Tetsu

Former Pickpocket of the Yamanote Line

A pickpocket on the Yamanote Line whose thumbs and index fingers on both hands were cut off by a gang, but was saved by BJ and reformed. Formerly a magician who applied his sleight-of-hand skills to pickpocketing.

Quotes

  • “I'll quit pickpocketing. It's thanks to BJ.”
  • “I'll live to repay the debt.”

Trivia

  • Tetsu was originally a magician and used those skills for pickpocketing.
  • The crucial scene where his fingers were severed by the gang was a turning point that changed his way of life.
  • His character is also an example of Osamu Tezuka's star system.

Alternate names

Tetsu of the Yamanote Line Tetsu

Tags

Yamanote Line Pickpocket Former Magician Reformed Black Jack Osamu Tezuka Medical Manga Change of Heart Former Criminal

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
A young man with an unremarkable appearance. Thumbs and index fingers on both hands have been severed.
Distinguishing features
  • Thumbs and index fingers on both hands severed

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Sincere
Detailed personality
Once a delinquent pickpocket, he reexamined his life due to BJ's life-saving treatment and rehabilitation, growing as a person. Fundamentally warm-hearted and compassionate.
Keywords
  • Sincere
  • Reformed
  • Brave
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Former Criminal
Talents
  • Magic tricks
  • Pickpocketing skills
  • Endurance
Skills
  • Dexterous finger movements
  • Self-improvement
  • Repairing human relationships
Motivation
To quit pickpocketing and live an upright life. To repay his debt to BJ and settle his past.

History

Backstory
Worked as a pickpocket on the Yamanote Line but suffered severe injuries when a gang retaliated by cutting off his thumbs and index fingers on both hands. Saved by the unlicensed surgeon Black Jack (BJ) and reformed. Formerly a magician praised for his finger dexterity. After returning to society, he runs the coffee shop 'Tom' as its master, takes in BJ's daughter Kumiko to live with him, atones for his past sins, and lives sincerely.
Debut date
circa 1974
Work title
Black Jack
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Tetsu of the Yamanote Line

Activity as a pickpocket on the Yamanote Line

Significant event
Activity as a pickpocket on the Yamanote Line
Description
Had thumbs and index fingers on both hands severed by a gang.

Life-saving surgery by BJ and reformation

Significant event
Life-saving surgery by BJ and reformation
Description
Saved by the unlicensed yet skilled surgeon BJ, and resolved to quit pickpocketing afterward.

Social reintegration

Significant event
Social reintegration
Description
Became a coffee shop master and guardian of BJ's daughter.

Relationships

Kumiko

BJ's daughter. Tetsu has taken her in and they live together.

Black Jack

Mentor

Performed surgery when Tetsu's fingers were severed and led him to reform.

Media appearances

Black Jack

Manga / Supporting

Serialization began in 1974

Black Jack (TV Anime)

Anime / Supporting

TV anime broadcast

Voice cast and creators

Kōsei Tomita

Voice actor
Kōsei Tomita
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime Version

Osamu Tezuka

Creator name
Osamu Tezuka
Role
Original author

Osamu Tezuka

Creator name
Osamu Tezuka
Role
Character designer

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