Sei Handa
Sei Handa |
|
|---|---|
![]() |
|
| Kanji | 半田 清舟 |
| Rōmaji | Handa Seishū |
| Age: | 23 – 24 (Barakamon) |
| Birthday: | April 15th |
| Height: | 5’8″ (172 cm) |
| Voice Actor | |
| Japanese | Daisuke Ono |
| English | Robert McCollum |
Seishuu Handa (半田 清舟, Handa Seishū), born Sei (清), is the main protagonist of Barakamon. A 23-year-old prodigious calligrapher, he is forced to move to the Goto Islands, located on the westernmost edge of Japan, after assaulting a respected art critic who insulted his work. The incident leads him to a period of self-reflection, as he struggles to find his own artistic identity while adapting to rural island life.
Through his interactions with the lively and eccentric island residents, Seishuu gradually learns to let go of perfectionism, discovering a more personal and expressive approach to calligraphy. His journey is one of self-discovery, personal growth, and the importance of community.
Background

Appearance in anime
Seishuu was born into a prestigious family of calligraphers, with his father, Seimei Handa, being a well-respected master in the art. From a young age, he was pressured to excel, dedicating his entire life to perfecting traditional calligraphy techniques. His hard work and talent led to early success, earning him recognition as a rising star in the art world.
However, his obsession with perfection and desire for external validation made him rigid and insecure, causing him to view criticism as a personal attack. This culminates in his infamous outburst, where he punches an elderly art critic after being told that his work was “lacking originality.” As a result, his father sends him to the remote Goto Islands, believing that the experience will help him develop both as an artist and as a person.
While initially resentful and resistant to his new environment, Seishuu gradually opens up to the islanders, particularly the energetic local children, who challenge his structured worldview and push him toward self-discovery.
Appearance
Seishuu is a tall, lean young man with black, slightly messy hair. His sharp eyes and serious expression reflect his perfectionist nature and artistic intensity. However, as he spends more time on the island, his expressions become more relaxed and natural, symbolizing his gradual personal growth.
He usually wears casual clothing, such as T-shirts, button-up shirts, and loose pants, often rolling up his sleeves while working on his calligraphy. His simple, unassuming wardrobe contrasts with his prestigious background, reflecting his journey of breaking away from tradition to find his own identity.
Personality
At the start of the series, Seishuu is highly disciplined, serious, and somewhat socially awkward, having spent most of his life focused solely on calligraphy. He struggles with criticism, often taking it too personally, and has a short temper when his artistic abilities are questioned.
However, underneath his rigid and perfectionist exterior, Seishuu is kind, earnest, and deeply passionate about his craft. As he spends more time with the islanders, he begins to develop patience, humility, and a newfound appreciation for imperfection.
His interactions with the mischievous children of the island, especially Naru Kotoishi, force him to loosen up, teaching him how to embrace spontaneity and joy in both his life and his calligraphy. Over time, he learns to accept failure, adapt to new experiences, and prioritize personal expression over technical perfection.
Despite his introverted and sometimes irritable personality, Seishuu cares deeply for those around him, forming genuine bonds with the islanders. By the end of the series, he becomes more self-assured, confident in his own artistic voice, and appreciative of the simple, fulfilling life he found on the island.
Role in the Story
-
Adjusting to Island Life
At first, Seishuu struggles to adapt to rural life, finding the lack of privacy, constant interruptions, and the islanders’ carefree attitude frustrating. However, over time, he learns to appreciate the warmth and sincerity of the community, realizing that their way of life offers lessons he never expected to learn. -
Mentorship and Personal Growth
Seishuu unintentionally becomes a mentor to the local children, particularly Naru, who admires him and often follows him around. Though initially annoyed by her energy, he comes to care for her deeply, realizing that her free-spirited nature is what he needs to embrace in his own work. -
Redefining His Calligraphy
As Seishuu lets go of his obsession with technical perfection, he begins experimenting with his art, incorporating emotion, spontaneity, and imperfection into his calligraphy. His journey transforms his style, making his work more personal and meaningful rather than strictly traditional. -
Returning to Tokyo
Near the end of the series, Seishuu returns to Tokyo for an important calligraphy competition, bringing with him the lessons he learned from the island. Instead of conforming to expectations, he presents a piece that is uniquely his own, marking his growth as both an artist and a person.
Relationships
Naru Kotoishi
Naru is a lively, curious, and mischievous young girl who quickly attaches herself to Seishuu, much to his initial frustration. However, over time, she becomes his greatest influence, teaching him how to embrace imperfection and find joy in creativity. Their dynamic is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the series, with Seishuu acting as an older brother figure to Naru, despite their many comedic interactions.
Hiroshi Kido
Hiroshi is one of the older island boys who helps Seishuu navigate life on the island. Though laid-back and a bit lazy, he becomes a reliable friend, often giving Seishuu advice and helping him understand the local culture.
Miwa Yamamura & Tamako Arai
Miwa and Tamako are two teenage girls who frequently tease and annoy Seishuu. While he finds them frustrating, he ultimately values their friendship, as they help broaden his social interactions and lighten his serious demeanor.
Seimei Handa (Father)
Seimei is a strict and highly accomplished calligrapher, placing immense pressure on Seishuu to succeed. Their relationship is distant, as Seimei believes that his son must push himself harder to reach artistic greatness. However, by the end of the series, Seimei acknowledges Seishuu’s growth and begrudgingly respects his evolution as an artist.
Emi Handa (Mother)
Emi is much more supportive and affectionate than Seimei, frequently worrying about her son’s well-being. She is one of the few people who openly encourages Seishuu, hoping that he finds happiness in his artistic journey.
