Hajime Nagumo
Hajime Nagumo |
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| Kanji: | (南雲 ハジメ |
| Romaji | Nagumo Hajime |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 17 |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | 175 cm (Post “Fall”) |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Toshinari Fukamachi |
| English: | Matt Shipman |
Hajime Nagumo (南雲 ハジメ, Nagumo Hajime), is the main protagonist and antihero of the anime and light novel series Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (Arifureta Shokugyō de Sekai Saikyō). Once a bullied high school student with an unremarkable job class, Hajime’s life changes irreversibly after a betrayal during a dungeon expedition forces him into a battle for survival. His transformation from a weak outcast into a fearsome and determined survivor forms the emotional and narrative core of the series.
Fueled by his desire to return home to Japan, Hajime evolves both mentally and physically into a monster hybrid, abandoning many of his former ideals and embracing a colder, more pragmatic outlook. Along the way, he forges powerful alliances, rescues a vampire girl named Yue, and ultimately becomes one of the most formidable beings in the world of Tortus.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Hajime was one of several students transported to the fantasy world of Tortus, where each individual was granted a job class and special abilities. Unfortunately, Hajime received the job of “Synergist”, a crafting class considered weak and unfit for combat. As a result, he was mocked and ostracized by his classmates, especially those within the Hero Party led by Kouki Amanogawa.
During an expedition in the Great Orcus Labyrinth, Hajime was betrayed and cast into an abyss, presumed dead. Struggling to survive against the brutal monsters within the depths, Hajime was forced to devour monster meat, causing a grotesque physical mutation that made him a monster-human hybrid. With this change came immense power, and Hajime made a vow to survive and return to Japan no matter the cost.
Appearance
Hajime originally had a slim, average build, with black hair and kind eyes, embodying a typical unassuming student. After his transformation in the abyss, his appearance changes drastically. He gains a muscular physique, white hair, a crimson-red demon eye, and a far more intense, hardened gaze that reflects his experiences.
He often wears black combat gear, equipped with self-crafted weapons and tools. His mechanical left arm crafted after losing his real one serves both as a weapon and a symbol of his rebirth in the abyss.
Personality
Before his transformation, Hajime was timid, kind-hearted, and self-sacrificing, always seeking peace and understanding. However, his betrayal and suffering in the Labyrinth lead to a dramatic shift in personality. He becomes cold, ruthless, and pragmatic, valuing survival over idealism.
Despite this hardened exterior, Hajime retains a core sense of loyalty and protectiveness toward those he cares about. His relationship with Yue helps rekindle his ability to trust and feel love, and he often shows bravery, selflessness, and emotional depth when defending his companions.
Though he now identifies as an antihero, Hajime’s journey is ultimately one of reclaiming his humanity on his own terms.
Role in the Story
Betrayal and Survival: Hajime’s journey begins with betrayal by a classmate in the Great Orcus Labyrinth, where he plummets into the depths and must endure unimaginable horrors to survive. Forced to adapt, he consumes monster meat, gains new abilities, and evolves into something no longer fully human.
Transformation and Power: Armed with new strength and a resolve forged in darkness, Hajime crafts powerful weapons using his Synergist abilities and begins clearing labyrinths in pursuit of truth and a way home. His newfound strength allows him to challenge even the gods of Tortus.
Finding Yue and New Purpose: In the abyss, Hajime meets Yue, a vampire princess imprisoned for centuries. After saving her, the two become inseparable. Yue becomes his first true companion and romantic partner, guiding him back toward emotional connection. Together, they travel, gather allies, and face increasingly difficult trials.
The Return Journey: As Hajime grows stronger, he remains focused on his ultimate goal returning to Japan. His encounters with divine forces, other summoned students, and the secrets of the world shape his identity as both savior and destroyer. He becomes a symbol of rebellion, breaking free from the expectations of heroism imposed on him.
Relationships
Yue: A vampire princess and Hajime’s first and closest companion. She is deeply devoted to him, and their bond is romantic, emotional, and unbreakable. She helps stabilize Hajime’s darker impulses and is often his moral compass.
Kaori Shirasaki: A classmate who has loved Hajime since before the summoning. Despite his initial rejection of her feelings, Hajime comes to respect and protect her, and she becomes one of his traveling companions.
Shea Haulia, Tio Klarus, and others: Several powerful individuals join Hajime throughout his journey, including the cheerful bunny girl Shea, the masochistic dragonwoman Tio, and others who help form a tight-knit, capable party. They all grow to respect Hajime’s strength and loyalty.
Kouki Amanogawa and the Hero Party: Hajime’s relationship with Kouki is strained. Kouki represents the idealistic hero Hajime no longer believes in. The tension between idealism and realism is often symbolized in their opposing views and decisions.