Series & First Appearance
Legoshi is a character from the anime and manga series Beastars, created by Paru Itagaki. He made his debut in Chapter 1 of the manga, released in September 2016, and subsequently appeared in the first episode of the anime adaptation, aired in October 2019.
Profile at a Glance
Legoshi is a 19-year-old gray wolf and the primary protagonist of Beastars. Standing at 187 cm (approximately 6’2") and weighing 77 kg (around 170 lbs), he is frequently misunderstood due to his imposing figure, making him a target of fear among herbivores. Legoshi’s journey revolves around navigating the complexities of his predatory instincts while striving for peaceful coexistence with others, notably developing feelings for a rabbit named Haru. He often uses stealth and intelligence over brute force, emphasizing his growth beyond his wolfish nature.
Personality & Motivations
Legoshi is characterized by his quiet, sensitive nature and introspective demeanor. While he possesses a fearsome appearance, he is genuinely compassionate and often shies away from confrontations to avoid intimidation. His primary motivation throughout Beastars is to understand his identity as a carnivore in a society where predators and prey are in a constant struggle against their instincts. Notably, he has an appreciation for small creatures, such as insects, and shows a keen interest in weather reports, favoring quietude over chaos. Legoshi’s catchphrase reflects his tendency to downplay his nature: “I’m just a big, scary wolf,” which highlights his internal conflict.
Abilities / Powers
Legoshi possesses several standout abilities:
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Physicality: As a wolf, he has enhanced strength, agility, and heightened senses, making him a skilled tracker and stealthy predator.
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Combat Skills: Initially hesitant to use his wolf instincts for fighting, he evolves throughout the series to channel his abilities more effectively, though he prefers intellect and stealth over aggression.
- Self-Control: A significant theme in his development is his struggle with self-control, particularly in situations where his carnivore instincts might compel him to act violently.
Over time, Legoshi learns to manage his predatory instincts, adapting them into a more controlled and non-lethal approach towards others.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Legoshi’s character arc is deeply intertwined with various pivotal moments:
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Haru’s Introduction: His delicate relationship with Haru serves as a cornerstone for his growth, forcing him to confront his feelings and instincts. The first significant encounter occurs in Chapter 9, where Legoshi saves Haru from a group of carnivores, marking the beginning of their complicated relationship.
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The Murder Mystery: The storyline revolving around the murder of collared herbivores impacts Legoshi’s worldview. His investigation leads to confrontations with his own nature, challenging his understanding of the predator-prey dynamic in their society.
Books Worth Reading:Sponsored - The Cultural Festival: In the cultural festival arc, Legoshi decides to embrace his identity as a wolf actively, participating in the play where he shows courage and vulnerability, reinforcing his growth.
As the series progresses, Legoshi transforms from a timid character into someone who takes proactive steps towards understanding himself and intervening in situations where he can make a difference.
Notable Relationships
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Haru: The dwarf rabbit and Legoshi’s primary love interest. Their relationship serves as the emotional core of the series, showcasing the challenges of interspecies romance and deepening Legoshi’s understanding of acceptance and love.
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Louis: A red deer and one of Legoshi’s rivals. Louis embodies the confident yet complex figure that challenges Legoshi’s perspective on strength and societal roles.
- Juno: A gray wolf who develops feelings for Legoshi. Their dynamic adds further complexity to his character as he juggles multiple affections and expectations.
Legoshi’s interactions with these characters deeply influence his growth and the thematic exploration of societal norms within Beastars.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of the most memorable scenes occurs in Episode 4, where Legoshi expresses his fears about being a wolf, saying, "I can’t help but want to eat you." This moment encapsulates the tension between his carnivorous nature and his desire to protect his friends, highlighting the central conflict of his character and fostering empathy from the audience.
Another impactful moment is in Chapter 144, where he confronts his past decisions and vows to protect Haru at all costs, showcasing his emotional growth and commitment.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
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Legoshi is voiced by Chikahiro Kobayashi in the Japanese version and Matthew Mercer in the English dub, both of whom bring depth to his character.
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Popularity polls have consistently ranked Legoshi among the top characters in Beastars, with over 8,000 fans listing him as a favorite, indicating his significant impact on the series’ viewer base.
- The character’s design showcases Paru Itagaki’s unique art style, marked by anthropomorphic features that cleverly reflect the dynamics of predator and prey within the story.
Legoshi’s character continues to resonate with fans as a symbol of battling internal struggles and seeking peaceful coexistence, making him a vital part of the ongoing narrative in Beastars.
