Do you remember the anime "Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress," which caused a huge sensation in April 2016? It's still a hugely popular anime, with films and short anime being released. The story is amazing, of course, but the artwork, the way the battles are presented, the attention to detail, and above all, the characters are amazing! This time, we'll take a closer look at the charms of the main character, "Ikoma." This handsome guy will definitely get your plans going to see a 2.5D musical (lol).
Who is Ikoma?
The Main Character
This is Ikoma, the character we're focusing on today. He has grass-green hair, glasses with one lens missing, and a poncho with a pointed bottom. He has a strong sense of justice and is the type of person who goes his own way, to the point that those around him try to stop him. He's the kind of hardworking hero who would even risk his life for the justice he advocates. He's always serious, and is very serious about the Kabane. He's like the embodiment of the main character, to the point that even viewers worry he's trying too hard (lol). By the way, he's only 17 years old.
Kabaneri
It all begins when Ikoma is fighting a Kabane that has attacked his village with a unique weapon he created, the "Tsuranuke Tsubo." He lets his guard down and is bitten by a Kabane, causing the bacteria to spread throughout his body. Using a unique and rather rough technique, he stops the bacteria by strangling the victim before it can reach his brain. The intense tension and life-or-death atmosphere are palpable. Thanks to this, Ikoma was able to maintain her sanity, but her heart began to glow and her skin turned a slightly earthy color. This caused her to become "Kabaneri."
After Kabaneri
This is an illustration of Ikoma after her Kabaneri transformation. Her bangs have discolored, and her grass-green hair has faded slightly. The distinctive red birthmarks and parts used to suppress her Kabane transformation remain. Her skin is also a little duller in color. Her personality remains the same, imbued with a strong sense of justice, but she still can't suppress her occasional urge to bite. She's become a little more wild.
Ikoma and Mumei's Encounter
Mumei is Overpowered
It was the heroine, Mumei, who saved Ikoma's village. Mumei, also a Kabaneri with a power of thousands, fought in Ikoma's village, and the two first met. After learning about Mumei's past, Ikoma boards the Kotetsujo and begins his journey to return her to a normal girl. Although he's a Kabaneri himself, he's always willing to put his life on the line for Mumei, a true hero (lol). No matter what, if she's this cute, you'd risk your life for her, right?
More than friends, less than lovers
The beginning of their relationship was fueled by Ikoma's absolute sense of justice, after hearing Mumei's painful past and thoughts. As they fight the Kabane together with everyone on the Kotetsujo, they search for a way to remove Mumei's transformation into a Kabaneri. Throughout it all, the two are always in sync, and Ikoma always takes action to protect Mumei. Mumei is completely devoted to Ikoma, sometimes protecting her from Kabane, hugging her, and speaking kind words to her (lol). Ikoma never shows this kind of expression, so Mumei has a one-sided crush on her.
Ikoma's battle scenes are cool
Unique Weapon
It's said that Kabane cannot be defeated by humans. Kurusu, who is also aboard the Kotetsujo, is in a different league, but ordinary people like Ikoma are no match for them. So, Ikoma developed his own unique weapon, the "Tsuranuke Tsubo," over many years, allowing him to fight Kabane on equal terms. The combat he uses is incredibly cool!
Kabaneri Combat Abilities
Of course, the weapons mentioned above are important, but his greatest weapon is his Kabaneri identity. His physical abilities are those of a Kabane, but his heart is human, which allows him to remain mentally strong as well. Ikoma originally trained his body to defeat Kabane. That's why he has such a muscular body. That contrast is also cool!
Ikoma's Motivation
Beloved Little Sister
Ikoma had a younger sister named Hatsune. However, she was lost to a Kabane attack five years ago. She was very dear to him, and she was his only family. The loss of his beloved sister motivated him to become physically and mentally stronger in order to destroy the Kabane. This past was a shock to Ikoma, and it is what motivates him today.
Regret
However, Ikoma does have some regrets. Out of fear, he abandoned his sister after she turned into a Kabane. He then killed her with his own hands, and this trauma remains with him to this day. While I think it's better that his own brother dealt the final blow than for her to wander the streets as a Kabane, the loss of his beloved sister seems to have deeply hurt Ikoma.
Keepsake
Shortly before the Kabane attack, Ikoma and Hatsune found a beautiful stone by the river. It was a green, jewel-like stone, and Ikoma tied it to his hand with a string and kept it close to him. It was a keepsake of Hatsune, so he would never forget her. Looking at the stone also strengthens his sense of justice, suppresses his fear with reason, and helps him become someone he can be proud of. Anyone who stands before a Kabane would be filled with fear. It's a powerful bond of sibling love. Ikoma's story of Hatsune seems very painful, but also very loving. He was such a kind older brother.
Ikoma Evolves Even Further
Shocking
From start to finish, "Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress" has a very heavy story, but the scene in episode 10, in which Mumei, driven mad by drugs, stabs Ikoma, is truly heartbreaking (lol). Before that, Ikoma's right hand was already severed. He then falls into the sea, and as the episodes progress, the mood becomes increasingly gloomy. But Ikoma doesn't give up! Ikoma can be a bit of a wimp due to his fear and lack of confidence, but thanks to Kurusu, he regains his pride.
Right Hand
Ikoma's lost right hand is now used as a prosthetic by attaching a Tsuranuke tube developed by Ikoma. He's a bit of a cyborg. Ikoma has gradually become detached from people, but this appearance seems to be his final form (lol). His hair has also gotten shorter, making him look much more handsome. After all, short hair is the best for boys.
Ikoma's journey continues
What did you think? We've introduced you to the main character, Ikoma, from [Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress]! While Ikoma continues to grow (and become more and more detached from his human body), his story continues. His goal is to turn Mumei back into a human and wipe out the Kabane, thereby reclaiming the land stolen by them. One of his dreams is to bring rice farming back to those lands. It's been adapted into a movie and a 2.5-dimensional anime, but we'd love to see a second season of the anime!
