Kazemaru Ichirouta
Kazemaru Ichirouta |
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| Japanese | 風丸 一郎太 |
| Dub name | Nathan Swift |
| Statistics | |
| Position | Defender Midfielder Forward |
| Number | 2 (Raimon, Inazuma Japan) 10 (Dark Emperors) 22 (Raimon (GO), in the movie) 12 (Teikoku Gakuen (Ares) 6 (Inazuma Japan (Orion), Zhao Jinyuns) |
| Element | Wind |
| Team | Raimon Second Raimon (former) Dark Emperors (captain) Nippon Daihyou Kouho B Inazuma Japan (temporary captain vs. The Empire) Aka Gumi Raimon (GO) (temporary) Inazuma Legend Japan Earth Eleven (game, optional member) Inazuma Best Eleven Teikoku Gakuen (Ares) Inazuma Japan (Orion) Zhao Jinyuns |
| Debut | |
| Manga | Chapter 1 |
| Anime | Episode 001 |
| Portrayal | |
| Japanese | Nishigaki Yuka |
| English | Victor Lee |
Kazemaru Ichirouta (風丸 一郎太, Kazemaru Ichirōta) is a supporting character in the Inazuma Eleven series. Initially serving as a defender for Raimon during the first season, he later transitions into a midfielder during the Aliea Academy arc. Following Raimon’s defeat at the hands of Genesis, he leaves the team and joins Aliea Gakuen, where he becomes the captain and forward for their elite team, the Dark Emperors. In the third season, he returns as a midfielder for Inazuma Japan and temporarily assumes the role of captain.
Appearance

Appearance in Anime
Kazemaru Ichirouta has aquamarine hair, typically tied into a ponytail with an orange hair tie, and bangs that cover his left eye. He has light brown eyes and is often seen wearing casual attire consisting of a white long-sleeved shirt beneath a yellow sleeveless vest, paired with brown pants, as depicted in episode 78.
In episode 64, following the influence of the Aliea meteorite, Kazemaru’s appearance undergoes noticeable changes. His hair becomes desaturated and floats slightly, while his sclera turns purple and his pupils adopt a slit, cat-like appearance. He initially conceals his identity under a black hooded cloak before revealing himself to Endou and the others, wearing the Dark Emperors uniform beneath. Additionally, he wears a necklace containing a fragment of the Aliea meteorite.
In Inazuma Eleven GO, Kazemaru appears taller and wears his hair down with a small half-moon ponytail at the upper back, resembling the hairstyle of Edgar Valtinas. His right-side bangs, near his uncovered eye, are now straight. His outfit consists of a mustard-orange jacket, gray trousers, and dark brown shoes.
In Inazuma Eleven Ares no Tenbin, his hairstyle changes slightly. While retaining elements from his GO appearance, his long fringe now extends around the back of his head, with part of his hair left untied rather than fully gathered into a ponytail. Unlike in GO, where his fringe was secured into a small ponytail, its endpoint is not visible in this iteration.
Personality
Kazemaru Ichirouta is characterized as a competitive yet kind-hearted individual who enjoys facing strong opponents. He is friendly and supportive of his teammates but is sometimes prone to overthinking and self-doubt. Under high-pressure situations, he struggles with confidence, fearing that he may not be able to keep up with his team. Despite this, he remains a reliable and influential figure among his peers.
During the events of Inazuma Eleven season two, Kazemaru becomes desperate in his belief that Raimon cannot defeat Aliea Gakuen, leading to his departure from the team to join the Dark Emperors. His decision had a significant impact on his teammates Kurimatsu followed his lead, and Endou, deeply affected by Kazemaru’s departure, momentarily lost his motivation to continue playing soccer.
Kazemaru demonstrates strong leadership abilities, particularly in season three, when he temporarily assumes the role of captain for Inazuma Japan while Endou, Kidou, Sakuma, and Fudou assist Orpheus. His close bond with his teammates, especially his childhood friend Endou, is evident throughout the series. Even while under the influence of the Aliea Meteorite, he retains memories of Endou’s unwavering determination. This connection is further emphasized when Inazuma Japan wins against Little Gigant, as Kazemaru enthusiastically embraces Endou in celebration. He often spends time with friends like Midorikawa, Endou, and Hiroto during their days off, embodying a selfless nature willing to sacrifice for his teammates. His decision to leave the track club where he had close friends was motivated by his desire to support Endou and help Raimon, gradually nurturing his passion for soccer. His protective instincts are also highlighted in pivotal moments, such as when he pushes Endou out of the way and intercepts a targeted ball in matches against Teikoku and Gemini Storm. Similarly, in Inazuma Eleven the Movie: The Invasion of the Strongest Army Ogre, he steps in to shield Kanon from an attack.
In the Inazuma Eleven manga, Kazemaru is portrayed as a dedicated team player. He takes on a mentoring role by teaching Kabeyama defensive tactics and, despite being injured during Raimon’s second match against Teikoku Gakuen, continues to cheer for his team from the sidelines.
In Inazuma Eleven Ares no Tenbin and Inazuma Eleven Orion no Kokuin, Kazemaru retains his core personality traits but initially appears more serious. It is later revealed that he adopts a colder attitude in order to follow Kageyama’s plans and strengthen his team. He shares a close friendship with Gouenji, frequently watching Football Frontier matches together. In Orion no Kokuin, Kazemaru emerges as the rational voice within the team, often calming teammates during stressful situations and attempting to dissuade Kidou from acting impulsively, such as when Kidou plans to attack Ichihoshi. During the Asia preliminaries of the Football Frontier International (FFI), following Endou and Kidou’s forced departure from Inazuma Japan, Kazemaru takes on a senior leadership role. He encourages the team to continue training acting on a request from Nosaka and motivates them from the start of their match against Eternal Dancers. His composed nature also helps guide his teammates out of confusion when Asuto temporarily plays for Russia’s side.
Background
Originally a track-and-field athlete, Kazemaru was recruited into the Raimon soccer club by Endou Mamoru, who recognized his speed and agility as perfect traits for a defender. Though hesitant at first, Kazemaru quickly fell in love with soccer, becoming one of Raimon’s most dependable players.
During the Aliea Academy arc, he transitions into a midfielder, but after Raimon’s humiliating defeat against Genesis, Kazemaru loses confidence in his abilities and leaves the team. He later joins Aliea Gakuen, becoming the captain of their ultimate team, the Dark Emperors, where he is brainwashed into fighting against his former teammates.
After being freed from Aliea’s influence, Kazemaru rejoins Raimon and later Inazuma Japan, proving his dedication to soccer and his friends.
Relationships
Endou Mamoru
Kazemaru’s closest friend and captain, who inspired him to join soccer. He holds deep respect for Endou and remains one of his most loyal teammates.
Kidou Yuuto
Initially distant from Kidou, but over time, they develop a strong mutual respect, especially as teammates in Inazuma Japan.
Gouenji Shuuya
Despite their contrasting personalities, Kazemaru and Gouenji become reliable teammates, supporting each other in crucial matches.
Fubuki Shirou
Both serve as key midfielders for Inazuma Japan, often working together in high-speed combination plays.
Kabeyama Heigorou
One of his earliest teammates, Kabeyama and Kazemaru form a strong friendship, despite their vastly different playstyles.
Legacy
Kazemaru Ichirouta’s journey from a hesitant track athlete to a skilled and dependable soccer player makes him one of the most beloved characters in Inazuma Eleven. His speed, determination, and emotional growth make him an invaluable teammate and a memorable figure in the series.
Whether as a defender, midfielder, or even an opponent, Kazemaru’s unwavering love for soccer and strong friendships ensure that he remains a key part of Inazuma Eleven’s legacy.
