Natsuki Subaru

Boy with Return by Death

A young man summoned to another world possessing the Return by Death ability. The protagonist who struggles repeatedly overcoming death to protect Emilia.

Quotes

  • Return by Death, I'll redo it as many times as it takes. That's my way.
  • To protect what's precious, I'll stand up no matter how many times.
  • I think finding hope in despair is true strength.
  • For my comrades, I wouldn't hesitate to give my life.
  • I'll protect you. So please, believe in me.

Trivia

  • The name 'Subaru' derives from the Japanese-made English term for the Pleiades star cluster.
  • Author Tappei Nagatsuki originally planned for Subaru to have a more cheerful personality.
  • The Return by Death ability is a key element supporting the story's structure and plays a major role in the character's growth.
  • Voice actor Yusuke Kobayashi significantly increased his fame with this work.
  • Viewers and readers praise it as 'Subaru's struggles feel realistic and easy to empathize with.'

Alternate names

Subaru Protagonist Youth with Return by Death Natsuki

Tags

Isekai Transmigration Return by Death Protagonist Dark Fantasy Loyal to Comrades Growth Story Emilia Fate Self-Sacrifice Re:Zero

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Black hair with slight waves, short hairstyle, casual grooming. As an isekai transmigrator, prefers modern Japanese clothing.
Height
Approx. 170cm
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Black hair
  • Distinctive nail shape
Iconic items
  • Well-worn green tracksuit
  • Titanium sword (in combat)
  • Backpack

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Sincere
Detailed personality
Cares deeply for comrades and possesses the strength to confront challenges without giving up, but tends to be emotional at times and experiences setbacks. Grows through repeated self-sacrifice.
Keywords
  • Brave
  • Persistent
  • Kind
  • Self-sacrificing
  • Emotional
  • Strong sense of responsibility
  • Sense of justice
Motto
I will stand up no matter how many times to protect what's precious
Talents
  • Return by Death ability
  • Interpersonal coordination ability
  • High endurance
Skills
  • Swordsmanship
  • Tactical thinking
  • Crisis evasion ability
Motivation
To protect Emilia, achieve peace in the other world, and safeguard his precious comrades
Habits
Habit of overexerting himself in dangerous situations, frequently talks to himself
Favorite foods
Curry rice, Ramen, Meat dishes
Hobbies
Games, Manga, Sports watching
Disliked situations
When feeling powerless, When comrades are hurt
Disliked foods
Bitter foods

History

Backstory
An ordinary young man from modern Japan who was suddenly summoned to another world and gained the special ability 'Return by Death.' While tormented by the ability's costs and trials, he grows to protect the important people in the other world.
Debut date
April 4, 2016
Work title
Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World
Media type
Anime
Episode or chapter
Episode 1

Awakening of Return by Death

Significant event
Awakening of Return by Death
Description
After death, the time-rewinding ability manifests, allowing repeated recovery from desperate situations.

Encounter with Emilia

Significant event
Encounter with Emilia
Description
A fateful encounter in the other world forms the core of the story, leading him to fight to protect her.

Battle with the Witch Cult

Significant event
Battle with the Witch Cult
Description
Repeated life-or-death battles against the evil organization deepen bonds with comrades and convictions.

Self-Sacrifice and Growth

Significant event
Self-Sacrifice and Growth
Description
Despite dying countless times, he perseveres and achieves significant mental growth.

Relationships

Emilia

Love interest

Resolved to protect Emilia and experienced Return by Death many times

Rem

Close ally

Built deep trust and bond, becoming a mental pillar

Ram

Teammate

Comrades who fight the Witch Cult together

Beatrice

Mentor

Provides aid with knowledge and power, supports mentally as well

Emilia Camp

Emilia Camp: leader

Residents of Grandpa Rom's Mansion

Residents of Grandpa Rom's Mansion: member

Media appearances

Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World

Anime / Protagonist

2016 TV Series

Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World

Manga / Protagonist

Ongoing

Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World INFINITY

Game / Protagonist

2020

Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World The Frozen Bond

Movie / Protagonist

2020 Theatrical Release

Voice cast and creators

Yusuke Kobayashi

Voice actor
Yusuke Kobayashi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV Anime Version
Notes
Original

Sean Chiplock

Voice actor
Sean Chiplock
Language
English
Version or series
English Dub

Yusuke Kobayashi

Voice actor
Yusuke Kobayashi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical Version

Tappei Nagatsuki

Creator name
Tappei Nagatsuki
Role
Original author

Shinichiro Otsuka

Creator name
Shinichiro Otsuka
Role
Illustrator

WHITE FOX

Creator name
WHITE FOX
Role
Animation studio

KADOKAWA

Creator name
KADOKAWA
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Natsuki Subaru Figure

Item name
Natsuki Subaru Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Natsuki Subaru Tracksuit

Item name
Natsuki Subaru Tracksuit
Category
Apparel
Availability
Limited

Natsuki Subaru Rubber Strap

Item name
Natsuki Subaru Rubber Strap
Category
Accessory
Availability
Regular