Series & First Appearance
Hideyoshi Kinoshita appears in the anime and light novel series Baka and Test: Summon the Beasts (Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu), which was created by Kenjirou Hata and illustrated by Yui Haga. He made his debut in the first episode of the anime adaptation, which aired in January 2010.
Profile at a Glance
Hideyoshi Kinoshita is a 2nd-year high school student at Fumizuki Gakuen and serves as a member of Class F. Although he possesses a strikingly beautiful appearance that often leads others to mistake him for a girl, he is indeed male. His signature abilities include vocal mimicry and a unique summoned beast, characterized by blue pants and a naginata.
Personality & Motivations
Hideyoshi is characterized by his gentle and easygoing nature, often acting as a voice of reason among the chaotic personalities of Class F. Despite his beauty, he struggles with his identity, feeling frustrated when others fail to recognize him as a guy. He has a quirky sense of humor and occasionally goes along with the gender confusion, showing a mixed sense of pride and embarrassment over his appearance. Although he is serious about his interests, particularly in drama, he often finds himself in humorous situations that stem from misunderstandings about his gender.
Abilities / Powers
Hideyoshi’s standout abilities include exceptional vocal mimicry—allowing him to flawlessly imitate both male and female voices. This talent plays a crucial role in his involvement in the drama club, where he showcases his versatility. Additionally, he possesses a remarkably resilient stomach, dubbed "Steel Stomach," which allows him to eat a wide range of foods without issue, although he struggles with some of Mizuki’s culinary creations. His summoned beast features blue pants and a naginata, fitting the theme of his character, while his occult version takes the form of a Nekomata, showcasing an emphasis on cuteness.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Hideyoshi’s character development is shaped significantly by the dynamics within Class F, where he balances the chaos created by his peers. In various episodes, he grapples with his self-image and how others perceive him, particularly during competitions and events that bring his gender identity into question. A pivotal moment comes during training camps, where he is sometimes isolated due to his beauty, highlighting both the absurdity of his situation and his comrades’ fondness for him. As the story progresses, Hideyoshi learns to embrace his unique identity, leading to more significant confidence in both his social and dramatic roles.
Notable Relationships
Hideyoshi shares a strong friendship with Akihisa Yoshii, the protagonist of the series. Akihisa is one of the few characters who consistently recognizes Hideyoshi as male, which reinforces their bond. Additionally, Hideyoshi has a close camaraderie with other members of Class F, including Mizuki Himejima and Yuuji Sakamoto. His interactions often provide comic relief as he navigates friendship, love, and the ensuing misunderstandings from his appearance.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs during a talent show where Hideyoshi’s performance showcases his vocal mimicry, leaving classmates impressed and furthering his reputation in drama. Another notable quote reflects his comedic tendencies, when he quips about his “third gender” status, humorously challenging the absurdity of his situation: “I’ll take the title of ‘Hideyoshi’ with pride!”
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Hideyoshi Kinoshita has been ranked 1st in Male Characters and 10th in Female Characters during the 2009 edition of Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! showcasing his popularity among fans. His character’s design emphasizes beauty and elegance, underscoring the humorous contrasts presented within the narrative. The actor voicing Hideyoshi in the Japanese version is Katsuyuki Konishi, who effectively captures both his humorous and innocent traits. In the English adaptation, he is voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch, known for his extensive work in the anime industry.
The character’s name derives from the historical figure Toyotomi Hideyoshi, amplifying the themes of identity and duality present in his character arc. Hideyoshi’s popularity is further demonstrated through the secretive trading of his photos, illustrating the lengths fans will go to engage with his character.
In summary, Hideyoshi Kinoshita stands as a unique figure within Baka and Test, serving as a crossroads between comedy, misidentification, and the broader themes of self-acceptance and friendship that resonate throughout the series.
