Series & First Appearance
Suruga Kanbaru is a character from the Monogatari series, created by Nisio Isin and illustrated by VOFAN. She makes her debut in Bakemonogatari, chapter 7, which was serialized in 2006 and later adapted into an anime by studio Shaft in 2009.
Profile at a Glance
Suruga is a high school student, approximately 17 years old, initially portrayed as a cheerful yet complex character. She plays a pivotal role as both a protagonist and antagonist in different arcs, especially as the Rainy Devil. She is a member of the basketball team and wields an unusual weapon: her left arm, which is possessed by the spirit of a devil, effectively giving her unique powers related to this ability.
Personality & Motivations
Suruga is characterized by her competitive spirit and deep-seated jealousy, particularly towards those she feels overshadow her talents. This jealousy can catalyze darker thoughts, including revenge, particularly during her early interactions with rivals. While she often presents a carefree demeanor, she harbors insecurities stemming from her past, especially concerning her athletic abilities and complex family history. Her primary motivation revolves around friendship, especially her bond with Hitagi Senjougahara, whom she refers to as her partner in the "Valhalla Combo." Despite her darker impulses, Suruga showcases a strong moral compass, frequently attempting to help friends navigate their struggles.
Abilities / Powers
Suruga’s primary ability comes from her connection to the Rainy Devil, which allows her to manipulate her devilish left arm for various supernatural feats, including heightened strength and agility. However, this power comes with limitations; she must actively manage the risks of her abilities manifesting uncontrollably, leading her to tie her arm to avoid sleepwalking into dangerous situations. Over time, she learns to control her powers better while grappling with the morality tied to her potential for harm. The fear of her devil’s influence evolves her character as she shifts from merely embracing her abilities to finding ways to use them responsibly.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Suruga’s journey is marked by multiple key arcs. In the Suruga Devil arc, she grapples with her identity as a possibly malevolent force after rumors arise about her. This leads her to confront her past actions and the consequences of her wishes tied to the monkey’s paw she once possessed. Significant transformations occur as Suruga faces challenges related to her relationships with her friends and rivals, including her rivalry with Numachi Rouka. As she learns more about the nature of her abilities, she moves from a place of confusion toward an understanding of her responsibility to not just herself but her friends and allies.
Notable Relationships
- Hitagi Senjougahara: Suruga’s close friend and basketball partner, their relationship highlights themes of friendship and rivalry. Suruga admires Hitagi’s strength, and their bond is pivotal for both characters’ growth.
- Koyomi Araragi: Initially viewed with suspicion and rivalry, Suruga’s relationship with Koyomi evolves, leading to a mix of admiration, jealousy, and eventual acceptance as both characters face their inner demons.
- Izuko Gaen: As her aunt, Izuko plays a supporting yet complex role in guiding Suruga’s understanding of her abilities and family history.
- Numachi Rouka: A former basketball rival, her presence brings Suruga face-to-face with her competitive nature and jealousy, prompting her to reflect on her past and choices.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Suruga’s most memorable lines comes from her confrontation with Hitagi in chapter 8 of Kabukimonogatari: “I can ponder it all I want, but none of it matters. I just have to make a choice.” This moment encapsulates her struggle to directly confront her feelings of jealousy and personal conflicts. Another poignant scene occurred in Suruga Devil, where she risked her own safety to prevent her devil’s impulses from harming others, showcasing her depths of character as she evolves from a self-centered athlete to a more self-aware individual.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- The character design of Kanbaru was inspired by Monogatari’s unique blend of literature and visual storytelling, exemplified by her striking features and memorable devil’s arm.
- Suruga is voiced by the talented Japanese actress Hirohashi Ryou, while the English voice is provided by Caitlin Glass, both of whom have contributed to her dynamic representation in different adaptations.
- In terms of popularity, Kanbaru has consistently ranked well among fandom polls, often being noted for her complexity and relatable struggles.
In summary, Suruga Kanbaru embodies the intricate web of friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery that the Monogatari series is celebrated for, making her a standout character within this beloved franchise.
