The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew have spunk. And Japanese film and literature have their share of spunky characters, as well. Nadia and Jean. Ranma and Akane. Pazu, hero of Laputa, may be the spunkiest of all, unless it's Nausicaa.
Spunk is so prevalent in anime because it is usually so appealing.
Under a barrage of misfortunes and misadventures, spunk pulls our hero or heroine through. But spunk comes in many different guises. The only exception is the anime staple of the bumbling or comedic villain, whose incompetence or absurdity allows the audience to identify with him or her a bit. Spunky people are never majestic, or imposing, or snobbish. Casner Page accessed times, column accessed times since October 16, 2000.