Creating potential for great storytelling, tragic events are often used to establish a character’s motivation and background. In several anime series, the death of a character’s family sets the tone for the series as it not only shapes the path of the story but also develops the characters. While not all deaths are shown explicitly, flashbacks reveal the loss that haunts the characters throughout the series. Let’s take a look at six anime characters who have lost their families in episode 1 of their respective series.
1. Tohru Honda – Fruits Basket:
Tohru is an orphan who lost her parents when she was just three years old. She lives a tough life, and her fate leads her to the Sohma family. Episode 1 of Fruits Basket reveals the tragic life of Tohru, which affects the entire story’s course. The twist at the end of the series is emotionally compelling and has a strong connection with the events presented in episode 1.
2. Kousei Arima – Your Lie in April:
In Your Lie in April, Kousei’s mother dies, and it is revealed through a flashback in episode 1. The flashback shows the toxic relationship Kousei had with his mother, who trained him to become a renowned pianist. Following her death, Kousei is traumatized and loses his passion for playing the piano.
3. Satoru Fujinuma – Erased:
Episode 1 of Erased plays a significant role in shaping the story. Satoru, the main character, returns home to find his mother dead. He is then accused of the murder and is taken into custody by the police. However, Satoru discovers that he has the ability to go back in time to prevent the tragic events from occurring.
4. Yona – Yona of the Dawn:
In episode 1 of Yona of the Dawn, Yona watches in horror as the man she loved kills her father, the king. The death of her father puts Yona’s life in danger, and she’s forced to flee the palace. The following episodes follow Yona and Hak’s journey to escape from the man who killed her father.
5. Yuji Itadori – Jujutsu Kaisen:
In episode 1 of Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji loses his grandfather, who was his only relative. Yuji’s grandfather’s death leaves him with no family or responsibilities, and he finds himself living a life without any purpose. Following his encounter with Megumi Fushiguro and Satoru Gojo, Yuji’s life takes a drastic turn and he embarks on a journey to protect people from the world of Jujutsu.
6. Eren Yeager – Attack on Titan:
In Attack on Titan, Eren’s mother is killed by a Titan in front of him and his adopted sister Mikasa in episode 1. This incident sets Eren on a path of revenge against the Titans and shapes his character throughout the series.
In conclusion, the loss of family in episode 1 of an anime sets the tone for the series and shapes the characters’ motivations throughout the show. As tragic as it is, it provides an opportunity for great storytelling that can invoke an emotional connection with the viewers.
