Japan
- "There is no logic in love. Falling in love is an irrational thing. Even just by falling in love with someone, you'll hurt people, and you'll get hurt yourself. To be truly in love with someone, you have to be ready to put your life at risk."
- —Sojiro[src]
Sojiro Nishikado (
Biography
Early life
Sojiro was born into a reputable family, who operated a large tea ceremony school.[2] He had an older brother, Shoichiro, who was considered the family's "black sheep". They had a childhood friend named Sara Hinata.[3] In kindergarten, Sojiro began attending Eitoku Academy, where he met Tsukasa Domyoji, Rui Hanazawa, and Akira Mimasaka.[4] The boys later became friends with Shizuka Todo.[5]
High school
By high school, Sojiro and his friends were dubbed the F4, which stood for "Flower 4". They were allowed "free reign" of the school, because of their families contributed large donations. Tsukasa would hand out red cards, usually with the others permission, to students that angered him. That student would then be bullied by his or her classmates.[2]
In his first year, Shoichiro left the family since he could no longer handle the customs. Sara, whom Sojiro had a crush on, cried about Shoichiro leaving. Sojiro then began to believe that Sara was in love with Shoichiro. He felt that his first love was "over" and they soon lost contact.[3]
Meeting Tsukushi
The F4 first met Tsukushi Makino, when she stood up to Tsukasa for her friend. This angered Tsukasa, so the F4 issued her a red card. A few days later, Tsukushi had still not left Eitoku, upsetting Tsukasa. Sojiro, Akira, and Rui witnessed her punch Tsukasa and declare war.[2] Later, Sojiro and Akira talked about Tsukushi while playing mahjong with Tsukasa. Tsukasa suddenly left the game to find an "easy target". Sojiro and Akira guessed that he probably meant Rui, who was busy thinking about Shizuka. The F4 picked Shizuka up from the airport about two days later. They then brought her to her homecoming party.[6]
Akira and Sojiro later teased Tsukasa about his kiss with Tsukushi, though he insisted that it was his first. Sojiro then saw Tsukushi walking home and told Tsukasa that it was "ichi-go ichi-e" ("once-in-a-lifetime"). A few days later, Sojiro and his friends said farewell to Shizuka. Rui arrived shortly, announcing his plan to go after her. Sojiro and Akira found an apple to help Tsukasa and Rui make up, before he left.[5] Later, rumors of Tsukasa and Tsukushi were spread around school. Sojiro congratulated Tsukasa. Worried about Tsukasa, Sojiro and Akira talked with Tsukushi's best friend, Yuki Matsuoka. They were concerned about the relationship becoming too serious. Yuki told them it was not their place to interfere.[7]
Rui returns
Sojiro threatens Nakatsuka
- "The truth is, its bitterness is good. Knowing that, I began walking the path of tea. It's the same with love. A person matures after going through a painful, bitter love. Yuki-chan, this love experience you just had was necessary. You won't make the same mistake next time, alright?"
- —Sojiro to Yuki after Nakatsuka hurts her[src]
Akira and Sojiro offered their help to Tsukushi, when photos of her and a guy were spread around school. Sojiro recognized a piece of jewelry in the photo. He bribed a boutique manager, learning the man's possible whereabouts. Sojiro eventually found the guy and forced the information out of him. Akira and Sojiro put together that Sakurako Sanjo was behind the photos. They warned Tsukasa about her, but he chose to protect Tsukushi. Once the situation was cleared up, Rui arrived back from France.[4] The F4 was excited by Rui's reappearance and went out to celebrate. Later, Sojiro congratulated Tsukasa on his double date with Tsukushi. Sojiro became somewhat exasperated when Tsukasa told them that he was not going.[8]
Tsukasa kicked Rui out of the F4, calling him a "backstabber". Sojiro understood Tsukasa's reasons, but asked him to consider Rui's feelings too. Tsukasa refused, frustrating Sojiro. The next night, Sojiro saw Yuki crying on the side of the road. He brought her to his house, where he told her about the "bitterness" of love. Sojiro then took her to get "revenge" on her ex-boyfriend. At a movie theater, Sojiro flirted with his date until she dumped him. Sojiro called Yuki his "favorite girl" and threatened the guy to never hurt her again. Later that night, a worried Akira asked Sojiro to go with him to meet Tsukasa and Rui. A fight broke out between Rui and Tsukasa. They were soon joined by Akira and Sojiro. Having let out their frustrations, the four guys were friends again by the following morning.[9]
Two days later, Sojiro, Akira, and Rui heard about Tsukushi's father being laid off from Yuki. Sojiro called the situation "tragic", while Rui suspected Tsukasa's mother's involvement. Tsukasa asked his friends to help train Tsukushi for the Teen of Japan contest. Sojiro attempted to teach her proper tea etiquette. Later, Sojiro purchased sweets from Tsukushi's boss after Tsukasa's mother tried to sabotage her business.[10] At the contest, Sojiro was surprised to see Ayano Kurimaki there. When Yuki asked if he used to have a crush on Ayano, he did not answer. Sojiro and Akira remained confused by Tsukushi's choices throughout each round. She ended up placing second. Yuki asked if he was free on Christmas, though he told her he was busy. That day, they happened to see each other. Sojiro ran as soon as he saw her and she chased after him.[11]
In February 2006, Sojiro reconnected with Sara. She asked him to meet her early on Valentine's Day at a certain building. Yuki happened to walk up and Sara excused herself. Sojiro asked Yuki if a girl would invite someone to building to confess her feelings. When Yuki told him that that made "no sense", Sojiro decided not to go since he would "look stupid".[3]
College
Sojiro became the de facto leader of the F4 after Tsukasa left. He, Rui, and Akira graduated from Eitoku in March 2006. At the same time, the school announced the construction of the "F4 Lounge" in the cafeteria. After graduating, Sojiro began attending Eitoku College and became busy with his tea ceremony demonstrations. Around this time, Tsukasa stopped talking to his friends and Tsukushi.[12]
Tsukasa returns
Sojiro after Tsukasa punched him in New York
- Sojiro: "But why didn't you go, Makino? If you had shown up, Shigeru probably would've realized that Tsukasa still has feelings for you."
- Akira: "Wasn't that what Tsukasa was trying to do?"
- Tsukushi: "You guys totally got the wrong idea. Domyoji doesn't give a damn about me."
- — Tsukushi insists that Tsukasa no longer cares for her, though Akira and Sojiro think otherwise[src]
A party was held to celebrate the completion of the F4 Lounge in December 2006. Sojiro and Akira congratulated Tsukushi for being on the cover of Treasures. Later, they were surprised to hear that Tsukushi received a red card supposedly from Tsukasa. Sojiro and Akira joined Rui and Tsukushi in New York around Christmastime. The guys then went to meet with Tsukasa. He refused to explain anything, leading to an argument and Tsukasa punching Sojiro. After Tsukushi returned to Japan, they went to see Tsukasa again. Sojiro apologized and they all made up. Tsukasa still did not explain his reason for breaking up with Tsukushi. In January 2007, Tsukasa came back to Japan and they went to his birthday party.[12]
After Tsukasa's engagement to Shigeru Okawahara was announced, he told his friends that he would not marry her. Sojiro and Akira took Shigeru out on a date the next day. They were attempting to get her to give up on Tsukasa, which failed. Afterwards, Sojiro complained to Tsukushi that they did it because "[she was] not doing anything about it."[13] Two days later, Tsukushi told the guys about deciding not to meet Tsukasa. He then showed up, resulting in a fight between her and Tsukasa. After she left, Tsukasa revealed that he invited Shigeru because he wanted her to "see that she was nothing compared to [Tsukushi]."[14]
Rui later told Sojiro and Akira that he feelings for Tsukushi, which made them worry about their friendship. Tsukasa then arrived and acted strange. They believed his behavior was because his engagement was recently made formal. Sojiro, Akira, and Rui later visited Tsukushi at the hospital. Afterwards, Sojiro and Yuki discussed Rui, Tsukushi, and Tsukasa. Sojiro gravely stated that the situation was "not going to be settled that easily."[15] The F4 later met at their lounge, where Tsukasa confronted Rui for kissing Tsukushi. They began fighting physically and verbally, ending in Tsukasa destroying the cafeteria. The next day, Tsukasa asked Akira and Sojiro to help him with Susumu Makino, who was preparing to confess to his first crush.[16]
Seeing Sara again
Sojiro reunites with Sara
Sojiro and Akira visited Yuki's tea ceremony club after Tsukushi had told them about it earlier. However, Sojiro soon walked out when Yuki mentioned the name of another member, Sara.[8] On Valentine's Day, Yuki told Sojiro that Sara had quit the club. She then asked if Sara was the girl who had wanted to meet him on Valentine's Day in 2006, which he confirmed. The next day, Yuki gave him a cup that Sara had left behind. Sojiro then began searching for Sara, eventually finding her in the mountains at a pottery workshop. Sara revealed that she was engaged and Sojiro left still feeling like the "odd man out". Yuki asked Sojiro to meet her at the building Sara had wanted to show him. On the roof, Sojiro saw a billboard that said "I love you, Jiro", meaning that Sara had loved him. Sojiro thanked Yuki after, feeling that the experience "changed something inside of [him]."[3]
Supporting Tsukasa
The F4 support Tsukasa before he goes after Tsukushi
- "Why aren't you running after Makino? Don't you realize that Makino didn't truly want to leave you? You just feel sorry for yourself for not being able to stop her! What's even more annoying is how you're sulking about it!"
- —Sojiro to Tsukasa[src]
Tsukasa later revealed to Sojiro and Akira that he broke up with Shigeru. Sojiro told him that he could now "just go straight for [Tsukushi] with all of [his] heart." Akira reminded Tsukasa that he still had his mother and Rui to deal with. The next day, Rui told Sojiro and Akira about Tsukasa begging him on his hands and knees to give up Tsukushi. Sojiro was shocked that Tsukasa would do that.[17] Tsukasa's mother cut off his credit cards, after learning about his relationship with Tsukushi. Sojiro, Akira, and Rui promised to help him, assuring that he would not have to worry about money. Later, Akira and Sojiro told Tsukushi about Tsukasa being disowned and Domyoji Group's failed merger. After Tsukushi left Tsukasa, Sojiro asked Tsukasa was he was not going after her. This lead to a fist fight between him and Tsukasa.[18]
The following day, Tsukasa told his friends about his mother manipulating him by having Ken Uchida fake his death. Before going after Tsukushi, Tsukasa apologized to Sojiro for the fight. Sojiro then gave him his credit cards. Later, Tsukasa was hospitalized and suffered from memory loss, forgetting only Tsukushi. At the hospital, they became acquainted with Umi Nakajima, who started spending a lot of time with Tsukasa.[19] After Tsukasa was released from the hospital, the F4 organized a skiing trip. Umi tagged along with Tsukasa, despite not being invited. Akira and Sojiro began to think they would have intervene. That night, Tsukushi was lost in a snowstorm because Umi deceived her. Tsukasa saved her and regained his memories in the process. Several days later, Sojiro and the others attended Eitoku's prom. Sojiro congratulated Tsukasa after he proposed to Tsukushi.[20]
Physical appearance
Like his friends, Sojiro was generally labeled as good-looking and handsome. His looks were one of many factors that attracted women to him. He had black hair and dark brown eyes that went well with his slightly tanned skin. Sojiro was one of the taller members of the F4. He wore fashionable clothing, usually in dark, muted tones.
Personality and traits
As the heir to his father's tea school, Sojiro was well-versed in the art of tea ceremony. He was patient when teaching others about the rules and customs of tea ceremonies. His home life was strict so he rebelled by indulging in Tokyo's nightlife. Sojiro was often described as a "playboy" and "womanizer". He had a way with woman, easily charming them with a look or word. Sojiro disliked stubborn girls, whom he found difficult to deal with. He was also a loyal friend and supported the other F4 members through thick and thin.
Behind the scenes
- See also: Category:Sojiro Nishikado portrayals
- Shota Matsuda portrays Sojiro in every episode of Hana Yori Dango and Hana Yori Dango Returns, and the film, Hana Yori Dango Final.
- A child version of Sojiro is played by Amon Hoshino (
星野 亜門 ) in episode five of Hana Yori Dango. - Matsuda reprises his role in an episode of the 2018 sequel, Hana Nochi Hare.[21]
Appearances
| Hana Yori Dango (2005) | ||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| (Debut) | ||||||||
| Hana Yori Dango Returns (2007) | ||||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Hana Nochi Hare (2018) | ||||||||||
| 10 | 11 | |||||||||
| (Flashback only) | ||||||||||
References
- ↑ http://www.tbs.co.jp:80/hanayoridango/cast04.html (Japanese)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Episode 1, Hana Yori Dango
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Episode 7, Hana Yori Dango Returns
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Episode 5, Hana Yori Dango
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Episode 3, Hana Yori Dango
- ↑ Episode 2, Hana Yori Dango
- ↑ Episode 4, Hana Yori Dango
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Episode 6, Hana Yori Dango Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "E6" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ Episode 7, Hana Yori Dango
- ↑ Episode 8, Hana Yori Dango
- ↑ Episode 9, Hana Yori Dango
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Episode 1, Hana Yori Dango Returns
- ↑ Episode 2, Hana Yori Dango Returns
- ↑ Episode 3, Hana Yori Dango Returns
- ↑ Episode 4, Hana Yori Dango Returns
- ↑ Episode 5, Hana Yori Dango Returns
- ↑ Episode 8, Hana Yori Dango Returns
- ↑ Episode 9, Hana Yori Dango Returns
- ↑ Episode 10, Hana Yori Dango Returns
- ↑ Episode 11, Hana Yori Dango Returns
- ↑ https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/1772658 (Japanese)