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Toboe

Toboe (トオボエ, Tōboe, lit. “Howling”) is the youngest member of the wolf pack in Wolf’s Rain. Although he is a wolf, Toboe often behaves more like a playful and inexperienced pup. Known for his gentle and compassionate nature, he is usually the most kind-hearted among the group. Despite his timid personality, Toboe shows surprising courage and aggression when his friends are in danger, revealing a strong protective instinct.

Appearance

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Wolf Appearance in Anime

In his human form, Toboe has a youthful and somewhat androgynous appearance, with neck-length reddish-brown hair parted to the side and light golden-brown eyes. He wears a faded red zip-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, which occasionally exposes his midriff when he moves his arms behind his back. His outfit is completed with olive-green cargo pants and dark green military-style boots. In the reincarnated world, his appearance remains the same, except for the addition of a pink beret.

As a wolf, Toboe has a slender build and a light brown coat that sometimes appears reddish under certain lighting. Due to his small frame and gentle behavior, humans often mistake him for a dog. He is distinguished by four silver bangles on his right foreleg, a keepsake from the elderly woman known as Granny who once cared for him.

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Personality

Toboe is the most compassionate and empathetic member of the wolf pack, often expressing concern for others and forming bonds easily. Though he occasionally displays puppy-like behavior due to his youth and inexperience, he is valued by the group as a loyal and dependable companion. He looks up to Tsume and frequently follows him when the group separates, seeking his guidance and approval.

Naturally shy and soft-spoken, Toboe generally avoids conflict, but he is capable of fierce bravery when his friends are in danger. His instincts can override his timid nature, pushing him into action during critical moments. One of his most notable displays of courage is when he confronts and fends off a giant walrus to protect the pack. Additionally, Toboe appears to possess the sharpest hearing among the group, often sensing threats before anyone else.

Background

Toboe was raised by an elderly woman known as Granny, who cared for him as a pet. Unaware of his own strength, Toboe accidentally caused her death during a moment of overly enthusiastic play. Deeply affected by the loss, he continues to wear the four silver bracelets she gave him as a memento. This experience left him with a lasting fondness for humans, an unusual trait among wolves which sets him apart from the rest of the pack.

His empathy extends even to those who wish him harm. In one instance, Toboe saves Quent Yaiden from freezing by sharing his body warmth, despite Quent’s known hostility toward wolves. Later, upon learning that Quent survived, Toboe expresses genuine relief and gratitude, reflecting his unshakable kindness and hope for coexistence.

Plot

Toboe is first seen living alone on the streets of Freeze City, scavenging for food. He encounters a kind young girl named Leara, who offers him sausages after seeing him compete with crows for scraps. Moved by her kindness, Toboe returns to see her again and witnesses her releasing a falcon. Hoping to impress her, he chases after and captures the bird, only to realize too late that he has unintentionally killed it. Devastated, Toboe repeatedly apologizes and ultimately reveals his true form, howling in sorrow. His cries attract Tsume, who forcefully pulls him away and scolds him for his recklessness. Despite Tsume’s cold attitude, Toboe continues to try and befriend him, though they eventually part ways due to Tsume’s abrasiveness.

Later, Toboe encounters Kiba and Hige, who are preparing to leave the city. He joins them on their journey, and Tsume eventually reunites with the group. While traveling together, Toboe briefly watches over Cheza while the others explore a nearby town. In an attempt to impress her, he competes with Hige by offering her a gift, but she ends up choosing the boots that Hige found, leaving Toboe disheartened.

When Cheza is abducted by Darcia, the group is left injured and shaken. As they continue their search for Paradise, Kiba falls into a coma. During this time, Toboe bonds with a talking horse and experiences a flashback of his time with Granny, the woman who raised him and whose death still haunts him. After Kiba recovers, the group resumes their journey and faces a dangerous encounter with a giant walrus. Initially overwhelmed by fear, Toboe’s protective instincts take over, and he manages to defeat the creature with minimal assistance from the others.

As the journey continues, the group grows with the addition of Blue, as well as Quent Yaiden, Cher Degré, Hubb Lebowski, and Cheza, who reunites with the pack.

Relationships

  • Tsume: Despite Tsume’s cold and dismissive behavior, Toboe looks up to him as a role model. He follows Tsume closely, much like a younger sibling seeking guidance. Toboe is largely unfazed by Tsume’s harsh words and continues to seek his approval and companionship, often trying to engage him in conversation or offer help.

  • Kiba: Toboe holds a quiet respect for Kiba, whom he views as wise and mysterious due to his upbringing in the wild. Though they do not interact as frequently as other members of the pack, Toboe follows Kiba’s lead and trusts his instincts throughout their journey.

  • Hige: Hige treats Toboe in a more casual and lighthearted manner, often teasing him playfully. Unlike Tsume and Kiba, Hige doesn’t take on a protective or authoritative role, but their interactions are friendly and supportive in their own way.

  • Cheza Toboe’s relationship with Cheza is pure and instinctively protective. He is drawn to her calming presence and shows a natural fondness for her, responding warmly to her touch. Unlike Tsume, who is initially wary of Cheza, Toboe accepts her without hesitation and treats her with quiet devotion.

Etymology

Toboe’s name is written in katakana as トオボエ (Tōboe), which is derived from the Japanese word “遠吠え” (toboe), meaning “howling” or “distant howl.” This name reflects both his youthful nature and his longing for connection and belonging, as well as his deep emotional expression through howling. It also symbolizes his role in the pack as the most sensitive and emotionally driven member.

Trivia

    • In the Wolf’s Rain manga adaptation, Toboe develops a bond with a character named Tia, who does not appear in the anime.
      • Toboe’s characterization differs slightly in the manga; during a moment of separation from Kiba, he is the one who encourages the others to continue their journey without him.
      • Character designer Toshitsugu Iida initially believed Toboe was a girl due to his soft features and mannerisms.
      • Hiroki Shimowada, Toboe’s Japanese voice actor, described him as “young and inexperienced,” but noted that Toboe served as a mediator among the pack. Shimowada felt that Toboe’s presence helped strengthen the bond between the others, and that the older wolves viewed him almost as a kind of son.
      • Toboe is the first of the main wolf protagonists to die in the anime.