Ken Wakashimatsu

Aggressive Wakashimatsu

An unconventional goalkeeper who makes use of karate techniques, the guardian deity of Toho Academy. Later doubles as a forward, becoming an aggressive GK.

Quotes

  • A guardian deity who can attack too, that's Ken Wakashimatsu!
  • Only I can make karate techniques work as a GK.
  • I won't lose, I'm the defensive wall!
  • Karate Keeper, here I am!
  • Want to try taking my shot?

Trivia

  • Won the national karate tournament in childhood.
  • Rare two-way player who is GK but also plays forward.
  • Uses a technique called Triangle Jump to kick the goalpost and boost leap power.
  • Possesses special moves derived from karate like Shuto Defense and Seiken Defense.
  • Strongly aware of Genzo Wakabayashi during national team camps.
  • Initially weak at PKs but overcame through practice.

Alternate names

Karate Keeper Ken-sama Kenbo Waka

Tags

Soccer Goalkeeper Karate Toho Academy Captain Tsubasa National team player Aggressive GK Sports youth Position conversion

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male
Birthday
December 29

Appearance

Overall appearance
Tall with a sturdy build, height 185cm. Sharp gaze that evokes the dignity of inheriting a karate dojo.
Height
185cm
Weight
74kg
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Sharp gaze
  • Toned physique befitting a karate practitioner
Iconic items
  • Goalkeeper gloves
  • Karate gi
  • Number 17 jersey

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Hot-blooded
Detailed personality
From boyhood, trained single-mindedly in karate, a sore loser and hard worker. A hot-blooded man who seeks to surpass his own limits through effort and guts. Chases after the respected Kojiro Hyuga, strong as rivals yet with a sense of camaraderie. Flexible, possessing versatility such as transitioning from GK to also playing FW.
Keywords
  • Brave
  • Hot-blooded
  • Hard worker
  • Karateka
  • Sore loser
  • Versatile
Motto
Whether my path is karate or soccer, I will master it with full effort.
Talents
  • Karate 5th dan
  • High jumping ability
  • Sharp reflexes
  • Robust stamina
  • Multi-position adaptability
Skills
  • Goalkeeping
  • Defense using karate techniques
  • Shooting power as a forward
  • Dribbling skills
  • Tactical judgment
Motivation
While inheriting the family karate dojo business, aims to conquer the nation in soccer as well. Master the GK position with a unique style utilizing karate.
Habits
No catchphrase, but in heated moments, makes a gesture of clenching his fist to psych himself up.
Favorite foods
Japanese food, Meat dishes, Inari sushi, Onigiri, Miso soup
Hobbies
Karate practice, Strength training, Solo soccer practice, Helping at the dojo, Practice matches with friends
Favorite places
Wakado-ryu Dojo, Toho Academy grounds, Hometown in Saitama, Training ground
Disliked situations
Surprise attacks, Opponent's dirty plays, Teammates who slack on effort, Unclear plays during scrums
Disliked insects
Bees, Centipedes

History

Backstory
From Saitama Prefecture. As a candidate to succeed the Wakado-ryu karate dojo, honed karate from childhood, but switched to soccer, drawn by its appeal. During elementary school, experienced a transfer due to a feud with a delinquent who had won the national karate tournament. In middle school, rose to prominence as a goalkeeper at Toho Academy, winning the national middle school tournament alongside Nankatsu Middle. From junior youth to world youth, recognized for GK prowess, but converted to forward to boost offensive power. After turning pro, excelled with Yokohama Flügels and Nagoya Grampus, earning acclaim as an aggressive GK.
Debut date
January 1, 1981
Work title
Captain Tsubasa
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Early chapters

Elementary School Arc: Runner-up in National Youth Soccer Tournament

Significant event
Elementary School Arc: Runner-up in National Youth Soccer Tournament
Description
Caught Mitsuru Matsuyama's PK and performed brilliantly. Saved numerous shots from Tsubasa Ozora but conceded 4 goals for runner-up.

Middle School Arc: Won National Middle School Soccer Tournament with Nankatsu Middle

Significant event
Middle School Arc: Won National Middle School Soccer Tournament with Nankatsu Middle
Description
Defended against Tsubasa's drive shot in the final to win. Old injury in left arm recurred, but supported the team as captain.

Junior Youth Arc: Won International Junior Youth Championship

Significant event
Junior Youth Arc: Won International Junior Youth Championship
Description
Struggled against overseas powerhouses but demonstrated his skills. Missed part of World Youth due to right hand injury.

World Youth Arc: Competition with Genzo Wakabayashi for starting GK spot

Significant event
World Youth Arc: Competition with Genzo Wakabayashi for starting GK spot
Description
Clashed with national team coach and temporarily left, but returned due to Kojiro Hyuga's persuasion. Transitioned to aggressive GK style.

GOLDEN-23 Arc: Selected for national team as forward兼GK

Significant event
GOLDEN-23 Arc: Selected for national team as forward兼GK
Description
Showcased play as national team FW. Excelled in linkage plays with Shun Nitta and Wakabayashi.

Relationships

Makoto Wakashimatsu

Father

Dojo's assistant instructor. Recognizes Ken's abilities but has complicated feelings about his continued soccer career.

Makoto Wakashimatsu

Sibling

2 years older brother. Smaller build than Ken, a candidate for dojo successor, but father wants both brothers to have their own dojos.

Kojiro Hyuga

Rival

Called 'Karate Bastard' by Hyuga, becoming each other's ultimate rival and best friend.

Genzo Wakabayashi

Rival

Rivals competing for the starting GK position, mutually pushing each other to improve.

Shun Nitta

Rival

Dojo comrades who sharpen each other, competing on the pro stage.

Toho Academy

Toho Academy: leader

Japan Youth National Team

Japan Youth National Team: unknown

Yokohama Flügels

Yokohama Flügels: unknown

Nagoya Grampus Eight

Nagoya Grampus Eight: unknown

Media appearances

Captain Tsubasa

Manga / Protagonist

Serialization began in 1981

Captain Tsubasa (1st series)

Anime / Supporting

1983 TV series

Captain Tsubasa J

Anime / Supporting

1994

Captain Tsubasa (3rd series)

Anime / Supporting

2001

Captain Tsubasa (4th series)

Anime / Supporting

2018

Captain Tsubasa series

Game / Protagonist

Appears in multiple titles

Voice cast and creators

Nobuo Tobita

Voice actor
Nobuo Tobita
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime 1st series, game 'Tatakae Dream Team'
Notes
Original voice actor

Daiki Nakamura

Voice actor
Daiki Nakamura
Language
Japanese
Version or series
OVA 'Strongest Enemy! Netherlands Youth'

Tomokazu Seki

Voice actor
Tomokazu Seki
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime 2nd series 'J'

Kentaro Ito

Voice actor
Kentaro Ito
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime 3rd series

Hiroyuki Yoshino

Voice actor
Hiroyuki Yoshino
Language
Japanese
Version or series
'Sangokushi Taisen' 2nd season

Yuichiro Umehara

Voice actor
Yuichiro Umehara
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime 4th series

Yoichi Takahashi

Creator name
Yoichi Takahashi
Role
Original author

Shueisha

Creator name
Shueisha
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Ken Wakashimatsu figure

Item name
Ken Wakashimatsu figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Karate Keeper illustrated goods

Item name
Karate Keeper illustrated goods
Category
Accessory
Availability
Limited