Hi there, Junko from Japan here! What does the name MIDORIYA IZUKU mean in Japanese? Does his name deserve a cool hero?
As a native Japanese speaker, I’ll explain what his name mean based on the Kanji characters!
What Does IZUKU Mean?
IZU = go out, come out, exit
KU = long time, eternal
The Kanji letters in IZUKU represent “go out” and “long time.” Honestly, they don’t make sense as a given name. But I think what’s inportant about Izuku’s name not the Kanji meanings but its sounds.
The IZU letter has another way of reading “DE.” So his name can be read DEKU, which is used as his nickname and hero name.
DEKU is a wooden doll, and the word often used to mean “good -for-nothing” because the doll can’t move by itself and be of no use at all.
It’s Bakugo Katsuki who originally named Izuku DEKU with a mocking intention. But Uraraka Ochaco gave it a new meaning, saying she liked the word DEKU in a positive way.
It became a tipping point for Izuku and he got to accept the name Deku.
According to the author of My Hero Academia, he wanted to describe a main character who proceeds even if he was covered in dirt. That made Izuku a negative and shy boy.
In the My Hero Academia Story, a weak boy transforms from a wooden doll into a real hero with his longing for All Might. And we’re moved to see him change as we know how weak he originally was.
I think the name DEKU plays an important role in his success story.
What Does MIDORIYA Mean?
MIDORI = green
YA = valley
IZUKU’s family name MIDORIYA means “green valley” in Japanese. It really exists in Japan while only 90 Midoriya people in total.
Why is the theme color of Izuku green?
That’s because green is the color that isn’t used for All Might. Look at All Might, and you’ll find there’s no green in his character design. Green stands for the uniqueness of Izuku!
Names in My Hero Academia often have some tricks behind their symbols or sounds. Check out the posts below if you’re interested in them!
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