Tōru Oikawa
Tōru Oikawa |
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| Kanji | 及川 徹 |
| Rōmaji | Oikawa Tōru |
| Age: | 17-18 |
| Birthday: | July 20, 1994 |
| Height: | 184.3cm (6′ 0.6″) |
| Voice Actor | |
| Japanese | Daisuke Namikawa |
| English | Chris Patton |
Tōru Oikawa, also known as Tohru Oikawa in the English translation, is a former third-year student at Aoba Johsai High, where he served as the captain and setter of the Boys’ Volleyball Team. Known for his charisma, strategic brilliance, and exceptional setting skills, Oikawa was a formidable opponent on the court and a key rival to Karasuno High. He serves as the main antagonist of the Interhigh and Spring High Preliminary Arcs, where his leadership and cunning playstyle challenge Karasuno’s growth. As of the Final Arc, Oikawa is a professional setter for Club Athletico San Juan in the Argentine Volleyball Federation. Having obtained Argentinian citizenship, he plays as the starting setter for the Argentina National Team, showcasing his continued growth and passion for volleyball on an international stage.
Background
Appearance in anime
Oikawa’s love for volleyball began at a young age, and his natural talent and dedication quickly set him apart as a skilled setter. Despite his playful and confident demeanor, Oikawa harbored a deep-seated fear of being overshadowed by prodigies like Tobio Kageyama, his junior and former teammate. This insecurity drove him to work tirelessly, refining his skills and strategies to maximize his team’s potential.
After graduating from Aoba Johsai, Oikawa pursued his dream of playing volleyball professionally overseas, eventually joining Club Athletico San Juan in Argentina. His journey reflects his determination to push his limits and continue excelling in a sport he loves.
Appearance
Oikawa is a handsome and athletic young man with light brown hair and chocolate-brown eyes. His confident smile and expressive features complement his charismatic personality, making him popular both on and off the court. On the court, he wore Aoba Johsai’s teal-and-white uniform as the team’s captain and setter. In his professional career, he dons the colors of Club Athletico San Juan and the Argentina National Team, exuding confidence and skill.
Personality
Oikawa is confident, charismatic, and playful, often teasing his opponents and teammates alike. Beneath this outward charm, however, lies a fiercely competitive and hardworking individual who is deeply passionate about volleyball. His strategic mind and ability to read the game make him a brilliant setter, capable of elevating his team’s performance.
While Oikawa’s insecurities about being outshone by prodigies like Kageyama drive his relentless work ethic, they also reveal his vulnerable side. His determination to succeed stems from his desire to prove that hard work and teamwork can overcome natural talent.
Role in the Story
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Interhigh and Spring High Preliminary Arcs
Oikawa serves as the main antagonist of these arcs, leading Aoba Johsai against Karasuno High in several intense matches. His precise setting, tactical acumen, and ability to exploit his opponents’ weaknesses make him a formidable adversary. Despite his team’s loss to Karasuno in the Spring High Preliminaries, Oikawa’s influence pushes Karasuno to grow stronger, highlighting his role as both a rival and an indirect mentor. -
Final Arc
In the Final Arc, Oikawa is revealed to have joined Club Athletico San Juan in Argentina as a professional setter. His decision to play abroad reflects his desire to grow as a player and challenge himself on an international level. By obtaining Argentinian citizenship, Oikawa earns a spot on the Argentina National Team as their starting setter, competing in the Olympics and showcasing his continued passion and skill for the sport.
Relationships
Tobio Kageyama
Oikawa’s former teammate and rival, Kageyama represents the prodigy Oikawa fears being overshadowed by. Their rivalry is a central aspect of Oikawa’s character development, driving his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Aoba Johsai Teammates
As captain, Oikawa is deeply respected and admired by his teammates, who trust his leadership and rely on his exceptional setting to maximize their potential. His bond with Hajime Iwaizumi, his best friend and vice-captain, is particularly strong.
Karasuno High
Oikawa views Karasuno, particularly Kageyama and Shōyō Hinata, as formidable opponents. His matches against them highlight his tactical brilliance and respect for their growth.
Argentina National Team
Oikawa’s transition to international volleyball reflects his ability to adapt and thrive in a new environment, earning the trust of his new teammates and showcasing his leadership on a global stage.