Sendoh Akira

Ideogram: Pronounced Sen/dou Ah/kira. "Sendoh" has two ideograms which stand for “grassy road by the mountainside...”, while "Akira" is simply a name. But if you don't base the reading upon the kanji characters, "Sendoh" could also mean several things like, "guidance" and "leadership", and even "boatman"...

Other Names: In the series Sendoh is known as: “Ryonan’s Ace”, “Tensai Sendoh”, or “The True Genius”. He is also acknowledged by most as the real team captain of Ryonan and is truly “the ace in any team”. In the world of fanfiction and in our Mailing List, he is called: “Sensen”, “Akira-kun”, “Sen-chan”, “Smiley”, “Spiky”, “Rabbit”, “Hedgehog”, “Porcupine” and we also fondly call him “hentai” because he’s always trying to score with Rukawa in his cute hentai-ish way… As for me, I like calling him “Sendoh-baby” and naturally Ruru’s one and only “Perfect Seme”.



Rukawa Kaede

Ideogram: Pronounced Ru/kawa Kae/de. "Rukawa"'s ideograms stand for: “maple tree by the flowing river”. Ru literally means “current” as in “water current”, while Kawa is “river”. "Kaede" is composed of the wind and tree symbol, but together, Kaede is a name for a maple leaf. The "Kaede" and "Momiji" are two kinds of maple leaves in Japan which are popular attractions during their Autumn “Maple Leaf Viewing” festival.

Other Names: Rukawa is famed - “The Real Ace of Shohoku”. This is because Shohoku is full of great ace players like Akagi, Mitsui and Ryota that it was hard to decide at first who the “real” ace was… Also called “Kitsune”, or “Fox-face” exclusively by Sakuragi, which is a rather flattering moniker but was in no way intended as a compliment. Speaking of compliments, the very flattering title, “Super Rookie” was sweetly bestowed upon Rukawa by the Ryonan Ace himself, when they had first met. That’s a huge point for us considering that when it comes to basketball, Sendoh is not easy to impress. In our Mailing List, endearments like: “Ruru”, “Kae-chan”, “Ru-chan” “Uke Kitsune”, and “Kitsune-chan” are fondly used. Being the most desirable bishounen in all of Slam Dunk, he is of course our “Ultimate Uke”.



Background

First Appearance

Introduced in the pages of the “Slam Dunk” manga by Takehiko Inoue which was first released in Japan from 1991-1994. Sendoh first appeared in book 3, while Rukawa in book 1. In the Toei Animated series, they first appeared in the debut episode, because you’ll see them both in the opening song. Heh. Seriously though, Sendoh’s official debut is in episode 13.

Birthday

Sendoh is so well-loved! Though his official birth date was never mentioned in the series, fans have given him one! And no other date would have been more perfect! Sendoh’s birthday is on Feb.14– Valentines Day. Just as I had guessed! While according to official records, Rukawa’s birthday falls on New Year- January 1. Did you know that In Japan, everyone celebrates their birthday on New Year?

Grade & School

In the Slam Dunk timeline, both are senior high school students. Sendoh is on his second year at Ryonan High, while Rukawa is a freshman in Shohoku. In Kanagawa, their schools are neighbours. Before that, Sendoh studied in Kitazawagakuen Junior High in Tokyo, -but I’m not sure about this, cos I only read it from a Chinese SD magazine. Rukawa meanwhile, spent junior high in Tomigaoka in Kanagawa.

Age

In the same timeline, Sendoh is supposedly 17, since senior sophomore students are of that age. I don't recall anytime their age was mentioned in the series, but I’m sure that Rukawa is 16 based on official profiles from Slam Dunk magazines.

Birthplace & Residency

Since Sendoh spent junior high in Tokyo, he may have been born there. But at present, both he and Rukawa reside in Kanagawa, near their respective schools.

Height + Weight

Sendoh is presently 190cm tall (roughly 6’2”) and weighs 79kg (174lbs). Rukawa is only an inch smaller than him, standing 187cm (around 6'1") and presently weighs 75kg (165lbs). And still growing…



Seiyuu

The youthful huskiness and cool authority in Sendoh’s voice hold faithful to this playful and compelling Adonis. Rabid Sendoh fans themselves have recognized that this is a big percentage of what literally breathed life into one of the sexiest beings in Slam Dunk and possibly the entire world of animanga! I’m sure die-hard fans already know that the irresistible voice behind our main man belongs to the seiyuu: Ohtsuka Houchu! His real name is Ohtsuka Yoshitada… And regrettably, I don’t know much about him… Fact is, this guy is one elusive celebrity! It's tough finding information about him! All I managed to dig up is that Ohtsuka-san’s birthday is on May 19, and that he did some characters for several titles which I don’t recognize… *sweatpours* but right now I’m just eternally grateful that he was chosen to do the voice of Akira Sendoh!

Now, every Rukawa-obsessed-creature (like yours truly) would already know that our beloved prince’s icy-sarcasm and irresistible “uke” persona would never have been justified, if not for the wonderful prowess of Midorikawa Hikaru. He was born on the 2nd day of the same month as Ohtsuka’s, year 1968, likes collecting NIKE bash and very much into basketball himself! Was this before or after he was chosen to dub Rukawa or is it just a coincidence? Midorikawa-san has a long list of talents, but the most renowned next to voice acting would be singing. Saying his singing voice is “cute” would be an understatement, so don’t take my word for it, just go get his albums! He was part of a dance music group called “M” or “E.M.U.” (Entertainment Music Unit) with Mitsui’s Ryotarou Okiayu, and presently leads a band of his own. (A million huggles to Chiki for lending me the albums!). And yes, for those who don’t know yet, this guy’s not just smart & talented, but also unquestionably handsome! If you want to hear more of Midorikawa Hikaru, he did hordes of other popular characters, so I can’t enumerate all. I feel that some roles didn’t suit him as best as “Rukawa”. However his other performances worth mentioning are: Tokiya Mikagami of “Rekka no Honoo”, Scurdich of “Weiss Kreuz” and Shilva of “Shaman King”.

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