Who is Kirito 101: Everything You Wanted to Know
By Matteo Drelli. Updated Sep 1, 2023
Kazuto Kirigaya, commonly known as Kirito, is the main guy in the light novel series Sword Art Online by Reki Kawahara. He's not just words on a page; he's a pop-culture sensation! Kirito starts as a teen beta tester for a new virtual reality game called Sword Art Online.
Sounds cool, right? But there's a twist: he and 10,000 other players get stuck in the game! They can't log out. The only escape? Beat the game. In the anime, Kirito's voice is by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka in Japanese and Bryce Papenbrook in English.
How Reki Kawahara Created and Concepted Kirito
Ever wonder how Kirito came to life?
Reki Kawahara, the brain behind Sword Art Online, had a mission. He wanted to paint online gaming in a better light, not as a social bad or a mere escape from reality. He crafted his characters carefully, though he says he doesn't often put himself in them. But get this: both he and Kirito prefer to go solo in games!
Why does Kirito use a sword in a game filled with guns, you ask? Kawahara draws inspiration from Halo's energy sword, saying it can be the ultimate weapon when used right.
What about the voices behind Kirito? Yoshitsugu Matsuoka in Japanese and Bryce Papenbrook in English breathe life into him. Matsuoka feels a connection too. He says both he and Kirito understand that sometimes you get "only one chance" for success. They both know the importance of leading the way for others. Cool, huh?
What is Kirito Appearence During His Journey?
Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigaya is no ordinary gamer. He was a beta tester for Sword Art Online (SAO), a super-cool game you play with a VR headset called NerveGear. This isn't your average game; it taps into your senses, making you feel like you're really there.
But when the official game launches, bam! Kirito and 10,000 others can't log out. They're stuck in a steel castle called Aincrad. To get out, they have to beat all 100 floors. If they die in the game, they die in real life.
Kirito takes the game seriously. He decides to play alone and earns the nickname "beater," a mix of "beta tester" and "cheater." But guess what? He doesn't stay alone. He meets Asuna Yuuki, and they become a power couple in the game world.
They even get married! Eventually, they uncover the game creator Kayaba's secret identity and beat him. That's how they win their freedom and help everyone else escape. What a ride!
Just when you think Kirito's adventures are over, there's more. Back in the real world, Kirito learns 300 players, including Asuna, are still stuck in their VR gear. He rushes to Asuna's side but finds out she's set to be married off by Nobuyuki Sugou. Not cool. Kirito springs into action.
He dives into a new game, Alfheim Online (ALO), to save Asuna from some nasty mind-control experiments. With help from his cousin Leafa and a nifty pixie named Yui, Kirito spoils Sugou's evil plans and frees the trapped players.
But wait, there's more! Kazuto, a.k.a Kirito, gets a new mission. This time, it's about investigating murders in another VR game, Gun Gale Online (GGO). Teaming up with a sharpshooter named Sinon, he finds out the truth and helps catch the bad guys. Well, most of them; one escapes.
Then comes another twist. Kirito tests an advanced FullDive machine called the Soul Translator. In a world called UnderWorld, time speeds up. But trouble follows him. He gets injured and is put back in the game to keep his mind alive.
💡 Did you know? 💡
Kirito isn't just limited to his own anime. He pops up in an episode of Eromanga Sensei too, voiced again by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka. Talk about staying in the limelight!
What People Think of Kirito
The Good and the Bad
Kirito has made a splash in the world of anime. Critics have their say too. Richard Eisenbeis from Kotaku says Sword Art Online is super smart. He loves how it dives deep into Kirito's love story with Asuna. But he wasn't a fan of how Asuna becomes a damsel in distress later on.
Eisenbeis thinks it's silly for Kirito to even think of leaving Asuna, given his loyalty to her.
Others think Kirito is a bit too perfect. Karen Mead from Japanator.com points out that we rarely see Kirito's flaws. He's like a genius in gaming and a really good person. But she also likes that Kirito is a hero who earns his stripes and the love of the female characters.
Carly Smith from The Escapist had her own take. She thinks the sequel, Sword Art Online II, doesn't shine as much as the first one.
Bryce Papenbrook, who voices Kirito in English, joked that Kirito would win in a game but lose in real life to Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan. So, is Kirito perfect? No. But he sure is a character that gets people talking!
Kirito's Popularity in the Community
Guess what? Kirito is a fan-favorite! In a poll by anime site Charapedia, Kirito and Asuna were voted the top anime couple. On the Chinese site bilibili, Kirito came in sixth for the most "moe" male characters.
Dengeki Bunko, the publisher, also held a poll where Asuna and Kirito scored big! Newtype magazine showed Kirito as the number one male character, while Asuna stood strong at fourth place for females.
💡 Did you know? 💡
There's an Italian restaurant in Japan called La Ricetta that serves pancakes featuring Kirito and Asuna's art. How cool is that? So, not only are they stars in the virtual world, but also on breakfast plates!
Kirito Merchandise
Kirito isn't just a virtual hero; he's a merchandising star too! From gaming arcades to fan replicas, his presence is everywhere. The Man At Arms team has even crafted real-life versions of Asuna's "Lambent Light" and Kirito's "Elucidator."
Fancy a unique scent? Grab Sword Art Online-branded perfumes, with Kirito's smelling like a blend of dry citrus and brandy. Even eyewear isn't left out; a "Kirito" model of glasses exists, featuring cool designs from the series.
💡 Did you know? 💡
Kirito and friends have joined the battle against piracy. They are part of the "Manga Anime Guardians" project, supported by big anime and manga studios. So he's a hero in more ways than one!
Debunked Myths of Kirito
| "Kirito is a Cheater" | Kirito is often labeled as a cheater because he was a beta tester. However, he never cheats; he simply has prior game knowledge. |
| "Kirito is Invincible" | While Kirito is a strong player, he is not invincible. He faces numerous challenges and even experiences defeat. |
| "Kirito Can Beat Anyone in Real Life" | Despite his VR skills, Kirito is a normal teenager in the real world and doesn't have special combat abilities. |
| "Kirito is Emotionless" | It might seem like Kirito is aloof, but he has deep emotional connections, especially with Asuna. He cares a lot about his friends and allies. |
| "Kirito Only Cares About Winning" | Kirito is committed to finishing the game, but his primary goal is to protect others, not just to win. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Kirito
Why Kirito loses to Yuuki?
Kirito's loss to Yuuki in Sword Art Online isn't about skill gap or lack of effort. Yuuki, also known as Zekken, is an extraordinary player with a unique skill, Mother's Rosario. She's battled numerous players and remained undefeated. Kirito loses to her because Yuuki's swordsmanship is extremely refined, even more than his.
Additionally, Yuuki's emotional drive and willpower are exceptionally strong, strengthening her resolve in battle.
While Kirito is an excellent player, Yuuki stands out due to her exceptional talent and determination. The loss serves to highlight both characters' strengths and adds depth to the story. So, it's not a knock on Kirito but rather a testament to Yuuki's prowess.
What episode did Asuna see Kirito taking a nap?
Asuna finds Kirito taking a nap in the grassy fields of Aincrad in episode 5 of the first season of Sword Art Online. This episode is titled "A Crime Within the Walls." It's a pivotal moment that deepens their relationship and sets the stage for their future interactions. This peaceful scene contrasts with the high-stakes battles they face, highlighting the human moments within the virtual world.
What level was Kirito first boss?
Kirito faces the first boss, Illfang the Kobold Lord, on the 1st floor of Aincrad, and this boss is level 10. This boss battle is a significant event because it marks the players' first real step towards escaping the virtual world of Sword Art Online. The challenge is not just about defeating the boss but also about teamwork and strategy. It sets the tone for many more tough battles ahead.
Kirito Quotes
Here are some of Kirito's most famous quotes.
There are limits to what a solo player can do.
No matter what, my heart will be forever yours, and I will fight until the day I see you again.
Everybody can fight. It's just a choice of whether you should.
To see more Kirito quotes, we recommend visiting the Kirito Quote section in Quotes Analysis.
We hope we have been helpful to you in this "Who is Kirito" article, and we hope you have a better understanding of who Kirito is!
