Series & First Appearance
Hiroomi Souma is a character from the anime and manga series Working!!, which was created by Akira Matsunaga. He made his first appearance in Chapter 1 of the manga, published in 2005, and was later featured in the anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures, which aired its first season in 2010.
Profile at a Glance
Hiroomi Souma is a 20-something-year-old employee at the Wagnaria family restaurant, often portrayed with an easygoing demeanor that masks his more cunning side. As a secondary character, he is not one of the main protagonists but plays a vital role among the restaurant’s eclectic staff. Notably, Souma has a knack for blackmailing his coworkers to avoid his responsibilities, showcasing his adeptness at manipulating situations to his advantage.
Personality & Motivations
Souma is characterized by his laid-back attitude and penchant for mischief, particularly through blackmailing fellow workers for their assistance. Although he dislikes revealing personal details, this evasiveness may stem from a desire to maintain control over his image among his peers. A notable quirk is his fear of his coworker Inami’s violent tendencies, which adds a layer of humor and complexity to his personality. Souma often seems motivated by self-preservation, dodging work while simultaneously wanting to maintain a playful camaraderie with his colleagues.
Abilities / Powers
While Souma does not possess any supernatural abilities, his standout skills include manipulation and strategic thinking, which he employs to navigate the dynamics of the Wagnaria team. His approach to work usually involves clever verbal exchanges leading to ludicrous scenarios, effectively showcasing his wit and resourcefulness. However, he is limited by his cowardice, especially when facing Inami, who is known for her unpredictable and aggressive behavior when flustered.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Throughout Working!!, Souma’s major arc revolves around his interactions with his coworkers, particularly Inami, whose violent outbursts provide both comedy and tension. His frequent avoidance of responsibility leads to comedic situations, but it also allows for moments of character growth, especially in learning the importance of collaboration and honesty within a team setting. A pivotal episode is when the backstory of the kitchen’s dynamic is explored, revealing how Souma’s fear of Inami impacts his willingness to engage fully in work-related activities.
Notable Relationships
Souma shares significant interactions primarily with:
- Inami: His coworker, whose often-violent reactions to embarrassment make Souma both wary and amused.
- Souta: His co-worker who often becomes the target of Inami’s aggression, which Souma finds somewhat relieving, highlighting his self-interest.
- Satou: Souma’s reference to him as "Satou-kun" suggests a friendship, indicating some level of comfort, even as Souma maintains his distance from most others.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs when Souma attempts to blackmail his coworkers, only to find Inami nearby, leading to his immediate panic: "Not Inami!" This comedic moment solidifies his character’s paradox of being both manipulative and cowardly. Another notable line is during a staff meeting, where he quips, “You all have perspectives, but mine is the only one that matters.” This showcases his flippant attitude and ties humor into workplace interactions, making him a fan-favorite character.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Souma has quickly become a beloved character among fans, as evidenced by having over 267 member favorites on MyAnimeList.
- His voice actor in the Japanese version is Yoshimasa Hosoya, who has voiced numerous characters across various popular series, while the English version has been done by Matt Mercer, known for his roles in games and anime alike.
- Souma’s blackmail tactics serve as a comedic device throughout the series, often leading to outrageous situations that highlight both his character flaws and strengths.
- The character’s official age is not explicitly stated, but various hints, including his interactions and dialogue, imply that he is over 20 years old, contributing to the comedic narrative through the staff’s varying maturity levels.
Souma’s antics and clever manipulation strategies add depth to the ensemble cast of Working!!, making him an essential—if not always honorable—part of the restaurant dynamic.
