Satoru Fujinuma
Satoru Fujinuma |
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| Kanji: | 藤沼悟 |
| Age: | 29 |
| Height: | 169 cm |
| Weight: | —— |
| Gender: | Male |
| Status: | Alive |
| Voice Actors | |
| Japanese Voice: | Shinnosuke Mitsushima |
| English Voice: | Benjamin Diskin |
Satoru Fujinuma (藤沼悟, Fujinuma Satoru), is the main protagonist of Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi). A 29-year-old manga artist in 2006, Satoru struggles with his unfulfilled career and often feels a lack of purpose in life. To support himself, he works part-time as a deliveryman for Oasi Pizza. However, Satoru possesses a mysterious ability he calls “Revival”, which involuntarily sends him back in time moments before life-threatening events occur, allowing him a chance to prevent them. Satoru’s life takes a dramatic turn when he is framed for the murder of his mother, Sachiko Fujinuma. Revival activates unexpectedly, sending him back 18 years to 1988, when he was an 11-year-old elementary school student. Realizing that the unsolved kidnappings and murders of two girls and one boy in his hometown are linked to his mother’s death, Satoru seizes the opportunity to change the past and protect those he couldn’t save before.
Appearance
Satoru Fujinuma’s Initial Appearance in Anime
In 2006, Satoru is a tall, slender man with a slightly disheveled appearance that reflects his struggles. He has short black hair and dark, tired eyes that reveal his introspective and sometimes melancholic nature. His casual clothing—hoodies, jackets, and his delivery uniform—emphasize his unassuming and modest lifestyle.
As his 11-year-old self in 1988, Satoru is a bright-eyed boy with shorter hair and a more youthful appearance. He often wears his school uniform or practical 1980s-style casual clothes. Despite his youthful looks, his expressions often convey the maturity of his adult mind, which contrasts with the innocence of his childhood surroundings.
Appearance in Anime.
Appearance in Anime.
Personality
Satoru is reserved, introspective, and empathetic. As an adult, he struggles with feelings of inadequacy due to his stagnant career as a manga artist and his inability to articulate his emotions. However, his strong sense of justice and deep care for others shine through his actions, particularly when he uses his Revival ability to save lives.
After being sent back to his childhood, Satoru’s character evolves. He combines his adult knowledge with the resourcefulness and determination of youth, allowing him to take bold steps to change the future. His bravery, selflessness, and ability to empathize with others make him a compelling protagonist. Despite the immense pressure he faces, Satoru remains focused on protecting his loved ones and bringing justice to his past.
Role in the Story
Satoru’s journey is central to Erased, as his ability to use Revival gives him a chance to uncover the truth behind the murders in his hometown and prevent future tragedies.
Discovery of Revival: Revival first manifests as short time jumps, allowing Satoru to prevent small accidents or life-threatening events. However, after his mother’s murder, Revival activates on an unprecedented scale, sending him 18 years into the past. This event sets the stage for the series’ main conflict, as Satoru realizes that solving the kidnappings in 1988 will change the future.
Investigating the Murders: In 1988, Satoru works to uncover the identity of the kidnapper responsible for the deaths of Kayo Hinazuki, Hiromi Sugita, and Aya Nakanishi. He builds trust with his classmates and friends while navigating the challenges of being an adult mind in a child’s body.
Protecting Kayo Hinazuki: Kayo, the first victim in the original timeline, becomes a focal point of Satoru’s efforts. He intervenes in her abusive home life, protecting her from the kidnapper and helping her forge new bonds with her classmates. Satoru’s relationship with Kayo is a heartwarming yet bittersweet element of the story, showcasing his growth and compassion.
Relationships
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Sachiko Fujinuma: Satoru shares a close bond with his mother, who is perceptive, caring, and supportive. Sachiko’s murder is the catalyst for Satoru’s time-traveling journey, and his determination to save her highlights the depth of their relationship.
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Kayo Hinazuki: Kayo is a central figure in Satoru’s efforts to change the past. Her tragic fate in the original timeline motivates him to protect her, forging a bond that transcends their circumstances.
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Airi Katagiri: A coworker in 2006, Airi believes in Satoru’s innocence and provides emotional support during his struggles. Her faith in him reinforces Satoru’s resolve to fight for justice.
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Kenya Kobayashi: Satoru’s perceptive classmate in 1988, Kenya becomes an important ally in his efforts to protect Kayo and solve the mystery of the kidnappings.
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Gaku Yashiro: Satoru’s teacher in 1988 and the series’ main antagonist, Yashiro is both a mentor figure and a chilling threat. Their dynamic is marked by tension, deception, and psychological conflict.
Trivia
Legacy
Satoru Fujinuma is a poignant and relatable protagonist whose journey in Erased resonates with themes of redemption, justice, and the value of human connection. Through his ability, Revival, Satoru gains the opportunity to confront his past and prevent tragedies, making his story both deeply personal and universally inspiring.
His relationships with characters like Kayo, Sachiko, and Kenya highlight his growth and the impact of his actions, while his determination to protect those he cares about cements his role as a selfless hero. Satoru’s legacy in Erased endures as a symbol of hope and the power of second chances to change not only one’s own life but the lives of others.