Naofumi Iwatani

Shield Hero

One of the Four Legendary Heroes, the Shield Hero, and the protagonist—a college student summoned to another world.

Quotes

  • As long as there's something to protect, I won't lower my shield.
  • The only ones I believe in are myself and my comrades.
  • I'll stand up no matter how many times. That's the Shield Hero.
  • There's no easy path. That's why it's worth advancing.
  • Crawling up from despair—that's true strength.

Trivia

  • The Shield Hero is a rare defense-specialized hero with low attack power but extremely high durability.
  • The protagonist's personality grows significantly through initial adversity.
  • The name 'Naofumi' is read as '尚文' in kanji, featuring a distinctly Japanese name.
  • The anime voice actor, 石川界人, is one of the popular young voice actors.
  • Unusually for isekai works, it features themes of insidious betrayal and doubt.

Alternate names

Naofumi Shield Hero Iwatani

Tags

Shield Hero Isekai Rise to Prominence Hero Fantasy College Student Growth Companions Combat Equipment

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Japanese young man with slightly long black hair and a calm demeanor. Usually wears simple clothing, but carries a shield during battle.
Height
Approximately 175cm
Eye color
Black
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Calm eyes
  • Expression conveying strong will
Iconic items
  • Shield
  • Armor
  • Adventurer's clothing

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Sense of responsibility
Detailed personality
Initially struggles with doubt and mistrust, but grows to protect people and gradually gains trust. Honest, caring towards comrades, and spares no effort.
Keywords
  • Sense of responsibility
  • Honesty
  • Bravery
  • Hard worker
  • Caring for comrades
  • Calm
  • Growth-oriented
Motto
Protect what must be protected
Talents
  • High defensive ability
  • Tactical thinking
  • Endurance
Skills
  • Defense using shield
  • Combat knowledge from experience
  • Negotiation skills
Motivation
Protect the comrades who believe in him and return to the original world.
Habits
Tends to become calmer in difficult times. No particular catchphrase, but doesn't talk more than necessary.
Favorite foods
Miso soup, Japanese food in general, Sweet bread
Hobbies
Reading, Training, Conversations with comrades
Favorite places
Village, Forest, Comrades' base
Favorite colors
Blue, Green
Disliked situations
Betrayal, Meaningless conflict, Unfairness
Disliked insects
Bees

History

Backstory
Naofumi, who was a university student, is summoned to another world and ordered to fight as the Shield Hero. Initially slandered and placed in adversity, he gains trustworthy companions, grows, and struggles to save the world.
Debut date
July 22, 2012
Work title
The Rising of the Shield Hero
Media type
Manga
Episode or chapter
Chapter 1

Isekai Summoning

Significant event
Isekai Summoning
Description
Summoned to another world as the Shield Hero.

Betrayal and Doubt

Significant event
Betrayal and Doubt
Description
Initial trust is lost, exposed to isolation and slander.

Meeting Companions

Significant event
Meeting Companions
Description
Meets companions like Raphtalia and builds trust.

Battle to Save the World

Significant event
Battle to Save the World
Description
As one of the Four Legendary Heroes, confronts the world's crisis.

Relationships

Raphtalia

Partner

Bond formed in harsh environment; the most trusted comrade.

Filo

Companion

Met during travels; becomes like family.

Melty

Ally

Fought together in difficult situations.

Four Legendary Heroes

Four Legendary Heroes: shield-hero

Media appearances

The Rising of the Shield Hero

Manga / Protagonist

Serialization started in 2012

The Rising of the Shield Hero

Anime / Protagonist

2019 TV anime series

The Rising of the Shield Hero: The Final Chapter

Movie / Protagonist

2024 theatrical version

Voice cast and creators

石川界人

Voice actor
石川界人
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime version

Billy Kametz

Voice actor
Billy Kametz
Language
English
Version or series
English dub version
Notes
Deceased

Pete Lee-Wilson

Voice actor
Pete Lee-Wilson
Language
English
Version or series
English dub replacement

アネコユサギ

Creator name
アネコユサギ
Role
Original author

弥南せいら

Creator name
弥南せいら
Role
Illustrator

キネマシトラス

Creator name
キネマシトラス
Role
Animation studio

KADOKAWA

Creator name
KADOKAWA
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Naofumi Iwatani Figure

Item name
Naofumi Iwatani Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Shield Hero Costume

Item name
Shield Hero Costume
Category
Apparel
Availability
Limited

Shield Hero Acrylic Keychain

Item name
Shield Hero Acrylic Keychain
Category
Accessory
Availability
Regular

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