Appearance in Anime

Kazuya Tokugawa is introduced as a new rival in the sequel series New Prince of Tennis, where he quickly establishes himself as a powerful and intimidating presence within the U-17 camp. His reputation is such that Kirihara Akaya, one of Rikkai Dai’s strongest players, remarks that Tokugawa’s presence has a similar freezing effect on people as Yukimura Seiichi. In the anime adaptation, this effect is seen on Echizen Ryoma instead. Tokugawa demonstrates incredible skill, effortlessly returning five tennis balls at once during practice, further solidifying his formidable status among the players.

Tokugawa belongs to the First Court, making him one of the strongest Second-Stringers in the U-17 camp. However, unlike most Second-Stringers, he is far stronger than the rest, placing him among an elite group of high schoolers that includes Oni Jūjirō, Irie Kanata, and Tanegashima Shūji. It is later revealed that Tanegashima and Oni were actually First-Stringers who chose to stay behind, while Irie voluntarily remained to strengthen the camp rather than claim his rightful position among the Top 10 players.

One of Tokugawa’s defining moments is his devastating defeat at the hands of Byōdōin Hōō, the No. 1 player of Japan’s U-17 team. This match crushed his pride and marked the first time he had ever experienced such an overwhelming loss. Since then, Tokugawa has relentlessly trained with the goal of defeating Byōdōin and reclaiming his honor. His determination is evident in his cold and disciplined approach, making him one of the most focused and driven players at the camp.

At the beginning of the U-17 camp, Echizen Ryoma challenges Tokugawa instead of playing his assigned match against another middle schooler. However, Ryoma is soundly defeated, realizing the vast difference in their skill levels. Tokugawa, recognizing Ryoma’s potential, advises him to train under Coach Mifune, the so-called Drunken Coach, in order to improve his game.

An extended flashback in The Night Before the Decisive Battle reveals glimpses of Tokugawa’s early life. As a young child, possibly around five years old, he is seen rigorously training in tennis. Later, he competes in and wins a prestigious tennis tournament in France, showcasing his early talent and international recognition. Eventually, his skills earn him an invitation to Japan’s U-17 training camp, where he suffers his first-ever loss, setting him on his current path of redemption and revenge.

Kazuya Tokugawa is notably tall like most of the high school players in the U-17 camp. He has dark blue hair, styled with a parting on the right side, which often covers part of his left eye. His slim and athletic build reflects his extensive training and physical endurance.

His eye color varies between adaptations brown in the manga and grayish-blue in the anime. Tokugawa maintains a stern and serious expression almost at all times, emphasizing his disciplined nature and focused mindset. Unlike many other characters, he rarely displays emotion, making him seem cold and distant to those around him. However, throughout the series, he has been seen smiling only twice, marking rare moments when he allows himself to express genuine emotion.

Kazuya Tokugawa possesses an intensely focused and driven personality, maintaining a tunnel vision when it comes to his rivalry with Byōdōin Hōō. Ever since Byōdōin effortlessly defeated him in the U-17 Camp the previous year, Tokugawa has been obsessed with surpassing him, dedicating himself entirely to rigorous training. His single-minded determination makes him seem aloof and distant, but this changes upon Echizen Ryoma’s arrival, as Tokugawa immediately recognizes Ryoma’s potential and begins to acknowledge him.

Tokugawa trains relentlessly, practicing aerobics every night in one of the camp’s halls. His training showcases his exceptional physical control, particularly his remarkable balance, as he is able to hold himself upside down using just three fingers.

Much like Tezuka Kunimitsu, Tokugawa rarely displays emotions, keeping a stoic and serious attitude at almost all times. He has never been seen smiling in the manga, further solidifying his composed and disciplined nature. His ultimate goal is to defeat Byōdōin, and he has stated that he is willing to risk his life for that victory.

Despite his cold exterior, Tokugawa shares a mutual respect with Oni Jūjirō, who supports him and offers encouragement, especially when Byōdōin mocks Tokugawa upon his return from the Foreign Expedition. Over time, Tokugawa begins to open up to Ryoma, particularly when they rally together after Ryoma’s mountain training. This mentor-like relationship between Tokugawa and Ryoma mirrors the dynamic between Tezuka and Ryoma, further reinforcing Tokugawa’s role as a guiding force for the younger prodigy.

Tokugawa plays a crucial role in New Prince of Tennis as one of the most promising second-year high school players in the U-17 camp. His rivalry with Byōdōin is a major plot point, as he represents a player who seeks to challenge the old order with discipline and skill rather than brute force.

He is seen training alongside Oni and Irie, forming a strong bond with them despite his usual quiet demeanor. As the story progresses, Tokugawa’s strength and growth become more apparent, making him a key figure in the high school division of the camp. His eventual rematch with Byōdōin becomes one of his defining moments, showcasing how much he has evolved as a player and competitor.

Kazuya Tokugawa is an exceptionally skilled and disciplined player, capable of effortlessly executing high-level techniques with precision. His talent is first showcased when he rallies with five balls simultaneously against Oni Jūjirō, demonstrating his superior control, reflexes, and court awareness.

As the No.1-ranked 2nd Stringer in the U-17 Training Camp (prior to the arrival of the 1st Stringers), Tokugawa possesses a powerful and strategic style of play that relies on overwhelming his opponents with relentless attacks and precise counters. His sheer skill is highlighted during his match against Echizen Ryoma, where he dominates the younger prodigy with ease, proving his superiority at that stage in the series.

Techniques and Abilities

Multi-Ball Rally
Tokugawa showcases his exceptional coordination by effortlessly rallying with five balls simultaneously during training with Oni Jūjirō. This technique highlights his elite-level focus, agility, and shot consistency.

Superior Control and Speed
He maintains an impeccable rhythm and pace in his matches, allowing him to dictate the flow of the game and force opponents into defensive positions.

Overwhelming Presence
Kirihara Akaya compares Tokugawa’s intimidating aura to Yukimura Seiichi’s mental abilities, as his mere presence on the court can freeze opponents in place, momentarily paralyzing them with pressure.

Defensive Mastery
Tokugawa is capable of absorbing and countering powerful attacks, making it difficult for opponents to break through his defense. His ability to maintain control under intense pressure is one of his defining strengths.

Tokugawa’s exceptional skills, disciplined mindset, and relentless drive for improvement make him one of the strongest high school players in the U-17 Camp, capable of going toe-to-toe with even the 1st Stringers and international-level competitors.