Series & First Appearance
Shirou Ogami appears in the anime and manga series BNA (Brand New Animal), created by the studio Trigger. His character makes his debut in episode 1 of the anime, which premiered in April 2020.
Profile at a Glance
Shirou Ogami is a male beastman in his mid-20s, serving as the main protagonist of the series. He is a wolf beastman and is known for his affiliation with Anima City, a haven for beastmen. His signature abilities include enhanced physical abilities derived from his wolf characteristics, such as heightened senses and agility.
Personality & Motivations
Shirou is portrayed as a strong yet caring leader, often displaying a fierce sense of loyalty toward his friends and allies. He embodies a protective nature, especially toward those he considers vulnerable. His motivations revolve around ensuring the safety and freedom of beastmen, particularly as they navigate societal struggles against humans. A notable quirk is his sense of honor; he has a deep disdain for deceit and values honesty in his relationships.
Abilities / Powers
As a wolf beastman, Shirou possesses superhuman strength, speed, and durability, quintessential features of his animal side. His combat style is predominantly melee-oriented, utilizing his brute force and agility to outmaneuver opponents. Shirou can also use enhanced senses, allowing him to detect threats from a distance. However, his abilities are somewhat limited by his reluctance to harm others unnecessarily, often leading him to hold back in confrontations.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Shirou’s character development unfolds as he navigates the tensions between beastmen and humans, particularly in the politically infused fabric of Anima City. Key arcs include his early encounters with Michiru Kagemori, a human-turned-beastman, which catalyzes his deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those like him. Throughout the series, Shirou confronts rising threats to the peace of Anima City, including antagonistic figures that challenge his ideals and lead him to question his own nature and leadership abilities. His evolution is marked by a sharpened resolve to protect his kind and create a more inclusive society.
Notable Relationships
- Michiru Kagemori: A pivotal ally and friend; Shirou’s connection with her is central to his character arc, as they both learn and grow from their experiences together.
- Nazuna Hiwatashi: A trusted confidant whose perspective often challenges Shirou’s views, reinforcing his leadership as he wrestles with his motives and relationships.
- Jackie Galliard: A friend and rival whose dynamic with Shirou highlights the tensions between beastmen and humans.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One impactful moment occurs in episode 4, where Shirou reacts to the impending threat to Anima City by rallying his allies, reinforcing his role as a protector. His line, “I will protect this city! No matter what,” encapsulates his commitment and resonates strongly with fans, emphasizing his growth and steadfast character.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Shirou Ogami is voiced by Yoshimasa Hosoya in Japanese and Benjamin Diskin in English, both of whom bring depth to the character through their performances. As for popularity, Shirou has garnered a significant fanbase, reflected in his inclusion in numerous popularity polls, ranking him among the top characters in BNA. Additionally, Shirou’s design and concept draw inspiration from traditional anime and gaming depictions of beastmen, bridging the gap between familiar tropes and fresh storytelling.
Overall, Shirou Ogami stands as a multifaceted character whose journey of self-discovery and dedication to his community embodies the series’ core themes of identity, acceptance, and the fight against prejudice.
