White Blood Cell 4989

Free-Spirited Neutrophil

An individual neutrophil that engages in slashing battles, friend of 1146. With a free-spirited personality, it defends the body alongside comrades. Appears frequently among neutrophil comrades, adding color to various episodes.

Quotes

  • 〜kero, what's that?
  • Don't push yourself too hard, okay?
  • Fuhahaha, slash kill complete!
  • Leave it to me, this is our moment
  • Radio, you copy?

Trivia

  • Often speaks with '〜kero' at the end of sentences, characteristic of his free-spirited personality.
  • Frequently appears alongside 1146 and others as one of the key neutrophils, indispensable in combat scenes.
  • One of the basic individuals appearing continuously from Episode 1 of Anime Season 1.
  • While there are many white blood cells in the story, numbered individuals are limited, and 4989 is one of them.
  • Neutrophil uniforms are pure white military-style, with dagger knives as the main weapon.

Alternate names

U-4989 Neutrophil 4989 White Blood Cell No. 4989

Tags

Cells at Work! White Blood Cell Neutrophil Immune Cell Anthropomorphized Cells Slashing Battles Friendships Anime Character Manga Character

Profile

Species
White Blood Cell (Neutrophil)
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
White hair and pale skin, eyes without highlights and eye color close to white. Characteristic unruly hair, sometimes becomes googly-eyed in deformed style. Wears a pure white long-sleeved long jacket and long pants, with a plate on the hat inscribed with 'White Blood Cell' and the number.
Eye color
White
Hair color
White
Distinguishing features
  • Unruly hair
  • No highlights in eyes
  • Can become googly-eyed (in deformed style)
Iconic items
  • Dagger Knife
  • White Uniform
  • White Blood Cell Hat
  • Personal Identification Number Plate

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Free-Spirited
Detailed personality
Among neutrophil comrades including 1146, possesses a free-spirited personality such as swimming in wash areas or roasting marshmallows over campfires. Tends to occasionally speak with a characteristic '〜kero' at the end of sentences. Shows concern for comrades, with a warm side sometimes mixed with teasing.
Keywords
  • Free-Spirited
  • Approachable
  • Friend-Oriented
  • Mischievous
  • Considerate
Talents
  • Slashing Combat Ability
  • Migration Ability (Can pass through narrow gaps)
  • Swift Mobility
Skills
  • Dagger Knife Usage
  • Rapid Response to Enemies
  • Coordination with Comrades via Radio Contact
  • Communication via Comedy Skits or Teasing
Motivation
Protecting the body's defenses and bonds with comrades
Habits
Sometimes adds '〜kero' to the end of sentences.
Favorite foods
Marshmallow
Hobbies
Campfire, Swimming, Communication with Comrades

History

Backstory
Among the many white blood cells (neutrophils), individual identification number 4989 appears in the work as a friend of 1146. As a neutrophil, constantly engaged in removing bacteria and foreign substances within the body, and features in numerous combat scenes. While possessing a free personality and occasionally acting recklessly, also shows a kind side that cares for comrades.
Debut date
July 15, 2018
Work title
Cells at Work!
Media type
Anime
Episode or chapter
Appears frequently as mob and regular from Season 1 Episode 1 onwards

First Appearance Episode

Significant event
First Appearance Episode
Description
In the combat scene confronting pneumococcus bacteria, depicted actively chasing bacteria and using radio contact.

Friendship with 1146

Significant event
Friendship with 1146
Description
Friendship with White Blood Cell 1146 is particularly highlighted, emphasized in bonus pages at the end of volumes from Volume 3 onwards and in anime scenes.

Heatstroke Episode

Significant event
Heatstroke Episode
Description
When 1146 suffered heatstroke, includes depictions of teasing and concern.

Expression of Free-Spirited Personality

Significant event
Expression of Free-Spirited Personality
Description
Scenes such as swimming in water areas and roasting marshmallows over campfires demonstrate a free-spirited personality infused with affection toward comrades.

Relationships

White Blood Cell 1146

Best friend

Interactions in the heatstroke episode and bonds forged through numerous shared battles

White Blood Cells (Neutrophils)

White Blood Cells (Neutrophils): unknown

Media appearances

Cells at Work! (Season 1)

Anime / Supporting

July 8, 2018 - September 30, 2018

Cells at Work!! (Season 2)

Anime / Supporting

January 9, 2021 - February 27, 2021

Cells at Work!

Manga / Supporting

March 2015 - March 2021

Cells at Work! Live-Action Movie

Movie

December 13, 2024

Voice cast and creators

Kentarō Kumagai

Voice actor
Kentarō Kumagai
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime Edition

Hinata Tadokoro

Voice actor
Hinata Tadokoro
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime Edition (Other Individuals)

Akane Shimizu

Creator name
Akane Shimizu
Role
Original author

Takahiko Yoshida

Creator name
Takahiko Yoshida
Role
Character designer

david production

Creator name
david production
Role
Animation studio

Kodansha

Creator name
Kodansha
Role
Publisher

Related goods

White Blood Cell Figure (U-4989)

Item name
White Blood Cell Figure (U-4989)
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Cells at Work! Acrylic Keyholder

Item name
Cells at Work! Acrylic Keyholder
Category
Accessory
Availability
Regular