#haruki given

Haruki Nakayama

Haruki Nakayama

However, I still have a couple of questions and was wondering if you could kindly clarify? Firstly, what's the deal with Masashi - Haruki's "stand"?

Second: Who is the "he" Uegetsu was referring to in V03, C13 and V05, C27? I initially thought he was referring to Mafuyu (and official English translations seem to support this); however, fan translations seem to leave it as "he" and it is assumed to be Akihiko as the next shots show Haruki with Uegetsu thinking, "so he (Haruki) was the trigger for the evolution." I honestly thought maybe Mafuyu was referring to some extent to Akihiko and Uegetsu and not so much Haruki (I get the feeling Mafuyu already understood that while Haruki was badly hurt, he was going to be okay) but maybe both Uegetsu and Akihiko needed that "letting go" push? I'd like to hear your thoughts on why Uegetsu thought it was Haruki instead - if I understood that correctly from the panels.

Thanks once again for all the meta - they have been fuelling my Given obsession and I can't wait for the sequel to be out soon!

hi @sillyfanturtle, thank you for your questions!

Haruki's stand "Mathathi"

Honestly, this was something I am super baffled with as well! And short answer is, I honestly don't know! I've done a bit of digging and one theory is that he is Martin Mathathi, a Kenya long distance runner, which matches the name but not the aesthetic because Martin Mathathi is this super thin guy.

but what is sort of interesting is that he did win bronze in the 10,000 metres at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, and many other medals in Fukuoka Cross Country races. If Kizu referred to him, then it could mean that Haruki is the "patient" type, happy to endure the long-game in order to see through people's growth.

Another theory is something I saw on reddit, according to this reddit post,

@jefcat and a few other Given fans were wondering if Haruki's stand is Inoue Takehiko, who is the Vagabond and Slam Dunk mangaka. Aesthetically, he does resemble the Kizu's drawing a bit more but I would not be able to guess for the life of me why Kizu would reference him as Haruki's stand????? Maybe Haruki or Kizu herself are big fans of him? I mean it's already a bit baffling and jarring as to why other Given characters are all animals but Haruki's a creepy kind of looking man 😆😆🫠🫠 Kizu's very mysterious LOL so your guess is as good as mine 😂

I will answer your other question in a separate post, thank you for your patience!

your officially coming with me 😝💛

love akihiko so much, him in the show with haruki was a bit uneasy but in the movie when he proved his love was just so good

and omg his voice!! voice actor was spot on! tried listening to the English version but just isn’t the same

• It was Mafuyu's idea originally, he brought it up during one of the bands restaurant meetings ups. Uenoyama blushed but was okay with the idea, Haruki was hesitant about the idea and Akihiko was on board from the start.

• They decided that the best scenario would be to go to the local theatre and see a Musical, then go to dinner afterwards.

• Mafuyu surprised the group with the tickets and Haruki was shocked to see he had front row tickets. "This is the hottest show at the moment how'd you snag premium seats? He asked. "I know people" Mafuyu responded. And that's all he'd say.

• So they go to the show and they found out that Hiiragi, Shizusumi and Ugetsu were in the show. (Mafuyu didn't know that last part)

• Akihiko was slightly annoyed but he got over it when Haruki held his hand.

• Two hours later the show ended and the group decided to go get merch of the show, Mafuyy got a program, Uenoyama got a CD, And Akihiko bought him and Haruki matching t-shirts.

• After this they went out to dinner and discussed the show. Mafuyy liked a majority of the story, Uenoyama liked the orchestration and Haruki/Akihiko liked the costumes. (Akihiko liked the songs too but wasn't going to admit it)

• They ate dinner then all four ended up back at Haruki's apartment and spent the night (Mafuyu and Uenoyama got their parents permission since they'd be with other adults to chaperone)