The tsundere version of myself kept bringing up an unfortunate truth yesterday... many otaku don't have girlfriends. Perhaps this is what drives them to claim their favorite anime characters as "their waifu". Some even like to think up odd fantasy scenarios where two of their favorite girls, from different franchises, fight over the otaku's affection. Whether you view this as harmless escapism or something more sinister, you cannot deny this trend is an important part of otaku culture.

Apparently, Yahoo! Japan thinks so too; they recently released a list of 2009's top ten anime wives, who were selected via poll. The list contains few surprises, with most of the girls being from this year's most popular franchises. Personally, I'm a bit conflicted about seeing my favorite tsundere, Mikoto Misaka, appear on the list. Although I'm happy she's getting recognition, I don't like the idea of a bunch of perverts drooling over her. After all, she's MY waifu.

Check out the list below the break, then tell us who YOUR waifu is. I'll be very interested to see who you guys pick... as long as it's not Mikoto. *shakes fist*

[Via Yahoo! Japan, translation verification by Raz Rauf and Ko Ransom]