Series & First Appearance
Ranmaru Kurosaki (黒崎 蘭丸) is a character from the multimedia franchise "Uta no Prince-sama," created by Broccoli. He first appeared in the visual novel released in 2010, and subsequently in its anime adaptation that premiered in 2011. The series focuses on aspiring musicians and their journey through the world of the entertainment industry, showcasing the themes of ambition, friendship, and romance.
Profile at a Glance
Ranmaru Kurosaki is 22 years old, stands at 182 cm (approximately 6 feet), and weighs 67 kg (about 148 lbs). He performs as a bassist and is a member of the idol group QUARTET NIGHT. As a senpai to fellow characters Masato Hijirikawa and Ren Jinguuji, Ranmaru plays a significant role in their development within the series. Known for his intense devotion to rock music, he notably exhibits a strong sense of duty toward his band, alongside being a complex character with deep-seated emotional struggles.
Personality & Motivations
Ranmaru is characterized as highly reactive, moody, and often teetering on the edge of tsundere archetypes. His brash demeanor masks a contemplative nature shaped by his past experiences, leading to a sense of mistrust, particularly toward women. Despite this, he possesses a strong sense of duty as a member of his band. Ranmaru’s motivation lies in his passionate devotion to rock music, which he believes encompasses deep personal expression. One of his notable quirks involves the reluctance to collaborate with female artists due to a personal bias influenced by his past, which he openly admits to.
Abilities / Powers
Ranmaru plays the bass guitar within the series, contributing to QUARTET NIGHT’s distinctive sound. His skill as a musician is complemented by his rock-centric ideology, believing that only music with genuine emotional resonance can communicate true feelings. His performances are often intense and energetic, indicative of his passion for the genre. Despite his confidence on stage, Ranmaru struggles with significant trust issues that influence his ability to work collaboratively, especially with female musicians. His journey involves overcoming these obstacles to embrace teamwork and broader musical experiences.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Ranmaru’s character development is explored through various story arcs that delve into his past and the experiences that shaped him. A pivotal moment occurs during the "All Star" storyline, where it is revealed that numerous bands he participated in disbanded due to conflicts involving women. This culminates in a deeper understanding of his emotional scars, particularly relating to his father’s betrayal experienced during their family business’s decline. Throughout the series, he confronts and gradually works through these issues, leading to personal growth and enhanced collaborative relationships with his bandmates.
Notable Relationships
Ranmaru’s complex relationships significantly define his character arc. He acts as a mentor to Masato Hijirikawa and Ren Jinguuji, providing guidance while simultaneously wrestling with his own insecurities. His rivalry with Haruka Shindou is particularly noteworthy, as it embodies his struggle with gender biases and emotional vulnerability, effectively contrasting female voices in rock music with his preconceived notions. This relationship plays a crucial role in his growth as he learns to navigate his biases and embrace collaboration.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Ranmaru’s defining moments occurs in "Maji LOVE 2000%," where he declares that only rock music resonates with him due to his strong beliefs about authenticity in music. This sentiment underscores his character’s trajectory toward opening up to different musical genres and artists (Episode 3). Another memorable scene happens during an emotional performance with QUARTET NIGHT, where he expresses genuine connection through music, signaling a turning point in his ability to trust and share his experiences (All Star Chapter 5).
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Ranmaru is voiced by Tatsuhisa Suzuki in the Japanese version, known for his capacity to capture layered emotions in performance. In English, he is voiced by Óscar López. His character is distinctive for having heterochromatic eyes; although depicted as such, his actual eye color is confirmed to be silver, with a single purple contact used for aesthetic effect. Ranmaru’s layered personality has allowed him to rank favorably in various popularity polls, reflecting strong fan admiration for his complex character and development. His themes resonate on broader societal issues, especially regarding gender dynamics in creative fields.
Through his intricate backstory and relationships, Ranmaru Kurosaki stands out not just as a character in the Uta no Prince-sama series but as a representation of the struggles within the creative industry—a fusion of personal ambition and the interplay of trust in collaborative environments.
