Series & First Appearance
Ryouta Kise is a prominent character from the anime and manga series "Kuroko’s Basketball" ("Kuroko no Basket"), created by Tadatoshi Fujimaki. He made his debut in Chapter 1 of the manga and Episode 1 of the anime. The franchise centers around high school basketball and the challenges faced by its characters, particularly within the "Generation of Miracles."
Profile at a Glance
Kise is a 16-year-old high school student, standing tall at 189 cm (6’2"), currently attending Kaijō High School. He plays as a Small Forward and is an integral part of the basketball team. Known for his extraordinary ability to “Copy”, he can mimic the movements of other players, earning him the title of a skilled rookie in the "Generation of Miracles."
Personality & Motivations
Kise is charismatic and confident, possessing a friendly and approachable demeanor that attracts fans and admirers alike. His motto, "Be honest with yourself," reflects his straightforward approach to life and sports. Despite his charming looks and popularity as a model—which he pursued after being encouraged by his two older sisters—Kise has a deep-seated respect for his teammates, especially Kuroko Tetsuya. He has a notable obsession with Kuroko and often expresses a desire to revive their former partnership from middle school, even humorously misremembering Kuroko’s zodiac sign.
Abilities / Powers
Kise’s standout ability, called "Perfect Copy," allows him to duplicate the moves and techniques of his opponents. Initially, he struggled as the least experienced member of the "Generation of Miracles" since he only began playing basketball in his second year of middle school. However, through determination and hard work, he later evolves to successfully mimic moves from other members of the Generation of Miracles, including Aomine’s flexibility, Midorima’s precision, and Murasakibara’s strength. It’s important to note that while Kise can employ these techniques, he can only maintain them for roughly five minutes due to the energy they require.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Kise’s journey unfolds further as he progresses from being a backup player to a formidable force on the court. His character development is notably highlighted during the Winter Cup arc, where he faces off against his former teammates, showcasing his growth not only as a player but also as a teammate. His rivalry with Kuroko and other members of the Generation of Miracles deepens throughout the series, culminating in important matches that test the limits of his abilities and resolve.
Notable Relationships
Kise’s relationships are central to his character development. His camaraderie with Kuroko is significant; though Kuroko often downplays their interactions, Kise recalls their bond fondly. Additionally, his competitive spirit challenges him against his former teammates—especially Aomine and Midorima—pushing him to elevate his own skills. Kise’s friendship with his two older sisters also provides a backdrop to his character, highlighting his modeling pursuits and his approachable nature.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs during the match against Aomine, where Kise showcases his "Perfect Copy" ability for the first time, marking a pivotal point in earning respect from his peers (Chapter 165). A striking quote from Kise, “I won’t let anyone else have him!” emphasizes his determination to include Kuroko in his plans, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to friendship and teamwork.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Kise is voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki in the Japanese version and by honorees such as Johnny Yong Bosch in the English adaptation. His popularity is evident, making him one of the standout characters within the "Kuroko’s Basketball" polls, where he often ranks highly due to his appeal and character design. Kise’s character loosely reflects aspects of the "prince" archetype commonly found in anime, contributing to his appeal in the sports genre.
Overall, Ryouta Kise is not only a talented basketball player but also an endearing character who resonates with fans through his charm, dedication, and complex relationships within the world of "Kuroko’s Basketball."
