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Kazuhiko Aikawa (哀川和彦, Aikawa Kazuhiko) is a fictional character in the Dear Boys series, who serves as the main protagonist from ACT1 to ACT3. A former high school basketball player, he served as the small forward for Mizuho High's basketball team, and was the captain of Tendōji High's basketball team.
Widely regarded as the best high school player in Japan, he led Mizuho to the national championship title after defeating his former team, Tendōji, in the Inter–High final. After the tournament, Aikawa retired from the team and left for the United States.
Appearance[]
Aikawa has a spiky hair.
Personality[]
Aikawa is charismatic, outgoing, and remarkably humble despite being lauded as a "genius." He exudes an easygoing demeanor, forges strong connections, and cultivates a broad social network. Initially, he adopted a playful, lighthearted persona to blend in with the Mizuho boys' basketball team. However, he eventually reverted to his authentic, straightforward nature. His exceptional leadership, coupled with unwavering resilience and an indomitable fighting spirit, makes him an exemplary captain and a source of inspiration for his teammates.
Aikawa consistently uplifts his teammates, regardless of how intense the game becomes. According to Mutsumi Akiyoshi, he seems to remind everyone of the pure joy that can be rediscovered through basketball. During matches, he remains composed, refrains from frustration or agitation, and leads with unwavering positivity and strategic leadership.
Story[]
Kazuhiko Aikawa is the youngest of three siblings, born to Akihiro Aikawa and Chiaki Aikawa. He has an older brother, Akihiko Aikawa, and an older sister, Chihiro Aikawa.
Aikawa was the ace of Tendōji High's basketball team. However, he grew disillusioned with his father's rigid, win-at-all-costs philosophy, which prioritized victory over the joy of the game. Seeking a fresh start, he transferred to Mizuho High with the support of his sister, Chihiro.[2]
ACT1[]
Upon transferring to Mizuho High, Aikawa persuades the remaining members of the boys' basketball team to resume playing. He lives alone in an apartment funded by his mother, covering his living expenses through a part-time job at Prince Video, relying solely on his earnings beyond rent. While fragments of his family background and the reason for his transfer are hinted at throughout the story, these details are only fully disclosed to Fujiwara and the team after their defeat against Narita Central High in the Kanto Rookie Tournament final. The resulting team conflict brings these issues to the surface but ultimately strengthens their bond.
ACT2[]
In his third year, Aikawa competes in the Kanagawa Inter–High Preliminary, successfully leading Mizuho to qualify for the Inter–High tournament. His exceptional performance earns him a spot among the tournament's top five players.[3]
Shortly before the Inter-High tournament, Aikawa returns to Tendōji to confront his past. This encounter helps dispel any lingering doubts the Tendōji players have about him, allowing him to move forward with unwavering focus. With his resolve strengthened, he sets his sights on winning the tournament as Mizuho's ace.
ACT3[]
During the Inter–High final against Tendōji, Aikawa sustains a right shoulder injury after an awkward fall while attempting a reckless rebound, forcing him to be substituted for the first time. Watching his teammates battle relentlessly in his absence, he resolves to return despite the risk of aggravating his injury. Although his jump shots, free throws, and double-clutch accuracy suffer post-injury, he adapts by adopting an aggressive, high-intensity playing style, relentlessly driving the offense and overwhelming Tendōji in the second half. In the final moments of overtime, he catches Fujiwara's perfectly timed pass and delivers a buzzer-beating dunk, shattering Tendōji's unbeaten legacy under his father's leadership and securing Mizuho's first Inter–High title in their debut appearance.[4]
Following the tournament, Aikawa sets his sights on pursuing basketball in the United States, attracting numerous invitations from universities and professional teams. Ultimately, he chooses to play for an American university. Though he initially plans to leave quietly—just as he had when departing Tendōji—Fujiwara convinces him to embrace a proper send-off from his friends. In a final one-on-one match, Aikawa triumphs over Fujiwara before departing for America with heartfelt farewells from his teammates.[5]
Skills and abilities[]
Aikawa serves as the ace of both Tendōji and Mizuho, widely regarded as a prodigy whose skills refine with every game. Hisashi Okumura describes him as "a leading figure in the Japanese high school basketball scene."[6] Leveraging his exceptional athleticism for explosive drives and scoring, his unwavering focus in clutch moments, his defensive dominance, and his sharp instincts, Aikawa stands out as an extraordinary player. He is particularly known for his precise cut-ins and impressive vertical leap.[7] Despite his relatively short stature, Aikawa possesses an exceptional jumping ability, allowing him to outjump taller opponents and execute dunks.[8] He is capable of performing a seamless pump fake into a drive, finishing with a dunk.[9] Other defining aspects of his playstyle include his highly accurate three-point shooting—especially his near-flawless shots from the wings—his minimal involvement in passing plays as a guard, and his preference for off-ball movement over direct ball handling.
Defensively, Aikawa delivers decisive steals and blocks, often shifting the momentum of a match. His exceptional court vision and instinctive game awareness—referred to as his "killer instinct"—set him apart as a unique and formidable player. In the latter half of the story, he shifts his focus toward offense, gradually reducing his defensive presence. As his teammates develop, his previously dominant solo plays become less frequent, reflecting the team's overall growth.
Initially playing as a guard, Aikawa transitions to forward at Sawanobori's suggestion—a move that proves to be the right call. However, he remains a versatile player who faithfully fulfills any role the team requires. During the Yokohama Academy match in the final league stage of the Inter–High Preliminary, he and Miura assume the role of point guard in Fujiwara's absence. In the Kanto Rookie Tournament, he is tasked with marking Nozomu Yūki, the center of Meiwadai–Hitachi, who stands 15 cm taller, effectively demonstrating his ability to cover every position on the court. In the Inter–High semi-final against Narita Central, he steps in as a shooting guard in Miura's place.[10] Even after sustaining a shoulder injury in the final, Aikawa adapts to his limitations by embracing a more aggressive playing style—utilizing one-handed dribbles and layups—proving both his resilience and strategic flexibility.
Relationships[]
Aikawa fosters strong relationships with numerous characters. He has been close friends with the regulars at Tendōji, particularly Masato Sawanobori, for a long time. At Mizuho, he shares a strong bond with all the members of the boys' basketball team, especially Takumi Fujiwara. Aikawa is also romantically involved with Mai Moritaka from the girls' basketball team.
Etymology[]
- The given name Kazuhiko (和彦) is made up of two different kanji. Kazu (和) means nothing in its original kanji reading method (nanori), but in other readings (kunyomi and onyomi), it means "peace" or "harmony". Hiko (彦) uses kunyomi reading, which means "boy" or "young man".
- The surname Aikawa (哀川) is made up of two different kanji. Ai (哀) uses onyomi reading, which means "grief". Kawa (川) uses kunyomi reading, which means "river".
Trivia[]
- Aikawa speaks the Niigata dialect.[11]
- Aikawa is the only known player to win the Inter-High with different teams.
References[]
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