
Kirigaya Kazuto

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鳴坂 和人
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| Personal Description | |
| Nihongo | 鳴坂 和人 |
| Vital Information | |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 14 (Beginning of Aincrad Arc) |
| Birthdate | October 7, 2008 |
| Height | 170 cm (Alicization Arc) |
| Weight | 59 kg (End of web Aincrad arc) |
| Affiliation | Former Solo player (SAO) |
| First Appearance | |
| Manga Debut | Aincrad Manga Stage.001 |
| Anime Debut | Episode 1 |
| Japanese Voice | Matsuoka Yoshitsugu (松岡 禎丞) |
| English Voice | Bryce Papenbrook |
Kirigaya Kazuto(Japanese: 桐ヶ谷 和人,Kirigaya Kazuto), born asNarusaka Kazuto(Japanese: 鳴坂 和人,Narusaka Kazuto), is the protagonist of the renowned anime and light novel seriesSword Art Online(SAO), created by Reki Kawahara. Known in the virtual world asKirito(Japanese: キリト,Kirito), Kazuto is celebrated as a legendary gamer and swordsman whose exploits across various virtual landscapes have cemented his status as an icon in the anime world.
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Émile Durkheim
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| Born |
David Émile Durkheim
15 April 1858 Épinal, France
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| Died | 15 November 1917(aged 59)
Paris,France
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| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | École Normale Supérieure |
| Known for | Sacred–profane dichotomy Collective consciousness Social fact Social integration Anomie Collective effervescence |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies |
| Institutions | University of Paris, University of Bordeaux |
| Influences | Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill |
| Influenced | Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1] |
Appearance
Kirito’s visual design encapsulates his dual identity as both an unassuming teenager and a formidable hero. In the real world, Kazuto has a slender frame, messy black hair, and sharp, intelligent eyes that reflect his quick thinking. His in-game avatars retain these traits but with an enhanced heroic aesthetic.
InSword Art Online, he sports a long black trench coat with silver accents, paired with his signature black blade, Elucidator. This iconic look earned him the moniker “The Black Swordsman.” In other games, his designs adapt to the environment—gaining wings inALfheim Online, wielding a photon sword inGun Gale Online, and donning a knightly appearance inProject Alicization.
Kirigaya Kazuto (Kirito) in battle during the Sword Art Online anime, showcasing his agility and swordsmanship. He is depicted wearing his iconic black coat and wielding dual swords, a prominent feature of his combat style.
Abilities
Kirito is a prodigy in virtual worlds, mastering game mechanics with uncanny speed. His skills make him a feared yet respected player in every game he enters:
- Swordsmanship: His mastery of melee combat is unparalleled. Kirito’s unique skill,Dual Blades, allows him to wield two swords simultaneously with devastating precision.
- Tactical Genius: He excels in quick decision-making, often turning the tide of battles with unorthodox strategies.
- Technical Expertise: A self-taught coder, Kirito has a deep understanding of virtual systems, often solving mysteries or exploiting game mechanics to his advantage.
- Versatility: Whether mastering flight inALfheim Onlineor sniping foes inGun Gale Online, Kirito adapts his combat style to every game’s unique mechanics.
Background
Born as Narusaka Kazuto, Kirito was raised by his aunt and uncle after his parents’ death, believing them to be his biological family until his teenage years. This revelation, coupled with his early obsession with technology, led to a somewhat introverted personality. Gaming became his escape, and his technical aptitude drew him to the cutting-edge NerveGear technology that launched his journey into Sword Art Online.
During the infamous “Death Game” incident, Kirito’s natural talent and perseverance allowed him to survive and ultimately free thousands of players trapped in the virtual prison. This harrowing experience forged his resolve to protect others at all costs.
Role in the Story
- Sword Art Online: Trapped in a deadly game, Kirito becomes a solo player to avoid endangering others. His eventual triumph over the game’s creator, Akihiko Kayaba, saves thousands of lives.
- ALfheim Online: Kirito dives intoALOto rescue Asuna, confronting both in-game tyrants and real-world conspiracies.
- Gun Gale Online: In a gritty world of firearms, he investigates a series of mysterious player deaths connected to the enigmatic “Death Gun.”
- Project Alicization: Kirito becomes embroiled in a groundbreaking virtual world, grappling with artificial intelligence, morality, and the nature of humanity itself.
Relationships
Kirito’s relationships are a cornerstone of his character, highlighting his growth and emotional depth:
Asuna Yuuki
Kirito’s partner in life and battle, Asuna evolves from an ally to a steadfast romantic partner. Their relationship is marked by mutual respect, love, and a shared determination to overcome challenges.
Suguha Kirigaya
His cousin and adoptive sister, Suguha, struggles with her feelings for Kazuto but ultimately becomes one of his closest confidants, fighting alongside him as Leafa in ALO.
Sinon (Shino Asada)
Introduced in GGO, Sinon is a sharpshooter whose friendship with Kirito helps her overcome trauma, forging a bond built on mutual trust.
Eugeo and Alice
In Alicization, Eugeo becomes Kirito’s closest companion, sharing a brotherly bond, while Alice represents a key figure in his philosophical journey about humanity and artificial life.
Trivia and Insights
- Kirito’s name is derived from “Kirigaya” and “Kazuto,” emphasizing his simplistic, practical nature.
- He is one of the only players inSword Art Onlineto unlock a unique skill, the famedDual Blades.
- His ambidextrous ability in-game was initially inspired by his real-world adaptability.
- The character has become a cultural touchstone, often parodied or referenced in other anime and media.
Legacy and Impact
Kirito’s impact extends far beyond the Sword Art Online series. He has become a symbol of courage and determination in anime culture, embodying the spirit of resilience in the face of adversity. His journey has sparked debates about virtual reality ethics, online relationships, and the future of immersive gaming.