Kaiju No 8: Who is Reno Ichikawa?

Key Takeaways

Reno Ichikawa is a key character in Kaiju No. 8, known for his loyalty, bravery, and powerful abilities in fighting kaiju.
Reno’s friendship with Kafka and Furuhashi are central to the series, showcasing his caring and protective nature towards his comrades.
Despite his calm demeanor, Reno is a formidable soldier who quickly adapts and learns new skills to become one of the best kaiju hunters.

As I delve deeper into the captivating world of Kaiju No. 8, I find myself utterly mesmerized by the resilient and courageous character of Reno Ichikawa. His life story is not just a collection of battles against monstrous kaijus, but a testament to his quick wit, adaptability, and unyielding bravery.

Last season, one of the standout anime was “Kaiju No. 8”, and conversations surrounding it haven’t stopped even after its thrilling sci-fi debut season concluded. What truly set “Kaiju No. 8” apart was its rich cast of characters, many of whom were distinctively unique and endearing, making viewers invest emotionally in them. One such character who left a lasting impression is Reno Ichikawa, the best friend of main protagonist Kafka Hibino.

In the initial episode, Reno appears unexpectedly and eventually becomes Kafka’s closest companion. Throughout the series, he proves himself to be one of the most capable soldiers against kaiju, displaying remarkable combat skills. Moreover, he remains steadfast in his friendship with Kafka, even during chaotic moments later on. So, who is this strong ally and fearless fighter? The answer is Reno Ichikawa.

Warning: The following contains spoilers for Season 1 of Kaiju No. 8.

Series Name	Kaiju No. 8
Character Name	Reno Ichikawa
Anime Debut	Episode 1
Manga Debut	Chapter 1

Who is Reno Ichikawa?

One of Kaiju No. 8‘s Key Characters

From the very start, Reno Ichikawa has played a significant role in the storyline of “Kaiju No. 8.” He debuted in the inaugural chapter of the manga and episode one of the animated series. On his initial day at Monster Sweeper Inc., he was teamed up with Kafka Hibino to assist him. Reno aspires to join the Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, so he’s eager to learn all he can about managing kaijus for the entrance exam.

In the beginning, Reno struggled to grasp why Kafka abandoned his dream, yet Kafka remained supportive towards his junior colleague, despite Reno’s words causing discomfort over time. Eventually, as they were about to leave for the day, a yoju attacked them, and Kafka was prepared to lay down his life for Reno’s safety. This act strengthened their bond even more. Subsequently, when Kafka transformed into a kaiju, it was Reno who stood by him and assisted in keeping his transformation a secret. He did so without hesitation, offering help to Kafka instead.

Reno Ichikawa maintains a composed and caring personality throughout the series, consistently putting others before himself, often risking his own safety in the process. Despite forging friendships with other recruits, Reno remains particularly devoted to Kafka, constantly concerned about revealing Kafka’s secret and later defending him when it eventually surfaces. In professional settings, Reno is serious and obedient, following orders as assigned, but he never wavers from his principles, consistently doing what he believes is right. This unwavering loyalty to Kafka, without ever compromising on moral grounds, sets Reno apart.

What are Reno’s Powers?

One of the Best Kaiju Hunters

As a seasoned gamer within the Defense Force’s Third, and later Fourth Divisions, I’ve honed my skills to a razor-sharp edge. From day one, I’ve mastered the art of cryo bullets, using them to slow down those swift kaiju monsters, making them easier targets for my comrades and me. This quick thinking and problem-solving prowess set me apart from my peers.

Initially, Reno manages to hold his own against Kaiju No. 9 for a brief period despite its immense power. Despite suffering severe wounds, he refuses to retreat, instead standing guard for Iharu Furuhashi. Vice-Captain Soshiro Hoshino observes this and perceives in Reno the possibility of him rising to the rank of captain, a promotion that is seldom granted within the Defense Force. This potential is demonstrated when Reno is still relatively inexperienced within the Defense Force, indicating that he possesses innate abilities and a suitable character for combating kaiju.

In the manga, Reno eventually advances his cryokinetic powers with the aid of a potent Numbers Weapon. This newfound ability enables him to discharge ice and freezing energy from his body through a specialized suit. Remarkably, this suit can freeze numerous daikaiju simultaneously. What’s more, Reno demonstrates his exceptional learning abilities by effectively wielding the Numbers Weapon after only one month of training, showcasing his ability to swiftly adapt to new situations and use them to amplify his strength.

Reno’s Relationships

Friendship is Very Important in Kaiju No. 8

In the anime ‘Kaiju No. 8’, friendships play a significant role in shaping characters, with Reno Ichikawa being pivotal in some of the most impactful relationships. One such friendship is with Kafka Hibino, which has been previously discussed. From the very first episode, Reno has been a constant presence for Kafka, offering a level-headed perspective that complements Kafka’s impulsive nature. Throughout the series, Reno demonstrates his unwavering loyalty to Kafka, who saved him in their initial encounter. As a result, they have become almost inseparable. Additionally, Reno often defends Kafka in public, and it was primarily due to Reno’s encouragement that Kafka resumed his ambition of joining the Defense Force.

Another character important to Reno’s life is his fellow cadet, Iharu Furuhashi. While Reno’s seemingly cold exterior can be hard to break through, Furuhashi was determined to make the other young man his friendly rival. When Kafka struggled to keep up with the other cadets, Furuhashi quickly took his place at Reno’s side on the battlefield. He is constantly trying to challenge Reno and wants to prove that he is a better fighter, though Reno never takes the bait. Reno also never tells Furuhashi to go away, though, showing that he does like the other man, despite how overwhelming Furuhashi’s personality may be at times.

In the heart of the storyline for “Kaiju No. 8,” Reno Ichikawa, a close companion of Kafka and a formidable member of the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, holds a pivotal role. This central character is expected to persist in both the anime and manga versions, enhancing his strength over time while relentlessly safeguarding his fellow team members. Reno’s determination never wavers, even though he may come off as reserved; he consistently adheres to his principles and pursues actions he believes are just.

Watch Kaiju No. 8 Season One now on Crunchyroll.

2024-08-24 22:03