Series & First Appearance
Itaru Hashida appears in the visual novel and anime series Steins;Gate, which premiered in April 2011. He was designed by the renowned artist Hiyori Suzuki, a contributor to the series’ unique blend of science fiction and character-driven storytelling.
Profile at a Glance
Itaru Hashida, often referred to by his nickname "Daru" (ダル), is a 19-year-old first-year student at Tokyo Denki University and serves as a primary protagonist in Steins;Gate. He is a pro-active otaku with remarkable programming and hacking skills. Daru plays a crucial role in supporting his friends’ time travel endeavors and is known for his playful yet sexually suggestive remarks.
Personality & Motivations
Daru embodies a blend of confidence and humor, characterized by his tendency to engage in playful banter and sarcasm. He is known for his significant passion for both 2-D and 3-D girls, often making lewd comments that border on sexual harassment, albeit in good fun. Despite his teasing nature, he remains loyal to his friends, particularly Rintarou Okabe, whom he has known since high school. His fundamental motivation revolves around enjoying life as an otaku while also being deeply involved in time travel research to support his allies.
Abilities / Powers
Daru’s standout abilities lie in his exceptional programming and hacking skills, earning him titles such as "Super Hacker." He adeptly navigates computer systems and develops various hacking tools, including viruses that dismantle threats such as the Kimijima Report within the Robotics;Notes series. While proficient in his skills, his greatest limitation is his tendency to procrastinate or dodge responsibilities when faced with tasks he finds annoying. Throughout Steins;Gate, he showcases his capabilities primarily through software development and troubleshooting technology for the time travel experiments.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Daru’s narrative arc evolves significantly throughout the series. He initially functions as comic relief but gradually reveals his essential role in the larger story involving time travel and fate. One of the pivotal moments occurs when it’s revealed that he is an important part of the resistance against SERN in the alternative future, having played a role in founding the group with Okabe. Another critical turning point is his relationship with his daughter, Suzuha, uncovered later in the series, which deepens his character’s emotional complexity.
An important story moment is when Daru is depicted inventing a time machine in 2036, necessitating a shift from a comedic character to a part of the more serious narrative surrounding the consequences of time travel.
Notable Relationships
Daru has several key relationships that shape his character dynamics:
- Rintarou Okabe: His long-time friend and the series’ main protagonist. Their camaraderie mixes with bickering, showcasing their deep trust and loyalty.
- Mayuri Shiina: A close friend who rounds out the trio with Okabe and Daru, and her wellbeing often drives Daru’s actions.
- Suzuha Amane: Initially thought to be a colleague, it’s later revealed that she is his daughter, adding depth to his character and motivations.
- Yuki Amane: His wife, whom he meets at a Winter Comiket. She is also a pivotal figure in his life and represents the emotional stakes he faces as he juggles his work and family.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Daru’s memorable moments is when he hacks into SERN’s systems, revealing crucial information that dramatically influences the group’s approach to time travel and their fight against authoritarian control. A memorable quote that encapsulates his humorous demeanor is: “I’m in front of a computer, so I’ll do my best… until I get distracted.” This line highlights his duality as both a dedicated hacker and a more laid-back otaku.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Daru has gained popularity among fans, amassing 1,719 favorites in various anime profiles. His Japanese voice actor, Tomokazu Sugita, is also known for voicing other iconic characters like Gintoki Sakata in Gintama and Shinsuke Nohara in Crayon Shin-chan. In English, Daru is voiced by Matthew Mercer, adding a different flair that resonates with fans of the dub. As for his popularity, he ranks favorably in polls regarding characters from the Steins;Gate universe, emphasizing his enduring appeal.
Overall, Itaru Hashida remains a well-rounded character with a blend of humor, technical skill, and unexpected depth, making him a memorable part of the Steins;Gate narrative tapestry.
