
Yu Kanda
Yu Kanda |
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Kanji | 神田ユウ |
Rōmaji | Kanda Yū |
Age: | 19 (Physically) (Current) |
Birthday: | June 6 |
Height: | 181 cm (5’11½”) (Current) |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese | Takuya Sato |
English | Ian Sinclair |
Yu Kanda (神田ユウ, Kanda Yū), is a Second Exorcist and a member of the European Branch of the Black Order. He was previously affiliated with the Asian Branch and is a disciple of General Froi Tiedoll, belonging to the Tiedoll Unit. Kanda is one of the strongest Exorcists in D.Gray-man, known for his cold demeanor, incredible swordsmanship, and superhuman regenerative abilities due to his status as a Second Exorcist.
Despite his harsh personality, Kanda is a loyal and capable warrior, frequently fighting on the front lines against Akuma and the Noah Clan. His complicated past, tied to the Second Exorcist Project, plays a crucial role in his character development, as he searches for the mysterious person from his past, whom he refers to as “That Person” (あの人, Ano Hito).
Background

Appearance in anime
Yu Kanda was created as part of the Second Exorcist Project, an experiment conducted by the Black Order to resurrect Exorcists using artificial means. This experiment aimed to transplant the souls of deceased Exorcists into newly cultivated bodies in an attempt to counter the growing power of the Millennium Earl and the Noah Clan.
As a Second Exorcist, Kanda was not born naturally but was instead created in a lab under the supervision of the Asian Branch. He was forcibly given a new body, but his past memories did not fade completely. These memories consisted of a mysterious woman, whom he deeply cared for and continues to search for. This longing fuels his determination to survive and find the truth behind his existence.
After his training under General Froi Tiedoll, Kanda was transferred to the European Branch of the Black Order, where he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional combat skills. However, his cold and detached personality made it difficult for him to form close relationships with others.
Appearance
Kanda is a tall and lean young man with long, dark blue hair, which he ties in a low ponytail. His eyes are a striking dark indigo, often described as piercing and intense. He has a distinct cross-shaped scar on his left chest, which is a remnant of his experiments and battles.
Kanda’s uniform consists of the Black Order’s standard Exorcist attire, featuring a long black coat with silver accents, but his outfit changes slightly throughout the series. He always carries his Innocence-imbued katana, Mugen, which is strapped to his left side.
During battle, his expression remains cold and serious, emphasizing his stoic and ruthless nature. However, as the series progresses, subtle changes in his demeanor hint at his evolving emotional state.
Personality
Kanda is highly disciplined, cold, and brutally honest, often displaying a sharp tongue and little patience for weakness. He comes across as harsh and aloof, frequently dismissing others with sarcastic remarks. However, beneath his icy exterior, Kanda possesses a strong sense of duty and an unshakable will to fight for his own beliefs.
Unlike many Exorcists who fight out of a sense of justice or duty, Kanda’s primary motivation stems from his desire to find “That Person” from his past. This goal drives him forward, making him ruthless in battle and relentless in his pursuit of the truth.
Despite his detached personality, Kanda cares for his comrades in his own way, even if he rarely expresses it openly. His interactions with Lenalee, Lavi, and eventually Allen Walker reveal his hidden loyalty and willingness to protect those he fights alongside.
Role in the Story
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Early Missions and Rivalry with Allen Walker
Upon meeting Allen Walker, Kanda immediately clashes with him, viewing Allen’s idealistic nature and compassion for Akuma as naive. The two develop a heated rivalry, with Kanda often mocking Allen and calling him “Beansprout” (モヤシ, Moyashi). Despite this, Kanda recognizes Allen’s strength and determination, and over time, their relationship evolves into a begrudging respect. As part of the Tiedoll Unit, Kanda participates in multiple missions, including the search for the missing General Cross Marian and battles against the Noah Clan. His exceptional swordsmanship and regenerative abilities make him one of the most formidable Exorcists in the Order. -
The Search for the Innocence and Confrontation with Skin Bolic
Kanda plays a crucial role in retrieving lost Innocence, engaging in fierce battles with Level 3 and Level 4 Akuma. One of his most notable battles is against Noah Skin Bolic, where he pushes himself to his physical and mental limits to emerge victorious. -
Revealing His True Origins
During the Second Exorcist Arc, Kanda’s origins are finally revealed. He learns the truth about his artificial creation, his past memories, and the fate of Alma Karma, another Second Exorcist who was once his closest friend but later became his greatest enemy. This revelation shakes Kanda to his core, forcing him to reconsider his beliefs, his loyalty to the Black Order, and his personal quest for “That Person”. The emotional conflict that follows deepens his character, showing his internal struggle between duty and personal desire. -
Exile and Alliance with Allen Walker
As the series progresses, Kanda finds himself increasingly at odds with the Black Order, particularly after Allen is accused of being a Noah. Despite his past rivalry with Allen, Kanda eventually chooses to stand by him, helping him escape from the Order and supporting his quest for the truth about the war between Exorcists and Noah.
Relationships
Allen Walker (Rival and Ally)
Kanda initially disliked Allen, seeing him as too naive and weak. However, through multiple battles and struggles, the two develop a complicated but deep mutual respect. Kanda is one of the few Exorcists who ultimately stands by Allen, even when the Order brands him as a traitor.
Lenalee Lee (Close Friend and Confidant)
Lenalee is one of the few people who understands Kanda’s struggles. While Kanda often acts distant, he cares deeply for Lenalee, as shown when he risks his life to protect her on multiple occasions.
Lavi (Friend and Teammate)
Lavi often teases Kanda, much to his annoyance, but the two share a strong camaraderie. Kanda respects Lavi’s insight and intelligence, though he rarely admits it.
Alma Karma (Former Friend and Enemy)
Alma was once Kanda’s closest friend, but after being experimented on, he was turned against Kanda, leading to a tragic and heartbreaking confrontation. Despite their deadly battle, Kanda still harbors deep emotions for Alma and regrets the circumstances that tore them apart.