Movie
Description
Kiro Honjo is a secondary character in the film and serves as the closest friend and colleague to the protagonist, Jiro Horikoshi. He is first introduced as a fellow student at Tokyo Imperial University, where both young men work together to rescue books from the university library after it is damaged by the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923. This early scene establishes a bond between them that continues throughout their professional careers as aircraft engineers.
In terms of personality, Honjo is portrayed as a pragmatic, cynical, and outspoken individual. He is a heavy smoker, often seen with a cigarette, and possesses a blunt, critical view of Japan’s technological standing in the world. He frequently criticizes his country for being underdeveloped, contrasting its methods unfavorably with those of Western nations. For example, he comments on the absurdity of Japan needing oxen to transport aircraft when other countries use wagons. This frustration with his nation’s lag drives his ambition, leading him to travel to Germany to study advanced plane design at the Junkers company, where he is notably impressed by the superior technology and modern comforts like interior heating.
Within the narrative, Honjo acts as a grounding, realistic counterpoint to Jiro’s more dreamy and idealistic nature. While Jiro is often lost in thought, imagining beautiful aircraft soaring through the sky, Honjo provides sharp, honest feedback and a practical perspective. He plays a crucial role as a confidant and motivator. When Jiro becomes despondent, troubled by the knowledge that his beautiful designs are being used as weapons of war by the military, it is Honjo who offers a rational and stoic form of encouragement. He reframes their work not as instruments of destruction but as pure engineering achievements, motivating Jiro to continue designing planes to the best of his ability, believing that their profession is simply about creating aircraft.
Their key relationship is a constant throughout the film, defined by mutual respect and shared passion. Honjo is one of the few people who understands Jiro’s dedication and genius. He is also a married man with a wife living in Tokyo, a detail that highlights his different path in life compared to the more isolated and work-focused Jiro. Honjo’s development is subtle; he grows from a cynical student into a seasoned and highly competent engineer, yet his core function remains that of a steady, honest, and supportive friend. While the film focuses on Jiro’s inner world, Honjo’s notable abilities lie in his sharp intellect, his critical analysis of technology, and his unwavering ability to speak truth to power and provide moral support, ensuring Jiro stays focused on his craft even as the world around them descends into war.
In terms of personality, Honjo is portrayed as a pragmatic, cynical, and outspoken individual. He is a heavy smoker, often seen with a cigarette, and possesses a blunt, critical view of Japan’s technological standing in the world. He frequently criticizes his country for being underdeveloped, contrasting its methods unfavorably with those of Western nations. For example, he comments on the absurdity of Japan needing oxen to transport aircraft when other countries use wagons. This frustration with his nation’s lag drives his ambition, leading him to travel to Germany to study advanced plane design at the Junkers company, where he is notably impressed by the superior technology and modern comforts like interior heating.
Within the narrative, Honjo acts as a grounding, realistic counterpoint to Jiro’s more dreamy and idealistic nature. While Jiro is often lost in thought, imagining beautiful aircraft soaring through the sky, Honjo provides sharp, honest feedback and a practical perspective. He plays a crucial role as a confidant and motivator. When Jiro becomes despondent, troubled by the knowledge that his beautiful designs are being used as weapons of war by the military, it is Honjo who offers a rational and stoic form of encouragement. He reframes their work not as instruments of destruction but as pure engineering achievements, motivating Jiro to continue designing planes to the best of his ability, believing that their profession is simply about creating aircraft.
Their key relationship is a constant throughout the film, defined by mutual respect and shared passion. Honjo is one of the few people who understands Jiro’s dedication and genius. He is also a married man with a wife living in Tokyo, a detail that highlights his different path in life compared to the more isolated and work-focused Jiro. Honjo’s development is subtle; he grows from a cynical student into a seasoned and highly competent engineer, yet his core function remains that of a steady, honest, and supportive friend. While the film focuses on Jiro’s inner world, Honjo’s notable abilities lie in his sharp intellect, his critical analysis of technology, and his unwavering ability to speak truth to power and provide moral support, ensuring Jiro stays focused on his craft even as the world around them descends into war.