Tomo Aizawa
Tomo Aizawa |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Kanji: | 相沢 智 |
| Romaji | Aizawa Tomo |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | 16 |
| Birthday: | July 7 |
| Height: | 170 cm (5’7″) |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Rie Takahashi |
| English: | Lexi Nieto |
Tomo Aizawa (相沢 智, Aizawa Tomo), is the titular protagonist of Tomo-chan wa Onnanoko!. Known for her energetic and tomboyish personality, Tomo is a high school student who excels in sports, showcasing her athletic abilities and competitive spirit. Despite her tough exterior, Tomo harbors a deep crush on her childhood friend, Junichirou Kubota, although he remains oblivious to her feelings. Her journey is one of emotional growth, navigating the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and unrequited love.
Tomo’s character brings a refreshing and humorous perspective on the traditional love story, blending action, comedy, and heartwarming moments as she struggles to get her feelings across to Junichirou, all while remaining true to her unique self.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Tomo Aizawa’s childhood was filled with outdoor adventures and physical activities, which shaped her into the confident and athletic young woman she is today. Raised in an environment that encouraged strength and independence, Tomo never conformed to traditional notions of femininity, instead embracing her tomboy nature.
Her connection with Junichirou Kubota is deep-rooted, as they’ve known each other since childhood. Despite their close bond and shared experiences, Tomo has always found it difficult to express her romantic feelings for him. This emotional barrier, coupled with Junichirou’s obliviousness, creates the central conflict in her character arc. Throughout the series, Tomo’s emotional growth centers on her attempts to bridge the gap between her tough persona and the more vulnerable feelings she holds for Junichirou.
Appearance
Tomo Aizawa is a tall and athletic girl, with a build that reflects her physical prowess. Her short, messy hair and confident posture convey her energetic and no-nonsense attitude. She has sharp, expressive eyes that often show her determination and passion, particularly when it comes to her interests in sports and her feelings for Junichirou.
Tomo’s clothing choices often reflect her tomboyish nature, favoring comfortable and practical outfits that allow her to move freely. While her casual style suits her personality, there are moments in the series where she is shown in more traditional feminine attire, though she still manages to maintain her assertive and energetic vibe.
Personality
Tomo Aizawa is defined by her tomboyish nature and her love for sports. Energetic, competitive, and fiercely independent, she is always ready to take on new challenges, particularly in athletic pursuits where she thrives. Despite her tough exterior, Tomo is sensitive and caring, especially when it comes to Junichirou, although she struggles to express her feelings toward him.
Her blunt, straightforward manner often leads to comedic situations, as she struggles with the contrast between her tomboy identity and her romantic emotions. Tomo’s determination and drive to get Junichirou to notice her make her an endearing character, and her willingness to confront her feelings head-on shows her inner strength. Though she can be a bit brash at times, her genuine nature and loyalty to her friends make her someone viewers can easily root for.
Role in the Story
A Punchy Confession: Tomo kicks off the story by confessing her love to Junichirou, only to realize that he has no idea she was being serious. Frustrated and confused, she embarks on a mission to make him see her as a girl, not just his roughhousing childhood buddy.
Trying to Be “Girly”: With the help of her friends, especially the calm and composed Misuzu and the bubbly Carol, Tomo experiments with makeovers, romantic strategies, and more “feminine” behavior. These attempts often backfire hilariously but show her sincere desire to grow closer to Jun.
Building Emotional Awareness: Over time, Tomo’s dynamic with Junichirou evolves. As she matures emotionally, she also gains confidence in expressing her feelings more openly, gradually helping Junichirou see her in a new light. Their relationship, once defined by playful punches and sparring matches, transforms into something deeper and more emotionally nuanced.
Relationships
Junichirou Kubota: Tomo’s best friend and main love interest. Jun treats Tomo like a guy, unaware of her true feelings. Their relationship is filled with tension, miscommunication, and deep affection. As the story unfolds, Jun begins to see Tomo in a more romantic light.
Misuzu Gundou: Tomo’s sarcastic and intelligent best friend. Misuzu supports Tomo’s efforts (sometimes begrudgingly) and gives blunt advice, often helping steer her romantic misadventures.
Carol Olston: Tomo’s eccentric classmate who, despite her ditzy appearance, is surprisingly perceptive. Carol admires Tomo’s strength and tries to assist her in love, usually in unorthodox ways.