Series & First Appearance
Shouta Kisa is a character from the manga series "Given," created by Natsuki Kizu. He made his first appearance in Chapter 1 of the manga, which debuted in the Overview magazine in 2013. The series was later adapted into an anime by Linden Films, first airing in 2019, where Kisa’s character design closely reflects the manga’s art style.
Profile at a Glance
Shouta Kisa is a 30-year-old editor in the Emerald department, where he plays an important role. Although he is significantly older than many of his colleagues, his youthful appearance often leads others to mistake him for someone much younger. He has yet to engage in a serious romantic relationship and struggles with understanding his feelings, particularly in relation to physical attraction versus emotional connection.
Personality & Motivations
Kisa’s personality is marked by a complex blend of self-doubt and realism. He often reflects the sentiment that his attraction to others is largely superficial, leading him to question the viability of a deeper connection. Kisa’s skepticism about love is encapsulated in his poignant line: "love at first sight works well enough in a manga, but this is reality." This line not only outlines his outlook on relationships but also serves as a source of internal conflict when he meets Kou. His motivations largely center around finding acceptance both in his professional life and personal relationships, despite feeling that he is not built for romance.
Abilities / Powers
While Kisa does not possess supernatural abilities typical of shōnen or action-oriented genres, his standout skills lie in his editorial and artistic prowess. Kisa has a keen eye for design and is adept at bringing out the best in the works he edits, contributing to making them visually appealing and emotionally resonant. His challenges arise primarily from his emotional state rather than combat-based limitations; he struggles to navigate his feelings in a world where love can often appear idealized compared to reality.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Kisa’s developmental journey is significantly shaped by his interactions with Kou, a new and emerging talent. Initially, Kisa approaches Kou with a superficial mindset, focused more on his looks than on understanding his character. This attitude begins to shift as Kisa spends more time with Kou and gradually recognizes the depth of his potential, both as a musician and as a person. Kisa grapples with his feelings throughout the series, leading him to confront his own insecurities and misconceptions about love.
Notable Relationships
Kisa’s most impactful relationship is with Kou, whose talented but tumultuous journey within the music industry highlights Kisa’s struggles concerning emotional intimacy. Kou acts as both a catalyst for Kisa’s development and a mirror reflecting his insecurities. Additionally, Kisa shares a professional camaraderie with his colleagues in the Emerald department, where they often support each other through various challenges in their respective careers.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Kisa’s memorable moments occurs in Chapter 12, where he agonizes over his feelings for Kou and the realization that he may not be ready for a relationship. This moment resonates with many readers, encapsulating the fear and anxiety surrounding love. His quotation about love being idealized in manga serves as a critical takeaway for the audience, reminding them that romance often differs from fantasy.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Kisa has garnered a solid fanbase, with over 250 member favorites recorded, indicating his popularity among readers. His character design, reflective of a youthfulness that belies his age, has been a topic of discussion and admiration among fans. Voice actor Yoshimasa Hosoya lends his work to Kisa in the Japanese anime adaptation, while Kyle McCarley provides the English dub, both capturing Kisa’s complexities with nuance. The blend of relatable character traits and compelling narrative arcs has made Kisa a significant figure in the "Given" series, resonating with fans seeking authentic portrayals of love and self-discovery.
Kisa’s journey from doubt to a more nuanced understanding of love invites audiences into his world, showcasing that emotional growth often comes from unexpected relationships and the courage to redefine one’s expectations.
