OVA
Description
Tanaka is the house steward and former butler of the Phantomhive household. An elderly man with gray hair and a mustache, he typically wears a monocle, a black suit, and white gloves, and is often depicted holding a cup of tea. His body is frequently portrayed in a smaller, less detailed chibi form, though he reverts to his full height and stature in dire situations.
He is a perceptive, dignified, and unwavering loyal individual to the Phantomhive family, with absolute loyalty to its head. He is calm and stern, and will admonish Ciel Phantomhive for behavior unbecoming of his station. Despite his advanced age and typically relaxed demeanor, Tanaka is an exemplary fighter, skilled in Baritsu and exceptionally proficient with a katana, capable of slicing a bullet in two and effortlessly subduing threats to Ciel.
Tanaka previously served Vincent Phantomhive as his butler. He was present during the attack on Phantomhive Manor in 1885 that resulted in the deaths of Ciel's parents. He attempted to warn Ciel to escape but was severely injured after being stabbed from behind by an unseen attacker. He was the only member of the original staff to survive the massacre and was treated at the Royal London Hospital, where he gave his pocket watch—said to be passed down from one Phantomhive butler to the next—to Sebastian Michaelis.
Following his injuries, his role within the household became more limited. He is often seen drinking tea and observing events with a calm smile. Sebastian Michaelis, the new head butler, typically assigns him no specific duties, simply stating that "the usual will be fine" for him. However, Tanaka remains a dependable adviser to Ciel and assumes the full responsibilities of head butler when necessary, such as during the Phantomhive Manor Murders arc when Sebastian was presumed dead. Tanaka efficiently took command of the other servants and performed all necessary duties, with Ciel noting that Tanaka was still a capable butler. During this event, he also protected Ciel by using Baritsu to flip an attacking guest, Karl Woodley, onto his back.
He continues to reside with the Phantomhive household and accompanies them on various travels, such as to the Public School Arc and the Emerald Witch Arc in Germany. During these times, he often remains in his smaller form and provides general support.
He is a perceptive, dignified, and unwavering loyal individual to the Phantomhive family, with absolute loyalty to its head. He is calm and stern, and will admonish Ciel Phantomhive for behavior unbecoming of his station. Despite his advanced age and typically relaxed demeanor, Tanaka is an exemplary fighter, skilled in Baritsu and exceptionally proficient with a katana, capable of slicing a bullet in two and effortlessly subduing threats to Ciel.
Tanaka previously served Vincent Phantomhive as his butler. He was present during the attack on Phantomhive Manor in 1885 that resulted in the deaths of Ciel's parents. He attempted to warn Ciel to escape but was severely injured after being stabbed from behind by an unseen attacker. He was the only member of the original staff to survive the massacre and was treated at the Royal London Hospital, where he gave his pocket watch—said to be passed down from one Phantomhive butler to the next—to Sebastian Michaelis.
Following his injuries, his role within the household became more limited. He is often seen drinking tea and observing events with a calm smile. Sebastian Michaelis, the new head butler, typically assigns him no specific duties, simply stating that "the usual will be fine" for him. However, Tanaka remains a dependable adviser to Ciel and assumes the full responsibilities of head butler when necessary, such as during the Phantomhive Manor Murders arc when Sebastian was presumed dead. Tanaka efficiently took command of the other servants and performed all necessary duties, with Ciel noting that Tanaka was still a capable butler. During this event, he also protected Ciel by using Baritsu to flip an attacking guest, Karl Woodley, onto his back.
He continues to reside with the Phantomhive household and accompanies them on various travels, such as to the Public School Arc and the Emerald Witch Arc in Germany. During these times, he often remains in his smaller form and provides general support.