Series & First Appearance
Ichirouta Kazemaru is a character from the anime and manga series Inazuma Eleven, created by Level-5. His first appearance is in Episode 1 of the anime, which premiered in 2008. The series focuses on a group of young soccer players and their journey to hone their skills and compete on a national level.
Profile at a Glance
Kazemaru is a teenager around 15 years old and serves as a forward for the Raimon Eleven soccer team. As a former track club member, he brings speed and agility to the game, complemented by his signature abilities that stem from his intense competitive spirit.
Personality & Motivations
Kazemaru is portrayed as determined and passionate about soccer, initially motivated by the thrill of competing against strong opponents. However, his character experiences significant growth throughout the series, facing challenges related to power and teamwork. He exhibits a competitive edge that sometimes borders on obsession, especially during intense matchups. His quirk for fast-paced action is illustrated through his speed and tactical maneuvers on the field. Kazemaru’s signature catchphrase seems to revolve around his love for competition, emphasizing his desire to overcome stronger foes.
Abilities / Powers
Kazemaru is primarily known for his incredible speed and agility on the field, often utilizing these traits to outmaneuver his opponents. His signature techniques, known as Hissatsu Techniques, evolve throughout the series:
-
Season 1:
- Shippuu Dash: A technique that showcases his remarkable speed.
- Honoo no Kazamidori (with Gouenji): A collaborative technique emphasizing teamwork.
-
Season 2:
Books Worth Reading:Sponsored
- Bunshin Defense (with the aid of Aliea meteorite): A defensive technique that utilizes deception.
- Triple Boost (with Kurimatsu and Shishido): A power-up technique that enhances teamwork.
- Dark Phoenix (with Someoka and Max): A powerful offensive move.
-
Season 3:
- Banana Shoot: A unique shooting technique that adds unpredictability.
- Fuujin no Mai: A graceful maneuver emphasizing agility.
- Tatsumaki Otoshi (with Kabeyama) and The Hurricane (with Fubuki): Powerful altered shots that demonstrate his growth and adaptation in gameplay.
- Orion no Kokuin:
- Spinning Fence: Another technique showcasing his ability to combine skills dynamically on the field.
Kazemaru’s evolution in power underscores his ongoing struggle with self-doubt and the pressures of competing against stronger opponents.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Kazemaru’s narrative takes a sharp turn during the Aliea Academy arc, where his obsession with power leads him to leave the Raimon Eleven, causing significant emotional turmoil for his teammates, especially Endou. This separation serves as a pivotal moment for Kazemaru, ultimately pushing him to confront his personal insecurities. The dynamic changes when he is controlled by the Aliea meteorite during a clash against the Raimon Eleven, emphasizing the theme of inner conflict. After reconciling with his teammates, Kazemaru returns to the team, signifying his recognition of the importance of friendship and collaboration in sports.
Notable Relationships
Kazemaru shares a deep bond with Endou, serving as an emotional anchor for both. Their friendship significantly influences Kazemaru’s development, particularly during his moments of doubt. Additionally, he has strong connections with other members of the Raimon Eleven, such as Gouenji and Someoka, which further highlight his growth through teamwork and camaraderie. Each relationship plays a crucial role in shaping his motivations and reinforcing the series’ themes of friendship and resilience.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs in Episode 40, where Kazemaru’s determination to return to the team after being controlled by the Aliea meteorite showcases his character growth and dedication. Another impactful moment is during a training match where Kazemaru exclaims, "I want to fight strong players!" This line encapsulates his competitive spirit and serves as a recurring theme in his journey, resonating with fans and epitomizing his desire for improvement and self-discovery.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Kazemaru has garnered a sizable fanbase, reflecting his popularity with 258 member favorites reported. His voice in the Japanese version is portrayed by Dai Matsumoto, while in the English adaptation, he is voiced by Matthew Mercer. Both voice actors bring vibrancy and depth to the character, contributing to his appeal across different audiences. Kazemaru’s character design and motivations also reflect common archetypes in sports anime, such as the "fast, competitive underdog," encapsulating themes of growth and resilience that resonate with audiences globally. Additionally, Kazemaru’s trajectory in the series is often cited as a representation of overcoming personal barriers, making him relatable to many viewers.
Kazemaru’s journey through Inazuma Eleven encapsulates the complexities of youth sports, personal growth, and the value of friendship in overcoming struggles, solidifying his place within the vibrant cast of characters.
