Shoto TodorokiisMy Hero Academia’sbest character, and Yuki Kaji, the hero’s Japanese voice actor, has just explained why. In apost on his official X account,Kaji referenced a recent viral moment to prove why Todoroki is the most impactful characterin the entire series.
Recently, an adorable video surfaced of a young girl with a birthmark on her face holding a plush toy of Shoto Todoroki andfinding comfort in the fact that they both have similar facial marks. This simple but touching moment reveals why Todoroki is such an inspiring character inMy Hero Academia,and despite his status as one of the highest ranking heroes in the series, the reason why doesn’t even involve his Quirk.
A Recent Viral Video Proves Why Todoroki Is the Most Inspirational Hero
Todoroki’s Story of Healing After Trauma IsMy Hero Academia’sMost Meaningful Arc
The reason Shoto Todoroki has such a profound positive impact is because of his tragic past andhis motivational story of overcoming the difficult obstacles that once held him back.After watching the video of the girl hugging the Todoroki doll, Kaji spoke out about how the scene touched his heart and how it highlights what is truly special about Todoroki as a character. Kaji explained that although Todoroki’s dark origin story was harsh and undeserved, “it still has the potential to save someone,” reminding viewers that they too can fight through the toughest moments of their lives.
“Horikoshi-sensei told me about a video of a girl who had a birthmark in the same place as Shoto’s scar.
“It’s the same as me,” she said, hugging the doll with a cute smile. Even if my past is a heavy burden, it still has the potential to save someone… That is a heroic stance only Shoto could take.” - Yuki Kaji (@KAJI_OFFICIAL)
Todoroki’s character arcwas riddled with challenges from the very beginning, because he went into U.A. High with a rightful grudge against his father, Pro Hero, Endeavor. Enji Todoroki, Shoto’s father, was abusive to the entire family, but he mistreated them in different ways. He was far too tough on Shoto in an attempt to push him to be the best hero, while he completely ignored and neglected Dabi and emotionally abused his wife, Rei. Everyone suffered as a result of Enji’s behavior, and Rei even lashed out against Shoto, leaving him with a physical reminder of the trauma: his scar.
Todoroki’s Character Growth Is the Most Emotional in the Series
He Refused To Follow the Harmful Patterns He Saw in His Father, Becoming an Empathetic Hero Instead
Rei could not take Enji’s cruelty and snapped, throwing boiling hot water on the left side of Todoroki’s face because the fire side of his Quirk reminded her of Enji.Todoroki was left with a permanent scaron his face anda painful, constant symbol of the abuse he endured.Once Shoto got into U.A. High, his circumstances did not get any easier, as he refused to use one side of his Quirk because it came from Enji. Shoto is one ofMy Hero Academia’smost powerful characters, but for so long, he refused to unleash his full potential because of who it originated from.
10 Best Todoroki Moments in My Hero Academia
Shoto Todoroki is one of My Hero Academia’s most powerful and emotionally complex heroes, and these ten moments prove how incredible he is.
With support from friends like Deku and the time to finally work through his trauma, Todoroki eventually decided to use his entire Quirk. He realized that although his fire Quirk belonged to Endeavor first, it was his now to use to save others, and this led him to gradually learn to appreciate and utilize all aspects of his power and make it his own.Todoroki went through more growth than anyone in the series,and therecently releasedMy Hero Academiaepiloguethat reveals how his story turned out can offer hope to others who have been through abuse and other painful situations.
In the Epilogue, Todoroki Is Genuinely Joyful, Offering Readers Hope
Although the Emotional Wounds Will Never Fully Heal, the Hero Still Found Peace and Happiness
TheMy Hero Academiaepilogue is realistic because it acknowledges the fact that the after-effects of the suffering Todoroki went through will never truly disappear. He will always have these heartwrenching memories, and Enji’s abuse took many things from Todoroki that cannot be replaced, such as his brother Dabi’s life. However, as the manga showcases,Shoto still managed to heal and find happinessin the future, eight years after the events of the series. In the panels, he is pictured smiling and genuinely at peace, and it is revealed that he even became Japan’s number two Pro Hero.
My Hero Academia: Endeavor Isn’t As Redeemable As The Manga Makes It Seem
My Hero Academia has been slowly pushing a redemption arc for pro hero Endeavor, but fans aren’t buying into the idea of redemption for this abuser.
Todoroki’s well-deserved success in his career is encouraging, but what is even more moving is how he managed to find joy again after everything he went through. This character in particular is a fan-favorite, not just because of how physically powerful he is or because of the impressive Quirk he has, but because his story is deeply meaningful.Shoto Todoroki effectively broke the cycle of abuseand chose not to follow in his father Enji’s footsteps by devoting his life to saving others and showing them kindness, making him the most inspirational character inMy Hero Academia.
My Hero Academia
Cast
Anime series My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where most have them. Despite his lack of abilities, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy, striving to learn the true essence of heroism and fulfill his dream of becoming a hero.
