Haruto Tokishima
Haruto Tokishima |
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| Kanji: | 時縞 ハルト |
| Romaji | Tokishima Haruto |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 16 |
| Birthday: | October 15th |
| Height: | 173cm |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Ryōta Ōsaka |
| English: | Mitchel Musso |
Haruto Tokishima (時縞 ハルト, Tokishima Haruto), is the main protagonist of Valvrave the Liberator. Initially an ordinary student at Sakimori Academy in the JIOR (Japanese Empire of the Outer Rim), Haruto’s life takes a drastic turn when he becomes the pilot of Valvrave I, a powerful mecha that plays a pivotal role in the series. His transformation from a regular student to a key figure in an intergalactic conflict is one of the central arcs of the series.
Haruto is also a childhood friend of Shoko Sashinami, with their bond serving as an emotional cornerstone throughout the story. His involvement with the Valvrave and the events that unfold afterward thrust him into the heart of a battle between superpowers, where personal, political, and existential struggles come to define his journey.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Haruto Tokishima grew up as an ordinary student in the peaceful and isolated JIOR. His life, as it was, revolved around his school and his close friendship with Shoko Sashinami, which shaped his early years. However, Haruto’s world is upended when he becomes involved with the Valvrave I, a mecha that was hidden deep within the walls of Sakimori Academy.
Haruto’s entry into the world of mecha warfare begins when an enemy attack targets the academy, and he is forced to pilot Valvrave I in an attempt to protect his friends and survive. With the sudden acquisition of such immense power, Haruto is thrust into a battle for survival, forcing him to confront not only the political and military chaos around him but also his own inner conflict regarding the responsibilities that come with the power he now wields.
As the series progresses, Haruto’s development is deeply tied to his relationship with Shoko and the people around him. His role as a Valvrave pilot sets the stage for his involvement in a larger conflict, marking his transition from an ordinary student to a key player in the war.
Appearance
Haruto Tokishima has a youthful, athletic build that reflects his time as an ordinary student before being thrown into the chaotic world of warfare. He has short, dark hair and expressive eyes that convey both determination and vulnerability. His facial expressions range from contemplative to intense, depending on the circumstances he finds himself in.
Typically, Haruto is seen in the Sakimori Academy uniform at the beginning of the series, symbolizing his initial normal life. However, as he becomes more involved with the Valvrave and its military conflict, his appearance shifts to accommodate the role he plays as a pilot. His mecha pilot suit reflects the futuristic and high-tech world of Valvrave the Liberator, and his posture and demeanor become more confident as he grows into his new identity as a key figure in the battle for survival.
Personality
Haruto Tokishima is depicted as brave, selfless, and sometimes reluctant to take on the responsibilities thrust upon him. At the start of the series, he is an ordinary high school student with little desire for conflict. His deep sense of loyalty to his friends, especially Shoko Sashinami, drives much of his character, and he is initially motivated by the desire to protect those he loves.
Despite his reluctance to embrace the role of a soldier and pilot, Haruto grows throughout the series, realizing the magnitude of the battle he is involved in. His inner conflict becomes a key element of his character, as he grapples with the ethics of war, the responsibilities of wielding power, and the emotional toll of his actions. Haruto’s journey is defined by his struggle to maintain his humanity amidst the horrors of war and the moral complexities he faces as a Valvrave pilot.
Role in the Story
Becoming the Pilot of Valvrave I: Haruto’s transformation begins when he finds Shoko seemingly killed during Dorssia’s invasion. In a moment of grief and desperation, he enters the cockpit of Valvrave I and activates it, unknowingly undergoing a genetic alteration that turns him into an immortal being with vampiric traits.
Struggle for Humanity: As he continues to fight in Valvrave, Haruto wrestles with the horrors of war and his new nature. He forms an alliance with ARUS and leads the student-run Module 77, hoping to secure freedom for JIOR’s citizens. His internal battle worsens when he realizes that piloting the Valvrave damages his memory and soul.
Sacrifice and Legacy: Haruto’s sense of purpose deepens as he learns the truth behind the Valvrave system and the secret of the “Magius”, an immortal race manipulating world affairs. Despite the loss of his memories and worsening health, Haruto chooses to continue fighting. In the end, he sacrifices himself to ensure a brighter future for humanity and the ones he loves.
Relationships
Shoko Sashinami: Haruto’s childhood friend and unspoken love interest. His desire to protect Shoko serves as the catalyst for piloting the Valvrave. Though their relationship becomes strained due to misunderstandings and the trauma of war, she remains his emotional anchor throughout the story.
L-elf Karlstein: A genius strategist from Dorssia who becomes Haruto’s unlikely ally. Their dynamic evolves from enemies to trusted partners, forming the tactical and emotional core of the resistance effort. L-elf helps Haruto confront his responsibilities and supports his ideals with precision and logic.
Saki Rukino: A fellow student and Valvrave pilot who develops feelings for Haruto. After a traumatic incident where Haruto unintentionally assaults her during a loss of control, their relationship becomes complicated. Nevertheless, she stands by him and respects his determination to change the world.