Ken Ryuguji
Ken Ryuguji
龍宮寺 堅 |
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Ryūguji Ken
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| Alias(es) | “Draken” (ドラケン, Doraken?) “Ken-chin” (ケンチン, Ken-chin?) |
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| Biological Information | |||||
| Gender | Male | ||||
| Age | 27 (2017) 18 (2008) 15 (2005) |
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| Birthday | May 10, 1990 | ||||
| Height | 185 cm (6’1”) | ||||
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) | ||||
| Hair Color | Blond (dyed his hair Black) | ||||
| Eye Color | Black | ||||
| Relatives |
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| Debut | |||||
| Manga | Chapter 3 | ||||
| Anime | Episode 3 | ||||
| Professional Information | |||||
| Occupation | Mechanic for Top of Manji | ||||
| Affiliation | Tokyo Manji Gang | ||||
| Position | Vice-Leader (副総長, Fuku Sōchō?) | ||||
| Former position(s) | Brahman Member | ||||
| Portrayal | |||||
| Japanese Voice | |||||
| English Voice | Sean Chiplock Griffin Burns (young) |
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| Live-Action | Yuki Yamada | ||||
| Stage Play | Shō Jinnai | ||||
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“You Don’t Have To Bow Your Head, Just Have A Heart That Cares For Others.“ |
Appearance
Draken is a tall and muscular teenager, known for his impressive physique and distinct hairstyle. His hair is blonde, with the sides and back of his head shaved, leaving the top long, which he keeps tied in a neat braid. A few strands of hair hang loose at the front, adding to his characteristic look. The most recognizable feature of Draken is the large dragon tattoo that stretches across his left temple, further enhancing his intimidating appearance.
Despite being a teenager, Draken’s body is notably lean and muscular, giving him the physique of someone far older. This is highlighted by his chiseled abdominal muscles, which surprised even Takemichi, who remarked that Draken’s body does not resemble that of an average teenager. He also bears a prominent scar on the left side of his abdomen from a stabbing incident, a reminder of his involvement in dangerous gang conflicts. Draken usually wears the standard Tokyo Manji Gang (Toman) uniform, a Toppoku, while on gang duty, and his preferred casual attire often includes a patterned long jacket, adding to his tough, street-smart appearance.
Draken’s appearance in the anime in 2005.
Draken featured in the manga in 2005.
Draken’s appearance in the manga in 2008.
Draken’s appearance in the anime in 2005.
Draken’s anime appearance in a MA-1 jacket from 2005.
Personality
Draken in his Toman uniform.
Draken, the vice-president of the Tokyo Manji Gang, is a bold and fierce individual who thrives in the heat of battle. He enjoys engaging with strong opponents and displays an intimidating demeanor toward those he considers inferior, often speaking his mind with little regard for tact or politeness. Despite his rough exterior, Draken stands out as the more mature and level-headed counterpart to Mikey, the gang’s president.
Unlike Mikey, who can be impulsive and carefree, Draken frequently takes on the role of the voice of reason. His sense of responsibility and logic often shines in difficult situations. For example, when he and Mikey are confronted by the father of a girl assaulted by the Moebius gang, Draken is the one who forces Mikey to apologize, understanding that receiving the man’s anger was the right thing to do, rather than offering excuses. Similarly, when Pah-chin decides to face the consequences for Toman’s actions by turning himself in to the authorities, Draken prevents Mikey from stopping him, believing it was the correct course of action.
Though usually composed, Draken’s temper can flare up when pushed too far, leading him to occasionally lash out in anger. However, beneath his tough and sometimes abrasive demeanor lies a deeply caring individual. He may avoid openly showing affection, but his actions reveal his loyalty and devotion to his friends, especially Mikey. Draken often looks after Mikey, whether it’s carrying him when he falls asleep, ensuring he gets food, or waking him up for school. His protective nature extends beyond Mikey as well—he shows kindness to others, such as when he gave Emma a plushie for her birthday, a thoughtful gesture that reflected his caring side, as it was something she had been wanting for a while.
In essence, Draken is both a fierce fighter and a dependable, loyal friend who values his close relationships, even if he doesn’t always express it outwardly. His balance of maturity and raw strength makes him a formidable presence in the Tokyo Manji Gang.
History
Draken, born Ken Ryuguji, had a tough upbringing in the red-light district of Shibuya. He never knew his father, and his mother, a prostitute, abandoned him at birth and passed away when he was just two years old. Growing up in such harsh conditions, Draken learned to fend for himself early on, developing a hardened personality that matched the environment he was raised in.
At a young age, Draken began to establish his identity as a fierce and fearless individual. By fifth grade, he had already tattooed a dragon on the side of his head and adopted the name “Draken,” marking the start of his reputation. By the time he attended Fourth Middle School, he had become somewhat infamous, earning a fearsome reputation among his peers. However, despite his growing notoriety, Draken still found himself at the mercy of more powerful middle school gangs, particularly the group led by Sameyama, who had beaten him and forced him into submission.
Draken’s encounter with Mikey, the future leader of the Tokyo Manji Gang, began under these circumstances. Sameyama’s gang ordered Draken to bring them “Mikey,” a similarly feared student from Seventh Middle School. Expecting to face a powerful figure like himself, Draken was taken aback when he met Mikey, who was small in stature and didn’t look intimidating. Nevertheless, Mikey agreed to come with Draken to meet Sameyama’s gang. Upon arriving, Mikey wasted no time—he swiftly delivered a flying kick to Sameyama’s face, knocking him out and instilling fear in the other members of the gang. Impressed by Mikey’s strength and attitude, Draken and Mikey quickly became friends, forming a bond that would grow deeper over time.
Before his friendship with Mikey, Draken had already established a close relationship with Mitsuya, another founding member of the Tokyo Manji Gang. The two shared a mutual respect and camaraderie, symbolized by their matching dragon tattoos. While Draken proudly displayed his tattoo, Mitsuya chose to grow his hair out to conceal his. Their shared history and bond as “The Twin Dragons” added another layer of strength and unity to the gang as it eventually grew in power and influence.
Through his friendships with Mikey and Mitsuya, Draken found a sense of belonging and purpose, becoming a key figure in the formation of the Tokyo Manji Gang and establishing himself as one of its most formidable and loyal members.
Relationships
Tokyo Manji Gang
Takemichi Hanagaki
Draken first encounters Takemichi during a tough situation when Takemichi is being beaten by Kiyomasa. Accompanied by Mikey, Draken greets Takemichi, and from there, Mikey decides to befriend him. Over the course of several time leaps, petty arguments, and a shaky rescue mission, the two build a strong rapport. Draken develops a deep respect for Takemichi after he saves Draken’s life during the confrontation with Moebius. This moment cements Takemichi’s value in Draken’s eyes. Draken acknowledges Takemichi’s bravery and resilience, having saved his life multiple times. Additionally, Draken protected Takemichi when Akashi attempted to recruit him for Brahman, further showcasing their strong bond.
Manjiro Sano (Mikey)
Draken and Mikey have been best friends since the fifth grade, sharing a deep bond that was established during their first meeting. Draken was tasked with bringing Mikey to a group of older kids for a fight, but Mikey’s overwhelming fighting skills quickly ended the altercation. This initial encounter sparked a lifelong friendship and mutual respect between them. Draken takes on a caring and protective role toward Mikey, even being defensive over him when needed. He wakes Mikey up every morning, makes sure he eats his favorite foods, and even carries him around when Mikey falls asleep unexpectedly. Their bond is built on years of shared experiences, trust, and loyalty.
Takashi Mitsuya
Mitsuya is the person Draken has known the longest within the Tokyo Manji Gang. Their friendship started one night when Draken spotted a despondent Mitsuya spray-painting a dragon design on a wall. Draken waited until Mitsuya finished his art and shared some food with him. Although Mitsuya ate all the food, Draken claimed the dragon design as his own in exchange. Their bond deepened when Draken later invited Mitsuya to the brothel where he lived, and they spent time playing cards with the women there. Draken learned more about Mitsuya’s family life during their time together, and their friendship solidified when they both discovered they had independently tattooed the same dragon design on their temples. From that point forward, they became inseparable friends and earned the title “The Twin Dragons of Toman.”
Romantic Interest
Emma Sano
Despite his tough exterior and tendency to avoid openly showing affection, Draken deeply loves Emma Sano. This love is particularly evident during key moments in the series. In the Tenjiku arc, following Emma’s tragic death, Draken’s grief and anger are palpable. His overwhelming sorrow drives him to lash out at Mikey in an emotional outburst, highlighting the depth of his feelings for Emma. Although Draken rarely expressed his love for her openly, his actions during this pivotal moment reflect the significant place Emma held in his heart.
Friends
Hinata Tachibana
Draken and Hinata Tachibana share a respectful and friendly relationship due to their mutual connection with Takemichi. While they do not interact frequently, Draken recognizes Hinata as an important person in Takemichi’s life and thus shows concern for her well-being. He appreciates her supportive nature and determination, especially given how her strength and kindness serve as a source of motivation for Takemichi. Though they are not particularly close, Draken holds Hinata in high regard because of her positive influence on Takemichi.
Enemies
Tetta Kisaki
Tetta Kisaki is one of Draken’s most prominent enemies. Kisaki’s manipulative nature and dangerous ambitions cause great harm to Tokyo Manji Gang and its members. Draken despises Kisaki for orchestrating violent plots, especially those that lead to the deaths of many of his friends, including Emma Sano. Kisaki’s desire for power and control over Toman puts him at direct odds with Draken, who values loyalty and camaraderie within the gang. Throughout the series, Draken’s disdain for Kisaki only grows as Kisaki’s ruthless actions threaten the core of everything Draken holds dear.
Shuji Hanma
Shuji Hanma, Kisaki’s right-hand man and a major antagonist, is another of Draken’s most significant enemies. Hanma serves as the muscle behind Kisaki’s schemes, frequently engaging in violent confrontations with Toman and Draken in particular. As the de facto leader of Moebius and later Valhalla, Hanma becomes a constant obstacle to Toman’s peace. Draken, who represents order and honor within the gang, sees Hanma as a chaotic force who thrives on destruction and violence. The two clash multiple times, with Draken viewing Hanma as an embodiment of everything he despises in the delinquent world.
Skills
Authority
As the vice-president of the Tokyo Manji Gang (Toman), Draken’s authority is officially second only to Mikey. However, in practice, Draken’s influence over the gang is nearly on par with Mikey’s. His leadership capabilities allow him to command the gang’s members with ease, and he has a natural ability to boost their morale in times of need. Draken’s presence is a stabilizing force within Toman, and his guidance often keeps the gang grounded, especially when Mikey’s impulsive nature threatens to take over.
The Black Dragons being defeated by Draken.
Fighting Prowess
Draken is widely regarded as one of the strongest members of Toman, a reputation earned through his immense physical strength and fearlessness in combat. His fighting style is raw and brawler-like, relying on powerful punches and kicks to subdue his opponents. One of his most defining moments was when he single-handedly took down 20 opponents after being struck on the head with a metal pole. Despite the injury, Draken remained standing and quickly defeated the incoming reinforcements, showcasing his incredible endurance and recovery speed.
Draken’s strength is formidable enough to defeat much larger opponents, as seen when he sent South Terano—a massive and physically imposing figure—flying with a single punch. His ability to take on entire gangs by himself, such as when he overwhelmed the Black Dragons, is a testament to his unmatched combat ability within Toman. However, despite his immense prowess, it is clear that Draken’s strength does not surpass Mikey’s, as even when combining forces with Peh-yan, Chifuyu, and Mitsuya, they were unable to defeat their leader.
Mechanical Knowledge
In addition to his combat skills, Draken has considerable knowledge of machines, especially motorcycles. His expertise allows him to repair and assemble parts with ease, maintaining not only his own motorbike but also assisting others with mechanical issues. Living in a brothel, Draken also takes on various handyman tasks, such as fixing lightbulbs, showing his practical knowledge and resourcefulness in day-to-day life.
Etymology
The name Ken (堅) translates to “hard” or “firm,” reflecting strength and resilience.
His surname Ryuguji (龍宮寺) is composed of three kanji characters: Ryu (龍), meaning “dragon”; Gu (宮), meaning “palace” or “shrine”; and Ji (寺), meaning “temple.” Together, Ryuguji roughly translates to “Dragon Palace Temple,” symbolizing power and a sense of grandeur, fitting for Draken’s formidable persona and role in the Tokyo Manji Gang.
Trivia
- According to the official character book:
- Dream: Draken’s dream is to have a half-motorcycle body.
- Image color: His image color is pink.
- Person he respects: He respects Sano Manjiro (Mikey).
- Person he dislikes or fears: He fears and dislikes Kazutora.
- Likes: He enjoys tinkering with motorcycles.
- Dislikes: He dislikes old men who wear too much perfume.
- Special skill: His special skill is providing counseling services, as he listens to the young women in the brothel where he lives.
- Heroic story (or failure story): He once destroyed a biker gang while carrying a sleeping Mikey on his back.
- Favorite spot: His favorite spot is near Dogenzaka in Shibuya.
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Draken’s relationships (in the past):
- Mikey: Respect.
- Emma: Love.
- Takemichi: Like.
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Daily routine: Draken’s typical day involves waking Mikey up, going to school together, and either destroying hooligans at another school or tinkering with motorcycles, depending on Mikey’s mood.
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Rankings:
- Ranked 2nd in “Who do you want to be your lover?” from the Top 3 Best Boyfriends.
- Ranked 1st in “Who do you want to marry?” from the Top 3 Best Husbands.
- Ranked 2nd in “Who’s strong in arm wrestling?” from the Top 3 Best.
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Hobbies: His favorite hobby is muscle training.
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Favorite food: His favorite food is hot curry.
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Motorcycle: He rides a Kawasaki Zephyr 400.
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Voice actor changes:
- Tatsuhisa Suzuki originally voiced Draken in the first season of the anime. However, Masaya Fukunishi replaced him for the second season.
- Masaya Fukunishi re-recorded all of Draken’s voice lines for the first season, which are included in the Japanese two-part Blu-ray Box and rebroadcast of the first season (July-December 2022).
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Character popularity: Draken ranked 9th in the Character Popularity Poll with a total of 1,980 votes .