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 Ikki Niko, 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 Ikki Niko 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 Ikki Niko from "Blue Lock": Height, Birthday and More

Name: Ikki Niko
A highly intelligent player with distinctive long bangs that hide his eyes. Though he may not stand out at first glance, he excels in observing the entire field and often becomes the focal point of attacks. He usually speaks in a polite manner but occasionally makes confident remarks. Previously, Niko played a pivotal role as the playmaker on the field, but after the first selection, he awakened to a more aggressive playstyle, aiming for goals himself.

BL Ranking: 255th (initial) → 63rd (at the start of second selection)
Birthday: February 5
Age: 15 (1st year high school student)
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Hometown: Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture
Family: Father, mother, and himself
Height: 5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Foot size: 10.2 in (26 cm)
Blood type: O
Team before joining Blue Lock: Wasurenagusa Academy Soccer Club
Dominant foot: Right
Favorite soccer player: Luka Modric (the best player, selected for Ballon d'Or despite not being big in stature)
Motto: "The eyes are the window to the soul."
Strength (in his own opinion): Cautiousness (I never skip preparation until I believe I can win.)
Weakness (in his own opinion): Cowardice (I don’t compete when I think I’ll lose.)
Favorite food: Kappa Ebisen (I can’t stop, I can’t resist.)
Disliked food: Grapefruit (It needs to make up its mind—bitter or sweet?)
Best side dish for rice: Korean seaweed (The pairing is just perfect.)
Hobby: Watching anime (I watch almost all the first episodes of each season and then decide if I'll continue.)
Favorite season: Spring (The warm weather makes me feel carefree.)
Favorite TV show: Drama *Chernobyl* (It’s an intense show based on true events.)
Favorite song: *only my railgun* (It’s a divine song. I always listen to it before matches.)
Favorite movie: The *Puella Magi Madoka Magica* series (I love Sayaka’s line, "I’m such an idiot.")
Favorite manga: *BANANA FISH*
Character color: Sky gray
Favorite animal: Ferret (Aren’t they just cute?)
Best subjects: Music and science (I’m especially interested in space-related topics.)
Worst subject: Physical education (I sit out swimming since I don’t want people to see my hair wet and my face exposed.)
Magazine he often reads: *Jump+* (*SPY×FAMILY* is great.)
Particular about: Eyes (Eyes reveal personality. That’s why I hide mine.)
What makes him happy: Surrender (The concession call in Yu-Gi-Oh cards.)
What makes him sad: People seeing his forehead (My eyes and forehead are my sensitive areas.)
Ideal type: Someone I can be like a friend with, preferably an indoor type, and ideally into anime.
Sleep time: 7 hours (Much less when I’m hooked on an anime.)
First place he washes in the bath: Forehead (I start with it and finish with it too.)
Recent time he cried: When I lost to Isagi…
Until what age did he receive Christmas presents from Santa: I still get them… is that a problem?
What he asked Santa for: Whatever I want that year. This year, maybe a PS5.
What he would do on the last day of Earth: Shave my head to feel refreshed.
What he would do with 100 million yen: Buy a pure gold Blue-Eyes White Dragon Yu-Gi-Oh card.
How he spends his days off: Binge-watching anime.

Source: Blue Lock Official Character Book, EGOIST BIBLE

Who is Ikki Niko's Voice Actor in the Blue Lock Anime?

Niko is voiced by Natsuki Hanae, born June 26, 1991, in Kanagawa Prefecture. Hanae has portrayed many characters in popular works, including Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul and Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer.

Ikki Niko's Weapon

Strategy
Similar to Isagi, Niko possesses excellent spatial awareness, allowing him to create strategic plays during matches.

Ball Stealing
His spatial awareness also enhances his ability to intercept passes, making him a formidable defender.

Ikki Niko's Key Moments and Images from Various Episodes

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

■First Selection
Niko appears in the first match of the second selection, during the Team Z vs. Team Y game. Although Niko, a member of Team Y, allowed the spotlight to fall on Okawa at the start, it was later revealed that Niko was the true mastermind behind Team Y’s strategies, serving as their playmaker.

■Second Selection
Niko is a player that has caught Isagi’s attention, and Isagi was aware of Niko advancing through the first selection. In the second selection, Niko teamed up with Zantetsu Tsurugi. While the details of their journey remain unclear, Niko successfully made it through the second selection and exchanged words with Isagi.

Niko typically keeps his hair down to cover his eyes, making it difficult to see his true face. However, in episode 5 of the anime, after losing to Isagi’s Team Z, Niko shows his tearful face to Isagi. It seems he still regrets having his crying face seen. In the additional time scenes of the anime, he expresses a strong desire not to show his forehead, even asking Isagi to leave while he washes his face in the bathhouse.

■Third Selection
In the third selection, Niko volunteered to join Team B, which was led by Karasu Tabito and Otoya Eita.

During the selection for the U-20 Japan representative match, Niko's intelligence and ability to read the game, as well as his skill in ball recovery, earned him a position as a center-back. Ego praised Niko's "overwhelming reading ability to accurately grasp the situation on the field," stating that he would become the "greatest watchtower of Blue Lock."

■U-20 Japan Representative Match
In the first half of the U-20 Japan representative match, Niko showcased his impressive spatial awareness and deep reading of the game, which even Ego recognized. He successfully intercepted a pass from Sae Itoshi to Shuto Sendou, leading to a counterattack.

Summary

Niko is a player who relies on his high observational skills and sharp intellect. He excels at directing his teammates and played the role of playmaker during the first selection. After losing to Isagi and his team, Niko adopted a more aggressive playstyle, scoring goals himself and advancing to the second selection. Keep an eye on Niko’s future performances!

Source : Anime Blue Lock Official