The hit manga "Blue Lock" was adapted into an anime in October 2022. In 2023, it became the top-selling manga in Japan, surpassing popular titles like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen. This article provides an in-depth explanation of Rin itoshi, a character from Blue Lock. It includes details about their height, weight, abilities, past episodes, and images of their appearances in the anime.

What is the Anime "Blue Lock" Where Rin Itoshi Appears?

"Blue Lock" (BLUELOCK) is a Japanese manga series written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura. It began serialization in Weekly Shonen Magazine (Kodansha) in issue 35 of 2018. In May 2021, it won the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in the shonen category.

Blue Lock is a facility designed to produce the ultimate egoist—a single forward chosen from 300 high school players to become the world's best striker, with the goal of leading Japan to victory in the World Cup. The story follows the strikers as they are thrown into a series of ruthless selection tests, each sharpening their skills while grappling with the harsh challenges presented by the unforgiving system.

Basic Information on Rin Itoshi from "Blue Lock": Height, Birthday and More

Rin is an ultra-genius striker who ranked number 1 in the new Blue Lock rankings at the end of the Second Selection's 1st stage. He excels in all aspects of soccer, with his kicking technique being particularly exceptional. Rin also possesses remarkable foresight, reading several moves ahead and controlling the entire field like a puppeteer, manipulating both allies and opponents with his "dominant puppet soccer." At just 16 years old, Rin has a unique philosophy: "Soccer is a battle to the death" and "The field is a battlefield." He plays a key role in accelerating the growth of the protagonist, Isagi.

Blue Lock Ranking: 1st place (at the start of the second selection)
Birthday: September 9
Age: 16 years old (1st year in high school)
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Hometown: Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Family: Father, mother, older brother, and himself
Height: 6 ft 1 in (186 cm)
Foot Size: 10.8 in (27.5 cm)
Blood Type: A
Dominant Foot: Right
Favorite Player: David Beckham (respects his kicks)
Started Playing Soccer: From a young age (grew up watching his older brother play)
Motto: "The field is a battlefield," "Weak" (often said in frustration)
Strength (in his own words): Being able to play soccer (nothing else really matters)
Weakness (in his own words): Being unsociable (if you don't like it, don't deal with me)
Favorite Food: Ochazuke (especially sea bream ochazuke)
Least Favorite Food: Vinegared dishes (not good with sour things)
Best Meal Companion: Tuna (the combo of soy sauce and wasabi is unbeatable, no argument)
Hobbies: Thrilling himself with horror games and horror movies
Favorite Season: Autumn (likes it when it's chilly)
Favorite Music: Anything by King Gnu (especially "Prayer X")
Favorite Movie: Horror movies (particularly "The Shining")
Favorite Manga: "Dragon Head" and "Ciguatera"
Character Color: Turquoise Blue
Favorite Animal: Owl (there's something appealing, probably the eyes)
Best Subjects: Physical Education, Art
Weakest Subject: Calligraphy (doesn't like being told how to write things)
What Makes Him Happy: Doesn’t know
What Makes Him Sad: Someone being better at soccer than him (so far, only his older brother fits the bill)
Valentine’s Chocolate Last Year: Doesn’t remember but rejected all of them
Sleep Duration: 7.5 hours
First Place He Washes in the Bath: His eyes with warm water
What He Always Buys at Convenience Stores: Eye-warming masks
Kinoko or Takenoko: Kinoko (mushroom-shaped snacks)
Last Time He Cried: Hasn’t cried recently
How Long He Got Christmas Gifts from Santa: Until 8 years old (stopped when his older brother did, though he secretly still wanted them)
What He Asked Santa for: The same soccer cleats as his brother
What He Would Do on the Last Day of Earth: Fight his brother
What He Would Do With 100 Million Yen: Bet it all on a single roulette spin at a casino
How He Spends His Days Off: Immersed in horror games or horror movies

Source: Blue Lock Official Character Book, EGOIST BIBLE

Rin Itoshi's Background in Blue Lock

Rin's story before entering Blue Lock is recounted in the original manga and novels.

He is the younger brother of Sae Itoshi, a world-renowned Japanese soccer player. Sae had been featured in the media as a "soccer prodigy" since he was eight years old, achieving great success on the field. At that time, Rin hadn't yet started playing soccer and was just an ordinary boy who enjoyed playing with action figures and toys from superhero shows.

At the same time, Rin felt immense pride in his brother's talent and achievements. Even though Sae is now known for his arrogant and confident remarks, when they were younger, Rin looked up to him as a brother who was not only the best at soccer but also kind. They were inseparable and shared a close bond, doing everything together.

Rin's journey into soccer began when his admired older brother, Sae, saw potential in him and invited him to join him in becoming strong soccer players together.
Rin set his sights on becoming the world's second-best striker, with Sae aiming to be the number one striker in the world. They often spoke of their dreams, supporting each other in their ambitions.

However, Sae was scouted by the youth academy of the world’s top club, and left Japan to pursue his own path. Despite his departure, Rin continued training hard, determined to make their shared dream a reality and showing great promise in his own right.

One snowy day, Rin was practicing late when Sae suddenly appeared in front of him for the first time in four years.
"I'm going to become the world's best midfielder, not the best striker," Sae told him, leaving Rin in shock. While Rin protested, Sae explained that he had changed his dream and was now determined to become the best midfielder in the world. Rin couldn’t accept this and was told, "You can only say that because you don’t know the world yet."

Feeling betrayed by Sae, who he believed had given up, Rin expressed his frustration. He had wanted Sae to keep fighting with him, as they had once promised. Sae, however, suggested that Rin should now aim to become the best striker in the world, but Rin shouted back, "I’m the brother of the world’s best striker!" He couldn’t bear to see Sae abandon their dream.

As Rin continued to resist, Sae proposed a one-on-one match. If Rin won, Sae would reconsider his decision. However, Rin was easily defeated. When Rin, crushed by the loss, muttered that there was no point in playing soccer if Sae had given up on their dream, Sae coldly told him, "Then quit."

Rin, having had his dream shattered, resolved to continue playing soccer, now driven by a desire for revenge against his brother.

Who is Rin Itoshi's Voice Actor in the Blue Lock Anime?

The voice actor for Rin is Koki Uchiyama. He is best known for his roles as Rui in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Toge Inumaki in the anime Jujutsu Kaisen, among many other popular works.

In 2024, Uchiyama will be playing main characters in numerous titles, including Isekai Shoukan wa Nidome Desu (My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered, No One in This Other World Stands a Chance Against Me!), WIND BREAKER, [Oshi no Ko], Modern Misinterpretation, and Bye Bye, Earth.

Rin Itoshi's Weapon

■Kick Accuracy
Rin's strength lies in his exceptionally accurate kicking power. During the second selection, he displayed extraordinary plays, such as scoring goals from the center line or corner kicks with a single shot, defying conventional expectations. In episode 21, he also scored a free-kick goal with a lightning-fast shot that flew over Isagi's head before he even had a chance to react, a pinpoint fast free-kick.

■Spatial Awareness
Rather than excelling in one specific area, Rin is an all-around player who possesses a high-level combination of skills, physical abilities, and tactical understanding required in soccer. He has exceptional spatial awareness and tactical insight. His calm and composed personality allows him to accurately assess the situation during matches and control the field as a strategic player. In episode 13, during the third stage of the second selection, he said to Isagi, who also excels in spatial awareness, "Did you think I couldn’t see what you could?" He blocked Isagi’s shooting point, where he sensed a scoring opportunity, and pulled him into the future of the battlefield (the field) that Rin had already envisioned, securing a decisive victory.

Rin Itoshi's Key Moments and Images from Various Episodes

Next, we will look back at Rin Itoshi's key moments in each anime episode, along with images.

■First Selection
Rin’s participation in the First Selection is not depicted, as he was in a different building (Building 5) from Yoichi Isagi and the others. Based on the color of his cleats, it can be inferred that he was part of Team V.

Second Selection, Match 1: Rin, Aryu, Tokimitsu vs. Isagi, Bachira, Nagi

After passing the 1st stage as the top-ranked player, Rin formed a team with Jubei Aryu and Aoshi Tokimitsu and faced off against Isagi, Meguru Bachira, and Seishiro Nagi. He fully demonstrated his and his teammates' abilities, resulting in a crushing victory. After the match, at Aryu and Tokimitsu’s request, they took Bachira onto their team and advanced to the next stage.

Although they advanced early to the 4th stage, Rin, Aryu, and Tokimitsu’s presence caused their potential opponents to fear their skill, making it difficult for them to find a match. While training silently despite this situation, Bachira challenged Rin to a one-on-one. Although Bachira fought well, Rin consistently blocked and outmaneuvered him, showing the gap in their abilities. During this time, Rin harshly pointed out to Bachira, "Your soccer is dependent on someone else." Rin intended this as a stern critique, but for Bachira, it later became a turning point that led him to rethink his approach. This experience contributed to Bachira's awakening in the next match.

Second Selection, Match 2: Rin, Aryu, Tokimitsu, Bachira vs. Isagi, Nagi, Barou, Chigiri

In the 4th stage, their long-awaited match was against Isagi and Nagi again, now with Shoei Barou and Hyoma Chigiri added to their team. Although Chigiri scored the first goal early on, Rin began to fully showcase his abilities and took control of the game. However, Isagi, Nagi, Barou, and Chigiri had all significantly grown during the Second Selection, leading to an intense back-and-forth battle. Rin, in particular, started to recognize that Isagi, whom he had previously overlooked, was closing in on his level, and this time, Rin gave his full effort in facing him.

In the second half, Isagi cleverly exploited Rin’s sharp tactical insight, predicting Rin’s movements with, "You’d move like this, wouldn’t you?" Isagi then scored with a direct shot using the sole of his foot, surprising Rin.

As the match neared its conclusion, Bachira awakened to his own talent, delivering an extraordinary play. Although Isagi narrowly blocked his shot, Rin seized the rebound and scored the decisive goal.

In the end, Rin's team won by the slimmest of margins, but Rin acknowledged Isagi’s immense potential, as Isagi had briefly exceeded Rin's expectations and left him with a sense of defeat. Recognizing Isagi's potential, Rin decided to pull him into his team, stating that he wanted Isagi to witness his journey to becoming the world’s best striker up close. With this, Rin, Aryu, Tokimitsu, Bachira, and Isagi advanced to the Third Selection.

Summary

Although Rin may appear cool and composed, he harbors a burning competitive spirit within, using his egoistic playstyle to dominate other candidates and bend them to his will. By the end of the Second Selection, Rin acknowledged Isagi's talent and gave his all in their match, raising expectations for his performance in the upcoming Third Selection. Additionally, the ongoing conflict with his brother Sae promises to be a crucial storyline that cannot be overlooked.