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Introduction


I am the only #1 and always will be

—Kaede Rukawa

Kaede Rukawa
Rukawa
Name
Japanese 流川 楓
Romanized Rukawa Kaede
Aliases Super Rookie

Fox Offense Demon Sleepy Tricky Fox

Characteristics
Gender Male Male
Birthday January 1
Age 15
Height 187 cm (6' 1")
Weight 75 kg (165 lbs)
Hair Color Black
Eye Color Blue
Professional Status
Occupation Basketball Player
Team Shohoku High School

All Japan Junior Team

Duke University Team

Year Year 1 Class 10
Position Small Forward/Power Forward
Jersey Number #11
Personal Status
First Appearance
Manga Debut Chapter 2
Anime Debut Episode 1
Voices
Japanese Voice Hikaru Midorikawa

Shin'chiro Kamio(The First Slam Dunk)

English Voice Scott McCord
David Lee McKinney (Animax Dub)
Bon Reyes (GMA Dub)
Francis Magundayao (ABS-CBN Filipino Dub)
Aleks Le (The First Slam Dunk)
Italian Voice Ivo De Palma
[v · t · e]

Kaede Rukawa (流川 楓 Rukawa Kaede) is the small forward and the ace player of the Shohoku High.

Appearance[]

Rukawa is a tall young man with short black hair and blue eyes. He usually is seen wearing the Shohoku basketball team uniform with a black band in his left arm and Air Jordan 5 - "Fire Red" colorway as his basketball shoes during games and practices. In his casual clothes he is usually seen wearing baggy type clothing.

Since many girls find him very attractive, Rukawa is considered one of the most good-looking characters in the series.

Personality[]

Rukawa is reserved, quiet, cool, selfish, insensitive and very cold. He cares about nothing besides basketball. When not on court, he is usually seen asleep on the roof of Shohoku or in class. He even rides his bike asleep. Waking Rukawa from a nap is considered unforgivable, since he will almost always automatically beat up the culprit. He has also been in his fair share on off-court fights, but can hold his own, but easily gets winded if he gets punched in the ribs. He is a counter-puncher and likes to utilize wrist locks before actually engaging in fist fights.

When it comes to basketball, Rukawa does not accept loss easily. This is shown during the practice match between freshmen against 2nd and 3rd years, especially against Takenori Akagi. His goal is to be the best High School player in Japan, and he considers Akira Sendoh of Ryonan to be his greatest rival.

He is also a very lazy person considers sleeping his only hobby outside basketball. He also chose Shohoku and refused Moichi Taoka's basketball scholarship in Ryonan simply because Shohoku is the closest to his home, annoying the coach with his lazy nature.

Despite this, he gets offended when the thugs tried to soil the basketball court. He defended them from smashing Ryota, and he only attacks by hurling basketballs at them like dodgeballs. He even tried to force them to clean the basketball that was ruined by cigarette ashes and spit.

After Coach Anzai motivated him into becoming the number one player in Japan, Rukawa became very ambitious and more devoted to basketball. This was shown when he challenged Hisashi Mitsui, and later Sendoh on 1 on 1 game, vowing to never lose to anyone. His new found ambition caused his personality to become more colder, intimidating. This was seen during practice, when he challenged his own teammates with an intimidating and menacing look.

He also appears to be unfriendly and unsociable. Apart from the basketball team, Rukawa doesn't have any real friends to talk to or might even have no interest in friendship, as basketball is his only objective in life. Many people viewed Rukawa as someone who prefers to act on his own rather with his teammates.

Despite his dark personality, Rukawa can show a bit of respect and compassion for others. During the match against Shoyo, when Sakuragi's dunk was invalid and got fouled out due to the offensive foul, Rukawa told Sakuragi that it must be very pitiful for him. The second time, is during the match against Sannoh, when Sakuragi crashed into the table going after the loose ball saving it from out of bounds and Rukawa praised Sakuragi for saving the ball and told him that he looks very awful after the latter seemed unconscious, showing no sign of movements after his crash.

He is usually stoic and emotionless, and the only time in the series he is shown smiling is when he realizes that Eiji Sawakita is a better player than him.

History[]

Rukawa went to Tomigaoka Junior High.

After defeating Ryonan, Rukawa approaches Coach Anzai seeking permission to go to America, since he aspires to join the NBA. Coach Anzai flatly refuses to give him permission, and tells him that his goal should be to become the best high school player in Japan first, and Coach Anzai's wife explains to Rukawa everything to ensure he would never end up sharing a same fate as her husband's late-student, Ryuji Yazawa.

Plot[]

Rukawa was popular among the girls, like Haruko, who has secretly fallen in love for him. He was also popular in middle school.

Introduction to Shohoku High Basketball Team[]

Rukawa is seen walking in the school hallway by Sakuragi's Gang. They compared his height to Sakuragi saying his height is the same as Sakuragi's. The girls blushed when he passed by, causing Chuichirou to dislike his face somehow. Sakuragi mistook him as Haruko's boyfriend because of his gang which also caused him to dislike Rukawa.

Rukawa sleeping on the rooftop

Rukawa sleeping on the rooftop

Rukawa was peacefully sleeping on the rooftop with his back facing the door when Hotta and his Gang came in. One of Hotta's Gang members kicked him, causing him to wake Rukawa up. When he stood up, a member of Hotta's Gang was impressed by his height. Rukawa didn't mind what he said. He asked him if he was the one who kicked him and kicked his stomach without waiting for his response. The other member of Hotta's Gang was taken aback and asked him what he was doing. Rukawa ignoring what he said, introduced himself to them as "Year 1 (freshmen) Class 10, Rukawa Kaede" and told them that he didn't care how many are they. But he won't forgive them if they disturb him in his sleep. Hotta's gang retaliated. One called him a brat, while the other claimed that it was they who would never forgive him. Hotta chuckled and informed his crew that they'd have to show Rukawa how terrifying Shohoku High School can be.

Rukawa - Ep (image 01)

Rukawa with blood dripping from his head

Meanwhile, Sakuragi and his gang went to the rooftop, only to find Hotta and his gang beaten to a pulp on the floor, with only Rukawa standing up, his back facing them. The scene in front of them astounded them. When Sakuragi's Gang looked about for Ota, they discovered him face down on the crotch of one of his Gang members. Blood was streaming from his head as he turned around and glanced at Sakuragi. Mito asked if he had taken Hotta and his gang by himself, and Yuji asked who he was as Sakuragi approached him. When Rukawa said his name, Sakuragi's eyes widened. Sakuragi stutteringly uttered his name. Mito, who couldn't believe what he was hearing, repeated his name. When Sakuragi realized he was the guy Haruko was secretly in love with, he became furious. Rukawa gave a brief glance at Sakuragi's fisted hands before averting his gaze. As Rukawa glances at him, Sakuragi checks him out. He asked about Sakuragi's identity and whether he was associated with Hotta and his group. Sakuragi is upset by what he said and tells Rukawa that he'll say his name as Mito tries to calm him down. Mito looks at Rukawa, still amazed that he defeated Hotta and his crew on his own. Rukawa cast a sidelong glance at a furious Sakuragi. Mito is concerned about Sakuragi, who he knows is jealous of Rukawa and is becoming increasingly erratic. He is frightened that if he begins to attack him, who knows what would happen. Okhusu, Takamiya, and Noma, on the other hand, are invested in the two.

Rukawa's first match is in the Shohoku-Ryonan Practice Game, he spent almost the entire game guarding Akira Sendoh and became exhausted and outplayed by Sendoh later on. Despite this, Rukawa still recieves a lot of attention due to his offensive plays as he and Takenori Akagi almost outplayed the entire Ryonan team.

As Hisashi Mitsui and his gang tries to hit the team during practice, Rukawa tried to fight them, from hitting them with balls and even forcing them to clean up the court after someone spit and throw their cigarettes there, he is eventually knocked out afterwards.

Abilities[]

At first, many noticed Rukawa's potential to be a future basketball star. Ryonan's head Coach Taoka was surprised  that Rukawa was just a freshman. He noted that at such a young age, Rukawa has what it takes to be a high school basketball team ace. He can play any positions. According to Sendoh and Coach Anzai, his speed and athleticism, combined with his drive to win and explosive strength, he is unstoppable on the court. He literally lives and breathes basketball to the point he is able to shoot free throws with his eyes closed against Toyotama High due to injuring his eye meaning he could not see depth nor estimate distances. Coach Anzai notes that Rukawa, along with Sakuragi, are the two talented prodigies greater or just like his former protege, Ryuji Yazawa.

Physical Ability
 
8/10
Technique
 
10/10
Stamina
 
8/10
Mental Strength
 
10/10
Special Ability
 
10/10

Offense[]

Rukawa is a scoring machine, know as offensive devil and once he heats up, it is very hard to stop him. He always surprises the crowd and never fails to answer back when faced with a strong opponent. He is a microwave when it comes to offense being capable to heat up and go for a bunch points very quickly. An example of this was in the Kainan game where due to Akagi's injury he scored 25 points in 6 minutes. He is also able to copy opponents' moves, from fadeaways to pass interceptions and floater. However, his playing style is criticized as being selfish. He met his match in Sawakita and cannot do a thing against him. Realizing the meaning behind what Sendoh said about Rukawa's selfish playing style, he decided to start passing, which collapsed Sawakita's concentration and allowed Rukawa to gain the upper hand. His pass was also the main factor to Sakuragi's game-winning shot. He was not an unwilling passer at the start, but he only passes when he is sure that the receiver is unmarked and can score easily.

Jumping ability[]

Rukawa's jumping ability always amazed others. His jumping ability is considered as amazing jumper in the story. He can even got rebound over Akagi. His jump ability allowed him to move freely in the air, that is when he facing Kainan ace Maki, when Rukawa's dunk was blocked by him, he then take the ball to pass in mid air, pass it to Mitsui who is behind Rukawa. In mobile game, Rukawa have air walk ability. In manga, Rukawa was presented as Sky walker. Even Hikoichi who witnessed shocking jumping ability of Sakuragi, noted Rukawa jump is not worst than Sakuragi.

Speed[]

Rukawa's offensive style is mostly rely on speed and he is know as one of the speed star trios of Shohoku, alongside with Miyagi and Sakuragi. He is considered as very fast player. He even shake off Maki defend without faking.

Defence[]

His defensive skills are also not to be reckoned with. He can steal the ball and even block taller players, such as Toru Hanagata of Shoyo and Kazuma Takasago of Kainan. He can even read his opponents fakes. However, his tendency to stick with the top scorer actually hurt the team because Sannoh can ice the player to the corner and stop them from driving to the paint. Rukawa's on-ball defensive technique is weaker.

Weakness[]

He is somehow known for his selfish way of playing the game, which Sendoh, and Ryonan took advantage as they know he plays alone, adding Sawakita being much stronger in solo, also his underrated weakness, stamina, while it was good for a whole quarter, if over-exerted, he is unable to play in the next quarter, meaning he is conserving it.

Relationships[]

Hanamichi Sakuragi[]

Since the beginning, they are really water and oil as Sakuragi considers him as an obstacle to win Haruko's heart and he was everything Sakuragi wanted to be, which makes them the polar opposites of one another. Their only similarities are being strong fighters and not academically inclined. Whenever Sakuragi makes a mistake or is being scolded by Akagi, Rukawa always comments on him "Moron" comically, which always enrages Sakuragi. But deep inside, Rukawa always knew that Sakuragi can put his abilities to a better use, instead of wasting time competing against him, he is also the one who keeps Sakuragi from focusing on the game by enraging him, along with instructing the purpose he needs, and encouraging him to face the odds, adding if he wants to match him, then follow him through life, he also mentions that Sakuragi is the only opponent is able to use his full-power from him, besides Sawakita. In the game against Sannoh, Sakuragi willingly to puts aside his rivalry by passing to Rukawa during his hustle plays, in return, the latter made the last pass, which enabled Sakuragi to have the winning shot. The two of them celebrate their victory with a high five, before resuming their rivalry once again.

Akira Sendoh[]

Sendoh is the ace player of Ryonan, he is the most known rival of Rukawa and always wants to challenge him to find out who is the best ace player. They always had a 1 on 1 match up during their game practice and in the real match. However, Coach Anzai believes he is still weaker than Sendoh. To be the strongest ace player, Rukawa challenges Sendoh 1 on 1 but their game ends in a tie.

Sendoh gave Rukawa a teaching that being an ace player is not just challenging someone else through 1 on 1. An Ace has many weapons and attack is only one way.

Eiji Sawakita[]

Sawakita is the no. 1 player in Japan. He plays basketball since he was a child. During the match between Sannoh and Shohoku, Rukawa kept challenging Sawakita in a 1 on 1 match up but the difference in abilites is just too big. Despite this fact, Rukawa is still persistent but finally came to realize the meaning behind Sendoh's words after their 1 on 1 match. Rukawa decided to pass and eventually gained the upperhand as he found out Sawakita's sole weakness. Sakuragi also had his share against Sawakita.

Quotes[]

  • To Hotta's gang: "I don't forgive those who disturb my sleep no matter who they are."
  • To Akira Sendoh: "Let me tell you something: basketball isn't math."
  • "No matter what, I will be #1, and I'll beat anyone who stops me from achieving that."
  • To Tsuyoshi Minami: "Who do you think Japan's #1 player is? Must be the person who can lead the team to be the #1 in Japan! I will become that guy. I won't be #2 or 3."
  • To Eiji Sawakita: "If Sannoh is the #1 in Japan, then I'll just have to destroy them."
  • To Hanamichi Sakuragi: "Everyone knows that an amateur like you will make mistakes. Like paying taxes, it's unavoidable."
  • To Eiji Sawakita: "I will also go to America. Today, I'm going to defeat you here, then I'll go."
  • To Hanamichi Sakuragi: "If you don't want to be subbed, then follow me with your life."

Etymology[]

  • The name Kaede means "maple" ().
    • In the original English Dub of the anime, Rukawa's given name becomes 'Kaeda' instead of 'Kaede' in which most of the casts in the English Dub calls this name.
  • Kaede's surname Rukawa means "flow, style, manner, method" (流) (ru) and "river, stream" () (kawa).

Trivia[]

  • Rukawa chose Shohoku High School because it is close to his home.
  • Rukawa's sneakers are Air Jordan V, where Jordan won the 4th scoring title in 1989.
  • Rukawa cheered for Hanamichi Sakuragi during the latter's dunk against Shinichi Maki of Kainan.
  • Rukawa doesn't seems to notice that Haruko Akagi has a crush on him.
  • In his first match as a Shohoku, Rukawa was the starting power forward, thus wearing #10.
  • Whenever Sakuragi and/or Nobunaga Kiyota makes an error or are in a funny situation, Rukawa joins in and calls them idiot, moron, or stupid.
  • Sakuragi frequently calls Rukawa "Fox" due to his look, and in Sakuragi's opinion, he is very sly and cunning, not only stealing Haruko's attention, but also quite selfish in his playstyle.
  • Rukawa is also considered as one of the troublemakers along with Sakuragi, Ryota Miyagi and Mitsui due to their fighting history.
  • It is presumed that Rukawa have realized that he doesn't need to go to America in order to become the #1 Basketball player in Japan. At the end of the manga, he was shown wearing an All-Japan Junior Camp Training Shirt at the beach where Sakuragi is.
  • Rukawa is based on Rukawa Kaede of Kaede Purple, an earlier work by the same author. In Kaede Purple, Rukawa is the second year captain of the basketball team and is also from Tomigaoka Middle School. In Kaede Purple, the previous captain was Kogure. Kogure was friends with Akagi Sakaurami, another basketball player from Kogure's middle school. Akagi of Kaede Purple was a delinquent 'Gori' challenging Rukawa because Aya, a character similar to Haruko with 2 side kicks, confessed to him and then decided to break things off and Rukawa happened to be there to witness it whilst getting a basketball. Akagi then fights with Rukawa with his gang of delinquents. Rukawa Kaede's name remains the same. Akagi Sakaurami's character is designed to be Gorilla-type, but Akagi Takenori was apparently inspired by the actual center of one of the model schools of Shohoku. The model school for the Shohoku building is Shonan High and uses the same 'Sho' with nan being South instead of hoku (North). The model basketball jersey uniform was said to be a school in Okinawa whose coach is a personal contact of the author. An alumni from the school of Okinawa posted that during the author's visit, he mentioned to the basketball team of the Okinawa school that the actual center then inspired Akagi Takenori's design.
  • Rukawa is likely based on NBA legend Michael Jordan, as he is considered at the end as the strongest player in Japanese High School basketball. They both have the same black armband, style of play and an incredible sense of 1 on 1 that allows them to defeat any opponent. They also have similar moves. In the mobile game, he can learn the switch-handed layup, fadeaway, one-handed double-clutch dunk, self alley-oop reverse dunk, and free-throw line dunk. However, when faced with Eiji Sawakita, he was completely overwhelmed and has to change tactics by passing the ball. The match-up between him and Sawakita somewhat resembles a younger Kobe Bryant vs Michael Jordan who is considered the best player of his time. Also, he doesn't have big hands as he can't quite palm the ball as comfortably as Sakuragi, a trait Jordan has that Kobe doesn't.
  • Rukawa's free throws are more closely resembling Larry Bird, who is also a small forward.
  • In the English Dub of the anime, most of the English casts had called him Kaeda instead of Kaede.
  • He is the 2nd leading scorer of the Kanagawa Province with 30 points per game, only behind Soichiro Jin’s with 30.3.
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