Arata Kaizaki
Arata Kaizaki |
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| Kanji: | 海崎 新太 |
| Romaji | Kaizaki Arata |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 27 |
| Birthday: | August 12, 1985 |
| Height: | 176 cm (5’9″) |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Kensho Ono |
| English: | Micah Solusod |
Arata Kaizaki (海崎 新太, Kaizaki Arata), is the main protagonist of the anime and manga series ReLIFE. Originally a 27-year-old NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), Arata’s stagnant and hopeless lifestyle takes a dramatic turn when he is selected to participate in the ReLIFE experiment, a program designed to rehabilitate individuals struggling with reintegration into society. By taking a special pill that reverts his appearance to that of a 17-year-old, Arata is given a second chance to relive a year of high school life, forge new bonds, and rebuild his self-esteem under the supervision of Ryō Yoake.
Throughout his second high school experience, Arata not only copes with the regrets and trauma of his past but also grows into a more confident and hopeful individual, ready to rejoin society. Following the completion of his ReLIFE, he begins working for the ReLIFE Laboratory’s Support Division, helping others as he was once helped.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Before the events of the story, Arata was an ordinary salaryman who entered the workforce full of optimism. However, after only three months at his first company, he resigned due to workplace harassment and the tragic suicide of a senior coworker he admired. Burdened by guilt, trauma, and a loss of faith in society, Arata struggled for years to find stable employment, growing increasingly disillusioned and isolated.
At his lowest point, Arata was approached by Ryō Yoake of the ReLIFE Laboratory, who offered him an opportunity to participate in a one-year experiment. Under the ReLIFE program, he would relive youth with a teenage appearance and be given a chance to rebuild his life from scratch with no memory of his presence left behind once the year ended.
This unique opportunity became the catalyst for Arata’s emotional healing and personal development, leading him to rediscover his strengths, values, and the meaning of living.
Appearance
As a 27-year-old, Arata appears as a tired, slightly disheveled young man, often seen wearing casual business clothes or slouchy attire, reflecting his unemployment and depression. He has short black hair and gentle dark brown eyes, often shadowed by exhaustion.
After taking the ReLIFE pill, Arata transforms into a 17-year-old version of himself, appearing fit, energetic, and boyishly handsome. As a high school student, he wears the standard school uniform, usually a white shirt, tie, and blazer, though his posture sometimes betrays his actual age and mature mind.
His youthful form allows him to blend in with his peers, but small gestures such as his politeness, adult-like sense of humor, and occasional old-man remarks hint at his true identity.
Personality
Arata is kind-hearted, humble, and empathetic, but is initially burdened by low self-esteem, cynicism, and guilt. His early resignation from the workforce left deep emotional scars, causing him to doubt his worth and avoid facing society. However, even in his darkest times, Arata retains a strong moral compass, a willingness to help others, and a sensitivity to injustice.
During his ReLIFE experience, Arata’s natural kindness, patience, and sense of humor shine through. Though he struggles academically at first having forgotten much of his schoolwork he quickly forms bonds with classmates by offering emotional support, advice, and understanding.
As he relives his youth, Arata undergoes significant emotional growth, learning to forgive himself, confront his fears, and trust in his ability to build a future. His journey reflects the struggles of adulthood and the redemptive power of second chances.
Role in the Story
Entering the ReLIFE Program: Arata is selected as Test Subject No. 002 in the Kanto Branch of the ReLIFE program. Under the guidance of Ryō Yoake, he returns to high school life with the body of a teenager but the mind of a 27-year-old. At first, he struggles with academic challenges, social awkwardness, and emotional baggage.
Building Bonds: Throughout his second youth, Arata forms deep friendships with his classmates, including Chizuru Hishiro, Kazuomi Oga, and Rena Kariu. Through these relationships, he experiences the joy, drama, and pain of youth once again, helping others resolve their issues while gradually healing himself.
Romantic Growth: Arata’s connection with Chizuru Hishiro a similarly awkward and emotionally distant student deepens into a romantic bond, though both are initially unaware of their mutual involvement in the ReLIFE experiment. Their growth together becomes one of the emotional centers of the story.
Completing the Experiment: By the end of his year, Arata successfully completes the ReLIFE trial, regaining his confidence and readiness to reenter society. He later joins the Support Division of the ReLIFE Laboratory, where he dedicates himself to helping others find hope as he once did.
Relationships
Chizuru Hishiro: Initially an awkward classmate, Chizuru becomes Arata’s closest friend and later his love interest. Their parallel journeys of self-discovery, vulnerability, and healing intertwine beautifully throughout the story, culminating in a deep and mutual love after the ReLIFE experiments conclude.
Ryō Yoake: Arata’s ReLIFE supervisor. Though often teasing and lighthearted, Ryō genuinely cares about Arata’s progress and serves as both guide and occasional comic relief. Their relationship evolves into one of genuine friendship over time.
Kazuomi Oga and Rena Kariu: Arata plays an important role in helping Oga and Kariu navigate their feelings and personal growth. Their friendship with Arata offers both support and comedic moments, enriching his high school experience.
ReLIFE Laboratory Staff: After his successful experiment, Arata joins the ReLIFE Support Division, working alongside former supervisors and new colleagues to assist future participants in their rehabilitation journeys.