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Jirou Horikoshi from “Kaze Tachinu

Personality

Jirou Horikoshi, the protagonist of “Kaze Tachinu”, has a determined and passionate personality. Since his childhood, Jirou has been fascinated by the idea of flying and has a deep desire to become a pilot. However, his acute nearsightedness prevents him from fulfilling this dream. Nonetheless, Jirou remains steadfast in his pursuit of aviation, aspiring to become an aeronautical engineer.
Driven by his unwavering determination, Jirou is portrayed as a hardworking and studious individual. He immerses himself in aviation literature, even going so far as to use an English dictionary to fully understand the content. Jirou’s dedication to his craft is evident in his commitment to designing and building beautiful aircraft, despite the knowledge that they could be used for destructive purposes in times of war.

Background

Jirou Horikoshi’s background is rooted in rural Japan, where he spent his early years dreaming of flying. After completing his education, Jirou and his friend Honjo are hired by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and assigned to work in the company’s aviation division in Nagoya. It is in this environment that Jirou’s journey to fulfill his dreams truly begins.
Throughout his career, Jirou faces the challenges of political instability and the looming threat of war. These circumstances shape his experiences and influence his decisions as he strives to create innovative and remarkable aircraft. In addition, Jirou’s personal life intertwines with his professional pursuits, leading to significant events such as his reunion and eventual marriage to Naoko.

Appearance

Jirou Horikoshi is visually depicted as a slim and young man. He has short, dark hair and often wears glasses, symbolizing his nearsightedness. Jirou’s overall appearance reflects his serious and focused nature, with his clothing typically consisting of work clothes or a uniform befitting his role as an engineer.

Skills

Jirou Horikoshi possesses exceptional technical and engineering skills. His expertise lies in aeronautics, where he displays a talent for designing and constructing aircraft. With his meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of the principles of aviation, Jirou successfully brings his visions to life.

Origin

The character of Jirou Horikoshi is taken from the anime film “Kaze Tachinu”, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The film presents a fictionalized account of Jirou’s life, inspired by the real-life Jirou Horikoshi, who was a prominent aeronautical engineer in Japan. “Kaze Tachinu” explores Jirou’s personal and professional journey, highlighting his struggles, achievements and the impact of his work during a tumultuous period in history.

Jirou Horikoshi – FAQ

Who is Jirou Horikoshi?

Jirou Horikoshi is a fictional character from the Studio Ghibli film “Kaze Tachinu” (The Wind Rises). He is the main protagonist and is based on the real-life aircraft designer Jiro Horikoshi, who was responsible for designing the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, a famous Japanese fighter used during World War II.

What is Jiro Horikoshi’s role in “Kaze Tachinu”?

In “Kaze Tachinu”, Jirou Horikoshi’s role is that of a passionate and talented aircraft designer. The movie portrays his journey from a young boy with a dream of creating beautiful aircraft to his work on various projects, including the design of the A6M Zero fighter.

What are some of Jirou Horikoshi’s most significant achievements?

Jirou Horikoshi’s most notable achievement was the design of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, a highly successful fighter used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. The A6M Zero had excellent maneuverability and range, making it a formidable opponent for Allied forces in the Pacific Theater.

How does Jirou Horikoshi’s character develop over the course of the movie?

In “Kaze Tachinu,” Jirou Horikoshi’s character undergoes a significant transformation. Initially driven by his passion for aviation and the pursuit of creating beautiful aircraft, he gradually becomes aware of the destructive nature of his creations when used in warfare. This realization leads him to question the morality of his work and its impact on the world.

Does Jirou Horikoshi face any challenges or obstacles?

Yes, Jirou Horikoshi faces several challenges and obstacles throughout the movie. He encounters personal and professional setbacks, including health problems and the restrictions imposed by the militaristic government of the time. He also struggles with the ethical dilemma of designing planes that will be used for destructive purposes.

Is Jirou Horikoshi based on a real person?

Yes, Jirou Horikoshi is inspired by the real-life aircraft designer of the same name. The movie “Kaze Tachinu” takes certain liberties with the character and events, but it draws heavily from the life and work of Jiro Horikoshi. The real Jiro Horikoshi was a prominent figure in the Japanese aviation industry in the early 20th century.