IMPORTANT FIGURES
In Japan, names begin with their surname and end with their given name. In this list, characters are referred to by their surname as it is more commonly used in the manga and anime. Since Kuroko no Basket has a vast amount of characters, this page will only depict the major characters who are relevant to the advancement of the plot.
Seirin High (誠凛高校):
Seirin High's basketball team and club was founded only the year before the manga takes place by Teppei Kiyoshi. Despite only having freshmen on the team, they made their way to the final league of the Inter-High tournament in that year. Notable new members of the team include Tetsuya Kuroko, and Taiga Kagami. In the current timeline of the story, they are known as the “underdogs” or the “dark horse.”
Tetsuya Kuroko (黒子 テツヤ)
テツヤ (tetsuya) = philosophy
It is written in katakana. Because of this, there is not a reading-based meaning for it. However, the usual way to write Tetsuya in kanji is 哲也. Both mean “philosophy,” and to “have morality and wisdom; excels in discernment.” This is also a fitting name for Kuroko as he has a great sense of judgement and of what is right and wrong.
黒 (kuro) + 子 (ko) = black child
Black child is the literal translation. However, Kuroko is a Japanese term, meaning “stagehands” used in Japanese theater. This person is someone in the background, or a behind-the-scenes supporter. Kuroko is a term often used to refer to people who assist in performances like stage plays. In Kabuki, they often come out to hold or rearrange props while dressed in black clothing. This is a fitting name for Kuroko as he often refers to himself as a shadow to a light in basketball. Also, his personality fits with the name.
It is written in katakana. Because of this, there is not a reading-based meaning for it. However, the usual way to write Tetsuya in kanji is 哲也. Both mean “philosophy,” and to “have morality and wisdom; excels in discernment.” This is also a fitting name for Kuroko as he has a great sense of judgement and of what is right and wrong.
黒 (kuro) + 子 (ko) = black child
Black child is the literal translation. However, Kuroko is a Japanese term, meaning “stagehands” used in Japanese theater. This person is someone in the background, or a behind-the-scenes supporter. Kuroko is a term often used to refer to people who assist in performances like stage plays. In Kabuki, they often come out to hold or rearrange props while dressed in black clothing. This is a fitting name for Kuroko as he often refers to himself as a shadow to a light in basketball. Also, his personality fits with the name.
“I am a supporting actor, a shadow. But a shadow will become darker if the light is stronger and it will make the white of the light stand out. As the shadow of the main actor, I will make you, the light, the number one in Japan.” (Tetsuya Kuroko to Taiga Kagami)
Age: 16 Height: 168cm (5’ 6”) Weight: 57 kg (126 lbs) Birthday: January 31st Zodiac: Aquarius Blood type: A Number: 11 Position: Unknown Talent: Misdirection Hobbies: Reading, human observation, magic tricks Favourite food: Vanilla shakes Motto: (Every encounter is a) once-in-a-lifetime encounter. |
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Tetsuya Kuroko is the protagonist of the Kuroko no Basket series. He is the sixth and “phantom” member of the “Generation of Miracles.” Kuroko’s personality is very straight forward, and easily unnoticeable. He is hardworking to fulfill his teammates’ wishes before his own. When opponents are playing dirty, Kuroko easily gets furious as he believes people, especially senpai (a mentor or senior), should be treated with respect. This shows that he is very ethical and has clear ideas on what right and wrong. Kuroko also has a strong fighting spirit, so getting him angry is a mistake not to be made. Overall, he is a very calm, rational person, but it is shown that he also has his silly moments as he has a running gag involving his teammates. For example, one time he was late for a game and pretended he was always there with them. However, his teammates noticed that he was sweating which indicated that he ran to catch up.
Because of his small build and weak presence, Kuroko is relatively unknown and can be used as his team’s secret weapon. This is due to his combination of personality and skill of misdirection which allows him to change the trajectories of passes to suit his team without being noticed by opponents. However, opponents soon realize Kuroko is the cause of the disrupted passes and slowly his misdirection begins to wear off. Since his abilities are mostly complementary, Kuroko considers himself a “shadow,” whose goal is to help his “light” achieve great things.
Because of his small build and weak presence, Kuroko is relatively unknown and can be used as his team’s secret weapon. This is due to his combination of personality and skill of misdirection which allows him to change the trajectories of passes to suit his team without being noticed by opponents. However, opponents soon realize Kuroko is the cause of the disrupted passes and slowly his misdirection begins to wear off. Since his abilities are mostly complementary, Kuroko considers himself a “shadow,” whose goal is to help his “light” achieve great things.
Taiga Kagami (火神大我)
大 (tai) + 我 (ga) = big ego
A direct translation of Taiga is “big I” or “big self.” This can be interpreted to mean a high regard of oneself which also means ego. This fits Kagami’s character as he is sometimes arrogant about his skills. Also in the story, Kagami is referred to as a “tiger” which is also a common Japanese way of pronouncing and writing tiger.
火 (ka) + 神 (gami) = fiery spirit
Directly, Kagami translates to “fire god.” However, another possible translation is fiery spirit which is a better fit for his character, as he has a strong determination and ambitions.
A direct translation of Taiga is “big I” or “big self.” This can be interpreted to mean a high regard of oneself which also means ego. This fits Kagami’s character as he is sometimes arrogant about his skills. Also in the story, Kagami is referred to as a “tiger” which is also a common Japanese way of pronouncing and writing tiger.
火 (ka) + 神 (gami) = fiery spirit
Directly, Kagami translates to “fire god.” However, another possible translation is fiery spirit which is a better fit for his character, as he has a strong determination and ambitions.
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“After all, life is about challenges! Without strong opponents, living isn't fun. It's perfect if I can't win!” (Taiga Kagami to Ryōta Kise)
Age: 16 Height: 190cm (6’ 3”) Weight: 82 kg (181 lbs) Birthday: August 2nd Zodiac: Leo Blood type: A Number: 10 Position: Power Forward Talent: Jumping Power, Zone Hobbies: Surfing, cooking Favourite food: Burgers Motto: Eat well, play well. |
Taiga Kagami is the deuteragonist of Kuroko no Basket. Kagami is “someone who has all the qualifications to be a ‘miracle,’ yet didn't become one of the Generation of Miracles. Has the same gift as the Generation of Miracles, the last to awaken his talents. ‘The Miracle who did not become one of the Miracles.’” (Daiki Aomine) Kagami is a powerful all-around player, however his unique ability lies in his inhuman jumps, which get higher and higher throughout the match. He is a naturally gifted player with a tall, muscular build who spent his childhood in the United States and recently moved back to Japan for high school. Upon entering Seirin High, he easily made the basketball team’s starting lineup and became the team’s ace. Kagami soon became ambitiously determined to surpass the players known as the “Generation of Miracles” and become the number one player in Japan.
As his name describes him, at the beginning of the series, Kagami is one with a fiery, fighting spirit and is determined to succeed. If he is stuck in a difficult situation, he faces it head on and will refuse to give up. Sometimes he is overly ambitious and sees no point in playing basketball if there are no stronger opponents. Because of this, he has a big ego and a short temper. Throughout the series, his character matures into one that thinks before he acts and is clever to not plunge straight into battles. Even though he still does not like losing, he accepts what has happened and makes it his goal to do better than last time.
As his name describes him, at the beginning of the series, Kagami is one with a fiery, fighting spirit and is determined to succeed. If he is stuck in a difficult situation, he faces it head on and will refuse to give up. Sometimes he is overly ambitious and sees no point in playing basketball if there are no stronger opponents. Because of this, he has a big ego and a short temper. Throughout the series, his character matures into one that thinks before he acts and is clever to not plunge straight into battles. Even though he still does not like losing, he accepts what has happened and makes it his goal to do better than last time.
Junpei Hyūga (日向順平)
Shun Izuki (伊月俊)
Teppei Kiyoshi (木吉鉄平)
Aida Riko (相田リコ)
Kaijō High (海常高校):
Also known as the “Blue Elites,” Kaijō High is a strong team which regularly makes appearances at the Interhigh. Recently, they became rivals with Seirin High. Notable members on the team includes, “Generation of Miracles,’” Ryōta Kise, and Yukio Kasamatsu._
Ryōta Kise (黄瀬涼太)
涼 (ryou) + 太 (ta) = cool boy
Ryōta can be translated to “cool boy” which is a clear match to his personality. As a part-time model, Kise is quite popular and is known as the “good -looking one” from the “Generation of Miracles.”
黄 (ki) + 瀬 (se) = yellow current/opportunity
Directly translated, Kise means “yellow current”. The yellow is reflective of his hair colour which is blonde/yellow. The kanji for se (瀬) also has other meanings like “opportunity.” It could indicate his endless potential as he is known for his quick learning plays.
Ryōta can be translated to “cool boy” which is a clear match to his personality. As a part-time model, Kise is quite popular and is known as the “good -looking one” from the “Generation of Miracles.”
黄 (ki) + 瀬 (se) = yellow current/opportunity
Directly translated, Kise means “yellow current”. The yellow is reflective of his hair colour which is blonde/yellow. The kanji for se (瀬) also has other meanings like “opportunity.” It could indicate his endless potential as he is known for his quick learning plays.
“Once you look up to someone, you can’t overtake them.” (Ryōta Kise to Daiki Aomine)
Age: 16 Height: 189cm (6’ 2”) Weight: 77 kg (170 lbs) Birthday: June 16th Zodiac: Gemini Blood type: A Number: 7 Position: Small Forward Talent: (Perfect) Copy Hobbies: Karaoke Favourite food: Onion Soup Motto: Be honest with yourself. |
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Ryōta Kise is the small forward of the “Generation of Miracles” and Kaijō High’s basketball team. Even though he only started playing basketball in his second year of middle school, he has mastered most of the skills and is still considered a “monster” like the rest of the Generation of Miracles. Yet, he notes himself as the weakest of the group. Off the court, he is outgoing and has a flamboyant personality. He easily gets upset over petty things. He is often mobbed by girls because of his “pretty-face” and part-time job as a model. Kise often adds -cchi to the end of names of whom he respects. For example, as Kise’s mentor when joining the basketball team, Kuroko is thought of highly by Kise and calls him “Kurokocchi.”
However, on the court, Kise’s personality changes to be serious and determined. As with the other Generation of Miracles, his mindset is on winning every match. In addition to his serious attitude, he has a special ability. His ability is to quickly learn or “copy” opponent’s moves and modify or combine them to create moves that are faster and stronger than the original. For example, Kise was able to mimic the exceptional including Daiki Aomine, his former ace with his impossible style.
However, on the court, Kise’s personality changes to be serious and determined. As with the other Generation of Miracles, his mindset is on winning every match. In addition to his serious attitude, he has a special ability. His ability is to quickly learn or “copy” opponent’s moves and modify or combine them to create moves that are faster and stronger than the original. For example, Kise was able to mimic the exceptional including Daiki Aomine, his former ace with his impossible style.
Shūtoku High (秀徳高校):
Shūtoku High is considered one of the “Three Kings of Tokyo” when it comes to basketball as it is one of the teams that dominates the final league in the area of Tokyo. Notable new members includes, “Generation of Miracles,” Shintarō Midorima, and Kazunari Takao.__
Shintarō Midorima (緑間真太郎)
真 (shin) + 太 (ta) + 郎 (rou) = serious boy
This name fits Midorima’s character because his personality is often seen as serious and he is a male. He is the classic “glasses” character (which is normally the serious and smart character) in Kuroko no Basket.
緑 (midori) + 間 (ma) = green distance
The meaning of “green” can reflect his hair colour which is seen as green in the manga and anime. The kanji for ma (間) means “space.” However, a synonym could be distance which would fit better as it could be for his ability to shoot from far away on the court.
This name fits Midorima’s character because his personality is often seen as serious and he is a male. He is the classic “glasses” character (which is normally the serious and smart character) in Kuroko no Basket.
緑 (midori) + 間 (ma) = green distance
The meaning of “green” can reflect his hair colour which is seen as green in the manga and anime. The kanji for ma (間) means “space.” However, a synonym could be distance which would fit better as it could be for his ability to shoot from far away on the court.
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“Don’t give up! There’s no shame in falling down! True shame is to not stand up again!” (Shintarō Midorima)
Age: 16 Height: 195cm (6’ 5”) Weight: 79 kg (174 lbs) Birthday: July 7th Zodiac: Cancer Blood type: B Number: 6 Position: Shooting Guard Talent: High-projectile 3-pointers Hobbies: Playing shogi and listening to classical music Favourite food: Red bean soup Motto: Man proposes, God disposes. |
Shintarō Midorima is shooting guard of the “Generation of Miracles” and Shūtoku High. Both on and off the court, Midorima strives to become the best player he can become. Opposed to his old middle school teammates, Midorima continued to attend practices instead of just matches. He is often very reserved with little room for fun. He is very prideful and can act arrogantly and self-centred. He keeps to himself, and has an obsession over lucky items and horoscopes. Recently however, he has opened up to his team and trusted them during matches.
On the court, Midorima is not quite different. He can pretend to be all-high and mighty over his teammates, but sometimes he softens up and plays with them as a team. Midorima’s ability is known for the horror it impends on the bystanding players. He can shoot the ball from anywhere on the court and it flies in a high arc into the basket. This allows him to get back on defense quickly. He is often named the best shooting guard in Japan.
On the court, Midorima is not quite different. He can pretend to be all-high and mighty over his teammates, but sometimes he softens up and plays with them as a team. Midorima’s ability is known for the horror it impends on the bystanding players. He can shoot the ball from anywhere on the court and it flies in a high arc into the basket. This allows him to get back on defense quickly. He is often named the best shooting guard in Japan.
Tōō Academy (桐皇学園高校):
Tōō Academy was not until recently a strong competitor in basketball tournaments. After recruiting national-level players, the team has been nicknamed “The Rising Tyrants” as the team is based on the offense and individual skills of the players instead of teamwork. Notable new members includes, “Generation of Miracles,'" Daiki Aomine.
Daiki Aomine (青峰大輝)
大 (dai) + 輝 (ki) = big radiance
This can pertain to his abilities on the court, which often captivates the audience.
青 (ao) + 峰 (mine) = blue peak
“Blue” can reflect his hair colour. “Peak” can refer to fact that he was the first out of the “Generation of Miracles” to reach a level of unbelievable skill.
This can pertain to his abilities on the court, which often captivates the audience.
青 (ao) + 峰 (mine) = blue peak
“Blue” can reflect his hair colour. “Peak” can refer to fact that he was the first out of the “Generation of Miracles” to reach a level of unbelievable skill.
“The only one who can win against me, is me!” (Daiki Aomine to Tetsuya Kuroko)
Age: 16 Height: 192cm (6’ 3 1/2”) Weight: 85 kg (187 lbs) Birthday: August 31st Zodiac: Virgo Blood type: B Number: 5 Position: Power Forward Talent: Speed and Agility, Formless Shot Hobbies: Reading magazines Favourite food: Teriyaki burgers Motto: I am me. |
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Daiki Aomine is the power forward and ace of the “Generation of Miracles” and was the former “light” of Kuroko. He and Kagami are sworn rivals after their first match in the Interhigh. Aomine first started playing basketball on the street where he would quickly learn new skills and win even against adults. Before his bloom of abilities, Aomine used to be out-going and friendly, always looking for the next challenge. Afterwards, he has become lazy and short-tempered because of his natural talent. Also, he can seem antagonizing because of his conclusion that everyone playing basketball is weaker than himself. However, he has a soft side to him when it comes to his middle school teammates. It is shown that he defended them when his teammates bad-mouthed their skills.
On the court, Aomine can been seen as overly-arrogant but his skills can back up his personality. He often skips practice as he believes he does not need to waste his time when he is already good at basketball. His special abilities include moving at unimaginable speeds with agility. At full-power, Aomine can pass players without them even noticing. Also, he can shoot from all angles and positions up close to the basket. His style of play is not a standard way of playing, as his style is based upon playing street basketball where it is possible for him to shoot from behind the backboard. Aomine is deemed one of the highest scorers in the league.
On the court, Aomine can been seen as overly-arrogant but his skills can back up his personality. He often skips practice as he believes he does not need to waste his time when he is already good at basketball. His special abilities include moving at unimaginable speeds with agility. At full-power, Aomine can pass players without them even noticing. Also, he can shoot from all angles and positions up close to the basket. His style of play is not a standard way of playing, as his style is based upon playing street basketball where it is possible for him to shoot from behind the backboard. Aomine is deemed one of the highest scorers in the league.
Satsuki Momoi (桃井さつき)
Kirisaki Daīchi High (霧崎第一高校):
A high school known as one of Tokyo’s best eight basketball teams. Their style of play includes underhanded and dirty plays. For an unknown reason, the original coach quit the team and now Makoto Hanamiya is the coach as well as the captain of the team.
Makoto Hanamiya (花宮真)
Yōsen High (陽泉高校):
Yōsen High, also known as the “Shields of Aegis,” are a powerhouse team in the basketball league. Their school is known to have tall and strong players who play excellent defense. Notable members includes “Generation of Miracles’”, Atsushi Murasakibara, and Tatsuya Himuro.
Atsushi Murasakibara (紫原敦)
敦 (atsushi) = simplicity/sincerity
This can be referred to Murasakibara’s simple and innocent (childish) personality.
紫 (murasaki) + 原 (bara) = violet foundation
“Violet” reflects his hair colour. “Foundation” can relate to Murasakibara’s huge build and defensive abilities.
This can be referred to Murasakibara’s simple and innocent (childish) personality.
紫 (murasaki) + 原 (bara) = violet foundation
“Violet” reflects his hair colour. “Foundation” can relate to Murasakibara’s huge build and defensive abilities.
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“All these things you guys seek: hard work, guts, faith. I'll crush them all. Everything.” (Atsushi Murasakibara on people who believe in hardwork and practice.)
Age: 16 Height: 208cm (6’ 10”) Weight: 99 kg (218 lbs) Birthday: October 9th Zodiac: Libra Blood type: O Number: 9 Position: Centre Talent: Defense and Power, Thor’s Hammer Hobbies: Finding candy, eating, and sleeping Favourite food: Nerunerunerune candy Motto: Sweets are justice. |
Atsushi Murasakibara is the centre of the “Generation of Miracles,” and Yōsen High. With his unnatural height for a high school student, basketball comes naturally to him. Thus, he believes in talent and deems that hard work is insufficient and cannot override raw talent. His personality can be childish and bored. He is often seen carrying around a snack with him because of his sweet tooth. He is seen to be with people who decide things for him and can be labelled as obedient.
On the court, Murasakibara normally plays defense due to recent boredom he has found in basketball. However, he has a short temper and can become enraged on the court, initiating his hidden offensive skills. His special abilities relate to his height and includes superior defense, and “Thor’s Hammer.” It is a two handed-dunk combined with a spin in mid-air. Murasakibara is one of the tallest players in the series.
On the court, Murasakibara normally plays defense due to recent boredom he has found in basketball. However, he has a short temper and can become enraged on the court, initiating his hidden offensive skills. His special abilities relate to his height and includes superior defense, and “Thor’s Hammer.” It is a two handed-dunk combined with a spin in mid-air. Murasakibara is one of the tallest players in the series.
Tatsuya Himuro (氷室辰也)
Fukuda Sōgō Academy (福田総合学園高校):
Shōgo Haizaki (灰崎祥吾)
Rakuzan High (洛山高校):
Also known as the “Emperors of Creation,” Rakuzan High is one of the highest ranking basketball teams in Japan. Having won the past five Winter Cups and the latest Interhigh, Rakuan has a team of elite players. Notable members include: “Generation of Miracles,’” Seijūrō Akashi, and three of the “Uncrowned Kings/Generals”, Reo Mibuchi, Kotarō Hayama, and Eikichi Nebuya.
Seijūrō Akashi (赤司征十郎)
征 (sei) + 十 (juu) + 郎 (rou) = perfect subjugation
“Perfect subjection” is, well, perfect for Akashi’s character because his personality is all about perfection, winning and being the best at everything he does.
赤 (aka) + 司 (shi) = red commander
“Red” describes his hair colour (though is seen as hot pink in the anime). Also, “commander” is a good fit for Akashi because he is the point guard and captain of his team.
“Perfect subjection” is, well, perfect for Akashi’s character because his personality is all about perfection, winning and being the best at everything he does.
赤 (aka) + 司 (shi) = red commander
“Red” describes his hair colour (though is seen as hot pink in the anime). Also, “commander” is a good fit for Akashi because he is the point guard and captain of his team.
“In this world, winning is everything; winners are validated and losers are denied. Until now, I've never lost at anything, and I won't in the future. Since I always win, I'm always right. If you oppose me... I'll kill you, no matter who you are.” (Seijūrō Akashi)
Age: 16 Height: 173cm (5’ 8”) Weight: 64 kg (141 lbs) Birthday: December 20th Zodiac: Sagittarius Blood type: AB Number: 4 Position: Point Guard Talent: Emperor Eye, ? Hobbies: Shogi, chess Favourite food: Tofu soup Motto: Quick and decisive. |
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Seijūrō Akashi is the captain and point guard of the “Generation of Miracles,” as well as Rakuzan’s basketball team. He has a strong winners-mentality due to the nurturing of his father to be the best at everything. Akashi has a strange intimidating personality that even his former teammates submit to. He often goes to the extreme when things became difficult. For example, during a match, he told his team that he would resign from the team and gouge out his eyeballs if they were to lose. It is hinted that he may have a split personality by some of his former teammates.
While winning at everything he does, Akashi has a supreme ability, known as the Emperor Eye, which can even be considered superior to the rest of the Generation of Miracles. The Emperor Eye allows him to observe every movement his opponent makes, thus predicting his opponent’s next move. The eye allows him to have a wider vision like the “Hawk’s Eye” and also nullify the opponent’s actions causing an ankle break. He uses this often to tell them that his is superior to them. Because of his speculated split personality, he is believed to have another special ability.
While winning at everything he does, Akashi has a supreme ability, known as the Emperor Eye, which can even be considered superior to the rest of the Generation of Miracles. The Emperor Eye allows him to observe every movement his opponent makes, thus predicting his opponent’s next move. The eye allows him to have a wider vision like the “Hawk’s Eye” and also nullify the opponent’s actions causing an ankle break. He uses this often to tell them that his is superior to them. Because of his speculated split personality, he is believed to have another special ability.
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