Character Profile: Tatewaki Kuno
Fields | USA Info | Japanese Info | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
Name | Tatewaki Kuno | Tatewaki Kunou |  |
Alias | Blue Thunder (to himself) | Aoi Ikazuchi (to himself) | |
· · · | Tachi (to his father) | ||
Race | Human | Human | |
Gender | Male | Male | |
Age | 17 years | 17 years | |
Hair | Brown | Brown | |
Eyes | |||
Height | |||
Weight | |||
Status | Kendo master | Kendo master | |
Quote | |||
Voice | Ted Cole | Hirotaka Suzuoki | |
Debut | |||
Anime | Ranma 1/2 | Ranma Nibunnoichi |
Character Description: Tatewaki Kuno
Tatewaki Kuno is the 17 year old captain of the Furinkan High kendo club. He is apparently comes from a wealthy samurai lineage. At a speech contest, he announced that anyone who would date Akane Tendo must first defeat her in a fight. So every morning, Akane runs the gauntlet from the school gate to the door, beating up Kuno and a legion of attacking suitors.
Hearing about Ranma and Akane's engagement, Kuno challenges Ranma. But during their fight, a strange pigtailed girl mysteriously takes Ranma's place and KO's Kuno. Kuno falls for the powerful mystery girl.
The other students accept Ranma and Akane's betrothal when Ranma decisively beats Kuno, though Kuno himself cannot bring himself to give up on either Akane or the pigtailed girl. Hating Ranma for being too close to both girls, he agonizes over which one he loves more (which his classmate Nabiki happily capitalizes on).
According to the website Ranma ½ Perfect Edition, the name Tatewaki means "bringing a sword" which requires no explanation. Kuno can be broken down to mean "Nine Abilities," possibly a joke about how talented Kuno believes himself to be.
