Who is Kirito: Dive into the fascinating world of Sword Art Online's main protagonist, exploring his background, unique skills, relationships, and heroic journey across various virtual reality MMORPGs. Discover the intricacies behind the iconic Black Swordsman.
The Multifaceted Protagonist: Kirigaya Kazuto's Journey Through Virtual Worlds
In the realm of the Sword Art Online series, a remarkable protagonist takes center stage: Kirigaya Kazuto, originally born as Narusaka Kazuto. Known by his online moniker "Kirito," he has navigated through numerous virtual reality worlds, from «Sword Art Online» (SAO) and «ALfheim Online» (ALO) to «Gun Gale Online» (GGO), «Project Alicization», and Unital Ring. A fictional character conceived by Reki Kawahara, Kirito has captivated audiences as the main protagonist of the Sword Art Online light novels, anime, and manga series.
Expertly voiced by actors Yoshitsugu Matsuoka and Bryce Papenbrook, Kirito's journey is one of triumph, adversity, and personal growth. Within each virtual realm, he displays exceptional skills as a swordsman, marksman, or even a blacksmith. His adventures often revolve around his relationships with other players, like Asuna Yuuki, Sinon (Asada Shino), and Leafa (Suguha Kirigaya), as well as adversaries such as Akihiko Kayaba, Quinella, and Oberon.
Kirito's story arcs span multiple virtual worlds, each with its own unique settings, technologies, and challenges. From the floating castle of Aincrad to the intense gun battles of Gun Gale Online, he faces the odds head-on, wielding iconic weapons like the Elucidator and Dark Repulser or mastering advanced techniques like dual blades and magic.
As Kirito explores these diverse virtual landscapes, his character resonates with fans across the globe, making him a central figure in the world of anime and beyond. His unyielding spirit and unwavering determination to protect his friends serve as a testament to the power of human connection and empathy, even within the confines of a digital universe.
Kirito's Odyssey: From Beta Tester to Hero Across Virtual Worlds
As one of the thousand privileged beta testers for Sword Art Online, Kirito embarked on an unparalleled journey through the first-ever Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) designed for the NerveGear. When the official version launched, he found himself among 10,000 players ensnared in the treacherous game world.
Embracing the role of a Beater, Kirito combated discrimination against former beta testers while striving to clear the game as a solo player. Despite briefly joining the Moonlit Black Cats guild, a devastating accident led him back to a solitary path. Kirito's penchant for black clothing earned him the moniker "Black Swordsman," and eventually, he joined the Knights of the Blood after losing a bet with their leader, Heathcliff. His ultimate triumph over the final boss liberated the trapped players from Sword Art Online.
With some survivors, including Asuna, remaining imprisoned, Kirito delved into ALfheim Online as a Spriggan to uncover the truth. After rescuing the remaining captives, he continued to play ALfheim Online with friends old and new.
Kikuoka Seijirou's request led Kirito to temporarily transfer his avatar to Gun Gale Online to investigate mysterious deaths linked to a player called Death Gun. Entering the game's largest tournament, the Bullet of Bullets, Kirito's involvement attracted the enigmatic figure's attention.
In the aftermath, Kirito returned to ALfheim Online, reuniting with his friends. Months later, he accepted a part-time job testing the cutting-edge FullDive machine, the Soul Translator, unknowingly contributing to the military's secretive Project Alicization.
From beta tester to hero, Kirito's odyssey through diverse virtual worlds showcases his unwavering determination, adaptability, and strength in the face of adversity.
Kirito's Origins: Tragedy, Triumph, and the Virtual World of Sword Art Online
Born on October 7, 2008, Kazuto experienced immense loss early in life when a car accident claimed the lives of his parents. Taken in by his aunt and uncle, Kazuto developed a deep passion for video games.
In 2022, his love for gaming led him to be selected as one of the thousand beta testers for the groundbreaking VRMMORPG, Sword Art Online. Adopting the in-game name Kirito, Kazuto quickly distinguished himself as a formidable player among the Sword Art Online community.
On the game's official release day, Kazuto eagerly logged in, only to discover that Sword Art Online harbored a sinister secret. The game's developer, Kayaba, revealed that all 10,000 players were trapped within the virtual world. Death in the game would mean death in reality, and the only escape was to conquer the tower's many floors.
Faced with this perilous challenge, Kirito drew upon his strength, skill, and resilience to navigate the treacherous virtual landscape, fighting for his life and the lives of his fellow players.
As Kirito confronted adversity both within the game and in the real world, his story became a testament to the power of the human spirit, courage, and determination.
A Glimpse into Kirito's Diverse Avatars and Skills
Sword Art Online Avatar
In the world of SAO, Kirito was unknowingly chosen by Kayaba Akihiko to face him in the climactic battle. As a result, Kirito gained the rare 'Dual Wield' skill, enabling him to expertly wield two one-handed longswords simultaneously.
ALfheim Online Avatar
Upon entering ALO, Kazuto selected a Spriggan avatar, drawn to its signature black color. As a Spriggan, he maintained his sword-wielding prowess while acquiring the ability to use illusion magic.
Gun Gale Online Avatar
In GGO, the game's system randomly assigned Kirito a feminine avatar. Although initially reluctant, he used this newfound appearance to his advantage, befriending Sinon, a skilled GGO veteran player, and expanding his repertoire to include firearms and energy weapons.
Underworld Avatar
Within the Underworld, Kirito developed a unique combat style known as "Aincrad style." This technique combined his extensive knowledge of various sword skills from his time in SAO, showcasing his adaptability and expertise in virtual combat.
Kirito's Diverse Weapons and Equipment
SAO Avatar
- Elucidator: Kirito's primary one-handed sword, capable of dealing 700-710 damage with a durability of 1350. Weighing 170 and measuring under 4 feet, it can shatter other swords and increases Kirito's strength by 48 and agility by 28.
- Dark Repulser: A secondary one-handed longsword crafted by blacksmith player Lisbeth. This weapon deals 680-700 damage, has a durability of 1200, weighs 150, and boosts Kirito's strength by 52 and agility by 12.
ALO Avatar
- Excalibur: Kirito's primary weapon in the ALO avatar.
GGO Avatar
- FN Five-Seven handgun: A sidearm used by Kirito in his GGO avatar.
- Kagemitsu G4: A photon sword wielded by Kirito in GGO.
UW Avatar
- Night Sky Sword: Also known as "The Black One," this Priority 46 Divine Object-class longsword is Kirito's personal weapon in Underworld. Its Priority Class surpasses that of Eugeo's Blue Rose Sword.
- Blue Rose Sword: Briefly shared with Eugeo until Kirito obtained the Night Sky Sword, crafted from a Gigas Cedar branch that received the most blessings from the Gods Solus and Terraria.
Kirito's Impressive Feats
Strength
- Exceptional physical power and combat capabilities
Speed
- Reacts to and counters bullets by melting them with his Kagemitsu G4
- Capable of running on walls
- Acquired dual-wielding skill due to an exceptionally fast reaction time
Durability
- Endures multiple impalements simultaneously
- Barely affected after being slashed multiple times by various opponents
- Continues fighting, even after sustaining significant injuries, such as limb loss and direct body blasts
Skill
- SAO survivor
- Defeated Heathcliff despite technically being killed
- Sole wielder of the double-handed skill
Kirito's Weaknesses
- Lacks cunning in strategies and tactics
- Limited flight capabilities
- Vulnerable to sword breakage
- Often relies on the secondary main character of each arc to defeat the Arc Antagonist
- Primarily depends on overwhelming force, aggression, and superior stats to achieve victory
- His technique is heavily offense-oriented, and despite having a high parry stat, he often neglects it
The Creation and Voice Behind Kirito: An Insight into Reki Kawahara and the Voice Actors
In an interview with Sword Art Online creator Reki Kawahara, he shared that the series aimed to challenge the negative perception of online gaming. Rather than portraying it as a social ill or a mere escape, Kawahara chose to highlight the positive aspects of gaming in his light novels. Although he does not typically infuse his characters with his own traits, he admitted that both he and Kirito tend to play solo in games.
When questioned about Kirito's use of a sword in the gun-focused Gun Gale Online arc, Kawahara cited the energy sword in Halo as an example of a powerful weapon when wielded skillfully.
In the anime adaptation, Kirito is brought to life by the voice talents of Yoshitsugu Matsuoka in Japanese and Bryce Papenbrook in English. In an interview, Matsuoka discussed the similarities between himself and Kirito, emphasizing the notion of a single chance for success in both acting and the game universe. Matsuoka also highlighted how Kirito, like himself, eventually had to lead others and pave the way for them to follow.
Critical Reception and Commentary
Richard Eisenbeis of Kotaku praised Sword Art Online as an intelligent series, particularly highlighting the exploration of Kirito and Asuna's romance in a virtual world. However, Eisenbeis criticized the development of their relationship in the second half of the novels, expressing disappointment at Asuna's reduction to a damsel in distress. He also scrutinized the love triangle between Kirito and other female characters, questioning Kirito's potential abandonment of Asuna despite his previous devotion.
Responding to criticisms that Kirito is a "Mary Sue" type character, Karen Mead of Japanator.com argued that his weaknesses are not sufficiently portrayed to balance his strengths. Nonetheless, Mead praised Kirito's positive traits and his distinction from other harem protagonists due to genuinely earning the affection of female characters. Carly Smith of The Escapist criticized Sword Art Online II in comparison to the original series, arguing that it only "shines" when Kirito is not the focus.
Popularity and Fan Engagement
Kirito remains a popular character in Sword Art Online. He and Asuna have topped polls for favorite anime couples and most "moe" characters. The pair also ranked highly in character polls conducted by Dengeki Bunko, the publisher of Sword Art Online, and appeared on a list of the "[Top] 7 Couples Who Make Love and War" by Anime News Network. Kirito has been featured in various promotional efforts and merchandise, such as Namco gaming arcades, fan-made replicas of his sword, and Sword Art Online-branded perfumes and glasses.
Merchandise and Collaborations
Kirito's popularity has led to his inclusion in various merchandise and promotional efforts. He has appeared in campaigns promoting Namco gaming arcades and has been featured in fan-made replicas of his "Elucidator" sword. Kirito, Asuna, and Sinon are also represented in Sword Art Online-branded perfumes, with Kirito's scent described as "dry citrus with a touch of brandy, meant to evoke a mature spirit." Furthermore, Sword Art Online glasses include a "Kirito" model with unique design elements, and the character has been featured in anime-inspired Christmas cards and video games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kirito is the main character of one of the most popular isekai anime in the world, but is he really a good protagonist for the series?
Kirito, the main protagonist of the Sword Art Online series, has been both praised and criticized for various aspects of his character. As a protagonist, he has some strong points that make him an interesting and engaging character. For example, his intelligence, kindness, and dedication to protecting others have resonated with fans, leading to his immense popularity.
However, there are also criticisms about Kirito's character development. Some argue that he is a "Mary Sue" type character, meaning he lacks sufficient weaknesses to balance his strengths. This can make it difficult for audiences to connect with him on a deeper level. Additionally, the series' handling of relationships and character dynamics, particularly with Asuna and the love triangle involving other female characters, has been a point of contention for some viewers.
In conclusion, whether Kirito is considered a good protagonist for the Sword Art Online series depends on individual perspectives. While he possesses positive traits that make him likable and engaging for many fans, there are also aspects of his character and the way he is written that have drawn criticism.
How old is kirito and asuna in ordinal scale?
In the movie Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale, which takes place after the events of the Mother's Rosario arc, Kirito and Asuna are both 17 years old. Kirito, whose real name is Kazuto Kirigaya, was born on October 7, 2008, while Asuna, whose real name is Asuna Yuuki, was born on September 30, 2007. The film's events occur in 2026, making both characters 17 years old at the time.
What episode does Kirito kiss Asuna?
Kirito and Asuna share their first kiss in episode 10 of the Sword Art Online anime, titled "Crimson Killing Intent." In this episode, Asuna saves Kirito from being killed by Kuradeel, a member of the Knights of the Blood Oath who betrayed them. After the intense battle, Kirito and Asuna share a tender moment, and they kiss for the first time.
Kirito Quotes
Here are some of Kirito’s most famous quotes.
There are limits to what a solo player can do.
I'd rather die with someone than let that person die before my eyes.
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 this amazing character of the Anime world is!
