Series & First Appearance
Tooru Oikawa is a prominent character in the anime and manga series Haikyuu!!, created by Haruichi Furudate. He made his first appearance in Chapter 1 of the manga, which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump starting in 2012, and his anime debut occurred in Season 1, Episode 1, which aired in April 2014.
Profile at a Glance
Oikawa is a 3rd-year student at Aoba Jousai High School, a prestigious volleyball school in Japan, where he serves as the captain and setter of the volleyball team. Standing at 184.3 cm and weighing 72.2 kg, he is both physically imposing and exceptionally skilled in his role as a playmaker. His strategic mind and ability to read opponents make him one of the most talented setters in the series.
Personality & Motivations
Oikawa possesses a charismatic and outwardly confident demeanor, often peppering interactions with cheerful remarks. However, this façade masks his more serious and sometimes intimidating afterthoughts. Despite his friendly appearance, he is cunning and highly intelligent, adept at exploiting the weaknesses of those around him. His main motivation stems from a desire to prove himself worthy of being recognized as a top-tier setter, particularly when compared to his rival, Tobio Kageyama. This rivalry drives many of his actions and aspirations throughout the series.
Abilities / Powers
As a setter, Oikawa’s standout skills include his exceptional strategic intellect and quick decision-making abilities on the court. His "Super Toss," a specialized technique that allows him to deliver precise and varied sets, showcases his talent for enabling teammates to exploit their full potential. He also possesses a powerful serve and impressive offensive playmaking skills. However, Oikawa’s primary limitation arises from insecurity; his tendency to obsess over Kageyama’s perceived superiority sometimes clouds his judgement and performance, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Throughout Haikyuu!!, Oikawa’s character arc is defined by his complex relationship with Kageyama and his journey toward accepting his role as a leader. A pivotal moment occurs when he competes against Kageyama during the Inter-High tournament, where he confronts his fears of inadequacy and strives to acknowledge his strengths. His growth is also reflected in how he learns to better support and understand his teammates. An important turning point is during the match against Karasuno, where Oikawa’s leadership abilities come to the forefront—showcasing both his strengths and vulnerabilities.
Notable Relationships
Oikawa’s relationships are integral to both his character development and the overarching narrative. His rivalry with Kageyama is marked by a blend of tension and mutual respect, calling into question their differing approaches to volleyball. Oikawa also shares a close bond with his teammates, especially his vice-captain, Hajime Iwaizumi, who often acts as his emotional anchor. The interactions with his teammates highlight his journey from a self-serving athlete to a compassionate leader.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of the most iconic moments for Oikawa occurs during the match against Karasuno, where he delivers a fierce motivational speech, stating, "The moment you think of giving up, think of the reason why you held on so long." This moment encapsulates his determination and passion for volleyball, inspiring both his team and viewers alike. Another impactful moment is when he acknowledges the gap between himself and Kageyama, stating, "There’s no need for me to compare myself with Tobio. I can’t catch up to him. So, I’ll just run at my own pace." This line highlights his character growth and acceptance of self-worth beyond mere competition.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Oikawa is voiced by Miyu Irino in Japanese and by Matt Shipman in the English dub, both of whom have brought depth to his character through their performances. In popularity polls conducted by various anime publications, Oikawa consistently ranks highly among fans, often landing in the top ten, demonstrating his widespread appeal. The character’s design, featuring his athletic build and confident expressions, effectively conveys his personality, and his distinct hairstyle has further cemented his status as a fan-favorite. Oikawa’s cheerfulness and cunning nature make him a standout among the series’ ensemble cast, and he remains a beloved character for both casual viewers and devoted fans alike.
