Series & First Appearance
Sei Handa is a character from the manga series "Barakamon," created by Satsuki Yoshino. He made his debut in Chapter 1, released in July 2009. The series is known for its light-hearted exploration of personal growth and community life, depicting Handa’s journey as he learns the value of connections while honing his calligraphy skills. The anime adaptation premiered in July 2014, produced by Kinema Citrus.
Profile at a Glance
Sei Handa is 23 years old and serves as the protagonist of "Barakamon." As a talented calligrapher, he initially garners attention for his work and reputation, but his aggressive incident leads him to take a "self-imposed exile" in the Goto Islands. His signature ability revolves around the art of calligraphy, which he seeks to refine during his time away.
Personality & Motivations
Sei Handa is characterized by a mix of pride, sensitivity, and introversion. Following his public fallout, he becomes reflective and initially reclusive. A notable quirk is his mistaken belief that people dislike him, a misunderstanding stemming from his high school years. Handa’s motivation evolves throughout the series; he starts off focused solely on personal success in calligraphy but gradually learns the importance of human connection and community support. His interactions with the locals, especially a young girl named Naru, help reshape his outlook, leading him to seek inspiration beyond his solitary practice.
Abilities / Powers
Handa excels in calligraphy, showcasing a unique artistic style that evolves significantly throughout the series. He possesses a deep understanding of traditional calligraphic techniques and combines them with his personal flair, which he develops during his time on the island. However, his initial struggle revolves around criticism and self-doubt about his capabilities, especially as he grapples with finding a distinctive voice in his work. Despite being a non-combative character, his frustrated personality leads to moments of physical expression, particularly confrontations stemming from artistic disagreements. Over time, Handa learns to channel his emotions productively, developing a more secure identity as an artist.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
The narrative of "Barakamon" follows Handa’s progression from an isolated artist to an engaged member of the community. The inciting incident occurs when he assaults an art gallery director, leading to his exile to the Goto Islands. Here, he meets various characters, including Naru, whose carefree spirit and tomboyish demeanor create pivotal moments where Handa begins to realize the impact of his interactions.
A significant turning point in his development happens when Handa acknowledges his previously held misconceptions about friendships and admiration. As he opens up to the community and cultivates his own style, he eventually makes the difficult decision to forgo a high-pressure professional career in favor of teaching others at a calligraphy school, indicating a complete transformation in his values.
Notable Relationships
Sei Handa’s most significant relationships include:
- Naru: A young girl who playfully refers to him as "Junon Boy" before adopting the respectful title "Sensei." She influences his shift from isolation to embracing the value of mentorship.
- Kawafuji: Handa’s best friend, whose playful yet misguided statements about Handa’s popularity in high school contribute to Handa’s misconceptions about social interactions. Kawafuji’s presence throughout the series serves as a grounding force and comedic relief.
- Family: Handa’s father, a renowned calligrapher, provides the initial impetus for Handa’s journey but also pressures him to excel, amplifying Handa’s internal conflict regarding meeting expectations.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Handa’s defining moments comes when he triumphantly completes an artwork inspired by Naru’s antics, leading him to embrace his personal style. Another memorable quote is, "I’m not used to people acting so familiarly with me!" (Chapter 4), encapsulating his struggle to form connections while humorously portraying his awkwardness. These scenes resonate deeply with fans due to their relatability and thematic significance concerning personal growth and acceptance.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Handa’s design is notable for showcasing the features typical of a classic "pretty boy" archetype, reflecting the contrast with his personality.
- The character’s evolution from a misunderstood artist to a community figure draws parallels with real-life experiences of many artists who face criticism and personal challenges.
- In the anime adaptation, Handa is voiced by Yūichi Nakamura (Japanese) and Kyle McCarley (English), both of whom have effectively captured the nuances of his character arc.
- Popularity Polls: Handa consistently ranks well among characters in fan polls, with a favorite count of 2,665, indicating his connection with audiences as a relatable character navigating the complexities of personal and professional growth.
Sei Handa’s story in "Barakamon" elegantly captures the essence of self-discovery, transforming through friendship, community interaction, and the arts as he emerges from self-imposed exile into a journey toward belonging and fulfillment.
