Series & First Appearance
Renzou Shima is a character from the manga and anime series Blue Exorcist (Ao no Exorcist), which is created by Kazue Kato. He first appears in Chapter 48 of the manga, which was serialized in Jump Square starting in April 2009. The anime adaptation premiered in April 2011, produced by A-1 Pictures.
Profile at a Glance
Renzou Shima is 15 years old and primarily serves as a supporting character with a carefree demeanor in the True Cross Academy storyline. He is the 5th and youngest son of the Shima family and is affiliated with the Illuminati, acting as a spy for the organization. Renzou wields a specialized staff known as a Khakkhara and aims to become a Meister within the exorcist community.
Personality & Motivations
Renzou is portrayed as a carefree, friendly, and somewhat mischievous character, exhibiting a deep loyalty to his childhood friends Bon and Konekomaru. Despite his outgoing nature, he has an underlying fear of bugs, which adds a layer of complexity to his otherwise laid-back persona. Renzou possesses a quirky obsession with women and has a penchant for lying, though he does so in a friendly and non-malicious manner. His catchphrase frequently emphasizes his disinterest in societal norms, aligning with his carefree lifestyle.
Abilities / Powers
Renzou is trained in combat at the True Cross Academy. His significant abilities include basic exorcist techniques and the use of the K’rik (Khakkhara) staff, which symbolizes his commitment to the exorcist path. He is exceptionally agile, using his carefree persona to distract enemies, though he lacks the same intensity in battle as some of his peers. His role as a spy in the Illuminati introduces layers of cunning and deception in his skillset, but this also presents a pivotal limitation—his loyalty to friends often clashes with his obligations to the organization.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Renzou’s character development takes a noticeable turn during the Illuminati arc, where he reveals his role as a spy in Chapter 48. This arc showcases his internal conflict between loyalty to his friends and the demands of the Illuminati. Throughout the series, especially evident during battles against demons, Renzou’s carefree attitude contrasts sharply with the grave situations his friends face, further highlighting his character depth. His interactions with Rin, particularly being the first to befriend him after the revelation of Rin’s blue flames, underscore his significance in the story.
Notable Relationships
Renzou’s most significant relationships include:
- Bon Shima: His childhood friend, Renzou shares a strong bond with Bon, marked by loyalty and camaraderie. Their different personalities complement each other, making for dynamic interactions.
- Konekomaru Miwa: Another close friend from their childhood, Renzou’s relationship with Konekomaru is underpinned by a shared history in the temple they grew up in.
- Rin Okumura: Renzou plays a crucial role in reintegrating Rin into social circles after his transformation is revealed, showcasing his innate capacity for friendship.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of the most memorable moments is when Renzou first displays his carefree attitude, showing minimal concern for the dangers presented by the Illuminati, firmly believing that friendship overshadows fear. A notable line that encapsulates his spirit is from Chapter 50, where he jokes about his fears while acknowledging his friends’ struggles, emphasizing his role as both a comic relief and friend during crises.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Renzou’s character design features pink hair, a choice that distinguishes him visually within the series. His natural hair color is black, which he dyes for a more flamboyant appearance.
- He is rated among the 440 member favorites, showcasing his popularity within the fanbase despite his supporting role.
- His character aligns with a comedic trope in anime, where emotional burden is lightened through carefree personas.
- In the Japanese voice dub, he is voiced by Takahiro Mizushima, while the English voice actor is Kyle Hebert, both of whom have extensive roles in various anime.
Renzou Shima remains a multifaceted character who captures the balance between humor, loyalty, and internal conflict within the Blue Exorcist narrative. His relationships and carefree personality render significant moments throughout the storyline, marking him as a cherished figure among fans.
