Shikishima, Kenichi
Summary
While the character Rock sustained a lengthy career as an actor by embodying various flaws and the darker aspects of human nature, Kenichi is cherished as the symbol of eternal youth in Tezuka Osamu’s manga. The serious development of Tezuka Osamu’s work truly began with the introduction of Kenichi-kun, who secured the lead role in most early productions, including New Treasure Island, and became the inaugural star of Tezuka Osamu’s manga. Kenichi gazed steadily at the world, maintaining a habitual consideration for others and never failing to show kindness, thereby embodying the conscientiousness and purity associated with childhood days. As the manga industry began to prioritize realities that could not be conveyed through simple integrity, leading characters like Atom had to develop more complex facets beyond their innocent righteousness. Tezuka Osamu admitted that he was compelled to remove Kenichi from the protagonist role because the character lacked individuality. Just as adults may feel embarrassed by the childish innocence of their sense of fairness, the manga world moved on from Kenichi as it matured. However, just as childhood days remain alive within our hearts despite growing up, Kenichi continues to appear in Tezuka Osamu’s manga, consistently delivering performances as the righteous boy.
