Series & First Appearance
Haji is a character from the anime and manga series "Blood+", which was created by Asuka Katsura and produced by Production I.G. He first appears in Episode 1, titled "First Kiss," which debuted in 2005.
Profile at a Glance
Haji is 142 years old but appears to be 22. He serves as a pivotal protagonist and the sole living chevalier of Saya Otonashi, the main character of the series. His signature abilities include enhanced strength and agility, alongside exceptional combat skills, particularly with a handful of silver daggers and a cello case that also serves as a weapon and shield.
Personality & Motivations
Haji is characterized by his unwavering loyalty, stoicism, and deep emotional connection to Saya. His primary motivation is to protect Saya after being turned into her chevalier, feeling a sense of fulfillment in accompanying her on her journeys. Despite his serious demeanor, he has a gentle side and a profound love for Saya, often expressed through self-sacrifice. A notable quirk is his talent for playing the cello, which he learned from Saya, highlighting their bond.
Abilities / Powers
Haji possesses a range of supernatural abilities due to his chevalier status, which include:
- Enhanced Physical Abilities: He exhibits superhuman strength, speed, and agility, making him a formidable combatant.
- Combat Proficiency: He is skilled in fighting with silver daggers and uses a large cello case as both a shield and a weapon.
- Longevity and Resilience: Haji does not need to eat or sleep, allowing him to remain vigilant while Saya rests or hibernates.
While Haji can transform into a chiropteran form, he chooses not to, retaining his human form as a reflection of his loyalty and emotional attachment to Saya. His right arm, however, is permanently affected by his transformation, covered in bandages due to a past injury caused by Saya during her trauma in Vietnam.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Haji’s journey is deeply interwoven with Saya’s. Key points in his development include:
- Early Bonding: Haji first meets Saya when he is 12, brought in by Joel to be her companion. Their bond strengthens as they share experiences, with Haji gradually falling in love with her.
- Becoming a Chevalier: After falling from a cliff and misunderstanding the blood-drinking necessity, Saya inadvertently turns Haji into her chevalier, marking a turning point in their relationship. This event leads to Haji fully committing himself to her safety and wishes.
- Final Confrontations: In the climactic finale, Haji demonstrates his fierce loyalty by facing Amshel to protect Saya. His sacrifice during this encounter and his death-like moment heavily impact the storyline, leaving fans questioning his fate and future with Saya.
Notable Relationships
- Saya Otonashi: As his primary relationship and love interest, Haji’s bond with Saya defines the story’s emotional core. He is committed to protecting her and fulfilling her desires.
- Joel and Amshel: Haji’s connections with these characters show the manipulative nature of the forces around him, especially since they orchestrated his initial circumstances with Saya.
- Kai Miyagusuku: As another key ally, Haji shares a mutual understanding regarding their loyalties to Saya, although their personalities contrast significantly.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
- Emotional Confession: In a pivotal scene, Haji reveals, "I have always loved you," while urging Saya to live after Diva’s death. This moment underscores his deep feelings for her and his belief in her happiness (Episode 43).
- Sacrifice for Saya: During the climactic fight in the opera house, Haji sacrifices himself to allow Saya to escape, declaring his love and solidifying his status as her unwavering protector.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Haji is portrayed by Daisuke Namikawa in the Japanese version and Jason Liebrecht in the English dub, with both actors conveying his layered personality.
- While his character has garnered popularity among fans—registering 1,880 member favorites—he stands out for being a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice within the series.
- In terms of cultural references, Haji’s ability to play the cello connects him to traditional Japanese arts, enhancing his character as a refined individual shaped by his long life experiences.
Overall, Haji serves as a compelling figure within "Blood+," intertwining themes of love, sacrifice, and loyalty in a narrative steeped in supernatural elements and emotional depth.
