Keishin Ukai
Keishin Ukai |
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Kanji | 烏養 繋心 |
Rōmaji | Ukai Keishin |
Age: | 26 (2012) |
Birthday: | April 5, 1986 |
Height: | 178.2 cm (5′ 10″) |
Voice Actor | |
Japanese | Hisao Egawa |
English | David Wald |
Keishin Ukai, is the current coach of Karasuno High’s Boys’ Volleyball Club and a former player for the team during his high school years, where he played as a setter. As an alumnus, Keishin’s return to Karasuno marked a turning point for the team, helping them rise from obscurity to re-establish themselves as a competitive force. Post-timeskip, Keishin continues to coach the boys’ volleyball team while running his family’s store, balancing his dedication to Karasuno with his business responsibilities. His mentorship and passion for volleyball play a vital role in the team’s growth and development.
Background
Appearance in anime
Keishin Ukai comes from a family deeply connected to Karasuno volleyball. His grandfather, Ikkei Ukai, was the legendary coach during Karasuno’s “Golden Age,” making Keishin’s return as coach a symbolic continuation of his family’s legacy. As a player, Keishin was a skilled setter, known for his strong game sense and competitive spirit.
After graduating, Keishin initially distanced himself from volleyball, focusing on running his family’s store. However, his passion for the sport was reignited when Takeda approached him to coach Karasuno’s Boys’ Volleyball Club. His experience as a former player and his knowledge of modern volleyball strategies made him an ideal fit to guide the team.
Appearance
Keishin has short, spiky blond hair and sharp eyes that reflect his confident and energetic personality. He is often seen wearing casual clothing, including tracksuits during practice sessions. His laid-back yet approachable demeanor is complemented by his rugged appearance, fitting his role as both a coach and a business owner.
Personality
Keishin is charismatic, passionate, and pragmatic, with a no-nonsense coaching style that balances encouragement with constructive criticism. His sharp wit and sense of humor make him approachable to his players, while his determination and tactical mind command respect.
Though initially hesitant to take on the role of coach, Keishin’s deep-seated love for volleyball and pride in Karasuno inspire him to push the team to their full potential. He is fiercely loyal to his players and takes great pride in their achievements, often going the extra mile to ensure their success.
Role in the Story
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Coach of Karasuno High
Keishin becomes Karasuno’s coach at a pivotal time when the team is striving to reclaim its former glory. His innovative training methods, strategic mindset, and ability to adapt to modern volleyball trends play a critical role in shaping Karasuno’s “flightless crows” into a formidable team. Keishin’s leadership is particularly evident during Karasuno’s training camp with Nekoma High and other schools, where he emphasizes teamwork, skill development, and mental fortitude. His mentorship helps players like Shōyō Hinata, Tobio Kageyama, and Kei Tsukishima reach new heights in their abilities. -
Post-Timeskip
After the time skip, Keishin continues to coach the Karasuno Boys’ Volleyball Club while running his family’s store. His commitment to nurturing young talent reflects his enduring dedication to the team and his belief in the importance of fostering a strong volleyball community.
Relationships
Karasuno Players
Keishin serves as a mentor and motivator, building strong relationships with his players. His tactical acumen and approachable personality help them grow both individually and as a team.
Ikkei Ukai
Keishin deeply respects his grandfather and the legacy he left as Karasuno’s former coach. His return to coaching symbolizes his efforts to honor that legacy while making his own mark.
Takeda Ittetsu
Takeda’s persistence in recruiting Keishin as coach reignited Keishin’s passion for volleyball. The two share a close working relationship, with Takeda often providing moral support and encouragement.
Other Coaches
Keishin forms a friendly rivalry with coaches like Nekomata from Nekoma, emphasizing the camaraderie and competitive spirit of volleyball.