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Émile Durkheim

Sena Kobayakawa

Sena Kobayakawa(小早川 瀬那, Kobayakawa Sena) is the main protagonist of theEyeshield 21series, an anime and manga revolving around high school American football. Initially a timid and unassuming student at Deimon High School, Sena is recruited by the determined and eccentric team captainYoichi Hirumato become the Running Back for the school’s American football team, theDeimon Devil Bats.

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Appearance

Sena is characterized by his slender yet athletic build, a reflection of his incredible speed. His short, spiky black hair is often hidden under his signature green eyeshield, which obscures his eyes and gives him a unique, anonymous appearance during games. As Eyeshield 21, he wears the team’s uniform with the number 21 on his back, a symbolic representation of his hidden talent and his importance to the Devil Bats. Over the course of the series, his confidence grows, and he gradually sheds his eyeshield, symbolizing his acceptance of his identity and his place on the team.

A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

Sena Kobayakawa from Eyeshield 21, gearing up for a tackle on the football field. Known for his incredible speed and agility, Sena’s determination shines as he readies himself to make a decisive play for the Deimon Devil Bats.

Abilities

Sena’s defining trait is his unparalleled speed, a talent he possesses from an early age. His ability to run faster than anyone else on the field makes him an invaluable asset to the Devil Bats, allowing him to evade opponents with ease.

  • Running Ability (The Devil Bat Ghost): Sena’s incredible speed, often referred to as the“Devil Bat Ghost”, allows him to outrun defenders with ease. His speed is so remarkable that opponents often can’t react in time to stop him.
  • Exceptional Agility: Beyond speed, Sena also demonstrates exceptional agility and evasiveness, enabling him to change direction mid-sprint, confuse defenders, and make sudden cuts to avoid tackles.
  • Endurance: Sena also possesses remarkable stamina, allowing him to maintain his breakneck speed over extended periods of time.
  • Growth in Leadership: As the series progresses, Sena not only improves his physical abilities but also becomes a more mature and confident leader, taking on a greater role in the team’s strategies and operations.
  • Fearless Attitude: Over time, Sena learns to embrace his role as the Deimon Devil Bats’ ace, developing a fearless attitude toward competition, no longer hiding behind his eyeshield.

Background

Sena Kobayakawa grew up as a shy and modest boy, constantly bullied and overlooked by his peers. His ability to run at extraordinary speeds was initially used for comedic effect, as he would run errands for his mother or avoid bullies. His hidden talent eventually catches the attention of Yoichi Hiruma, the Devil Bats’ captain, who recruits him to play American football.

After much convincing, Sena reluctantly joins the team, initially concealing his true abilities under the guise of Eyeshield 21. He starts as a timid and hesitant athlete, afraid of being exposed and ridiculed, but gradually builds his confidence through his experiences and friendships with his teammates. As he grows stronger both physically and mentally, Sena becomes indispensable to the Devil Bats’ success on the field, leading them through various challenges on their way to becoming one of the top teams in Japan.

Role in the Story

  • Main Protagonist: As the central character, Sena’s journey is at the heart ofEyeshield 21. His evolution from a nervous and hidden talent to a confident leader of the Deimon Devil Bats mirrors the growth of the team itself. His determination and personal growth make him a relatable figure for many viewers and readers, especially those who are underdogs.
  • Deimon Devil Bats’ Ace: Sena’s role as the team’s ace is essential, especially when it comes to their most important games. His unparalleled speed makes him a crucial asset in every match, whether it’s scoring touchdowns or evading formidable opponents likeSeijuuro ShinandRaimei.
  • Development of Confidence: Throughout the series, Sena’s increasing maturity and self-assurance are showcased in his growing leadership qualities. Although he begins as a reluctant player, he eventually sheds his fears and takes on the role of a more vocal and determined member of the team.

Relationships

Yoichi Hiruma

Hiruma is Sena’s main motivator and mentor throughout the series. Though their relationship begins with Hiruma exploiting Sena’s talents, it gradually becomes one of mutual respect. Hiruma encourages Sena to push past his limitations, and their partnership is one of the driving forces behind the success of the Devil Bats.

Mamori Anezaki

Mamori is the team’s manager and Sena’s long-time friend. She is one of the few people who knows Sena’s true identity from the start and serves as an emotional support throughout his journey. Sena has a deep affection for her, and their relationship deepens over time.

Seijuuro Shin

Shin is one of Sena’s primary rivals throughout the series. A talented player from the Ojo White Knights, Shin pushes Sena to become stronger, and their rivalry helps Sena grow both as an athlete and as an individual.

The Deimon Devil Bats

Sena’s relationships with his teammates are central to his development. He bonds with them not only through football but also through shared experiences, turning them into a close-knit team. The Devil Bats, including Kurita, Sakaki, and Monta, support Sena through his trials and cheer him on as he becomes more confident in his abilities.

Trivia and Insights

  • Eyeshield 21: The name “Eyeshield 21” is derived from the combination of Sena’s eyeshield and his number, 21, symbolizing his hidden identity.
  • Speed: Sena’s speed is often compared to that of a “devil,” due to his ability to seemingly disappear from the field in an instant, evading tackles with ease.
  • Motivational Growth: Sena’s journey is one of personal growth, not just in terms of athleticism but in his emotional and psychological development, as he learns to face his fears and accept his role as the ace of the Deimon Devil Bats.

Legacy and Impact

Sena Kobayakawa, through his evolution from the insecure Eyeshield 21 to the confident ace of the Deimon Devil Bats, serves as a symbol of overcoming one’s fears and embracing their true potential. His character arc in Eyeshield 21 is not only a narrative of athletic achievement but also one of personal discovery, growth, and leadership, making him an inspirational figure in the world of sports anime.