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Izana Kurokawa

Izana Kurokawa(黒川 イザナ,Kurokawa Izana) is a fictional character in the manga and anime seriesTokyo Revengers. He is notable for being the former leader (Sōchō, 総長) of the delinquent gangTenjikuand the head of theEighth Generation Black Dragon, a notorious group within the series. Izana established theS-62 Generationat the age of 13, demonstrating his early rise to power and influence. In the latest developments of the series, Izana holds the position ofEighth Division Captainwithin theTokyo Manji Gang(Toman). He serves as the primary antagonist in theTenjiku Arc, where his actions and motives significantly impact the series’ storyline.

“Becoming proficient with a weapon is a fine way to kill some time.“
— Izana Kurokawa

Appearance

Izana Kurokawa is a man of mixed Filipino and Japanese heritage. He has a light brown complexion and is of average height. His most distinctive features include his large, striking purple eyes and straight, short white hair, which is styled in a center-parted undercut. Throughout most of the series, he is typically seen wearing the standard Tenjiku gang uniform, often accompanied by a red tailcoat. Additionally, he sports a pair of earrings inspired by Hanafuda playing cards. In the latest timeline, Izana’s hairstyle changes, featuring wavy hair instead of his previous straight look.

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Izana’s manga appearance in 2006.

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Izana’s manga appearance in the Tenjiku uniform.

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Izana’s anime appearance in 2006.


Personality

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Izana’s Tenjiku uniform with a red tailcoat and a pair of Hanafuda-derived earrings.

Izana Kurokawa, once a kind and benevolent youth, became a bitter and emotionally fractured individual in his later years. During his time with the Sano family, he was a happy and caring boy, but his life took a tragic turn when he learned, in a cruel manner from Karen Kurokawa, that he was not biologically related to the family he cherished. This revelation devastated Izana, leaving him feeling disconnected and without a place to belong. The resulting loneliness and bitterness drove him to delinquency as he sought to create his own “kingdom.” His desire for control led to the formation of the S-62 Generation and the transformation of the Black Dragons into a notoriously brutal organization.

Despite his separation from the Sano family, Izana continued to hold deep affection for them, especially for Shinichiro Sano, who had acted as his caretaker and mentor. Shinichiro’s death left Izana in despair, and his emotional decline became apparent as he withdrew from personal care, allowing his facial hair to grow unkempt. Manipulated by Tetta Kisaki, Izana’s suppressed feelings of bitterness resurfaced, fueling his path toward vengeance and violence. Izana found comfort in Kisaki’s malicious influence, which only deepened his resolve for destruction.

As the leader of Tenjiku, Izana displayed extreme indifference toward both allies and enemies, viewing his subordinates as mere tools and embracing violence without hesitation to achieve his goals. Collateral damage was of no concern to him, and his reign as leader left a trail of devastation. Under Izana’s leadership, the future of the Tokyo Manji Gang—transformed by Tenjiku’s influence—was described as the darkest and most violent of all possible timelines, with a high death toll that even Kisaki and Mikey could not escape.

Izana’s arrogance stemmed from his extraordinary fighting abilities, and he looked down on others, even his fellow S-62 Generation members, whom he deemed weak and useless. Despite his composed demeanor, Izana was prone to emotional breakdowns when things did not go his way. This was evident during his battle with Mikey, where, upon realizing the tide had turned against him, Izana became desperate and attempted to kill Mikey with a gun, refusing to accept defeat even as his followers lost morale and surrendered.

In his final moments, after sustaining fatal injuries, Izana showed a rare moment of peace and vulnerability. He revealed his deep care for Kakucho, his right-hand man and confidant, demonstrating that despite his harsh exterior, he harbored genuine feelings for those close to him. Izana’s spirit would later play a crucial role in helping Kakucho during a pivotal moment in the series.

In the final timeline, Izana’s personality remained largely the same until his defeat by Toman and his subsequent integration into the gang. After Toman’s disbandment, Izana reformed Tenjiku into an organization that provided support to orphans, gaining global recognition and influence. This marked a significant change in Izana, as he used his power to aid those who, like him, had faced difficult circumstances.

Outside of his life as a gang leader, Izana enjoys playing the guitar and has a keen interest in plants and fish, as indicated by the large foliage plant and fish tank present in his room.

History

Izana Kurokawa initially believed that he was the younger half-brother of Shinichiro Sano, whom he admired deeply, and the older brother of Emma Sano, whom he left when she was only three years old. Izana harbored a strong bond with Shinichiro, often writing letters to him and seeing him as the first family he ever had since childhood. However, Izana developed a deep sense of jealousy and resentment toward his supposed younger half-brother, Manjiro “Mikey” Sano, as Shinichiro chose to pass the leadership of his gang onto Mikey instead of him. This decision fueled Izana’s bitterness, especially as Shinichiro frequently spoke about Mikey, further aggravating Izana’s displeasure.

Following Shinichiro’s death, Izana found himself adrift with no one to guide him onto the right path. The loss of Shinichiro left a void in his life, making Izana vulnerable to negative influences. Alone and emotionally fractured, he became susceptible to manipulation, particularly by his subordinate Tetta Kisaki. Under Kisaki’s influence, Izana’s desire for power and revenge grew, leading him to form the Tenjiku gang, which he ruled with an iron fist. Despite being the leader, Izana was subtly controlled by Kisaki, whose malicious intent fueled the destruction that followed.

During the conflict between Tenjiku and the Tokyo Manji Gang, Kisaki’s machinations led to the murder of Izana’s “sister,” Emma. This tragic event, combined with the fierce battle between Mikey and Tenjiku, resulted in the fall of the gang. In the climax of the confrontation, Izana was fatally shot by Kisaki while protecting Kakucho, his closest confidant and right-hand man. In his dying moments, Izana revealed a crucial truth: he was not biologically related to the Sano family. He was the result of an affair, and not a true blood sibling to either Shinichiro, Mikey, or Emma. Despite this revelation, Izana found peace in the fact that he was not truly alone, as Kakucho remained by his side. In accepting his defeat and reconciling with his past, Izana’s final moments were spent with a sense of resolution.

Family

Shinichiro Sano
Shinichiro was the first family Izana had after becoming orphaned, and Izana deeply loved him. He looked up to Shinichiro as both a brother and mentor. However, when Izana discovered that they were not truly blood-related, he lashed out in anger, feeling a profound sense of abandonment and loneliness. This revelation triggered a downward spiral for Izana, who later took over Shinichiro’s gang, the Black Dragons, after his death.

Manjiro Sano (Mikey)
Izana harbored deep jealousy toward Mikey due to the affection Shinichiro showed him. Izana longed to be Shinichiro’s only brother, and upon learning that he had no blood ties to the Sano family, his envy and resentment toward Mikey intensified. This jealousy ultimately fueled Izana’s desire to destroy Mikey, seeing him as an obstacle to the bond he once had with Shinichiro.

Emma Sano
Emma and Izana lived together as children until Izana was sent to an orphanage. Before leaving, he promised Emma they would be reunited one day. Despite his cruel actions later in life, Izana’s final moments reveal his lingering affection for Emma. As he lay dying, he whispered her name, signaling regret for his past and an enduring love for her as his sister.

Abilities & Powers

Authority
As the leader of Tenjiku, Izana Kurokawa holds absolute command over his subordinates. His leadership of the gang makes him a significant force within the delinquent world, as he exerts a powerful influence over his followers, directing their activities with a strict and unyielding hand.

Fighting Prowess
Izana is regarded as the strongest member of Tenjiku and is a formidable fighter within the series. His combat skills allow him to initially go toe-to-toe with Manjiro “Mikey” Sano, one of the most powerful characters in the Tokyo Revengers series. Izana’s ability to challenge Mikey showcases his exceptional physical abilities and fighting techniques.

What sets Izana apart from other fighters, however, is not just his raw strength. According to Yasuhiro Muto, the former Fifth Division Captain of the Tokyo Manji Gang, Izana’s true advantage lies in his “Undefeatable Senses.” This unique ability allows Izana to anticipate and read his opponent’s movements with remarkable precision, enabling him to counter attacks effectively. His heightened senses make him an unpredictable and almost unbeatable opponent in battle, as he can adapt swiftly to various fighting styles and tactics.

Etymology

Izana’s surname,Kurokawa(黒川), is derived from two kanji characters: “黒” (kuro), meaning “black,” and “川” (kawa), meaning “river” or “stream.” Together, they form the meaning “Black River” or “Dark Stream,” which can symbolize the dark and turbulent nature of his character. His given name,Izana(イザナ), does not have an explicitly defined meaning in the context of Japanese, but it may be a reference to Izanagi, a deity from Japanese mythology, which could hint at his complex role as both a leader and an antagonist.

Trivia

  • According to the official third character book:
    • Image color:Indigo
    • Likes:Watching his pet betta fish
    • Person he respects/admire:Sano Shinichiro
    • Person he fears:Sano Shinichiro
    • Person he dislikes:Sano Manjiro
    • Special skill:Destroying things that are important to other people
    • Dream:“Our kingdom,” which he shares with Kakucho

  • Success (or failure) story:

    • “The servant (Kakucho) was getting stronger. It seemed that I would lose to him if he kept up with his training. So I made up a rule that says, ‘The King’s punches aren’t allowed to be avoided,’ and beat the hell out of him.”

  • Favorite spot:Places with light air pressure

  • Daily activity (from morning till bedtime):

    • “The air pressure is heavy today. I fed my betta fish. On a day like this, should I playBohemian Rhapsodyby the window?”

  • Ranking in the Tenjiku gang:

    • Best lover:Ranked #1 in the Top 3 Worst
    • Fastest runner:Ranked #2 in the Top 3 Best
    • Best gambler:Ranked #3 in the Top 3 Worst
    • Likely to be rich in the future:Ranked #3 in the Top 3 Worst
    • Most vicious:Ranked #1 in the Top 3 Best (according to Izana’s personal ranking)

  • Favorite bike:CBR400F

  • Popularity poll ranking:Izana ranked seventh in the Character Popularity Poll with a total of 2,292 votes.

  • Design:Izana initially had neck tattoos in early concept designs, but they were omitted in his final design.