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Émile Durkheim

Taiga Kagami

Taiga Kagami (火神 大我, Kagami Taiga) is the deuteragonist of Kuroko no Basuke (Kuroko’s Basketball), and the ace and power forward of Seirin High’s basketball team. He is known for his fierce competitive nature and overwhelming athletic ability. Kagami is also the close basketball colleague and friend of Tetsuya Kuroko, with the two forming a powerful partnership on the court. His primary goal is to defeat the Generation of Miracles and prove himself as the best player in Japan, earning him the moniker, “The Miracle who did not become one of the Miracles.”

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Appearance

Kagami is a tall and muscular high school student with an imposing athletic build, which is well-suited for his aggressive playing style. He has short red hair and red eyes, which give him a fierce and intimidating look. His usual attire consists of Seirin High’s basketball jersey, where he wears the number 10.

Off the court, Kagami dresses casually, often wearing hoodies, jackets, and jeans. Despite his large and muscular frame, he is light on his feet and agile, making him a formidable presence on the basketball court.

A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

Taiga Kagami enters the Zone, elevating his game to extraordinary heights and dominating the court with unmatched intensity.

Personality

Kagami is highly competitive and passionate about basketball, with a strong desire to be the best. He is driven by a fierce determination to surpass the Generation of Miracles, believing that hard work and effort can overcome natural talent. Kagami’s love for basketball is his primary motivator, and his passion often manifests in a fiery, aggressive playstyle on the court. He refuses to back down from any challenge, and this fearlessness makes him a force to be reckoned with.

While Kagami can be hot-headed and impulsive, he is also deeply loyal to his teammates and friends. His strong bond with Kuroko is one of the central themes of the series, and Kagami’s respect for Kuroko’s abilities helps him evolve as a player. Kagami also has a strong sense of justice and fairness, believing that basketball should be played with teamwork and determination rather than relying on raw talent alone.

Despite his intense and sometimes aggressive nature, Kagami has a soft side. He cares deeply for his friends, often going out of his way to protect them or offer support when they need it. Over time, Kagami learns to channel his competitive spirit more constructively and grows into a more well-rounded player.

Powers and Abilities

Cover of the French edition of The Division of Labour in Society

The ultimate showdown: Taiga Kagami faces off against Aomine, each pushing their limits in a fierce battle for supremacy.

Jumping Power

One of Kagami’s most notable abilities is his incredible jumping power. He can leap higher than almost any other player, allowing him to block shots, grab rebounds, and execute powerful slam dunks with ease. His jumping ability is comparable to those of professional athletes, and it allows him to dominate around the basket.

Speed and Agility

Despite his large build, Kagami is surprisingly fast and agile. He can move quickly across the court, making it difficult for opponents to guard him. His speed, combined with his power, allows him to blow past defenders and score with ease.

Zone

Kagami is one of the few players who can enter “The Zone,” a heightened state of focus and concentration that allows a player to perform at their absolute peak. In The Zone, Kagami’s abilities are magnified, making him nearly unstoppable. His reaction times, speed, and power all increase, and he becomes almost invincible on the court.

Meteor Jam

One of Kagami’s signature moves, the Meteor Jam, is a powerful slam dunk that he executes by using his immense jumping power. The dunk is so forceful that it often leaves the defenders helpless, and it has become a signature part of Kagami’s offensive arsenal.

Powerful Drives

Kagami is skilled at driving to the basket, using his speed and strength to force his way past defenders. He excels at finishing around the rim, often converting difficult layups or dunks even when fouled by opponents.

Improved Team Play

Initially, Kagami relied heavily on his individual abilities and athleticism to carry his team. However, as he grows as a player, Kagami learns the importance of teamwork, especially through his partnership with Kuroko. He becomes more aware of his teammates’ positions on the court and is able to pass and play off the ball more effectively, making him a more versatile player.

Relationships

Tetsuya Kuroko

Kagami and Kuroko share a strong bond, with Kagami deeply respecting Kuroko’s unique style of play. Together, they form the core of Seirin’s basketball team, and their combined abilities help Seirin challenge the top teams in Japan. Kagami often refers to Kuroko as his “shadow,” acknowledging the vital role Kuroko plays in his success on the court.

Generation of Miracles

Kagami’s primary goal is to defeat the former members of the Generation of Miracles, believing that hard work and teamwork can overcome their raw talent. Throughout the series, Kagami faces off against each member of the Generation of Miracles, learning valuable lessons about basketball and himself along the way.

Riko Aida

The coach of Seirin’s basketball team, Riko recognizes Kagami’s immense potential and pushes him to improve his game. She plays a key role in Kagami’s development as a player, helping him refine his skills and control his emotions on the court.

Himuro Tatsuya

Himuro is Kagami’s older “brother” figure from his time in the United States, and the two share a complicated relationship. While Himuro was once Kagami’s mentor and friend, they eventually became rivals on the basketball court. Despite their rivalry, Kagami deeply respects Himuro and is determined to prove himself by defeating him.

Alexandra Garcia

Alex is Kagami’s mentor from his time in the United States, and she plays a key role in shaping his basketball skills. Kagami looks up to Alex and often credits her for helping him become the player he is today. Alex’s influence is evident in Kagami’s aggressive playstyle and competitive spirit.

Trivia

  • Kagami’s birthday is August 2nd, and he is a Leo.
  • His favorite food is cheeseburgers, reflecting his time in the United States.
  • Kagami’s name, “Taiga,” can be interpreted as “big fire” (大我), reflecting his fiery and passionate personality.
  • Despite his hot-headed nature on the court, Kagami has a soft side and is shown to care deeply for his friends and teammates.
  • Kagami’s ability to jump extremely high is a key part of his character design, symbolizing his determination to rise above challenges.