Shōhei Fukunaga, a second-year Nekoma High student and wing spiker sporting jersey number 6, stands out with wide, feline-like eyes and a posture often relaxed into slouches or bent knees, accentuating his casual demeanor. His frequent gestures—thumbs-up, waves, or hands raised in a maneki-neko pose—mirror both his playful quirks and the serendipity of his September 29th birthday, which aligns with Japan’s Manekineko Day. His name, meaning “consistently invited/attracted” (Shōhei) and “eternal blessing” (Fukunaga), echoes this theme.
Known for brevity in speech, Fukunaga communicates through actions: steady volleyball plays, subtle nods, or covert laughter at internal jokes he never voices. His quiet presence belies a sharp wit and loyalty, often mediating team tensions with calm pragmatism. On the court, he balances offensive precision in back attacks and line shots with defensive prowess, his receiving occasionally surpassing teammate Yaku’s. Though not Nekoma’s primary scorer, his reliability in rallies and strategic defense cements his role.
Off the court, he crafts paella praised by Kenma and snacks on dried squid, fingers often restless. Post-graduation, he juggles part-time chef work with comedy—a nod to his unspoken humor. Bonds with Kenma and Yamamoto highlight his understated camaraderie, while his 5’10.2” (pre-timeskip) and 5’10.5” (post-timeskip) stature marks him as Nekoma’s tallest second-year. Across all media, his narrative remains focused on steadfast performance, embodying the team’s resilience without delving into expanded backstories.