Series & First Appearance
Haru Kaidou (海棠 晴) first appears in the manga series Super Lovers, created by Amiya Sakae. The series debuted in 2010, and Haru is introduced as a main character early on in both the manga and its subsequent anime adaptations, including Super Lovers (2016), Super Lovers OVA (2016), and Super Lovers 2 (2017).
Profile at a Glance
Haru Kaidou is 16 years old at the beginning of the series and 24 years old in the later arcs. He serves as the protagonist who grapples with family issues and emotional trauma. Haru has a brother complex, primarily revolving around his bond with his younger brother, Ren. His signature roles include being a former host known as "Natsu" and eventually opening a café to pursue his dream of living a more fulfilling life with his brothers.
Personality & Motivations
Haru is characterized by a complex blend of innocence and deep emotional scars. Initially, he exhibits traits of naivety and vulnerability, making him both relatable and sympathetic. After the tragic loss of his parents in a car accident, which results in a significant memory loss, Haru’s personality becomes layered with occasional bouts of melancholy and introspection. His motivations primarily focus on reconnecting with his family, particularly Ren, and overcoming the trauma of his past. A quirky aspect of Haru’s personality is his habit of trying to maintain peace and support those around him, often putting others’ needs ahead of his own.
Abilities / Powers
Haru’s standout skills include emotional resilience and adaptability, particularly in building relationships despite his emotional barriers. In his former role as a host, he developed strong social skills and charm, which also come to play in his café business, where he interacts with a variety of characters. Although not depicted as a combatant, his life experiences have given him a keen understanding of human emotions, allowing him to navigate complex emotional landscapes. The evolution of Haru’s abilities lies in his journey of self-discovery and healing from his emotional traumas rather than in physical combat skills.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Haru Kaidou’s story is marked by several pivotal plot points:
- Family Tragedy: The car accident leads to his significant memory loss and sets the stage for his emotional journey.
- Reconnection: As he slowly regains fragments of his memories, Haru’s quest to reconnect with Ren becomes central, showing his growth from dependency to independence.
- Cafe Venture: Opening a café transforms his character, showcasing his ambition and drive to carve out a new life while still healing from his past.
Throughout these developments, Haru grows from a sheltered, emotionally scarred teenager to a more mature young man, learning to embrace both his past and future.
Notable Relationships
- Ren Kaidou: Haru’s younger brother, whose relationship is at the core of the series. Their brotherly bond is filled with emotional depth, showcasing Haru’s protective nature and his struggle to be the best brother he can be.
- His Parents: Their tragic loss profoundly affects Haru, influencing his actions and emotional state throughout the series.
- Natsuki: A fellow host and Haru’s friend; Natsuki provides insights into Haru’s character through their interactions, adding layers to his personality.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
- The Car Accident: The revelation of Haru’s past following the accident is a central moment that defines his character’s emotional state in the series. It sets the trajectory for his growth and relationships, particularly with Ren.
- "Family is what you make it.": This quote encapsulates Haru’s journey as he learns to redefine family beyond blood relations, reflecting his growth and the series’ overall themes.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Voice Actors: Haru Kaidou is voiced by Tomoaki Maeno in the Japanese version, bringing depth to his emotional scenes. The English dub features Natsumi Fujiwara, offering an alternate take on Haru’s personality.
- Popularity: Haru is a fan-favorite character, evidenced by 314 member favorites, highlighting his relatability and depth.
- Cultural References: Haru’s journey reflects themes of loss, resilience, and the importance of found family, resonating with audiences interested in slice-of-life and emotional narratives.
Haru Kaidou stands out as a well-crafted character, navigating the complexities of familial bonds and personal growth, resonating with fans for both his challenges and triumphs. His story remains a poignant exploration of healing and the nature of love and family.
