The currently airing anime series "BANANA FISH" is based on the manga of the same name by Akimi Yoshida, which was serialized in Bessatsu Shojo Comic from 1985 to 1994. It has also been adapted into a stage play in the past, but this time, as part of Akimi Yoshida's 40th anniversary project, it has been adapted into anime for the first time by Noitamina. Set in New York, the story follows two boys as they unravel the mystery of "Banana Fish." This time, we'll be introducing one of the two boys, Eiji Okumura.
Who is Eiji Okumura?
Source: BANANA FISH © Akimi Yoshida, Shogakukan / Project BANANA FISH
Eiji Okumura is one of the boys who plays alongside the protagonist, Ash Lynx. He is a Japanese native of Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. As a student, he was a pole vaulter, but was forced to quit due to an injury. As a result, he travels to New York with Shunichi Ibe, who is like an older brother to Eiji, and becomes embroiled in a series of incidents. Eiji has an innocent and gentle personality, which is why Ash trusts him and is saved by his kindness. He looks young for his age, and is often treated like a child in America.
In a way, he's laid-back?
Source: BANANA FISH © Akimi Yoshida, Shogakukan / Project BANANA FISH
When he visits an American police station, he remarks, "Wow, it really is like CSI: New York. Wow, it looks like a set." He also has a laid-back side. When he first meets Ash Lynx, he sees the gun on his waist and asks, "Is that a real gun?" And when he's allowed to touch the gun, he casually says, "Wow, it's really heavy." He has a mysterious charm that makes you wonder if he's either incredibly brave or incredibly laid-back.
Who is Eiji Okumura's inspiration?
Source: BANANA FISH © Yoshida Akimi, Shogakukan / Project BANANA FISH
According to the original author, Yoshida Akimi, several characters in the series are inspired by real people. And Eiji Okumura also has a real-life inspiration. That person is actor Nomura Hironobu, who has appeared in the "School Ghost Stories" series and other works.
Strong at the last minute! ?
Source: BANANA FISH © Akimi Yoshida, Shogakukan / Project BANANA FISH
Eiji Okumura ventures into the slums of New York, a world starkly different from the law-abiding streets of Japan. His gentle demeanor sometimes leads him to do things you'd never imagine. When he's being chased by the mafia, he runs into a towering wall. Just when it seems he has no way out, he uses a nearby pole substitute and leaps over the wall like a pole vaulter. Of course, unlike in a competitive sport, there's no mat or anything on the other side of the wall, but Eiji's fearless leaping is hard to imagine given his character. His strong presence at the last moment is what makes him so appealing.
Who is the voice actor for Eiji Okumura in the anime?
Source: BANANA FISH © Akimi Yoshida, Shogakukan / Project BANANA FISH
"BANANA FISH" currently airs every Thursday on Fuji TV's Noitamina slot. The voice of Eiji Okumura is provided by voice actor Kenji Nojima, affiliated with Aoni Production. Kenji Nojima has previously appeared in numerous well-known works, including "Bokura no" and "PSYCHO-PASS."
Prequel and sequel to Eiji Okumura?
Source: BANANA FISH © Akimi Yoshida, Shogakukan/Project BANANA FISH
There is a work that depicts Eiji Okumura's student days and the events seven years after the final episode of "BANANA FISH." The work depicting Eiji's student days is the short manga "Fly Boy, in the Sky," also by Akimi Yoshida. "Fly Boy, in the Sky" depicts Eiji as a second-year high school student. The sequel, set seven years later, is titled "Garden of Light." Seven years later, Eiji has become an independent photographer in Manhattan, and has become so successful that he has even held solo exhibitions. Furthermore, a photo book titled "NEWYORK SENSE," featuring photos taken by Eiji Okumura of "Garden of Light," has actually been released. If you're interested, be sure to check it out.
Eiji Okumura Summary!
Source: BANANA FISH © Akimi Yoshida, Shogakukan / Project BANANA FISH
What did you think? This time, we introduced Eiji Okumura. Eiji enters a completely different world, New York, and becomes embroiled in further incidents. He meets Ash Lynx and grows as a person. Will Ash and Eiji be able to uncover the mystery of "BANANA FISH," and what will be their fate? I can't wait to see how things develop. Thank you for reading to the end.