The Todoroki Family annotated

Observation notes: notes about what we can observe just reading/watching the manga/anime.

Cultural notes: notes that talk about Japanese culture and about how things work in Japan. Remember, I am not Japanese, what I share is what I researched about.

Food notes: notes about food that get mentioned/showed.

Places notes: notes about the place the characters are in or places mentioned.

Reference notes: notes about what gets referenced.

Retcon notes: notes that talk about what was later retconned or POTENTIALLY retconned as sometimes it’s not 100% sure a retcon took place.

Sexism notes: notes that discuss sexism happening in the chapters with the Todorokis and that are often not stricktly related to the Todorokis as victims/perpetrators of it, but to something that happens while they’re there to see it or involved as a term of paragon or things like that. Since most of the sexism in the story is Doylist in nature (it is not a character that is sexist but the story itself) they are usually very critical notes so they come, of course with a BNHA critical warning.

Teaching notes: notes that talk about how things are taught, while a Todoroki is present (be it as a mentor or as a student). They are often very critical notes because the way people teach things in this story is rather bad for the standards of my country so they come, of course with a BNHA critical warning.

Translation notes: notes that talk about things that get lost in translation. Japanese can’t be translated with a 100% match, some words might have more layers or imply more things in Japanese or be peculiar to it.

Weirdness notes: note that relate to things that go from being weird to not making sense at all.

English version notes: notes about the official English version of the manga that can cover mistakes, cuts and so on. Note that I am not English and I have no particular simpathy/hate for the official English versions, I just think it is the one most commonly known and referenced in the net as well as used as the source for canon.

Extra notes: notes about info who don’t fit with any of the above.

ANIME ONLY

Added parts notes: notes about things that weren’t in the manga but that the anime decided to add.

Changed parts notes: notes about things that were in the manga but that the anime decided to change.

Observation notes:

The images above are part of a series of visual realized for two events called the Animal Beach Ball (アニマルビーチボール) in which a pop-up shop would be held on Tokyo Anime Center. The first event, took place from July 18, 2025 to August 3, 2025, the second event, which took take place from June 27, 2026 to July 12, 2026. During the events, in addition to life-size panels of the over mentioned visuals placed all around it was possible to buy merchandise based on it or on the mochocho images also created for the occasion depicting a chibi version of the characters in animal costumes so that we have Enji's GorillaGorillaGorilla Ver. (ゴリラゴリラゴリラ), Tōya's DabiHebi Ver. (ダビヘビ) and Shōto's Shōtocat ver. (ショートキャット). Also, gadgets with the visuals for the balls were created, and those included the Villains as well. I really do wish we had normal versions of them too, I'd love to see them at the beach

Cultural notes:

Observation notes:

The images above come from a collaboration between "Boku Hero Academia" and "the Tohoku Festivals", so as to create streamers featuring BNHA characters in yukata, and limited-edition merchandise for sale.

Cultural notes:

Matsuri (祭り "Japanese festivals"): traditional festive occasions, which might be sponsored by local shrines, to celebrate kami (神 Shintō deities), seasons, or historical events, often celebrated with folk dances, ritual practices, traditional clothes and events, parades, food stalls with local delicacies, games, music and fireworks in Japan.

Tōhoku matsuri (東北祭り Tohoku Festival): summer celebrations in Japan's northeastern Tohoku region. They are famous for the "Three Great Festivals":

Aomori Nebuta matsuri (青森ねぶた祭), so called because the main event features Nebuta (ねぶた), illuminated papier-mâché float of a brave warrior-figure which is carried through the center of the city, while dancers wearing a unique type of costume called haneto (ハネト) dance around in time with the chant Rasserā (ラッセラー).

Akita Kantō matsuri (秋田竿燈まつり), so called because the main event features Kantō (竿燈), balancing bamboo poles with rice paper lanterns, which hang from horizontal bars being carried through the streets by night on the palms, foreheads, shoulders, or lower backs of the celebrants.

Sendai Tanabata matsuri (仙台七夕まつり), Japan's largest and most famous Hoshimatsuri (星祭り "Star Festival") held annually from August 6-8 in Sendai, Tohoku, featuring spectacular, massive paper streamers and decorations lining shopping arcades to celebrate the legendary meeting of the deities Vega and Altair.

Tanabata (たなばた/七夕 "Evening of the Seventh") or Hoshimatsuri (星祭り "Star Festival"): a Japanese festival that celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively). According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar. The date of Tanabata varies by region of the country, but the first festivities begin on 7 July of the Gregorian calendar. The celebration is held at various days between July and August. One of the most beloved customs of Tanabata is writing on Tanzaku (短冊 "paper strips"), white or colorful narrow, vertical strips of paper, wishes, hopes and dreams, ranging from personal aspirations to prayers for health and happiness, usually using a brush and ink, reflecting traditional calligraphy practices. The act of writing a wish is seen as a way to focus on one’s desires and send them to the heavens, hoping they will be granted. The Tanzaku are then used to decorate bamboo branches which are placed outside homes, schools, and public spaces. In the image we can see that Shōto is holding a Tanzaku.

Yukata (浴衣 lit. "bathrobe"): a summer kimono, worn in casual settings such as summer festivals and to nearby bathhouses. They originally were worn as bathrobes but now their modern use is much broader, and are a common sight in Japan during summer. Though Yukata are traditionally indigo and white in color, modern Yukata commonly feature multicolored designs, and are designed to be machine washable. They are held close by an obi (帯), a traditional Japanese belt. This is what Shōto is wearing in the image.

Hanshin shitate (半身仕立て "half-body tailoring"): a special method of tailoring kimono and yukata, where different fabrics and colors and patterns are used on the left and right sides of the center back (the back seam), giving them a modern and unique impression.

Setta (雪駄): Japanese sandals

Kinchaku (巾着): traditional Japanese pouch or purse, typically made of cotton or silk, that is closed by pulling a drawstring and usually used by men and women when wearing a yukata.

Observation notes:

This image is part of a set of 6 visuals created for 6 characters of the series for the '“Boku no HERO ACADEMIA” gekijō kōkai kinen FAIR in ANIMATE' (『僕のヒーローアカデミア』劇場公開記念フェアinアニメイト ""My Hero Academia" Theatrical Release Commemorative Fair at Animate") which was held from August 3rd, 2018 to September 9th, 2018 to celebrate the release of the first movie 'Boku no HERO ACADEMIA THE MOVIE ~futari no eiyū~ (僕のヒーローアカデミア THE MOVIE ～２人の英雄～ "My Hero Academia The Movie ~2 Heroes~") which was first released on July 5th, 2018.

In Japanese numerology the number 7 (七 nana) is considered a lucky and sacred number, symbolizing spiritual well-being, good fortune, and prosperity. This positive association stems from its significance in Buddhism and Shinto, with common examples including the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin), the celebration of a baby's seventh day, and the Tanabata festival on July 7th. The number seven appears in various aspects of daily life, from traditions and holidays to items and even some marketing campaigns, further cementing its lucky status.

In Japanese numerology the number 1 (一 ichi) is often associated with good things, such as being "number one" or the best, and symbolizes new beginnings and a fresh start. It can however also represent loneliness.

This also means his zodiac sign is Cancer (磨羯宮 Makatsukyū).

Zodiac symbol: ♋︎ Crab House: 4 Duration: Around June 21/22 – July 22/23 First decan (the ruling planet is Venus): Around June 21/22 – June 30/July 1 Second decan (the ruling planet is Mercury): Around July 1/2 – July 10/11 Third decan (the ruling planet is Moon): Around July 11/12 – July 19/20 Constellation: Cancer (Latin for “crab”) Zodiac element: Water Polarity: Negative Zodiac quality: Cardinal Sign ruler: Moon Detriment: Saturn Exaltation: Jupiter Fall: Mars Northern Hemisphere Season: Summer Southern Hemisphere Season: Winter Opposite sign: Capricorn Key Traits: Nurturing, emotional, intuitive, and creating cozy environments. Potential Challenges: Moodiness, clinging behavior, being easily offended, and grudge-holding.

Horoscope (according to zodiacsign.com)

(Pluto) – SUN – (Pluto) – URANUS

Color: Platinum In One Word: Authentic Shape: Zig Zag Strength: Character Weakness: Stressed Most Compatible With: Scorpio

As the month of July begins, it brings a new energy of change, one with the greatest impact in our entire calendar. The freedom those born on July 1st fight for tends to take over, make them angry and ready to break loose from the river of ancestors they were born into. They are innovators that follow their heart and need support to shine with true strength, detached enough, and with boundaries clearly set.

On July 1st, the Sun and Uranus combine in a row, emphasizing the need of each individual born on this date to find their inner truth and express it. The liberation they seek often makes them strange, a bit eccentric, or stressed out. In order to give the best their personality has to offer, they often have to break loose from their primal family, create peace in their own home, and fight for alone time that will allow them to build the foundation for their thoughts to land. Ready to jump in, take risks, and be different from everyone else, their sensitivity needs to be nurtured and cherished or they might break along the way. When they allow themselves to be exactly who they are, their heart finds peace it needed all along.

Love and Emotions

Born in the Sun sign of Cancer, they have an uneasy task to discover who they are under all the emotional baggage left by their ancestors. Their family might not be that supportive of their true sensitive nature, and this makes them edgy and stressed, bringing out their real personality to the surface in a rebellious way. This influences their choice of partners and makes them strive for freedom, even when they aren’t fully aware of this craving in their heart.

Their relationships will often be strange, changeable, and pushing them over their limits. Conflicts are of great importance for their growth and could make them cut off from the most serious of their bonds if they turn out not to serve a purpose anymore. If they begin a serious relationship while still living in their primal home, their world could greatly change afterwards, and if they aren’t getting enough freedom along the way to evolve in their own pace, they could end up getting separated or divorced. The imperative to each romantic bond that lasts in their life is personal freedom, most of all, despite of their sensitive need to have a quiet family life.

Purpose

Striving for all matters of Mars resolved, people born on July 1st sometimes get aggressive and difficult when pushing for their ideals. They are to understand the quality and the safe side of conflict, learning how to use it constructively to move ahead. Grounding is their mission in life and they are to learn how to incorporate their true being in the world around them, the society, and all practical matters their life consists of. Action is the imperative and this makes them extremely innovative but often uncertain if they should make the first step. When they show initiative and take matters in their own hands, they become leaders with no obstacle in their path that is impossible to overcome.

What They Excel In

Excellent sportsmen and innovators, they shine in all areas of physical work, professions with a lot of movement and freedom to learn, travel, and grow. They need excitement and the sense of constant risk to keep them going, and unlike most Cancer representatives, they won’t settle for less than what they know their potential is. Getting lulled in an unsatisfying workplace is not an option in their life and if they are pushed and pressured into such choices, they will either break free or simply break apart. Wonderful friends and dedicated colleagues, they will excel in all relationships that give them enough room to be exactly who they are in each role they take and every phase of their life.

July 1st Birthday Gift

It might seem difficult to choose a gift for a Cancer representative born on the 1st of July, but in fact, their ability to feel gratitude is vast. They will find symbolism even in the smallest of gifts and treasure them if they are given with love. Put your positive intentions in your choice, buy a colorful trinket that shows that you see their different, sparkly nature. They want a surprise, something unique, creative, to remind them of the person they got it from. If you get something for their home, make it a meaningful memory with an important message, rather than something practical and used daily.

Positive Traits for July 1st Born

Innovative, emotionally aware, and ready to change and jump into risk, they are the ones to chase after the individualistic approach others might envy or admire. On the chase for personal growth and evolution, they are to discover just how much they can do when they express their true personality fully.

Negative Traits for July 1st Born

Stressed and standing out from the crowd, they could feel like they don’t belong in their own social circles, closing their heart for open interactions if they get hurt too many times.

Healing Crystal

Stellerite is an excellent choice of crystal for Cancer representatives born on July 1st. It is a stone that aids change while giving emotional stability as one goes through it. Relieving them of stress, it will help these individuals calm intense reactivity and keep them stable in times of disturbing changes in the outer world. Its effect manifests through clearer expectations and sets them free from any fear of the future that might come after they make a step towards the change they desire.

Sabian Symbol

The Sabian symbol for Cancer representatives born on July 1st in one of the two years that precede a leap year:

"A Small Naked Girl Bends over a Pond Trying to Catch a Fish"

The Sabian symbol for Cancer representatives born on July 1st of a leap year and a year following it:

"A Large Diamond in the First Stages of the Cutting Process"

And here let’s have a close up of the Todoroki involved:

Observation notes:

We can see that Shōto is shown among the Class A students in his new Hero clothes.

We have very little info about him as Horikoshi didn’t bother to let us know as much as his name, nor let us see his face clearly. The image above is what is likely his Iei (遺影 “memorial photo”), placed in the Butsuma room, the room which contains the Butsudan.

Since there is plenty of confusion in the fandom I will clear up what is a Butsudan and a Butsuma room.

Let's start with the easy part, the Butsuma (仏間) is the room whose principal or exclusive function is containing a Butsudan.

So what is the Butsudan?

The Butsudan (仏壇 “Buddhist altar”) is a shrine commonly found in temples and homes which looks either a defined, often ornate platform or simply a wooden cabinet sometimes crafted with doors that enclose and protect a Gohonzon (御本尊) or religious icon, typically a statue or painting of a Buddha or Bodhisattva, or a calligraphic mandala scroll.

Its primary use is for paying respects to the Buddha, as well as to family members who have died.

The Butsudan is commonly seen as an essential part in the life of a traditional Japanese family as it is the centre of spiritual faith within the household, especially in dealing with the deaths of family members or reflecting on the lives of ancestors.

Traditional Japanese beliefs hold the Butsudan to be a house of the Buddha, as well as of deceased relatives enshrined within it.

Long story short...

no, the shrine isn't in Tōya's old bedroom, nor existed specifically for him. That shrine existed in the Todoroki house BEFORE Tōya's birth and has likely hosted enshrined in it Enji's parents as well.

If you find writing saying that room is Tōya's room they are however correct in the sense that Tōya's soul is expected now to live in the Butsudan and therefore in that room, that is clearly not his old bedroom.

The Butsuma should be on ground floor in a room easily accessible by visitors, Tōya's bedroom (as well as all the Todorokis' bedrooms) should have been on the first floor, therefore a floor above the Butsuma room.

If you are wondering why Enji's father's photo is not inside the Butsudan but up on a wall that is likely because, after a number of years the Hotoke (仏 “the deceased soul”) is elevated to the status of tutelary ancestor, Senzo (先祖), and is believed to join the collective spirits of the generations of household ancestors and his photo is removed by the Butsudan.

So yeah, Enji's father is out of the Butsudan because he died a long time ago.

Back to Enji's father this is all we have about him.

Todoroki Enji (young) ‘Sara ni yowaku natta. Tachiba to tsugunai to ayamachi to sekinin ga. Omae no seirai no yowasa o abaki dashi miru ni taenai guzu e to hikizuri oroshita. Chōjin ni wa narenainda yo Enji (read: omae) wa. Genten o omoi dase. Teki ga nandatta no ka o? Akkan kara shōjo o sukuou to shi kekka shōjo moro tomo nikukai to ka shita chichi o’ 轟炎司「更に弱くなった。立場と償いと過ちと責任が。おまえの生来の弱さを曝き出し見るに堪えない愚図へと引きずり下ろした。超人にはなれないんだよ炎司（おまえ）は。原点を思い出せ。敵が何だったのかを。悪漢から少女を救おうとし結果少女もろとも肉塊と化した父を。」 Todoroki Enji (young) “You became beyond weak. Position, atonement, mistakes and responsibility. Your innate weakness was exposed and I can’t bear to see how you were dragged down into an indecisive person. Enji (read: you) can’t become a superhuman. Remember your origin. Who was the enemy? Your father tried to save a girl from a scoundrel and, as a result, he and the girl were turned into a lump of meat.” [Chap. 356]

Since we first see Enji's father when the young Enji talks about mistakes, it is possible Enji sees his death also as a mistake he made, namely that he didn't act to help his father but just remained there to watch as the man went and tried to save a girl from a scoundrel (which is why he is labelled as an indecisive person).

Note that that the guy is called ‘akkan’ (悪漢) literally a “bad/evil man” (alternatively you can translate it as “thug, rascal, scoundrel” and not a Villain (敵 （ヴィラン） ‘teki (read: VILLAIN)’), who is “someone who uses his Quirk to commit crimes”.

This means it is possible the guy was not a Villain, just a bad person and Enji's father therefore wasn't a professional Hero, just someone who wanted to save a girl.

The fact they all died in an area that seems to have been destroyed by an explosion let us understand something big happened, something that killed Enji's father, the girl and the scoundrel (we see three corpses covered by cloth) but we don't know if the explosion was caused by the scoundrel or by Enji's father himself as he might have had a fire Quirk like his son and might have tried to use it, ending up causing an explosion that killed them all instead.

Observation notes

The images above is part of a series of 15 visuals created for the event which was meant to commemorate the release of the BNHA first movie and that was named 'Boku no HERO ACADEMIA minna de tsukurou! Uminoya in Tōkyū HANDS' (僕のヒーローアカデミア みんなで作ろう！海の家in東急ハンズ "My Hero Academia Let's Build a Beach House Together! in Tokyu Hands"). The images would be used to create merchandise. The event took place from July 21, 2018 to August 31, 2018.

Food notes:

Kakigōri (かき氷 "shaved ice"): a Japanese shaved ice dessert flavored with syrup and a sweetener, often condensed milk. Rather than flavored ice, Kakigōri is traditionally made of pure ice and the traditional way of making it uses a hand cranked machine to spin a block of ice over a shaving blade over which will be poured a syrup (popular flavors being strawberry, cherry, lemon, green tea, grape, melon, "Blue Hawaii", sweet plum). SOme also pour on top of it condensed or evaporated milk to sweeten it. During the hot summer months, it is sold virtually everywhere in Japan, street stalls, festivals, convenience stores, coffee shops, specialized kakigōri parlors, and restaurants or prepared by families at home. A flag with the kanji sign for ice kōri (氷) is a common and traditional way for an establishment to indicate that they are serving it.

During the event you could buy 'Todoroki to Tokoyami ga tsukuru tokusei kakigōri-fū PARFAIT' (轟と常闇が作る特製かき氷風パフェ "Special shaved ice-style parfait made by Todoroki and Tokoyami")

In 2021 at a Drawing Smash cafe you could buy Todoroki Shōto no Hanrei Hannen kakigōri (轟焦凍の半冷半燃かき氷 "Todoroki Shōto's Half-Cold, Half-Hot Shaved Ice"). The left side was milk shaved ice, and the right side was strawberry shaved ice, decorated with red candy to represent Shōto's Quirk. One could pour on it warm strawberry sauce from the separate bottle.

Observation notes:

The images above are 3 of the 14 visuals for their Tsukamare! (つかまれ！"hold tight!") series in which characters appear to be "clinging" to items. Includes magnets and badges. From what I know Shōto should have been a magnet while Enji was a badge. They were released in mid-April 2026.

Observation notes:

The images above are 3 of the 14 visuals for their Tsumamare (つままれ "pinched") series in which characters are depicted in cute, stylized poses, as if being pinched between fingers. Includes rubber straps, keychains, and acrylic items. They were released in mid-April 2026.

Observation notes:

The image above was one of the 5 visuals for their acrylic PYOKOTTE (アクリルピョコッテ) series in which the characters express their Quirk. The idea was that the character would look like they are popping out from where they are attached. In fact the name of the series is a playful mashup derived from the Japanese onomatopoeia pyokotto (ピョコッと), which describes something suddenly popping out or appearing. They usually have clips and magnets with whom they can be attached. They were released in mid-April 2026

Observation notes:

The images above was one of the 6 visuals with a retro feel created for the collaboration with the amusement park Asakusa Hanayashiki" called 'TV ANIME “Boku no HERO ACADEMIA” in Asakusa Hanayashiki' (TVアニメ『僕のヒーローアカデミア』 in 浅草花やしき). The visuals were featured on photo spots throughout the park as well as used to make merchandise. The collaboration was meant to start from March 5th to April 21st, 2025.

Cultural notes:

Asakusa Hanayashiki (浅草花やしき): an amusement park in Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, that has operated since 1853 and therefore is claimed to be the oldest amusement park in Japan. It is operated by Hanayashiki Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Bandai Namco Holdings.

Observation notes:

The images above show the visuals of 2 of the 8 acrylic key chain with a changeable facial expression realized for SEGA FAVE (セガ フェイブ)'s series of ACDOLL mini (アクドールmini "action doll mini"). They were meant to be available for pre-sale at Jump Festa 2026, held at Makuhari Messe on December 20th and 21st, 2025.

Observation notes:

The image above is one of the three visuals shown at a merchandise event, "HERO PLAZA" (ヒーロープラザ) on November 24, 2025. The theme is 'Michibiku mono to ayumu mono' (導く者と歩む者" The Guides and the Walkers") and therefore combines All Might and other senior heroes with Deku, Bakugo, and other students from U.A. High School aiming to become heroes. Merchandise featuring this visual will be available for pre-sale at Jump Festa 2026, held at Makuhari Messe on December 20th and 21st, 2025.

Observation notes:

The image above is a visual made for a merchandise event, "HERO PLAZA" (ヒーロープラザ). The theme is 'Kagai gakushū!' (課外学習！"Extracurricular activities!") and shows the boys riding in a red convertible. During the event, many limited and pre-release items were made be available. The event took place in Ikebukuro Loft Venue (Tokyo) from July 25th to August 24th, 2025, in Umeda Loft Venue (Osaka) from July 26th to September 7th, 2025, in Aeon Mall Hakusan Venue (Ishikawa) from August 8th to August 31st, 2025, in Sakae Loft Venue (Aichi) from August 29th to September 24th, 2025.

Observation notes:

The images above are part of a set of 6 images made for a merchandise event, "HERO PLAZA" (ヒーロープラザ). The theme is 'Twilight' and, due to this contemplating upcoming battles at twilight.. The images would be used to create exclusive products sold at the event, as well as for a photo spot. Also, during the event, many limited and pre-release items were made be available. The event took place in Ikebukuro Loft Venue (Tokyo) from July 19th to August 21st, 2024, in Umeda Loft Venue (Osaka) from July 27th to August 27th, 2024, in Favore Toyama Venue (Toyama Prefecture) from August 8th to August 18th, 2024, in Matsuyama Loft Venue (Ehime Prefecture) from August 27th to September 18th, 2024, in Sakae Loft Venue (Aichi Prefecture) from August 30th to September 26th, 2024, in Sendai Loft Venue (Miyagi Prefecture) from September 10th to October 7th, 2024.

I find noteworthy how the full visual is one of the few images in which I get the feeling the characters are really there and aren't just copypasted on a background.

Observation notes:

The images above are part of a set of 6 images made for a merchandise event, "HERO PLAZA" (ヒーロープラザ), held in Shibuya Loft, Sapporo Loft, Umeda Loft, Sendai Loft, and Ikebukuro Loft. The theme is 'Hīrō no kyūsoku' (ヒーローの休息 "Hero's rest") and, due to this the characters are depicted taking a break after completing a mission. The images would be used to create exclusive products sold at the event, as well as for a photo spot. Also, during the event, many limited and pre-release items were made be available. The event took place in Nishinomiya Loft Venue (Hyogo Prefecture) from June 29 to July 20, 2023, in Ikebukuro Loft Venue (Tokyo) from July 21, 2023 to August 30, 2023, in Umeda Loft Venue (Osaka Prefecture) from July 27, 2023 to August 29, 2023, in Niigata Loft Venue (Niigata Prefecture) from September 6, 2023 to September 27, 2023, in Sakae Loft Venue (Aichi Prefecture) from September 8, 2023 to October 4, 2023.