TV-Series
Description
Ichirouta Kazemaru is a central supporting character in the Inazuma Eleven series, known for his remarkable speed and his deep, enduring friendship with the protagonist, Endou Mamoru. Originally a promising member of the Raimon Junior High track and field club, Kazemaru was recruited by Endou to help the struggling soccer club field enough players for an official match. Though hesitant at first, he was moved by Endou's intense dedication and the promise of facing strong opponents, which led him to join the team and eventually develop a profound love for soccer.
Physically, Kazemaru is distinguished by his aquamarine hair, which he typically ties into a ponytail with a red or orange band, and long bangs that cover his left eye, revealing only his light brown eyes. His slim build and background in track are reflected in his playstyle, as his most notable asset is his incredible, gale-force speed, a trait that his name, which incorporates the Japanese word for wind (kaze), references.
In terms of personality, Kazemaru is portrayed as competitive, kind-hearted, and caring towards his teammates. He serves as a reliable and expressive presence on the team, often acting as a supportive figure to Endou and a source of encouragement for others. However, beneath this friendly exterior lies a struggle with confidence and self-doubt, particularly under high pressure. He has a deep-seated fear of not being able to keep up with the growing strength of his friends and the escalating level of their opponents. This internal conflict becomes a major driving force in his character development.
Kazemaru's role in the story evolves significantly. In the first season's Football Frontier arc, he serves as a dependable defender for Raimon, utilizing his speed to protect the goal. His crisis of confidence reaches its peak during the second season's battle against the overwhelming Aliea Gakuen. Feeling inadequate and desperate for power after a crushing defeat, he leaves Raimon. In a desperate move to become stronger, he joins Aliea Gakuen and becomes the captain and a forward for the Dark Emperors, a team of former Raimon players empowered by the corrupting Aliea Meteorite. Under its influence, his appearance changes, but he is eventually freed by Endou's unwavering spirit and returns to the team.
Following this personal trial, Kazemaru's role expands in the third season's international tournament arc. He is selected for the national team, Inazuma Japan, where he transitions to a midfielder. This period showcases his growth as a leader; he steps in as temporary captain when other key players are absent, demonstrating his tactical understanding and ability to guide the team. After the tournament, he graduates from Raimon and appears in later series like Inazuma Eleven GO as a more mature figure, sometimes as a member of other teams or watching over the next generation of players.
Kazemaru shares one of the most significant relationships in the series with Endou Mamoru. As childhood friends who grew up together, their bond is exceptionally strong, with Kazemaru acting as a constant supporter and confidant to the passionate goalkeeper. Endou's departure from the team during Kazemaru's absence causes a deep slump, while their reunion and reconciliation are emotional high points. He also builds strong partnerships with other teammates, developing combination special moves with Gouenji Shuuya, Kabeyama Heigorou, and Fubuki Shirou.
Throughout the series, Kazemaru develops a wide array of hissatsu techniques that capitalize on his speed. His signature individual moves include Shippuu Dash, a lightning-fast dribble, and Fuujin no Mai, the Dance of the Wind God. He is also a master of combination techniques, such as Honoo no Kazamidori with Gouenji, Tatsumaki Otoshi with Kabeyama, and The Hurricane with Fubuki. During his time as a Dark Emperor, he also used powerful, aggressive techniques like Dark Phoenix. His journey from a hesitant track star to a confident and powerful midfielder makes him a memorable figure whose dedication to his friends and the sport of soccer remains unwavering.
Physically, Kazemaru is distinguished by his aquamarine hair, which he typically ties into a ponytail with a red or orange band, and long bangs that cover his left eye, revealing only his light brown eyes. His slim build and background in track are reflected in his playstyle, as his most notable asset is his incredible, gale-force speed, a trait that his name, which incorporates the Japanese word for wind (kaze), references.
In terms of personality, Kazemaru is portrayed as competitive, kind-hearted, and caring towards his teammates. He serves as a reliable and expressive presence on the team, often acting as a supportive figure to Endou and a source of encouragement for others. However, beneath this friendly exterior lies a struggle with confidence and self-doubt, particularly under high pressure. He has a deep-seated fear of not being able to keep up with the growing strength of his friends and the escalating level of their opponents. This internal conflict becomes a major driving force in his character development.
Kazemaru's role in the story evolves significantly. In the first season's Football Frontier arc, he serves as a dependable defender for Raimon, utilizing his speed to protect the goal. His crisis of confidence reaches its peak during the second season's battle against the overwhelming Aliea Gakuen. Feeling inadequate and desperate for power after a crushing defeat, he leaves Raimon. In a desperate move to become stronger, he joins Aliea Gakuen and becomes the captain and a forward for the Dark Emperors, a team of former Raimon players empowered by the corrupting Aliea Meteorite. Under its influence, his appearance changes, but he is eventually freed by Endou's unwavering spirit and returns to the team.
Following this personal trial, Kazemaru's role expands in the third season's international tournament arc. He is selected for the national team, Inazuma Japan, where he transitions to a midfielder. This period showcases his growth as a leader; he steps in as temporary captain when other key players are absent, demonstrating his tactical understanding and ability to guide the team. After the tournament, he graduates from Raimon and appears in later series like Inazuma Eleven GO as a more mature figure, sometimes as a member of other teams or watching over the next generation of players.
Kazemaru shares one of the most significant relationships in the series with Endou Mamoru. As childhood friends who grew up together, their bond is exceptionally strong, with Kazemaru acting as a constant supporter and confidant to the passionate goalkeeper. Endou's departure from the team during Kazemaru's absence causes a deep slump, while their reunion and reconciliation are emotional high points. He also builds strong partnerships with other teammates, developing combination special moves with Gouenji Shuuya, Kabeyama Heigorou, and Fubuki Shirou.
Throughout the series, Kazemaru develops a wide array of hissatsu techniques that capitalize on his speed. His signature individual moves include Shippuu Dash, a lightning-fast dribble, and Fuujin no Mai, the Dance of the Wind God. He is also a master of combination techniques, such as Honoo no Kazamidori with Gouenji, Tatsumaki Otoshi with Kabeyama, and The Hurricane with Fubuki. During his time as a Dark Emperor, he also used powerful, aggressive techniques like Dark Phoenix. His journey from a hesitant track star to a confident and powerful midfielder makes him a memorable figure whose dedication to his friends and the sport of soccer remains unwavering.