Series & First Appearance
Ken Ryuuguuji, commonly known as Draken, is a prominent character from the hit anime and manga series Tokyo Revengers, created by Ken Wakui. He first appears in Chapter 1 of the manga, which was serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine starting in March 2017. The anime adaptation premiered in April 2021, bringing Draken to life on screen.
Profile at a Glance
Draken is initially presented as a 15-year-old teenager in the past timeline and is 27 years old in the present timeline. He serves as the Vice-President of the Tokyo Manji Gang (Toman), a role he holds alongside his close friend Mikey (Manjiro Sano). Known for his unwavering sense of justice, Draken is among Toman’s strongest fighters and is particularly skilled in hand-to-hand combat, often defending others while grappling with complex moral dilemmas.
Personality & Motivations
Draken is characterized by his protective nature and moral integrity, often acting as the moral compass of Toman. He is serious and responsible, making efforts to unify his friends and prevent conflicts, evidenced by his attempts to mediate between Kazutora and Mikey. Despite his tough exterior, Draken has a sensitive side, influenced by his lack of a traditional family background. This complexity is reflected in his dream of owning a motorcycle repair shop—a dream that captures both his passion for motorcycles and his desire for stability and familial bonds.
Abilities / Powers
Draken possesses significant physical strength and combat skills, making him one of Toman’s most formidable fighters after Mikey. His fighting style focuses on powerful kicks and grappling techniques, which he employs with great efficacy in gang battles. Draken also showcases a commanding presence, capable of rallying his peers and displaying leadership during critical moments. Despite his exceptional skills, his emotional ties sometimes cloud his judgment, leading to moments of vulnerability in combat and decision-making.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Draken’s character arc is pivotal to the overarching plot of Tokyo Revengers. In the original timeline, his death serves as a catalyst for Mikey’s descent into darkness, prompting protagonist Takemichi Hanagaki to travel back through time to prevent it. Key arcs include Draken’s emotional pleas for peace between rival gangs and his role in pivotal battles, such as the conflict against the Valhalla Gang. His eventual death in the revised timeline, captured through a heartfelt moment where he tells Takemichi to watch over Mikey, solidifies his sacrifice and underscores the theme of the impact of friendship and loyalty throughout the series.
Notable Relationships
Draken’s relationship with Mikey is central to his character, marking him as Mikey’s closest confidant, friend, and co-leader of Toman. He also shares a deep bond with Emma, Mikey’s younger sister, whom he cares for dearly. His friendships extend to most Toman members, where he plays a paternal role, notably toward younger members such as Chifuyu and Hakkai. The interactions he has with Kazutora from rival gang Valhalla reveal the conflicting emotions tied to loyalty and redemption.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Draken’s most memorable scenes is during the Bajikun arc (Chapter 65), where he reflects on friendship after a brutal battle, stating, “You gotta fight for those who matter.” This encapsulates his core values and illustrates his protective nature, which resonates deeply with fans. Another poignant moment occurs in the later chapters, where he faces death with a smile, telling Takemichi to watch over Mikey. This goodbye not only highlights his selflessness but also serves as a powerful emotional climax within the narrative.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Draken, as a character, has garnered significant popularity, ranking among the top favorites in various fan polls, with over 4,883 members adding him to their favorites list. The character is voiced by Takahiro Sakurai in the Japanese version and Billy Kametz in the English adaptation. Draken’s design, marked by his distinctive dragon tattoo and undercut hairstyle, reflects both his rebellious spirit and ties to his motorcycle culture interests. His unique traits lend to various merchandise lines and fan art, establishing him as an iconic figure within the Tokyo Revengers community.
Through his combination of strength, loyalty, and moral complexity, Draken not only builds a compelling narrative within Tokyo Revengers but also embodies themes of friendship and sacrifice that resonate throughout the series.
