Riku
The hero chosen by the Keyblade
Sora's best friend and a hero who wields the Keyblade, traveling through many worlds. Though sometimes troubled by darkness, he fights believing in the light.
Quotes
- I walk the road to dawn
- Connected hearts are my power
- I believe in you. You absolutely won't give up
- No matter the form, it's Riku
- You can't do it alone
Trivia
- Name derives from 'Riku' meaning land
- Initially consumed by darkness but overcame it through his bonds
- Temporarily takes Ansem's form in Kingdom Hearts II
- Wields several Keyblades symbolizing the boundary between light and darkness
- The heart of Seeker of Darkness Ansem resides within him
- Has a deep connection with Xehanort in the Kingdom Hearts series
Alternate names
Riku
Ansem
Dark Riku
Profile
- Species
- Human
- Gender
- Male
Appearance
- Overall appearance
- A cool silver-haired boy. He has a somewhat mature expression and a sturdy build.
- Height
- Approximately 178cm
- Eye color
- Brown
- Hair color
- Silver
- Distinguishing features
-
- Silver hair
- Sharp gaze
- Costume design representing the boundary between light and darkness
- Iconic items
-
- Soul Eater (weapon)
- Keyblade (Way to the Dawn, Braveheart)
- Black robe (Organization XIII coat)
Personality and abilities
- Core personality
- Resolute
- Detailed personality
- Inquisitive and cool-headed. Though his heart is strong, he struggles and agonizes with darkness, but he cherishes friendship and convictions. He repeatedly grows and overcomes himself.
- Keywords
-
- Brave
- Independent
- Conflicted
- Calm
- Trustworthy
- Growth-oriented
- Motto
- I walk the road to dawn
- Talents
-
- Keyblade wielder
- Ability to manipulate dark powers
- Superior physical abilities
- Heart that withstands darkness
- Skills
-
- Varied sword techniques
- Darkness magic
- Support techniques
- Versatile teleportation
- Dark power release
- Motivation
- To maintain the balance between light and darkness, and protect Sora and his friends
- Habits
- Often silent, keeps emotions inside but is thoughtful towards friends
- Hobbies
- Exploration, Swordsmanship training
- Person
- Sora, Kairi, King (Mickey), Terra, Aqua
- Favorite foods
- Seafood dishes
- Disliked situations
- Betrayal, Powerlessness, Loneliness
History
- Backstory
- Grew up on Destiny Islands with Sora and Kairi, but fell to darkness and aided Maleficent for a time, before being possessed by the Seeker of Darkness Ansem. While battling his own darkness, he endured many trials, grew stronger, and ultimately confronted Xehanort as a Keyblade Master.
- Debut date
- March 28, 2002
- Work title
- Kingdom Hearts
- Media type
- Game
Falls into darkness and reaches Hollow Bastion
- Significant event
- Falls into darkness and reaches Hollow Bastion
- Description
- Succumbs to Maleficent's temptation and becomes trapped by darkness, but his feelings for his friends become the turning point to overcome it.
Possession by Ansem
- Significant event
- Possession by Ansem
- Description
- Taken over by the Seeker of Darkness Ansem, leading to a crisis for the worlds, but escapes and fights alongside Sora.
Memory purification in Castle Oblivion
- Significant event
- Memory purification in Castle Oblivion
- Description
- Confronts the darkness and memory issues within himself, and with help from the King and Naminé, seals Ansem's heart.
Final battle with Xemnas
- Significant event
- Final battle with Xemnas
- Description
- Defeats Xemnas, the leader of Organization XIII, and contributes to saving the worlds.
Certified as Keyblade Master
- Significant event
- Certified as Keyblade Master
- Description
- Passes Yen Sid's exam and officially becomes a Keyblade Master.
Participation in final battle in Kingdom Hearts III
- Significant event
- Participation in final battle in Kingdom Hearts III
- Description
- Joins Sora and others in the final battle, reconciling with his fated foe Ansem.
Relationships
Sora
Best friend
Closest friend, and they mutually support each other between darkness and light.
Kairi
Friend
Fellow islander and a major motivation for Riku's actions.
Mickey
Mentor
Keyblade Master who guides Riku and brings him back to the side of light.
Terra
Mentor
Mentor figure who recognized him as a Keyblade wielder in his childhood.
Aqua
Friend
Fellow Keyblade wielder and mutual ally.
Organization XIII
Organization XIII: unknown
Keyblade wielders
Keyblade wielders: unknown
Media appearances
Kingdom Hearts
Game / Protagonist
Released in 2002
Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories
Game / Protagonist
Released in 2004
Kingdom Hearts II
Game / Supporting
Released in 2005
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days
Game
Released in 2009
Kingdom Hearts coded
Game / Supporting
Released in 2008
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep
Game / Child protagonist
Released in 2010
Kingdom Hearts 3D [Dream Drop Distance]
Game / Protagonist
Released in 2012
Kingdom Hearts III
Game / Supporting
Released in 2019
Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory
Game / Supporting
Released in 2020
Voice cast and creators
Mamoru Miyano
- Voice actor
- Mamoru Miyano
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- Game series
Eiji Shimamura
- Voice actor
- Eiji Shimamura
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- Birth by Sleep (childhood)
- Notes
- Childhood voice
David Gallagher
- Voice actor
- David Gallagher
- Language
- English
- Version or series
- North American game series
Ty Panitz
- Voice actor
- Ty Panitz
- Language
- English
- Version or series
- Birth by Sleep childhood (North American version)
Tetsuya Nomura
- Creator name
- Tetsuya Nomura
- Role
- Original author
Tetsuya Nomura
- Creator name
- Tetsuya Nomura
- Role
- Character Designer
Square Enix
- Creator name
- Square Enix
- Role
- Publisher
The Walt Disney Company
- Creator name
- The Walt Disney Company
- Role
- Licensee
Related goods
Riku figure
- Item name
- Riku figure
- Category
- Figure
- Availability
- Regular
Riku Keyblade toy
- Item name
- Riku Keyblade toy
- Category
- Accessory
- Availability
- Regular
Riku costume
- Item name
- Riku costume
- Category
- Apparel
- Availability
- Limited