outside, but is actually transparent from the inside

A man who represents more of an anti-hero protagonist, the mask of Zero is an emotionless helmet shrouded in darkness and uncertainty. 

In Code Geass, Zero represents many things; he is an influential mastermind; a bringer of death; a symbol of freedom; and a voice for the people. The alter ego was created for the purpose of defying the Britannia family in order to quench his thirst for vengeance.

5. Kaneki's mask From Tokyo Ghoul

Design: a black leather mask which exposes Kaneki’s left eye and hair, and features a zipper in its mouth area in order to make eating more convenient

Kaneki wears an anime mask created by Uta which was inspired by Kaneki’s condition after he becomes a "One-Eyed Ghoul".

6. Ichigo's mask From Bleach

Design: a white mask with dark red designs that change patterns throughout the course of the series

A few of the popular anime franchises have sported an assortment of facial accessories, but the Hollow masks gave us something far more meaningful that taps into the very essence of BLEACH. 

Physical embodiments of your inner desires and fears are manifested through masks which harnesses immense power that could take over your very soul. 

These haunting bone white creations take on the stuff from nightmares and weave a tale of inner conflict that incorporates the mental struggle of accepting who you are. It’s not just a mask, but an integral part of who you are, and what you will become.  

7. Sogeking's mask From One Piece

Design: a yellow and blue pointed mask which exposes Usopp’s nose and eyes

Usopp’s alter ego Sogeking dons an anime mask to hide his identity from the other Straw Hat members following his "leave" from the crew.

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8. Bols' mask From Akame ga Kill!

Design: A white fabric mask with circular steel-like designs on its eye holes and mouth area.

For unknown reasons, Bols wears an anime mask which completely covers his head and face.

9. Char Aznable's mask From Mobile Suit Gundam

Design: white helmet with distinctive horns and a matching masquerade mask

The Gundam franchise has never had a shortage of militaristic high profile antagonists to battle against heroes in space, but few have left such an impression as Char Aznable from the 1979 series of Mobile Suit Gundam. 

While this might be long before any of us even knew what anime was, Aznable left a lasting legacy through his iconic silver mask flanked by golden locks of hair. 

Later installments of Gundam saw the likes of Millardo, Rau Le Creuset, Zechs Merquise, and a few others who have continued to sport the stylish masquerade visor in homage of Aznable; the charming staple of a classic adversary.  

10. San's mask From Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke)

Design: red mask with white wavy lines and three yellow holes for the eyes and mouth, it also has matching red ears

San, also known as Princess Mononoke, wears a mask whenever she engages in battle.

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11. Mamoru Chiba's mask From Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon

Design: simple white masquerade mask

Mamoru Chiba's alter ego, Tuxedo Mask, wears a white mask to complement his black tuxedo.

12. Tobi's mask From Naruto: Shippuuden

Design: an orange swirling mask which exposes Tobi's right eye

Tobi wears an orange mask in order to hide his real identity.

13. Gin's mask From Hotarubi no Morie

Design: white kitsune mask with a sun-like design at the forehead area and red marks around the eyes

Gin wears a kitsune mask to make him look like a youkai. If you want to know more about kitsune masks, check out this post!

 

14. No Face (Kaonashi)'s mask From Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away)

Design: a white mask with purple marks on both eyes

And last but not least, we have No Face. Although it is not certain if this is a mask or No Face's actual face, the indifferent expression shown is one that will haunt you for ages!

These are just a few memorable masked characters. What character stands out to you and for what reason?

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(source:myanimelist)