Haru
Haru |
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Kanji: | ハル |
Age: | 20 |
Height: | 102 cm (3’4″) |
Weight: | 15 kg (33 lbs.) |
Gender: | Female |
Status: | Alive |
Voice Actors | |
Japanese Voice: | Sayaka Senbongi |
English Voice: | Lara Jill Miller |
Haru (ハル, Haru), is a main character in Beastars. A white dwarf rabbit, Haru is a complex and independent individual who defies the expectations placed upon her due to her small size and vulnerable status as a herbivore. She was the former leader of Cherryton Academy’s gardening club, a position that reflected her passion for plants and her need for personal space away from societal judgment. Following her graduation, Haru pursues her interest in botany at a university, continuing to seek a life defined by her choices rather than the limitations imposed on her by others.
Appearance
Haru’s Initial Appearance in Anime
Haru is a small and delicate white dwarf rabbit with a petite frame, large ears, and bright red eyes. Her soft fur and diminutive stature emphasize her fragility, making her the target of both admiration and pity from others.
Her attire is modest and practical, often consisting of simple dresses and aprons while working in the gardening club. Despite her unassuming appearance, Haru carries herself with a quiet confidence, showing that her inner strength far outweighs her physical size.
Personality
Haru is fiercely independent, pragmatic, and emotionally resilient, traits developed as a response to the prejudices and assumptions she faces as a dwarf rabbit. While others often view her as weak or in need of protection, Haru refuses to be defined by her physical vulnerability. Her independence sometimes comes across as aloofness, but it is rooted in her desire to live life on her own terms.
She has a complex relationship with intimacy and vulnerability, often using her physical relationships as a way to assert control over her life and reject the pity of others. Haru is unafraid to speak her mind, even in situations where she is underestimated or treated unfairly. Beneath her tough exterior, however, she is kind, caring, and deeply introspective, particularly in her evolving relationship with Legoshi.
Role in the Story
Haru’s role in Beastars is central to the series’ exploration of prejudice, identity, and interpersonal relationships. Her journey reflects her struggle to assert her individuality in a world that often reduces her to her species and size.
Leader of the Gardening Club: At Cherryton Academy, Haru finds solace in the gardening club, a place where she can escape the judgment and gossip of her peers. Her love for plants and quiet spaces symbolizes her yearning for simplicity and control in her life.
Relationship with Legoshi: Haru’s dynamic relationship with Legoshi, a gray wolf, is a driving force of the story. Initially intimidated by Legoshi’s size and carnivorous nature, Haru gradually comes to see him as a kind and protective presence. Their relationship challenges societal norms, as they navigate the complexities of love between a predator and prey.
Moving Beyond Cherryton: After graduating, Haru pursues botany at a university, continuing to explore her passions and build a life for herself. Her growth as an individual mirrors the series’ broader themes of self-discovery and challenging societal expectations.
Relationships
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Legoshi: Haru’s relationship with Legoshi is central to the narrative, reflecting themes of trust, vulnerability, and societal boundaries. While Haru initially views Legoshi with caution, their bond deepens into a romantic connection that defies the predator-prey dynamic.
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Louis: Haru shares a complicated relationship with Louis, the red deer who carries his own burdens of societal expectation. Their past romantic involvement highlights Haru’s need for connection and Louis’ struggle with vulnerability.
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Cherryton Gardening Club: As the leader of the gardening club, Haru uses the space as a refuge from the pressures of school life. The club serves as a metaphor for her desire to nurture and grow her own identity, independent of others’ perceptions.
Trivia
Legacy
Haru is a compelling and multifaceted character whose journey in Beastars resonates with themes of identity, resilience, and self-determination. As a white dwarf rabbit, she symbolizes vulnerability and fragility, yet her independence and emotional strength challenge these stereotypes. Her relationships with Legoshi and Louis highlight the complexities of love, trust, and societal boundaries, making her a key figure in the series’ exploration of prejudice and connection.
Through her determination to live on her own terms, Haru becomes a symbol of growth and empowerment, leaving a lasting impression as one of Beastars’ most dynamic and relatable characters.