TV-Series
Description
Jeanne Hazuki, known as You Hazuki in the original Japanese version, grew up in the Japanese countryside before moving to Tokyo to live with her father Toshihiko, a cameraman recently returned from Peru. Her mother abandoned the family when she was very young to pursue her own volleyball career, a fact initially concealed from her. Toshihiko disapproved of her interest in volleyball due to this past trauma. She also lives with her adoptive younger brother Sunny, a Peruvian orphan whom Toshihiko adopted during his time abroad; Sunny is deeply attached to her and often follows her to school and matches.
Initially a hot-blooded, impulsive, and occasionally brash teenager, she exhibited traits like gluttony and attention-seeking behavior. Early interactions revealed a mean streak, particularly toward Sunny, including an incident where she dangled him from a high window to force him to overcome his fear of swimming. She also showed rebelliousness toward her father, retaliating physically when disciplined. Her initial approach to volleyball was marked by overconfidence and a lack of team awareness, leading to clashes with teammates and dismissal of coaching.
Her personality evolved significantly. She transitioned from a class clown and clingy admirer of Sho Takiki, the boys' team captain, to a more focused and mature athlete. While retaining her determination and energetic spirit, she developed greater self-discipline and team cohesion. Her initially hostile relationship with Nami Hayase, stemming from rivalry over Sho and team dynamics, transformed into a deep and enduring friendship that persisted even when they joined opposing professional teams. She also formed a respectful rivalry and eventual friendship with elite player Eri Takigawa, recognizing Eri's skill and leadership.
Her volleyball career began at Hikawa Junior High, where her exceptional natural jumping ability and attacking power were evident despite initial clumsiness and poor receiving skills. Under the harsh coaching of Daimon, she faced significant challenges but gradually honed her talent, evolving into the team's ace player. After junior high, she joined the professional team Seven Fighters, refining her skills further under coach Mitamura. Her journey culminated in selection for Japan's national team, aiming for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. During national team preparations, she discovered Kanako Tajima, the volleyball commentator she idolized, was her estranged mother. This revelation caused a temporary crisis, leading her to briefly quit training before reconciling with her mother and returning to compete.
In the 2008 sequel series, her character appears years later. Her personality is markedly calmer and more serious compared to her original fiery demeanor. Facing potential retirement due to injuries, she is recruited by Nami and Sho to assist a struggling Chinese team, the Dragon Ladies. In this context, she acts as a supporting figure within the team dynamic, no longer the central protagonist.
Initially a hot-blooded, impulsive, and occasionally brash teenager, she exhibited traits like gluttony and attention-seeking behavior. Early interactions revealed a mean streak, particularly toward Sunny, including an incident where she dangled him from a high window to force him to overcome his fear of swimming. She also showed rebelliousness toward her father, retaliating physically when disciplined. Her initial approach to volleyball was marked by overconfidence and a lack of team awareness, leading to clashes with teammates and dismissal of coaching.
Her personality evolved significantly. She transitioned from a class clown and clingy admirer of Sho Takiki, the boys' team captain, to a more focused and mature athlete. While retaining her determination and energetic spirit, she developed greater self-discipline and team cohesion. Her initially hostile relationship with Nami Hayase, stemming from rivalry over Sho and team dynamics, transformed into a deep and enduring friendship that persisted even when they joined opposing professional teams. She also formed a respectful rivalry and eventual friendship with elite player Eri Takigawa, recognizing Eri's skill and leadership.
Her volleyball career began at Hikawa Junior High, where her exceptional natural jumping ability and attacking power were evident despite initial clumsiness and poor receiving skills. Under the harsh coaching of Daimon, she faced significant challenges but gradually honed her talent, evolving into the team's ace player. After junior high, she joined the professional team Seven Fighters, refining her skills further under coach Mitamura. Her journey culminated in selection for Japan's national team, aiming for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. During national team preparations, she discovered Kanako Tajima, the volleyball commentator she idolized, was her estranged mother. This revelation caused a temporary crisis, leading her to briefly quit training before reconciling with her mother and returning to compete.
In the 2008 sequel series, her character appears years later. Her personality is markedly calmer and more serious compared to her original fiery demeanor. Facing potential retirement due to injuries, she is recruited by Nami and Sho to assist a struggling Chinese team, the Dragon Ladies. In this context, she acts as a supporting figure within the team dynamic, no longer the central protagonist.