Ryosuke Kira is a significant character in the initial stages of the Blue Lock series. He is introduced as a highly touted and promising young striker, initially recognized as one of Japan's "National Treasures" in the world of high school football.
The "National Treasure" of Japanese Football
Ryosuke Kira embodies the traditional Japanese football philosophy, emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship. Before entering the Blue Lock project, he was considered a bright prospect for the national team, renowned for his elegant playstyle and powerful finishing ability. His presence sets the stage for the clash of ideologies between his conventional approach and Ego Jinpachi's radical "egoist" philosophy that drives the Blue Lock program.
Kira's Role in Blue Lock
Kira is among the 300 young strikers invited to participate in the Blue Lock project, a controversial initiative designed to create the world's greatest egoistic striker who can lead Japan to World Cup glory. His journey within Blue Lock is brief but impactful:
- Initial Impression: He arrives at Blue Lock with a strong reputation and confidence, initially dismissing the eccentricities of the program and its director, Ego Jinpachi.
- The First Selection: During the very first challenge of Blue Lock's First Selection – a game of "tag" – Kira finds himself in a dire situation. This test is designed to force players to display their ego and scoring instincts.
- Elimination: To the shock of many, including himself, Ryosuke Kira becomes the very first player to be eliminated from the Blue Lock program. This pivotal moment is orchestrated by the protagonist, Yoichi Isagi, who, in a display of his burgeoning ego, manages to "tag" Kira at the last second, leading to his expulsion.
Significance of His Elimination
Kira's swift departure from Blue Lock serves several crucial purposes within the narrative:
- Establishes Blue Lock's Brutality: His elimination immediately sets a harsh precedent, demonstrating that reputation, past achievements, or traditional football values hold no weight within Blue Lock. Only the raw, egoistic drive to score matters.
- Catalyst for Isagi's Growth: For Yoichi Isagi, eliminating Kira is a turning point. It forces Isagi to embrace his own ego and predatory instincts, shedding his previous mindset of being a team player. This act is crucial for Isagi's development into the "egoist" striker Blue Lock demands.
- Symbol of Old vs. New: Kira represents the "old" way of Japanese football – beautiful, harmonious, but ultimately lacking the individualistic killer instinct needed for global success. His removal symbolizes Blue Lock's drastic break from this tradition.
Character Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ryosuke Kira |
| Primary Weapon | Exceptional finishing ability |
| Status in Blue Lock | Eliminated during the First Selection |
| English Voice Actor | Blake Shepard |
Ryosuke Kira's character, though short-lived, is instrumental in defining the cutthroat nature of the Blue Lock project and kickstarting the protagonist's transformation.
Learn more about Ryosuke Kira and the Blue Lock series on the Blue Lock Wiki.
