Kamina
From The Character Database
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| “ | "Who the hell do you think I am?"
|
„ |
| ― Kamina |
Kamina (カミナ Kamina) is a young man from Giha Village, the founder and inaugural leader of Team Gurren, and the deuteragonist of the first arc of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.
| Names | Kamina (カミナ Kamina) |
| Gender | Male ♂ |
| Race | Human, Spiral |
| Occupation | Former Commander-in-Chief of Kamina City, Dai-Gurren Brigade Leader (Former), Pilot of Gurren/Gurren Lagann |
| Origin | Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Episode 1: Bust through the Heavens with Your Drill! (お前のドリルで天を突け!) "Omae no Doriru de Ten o Tsuke!" (April 1, 2007) |
| Alignment | Heroic |
| Age | 17 |
| Created By | Kazuki Nakashima, Hiroyuki Imaishi |
| Personality Type | ENFP, 8w7 (Enneagram) |
Appearance
Kamina is tall and well-built, embodying his pride in being both manly and tough. He has short, spiky blue hair and is rarely seen without his iconic red sunglasses, which conceal his red eyes. His skin is tan, and he sports distinctive blue tattoos that run along both arms, extending to his shoulders and upper back. Kamina often wields his sword, a symbol of his rebellious spirit.
Personality
On the surface, Kamina appears boisterous, hotheaded, and self-assured. He craves recognition and dreams of greatness, frequently referring to himself as "the Mighty Kamina" and delivering his iconic catchphrase, "Just who the hell do you think I am?!" His idealism is relentless, bordering on naivety, as Yoko aptly describes him as "a man of unlimited stupidity." Kamina’s humor often leans into the perverse, declaring that appreciating beautiful women is the hallmark of true masculinity.
Beneath his flamboyant exterior, Kamina is deeply determined and resilient, rarely allowing setbacks to weigh on him for long. The revelation of his father’s death, for example, subdued him only briefly. His devotion to protecting and uplifting his friends is unwavering; he fights with unyielding strength to safeguard those he cares about. This charisma is especially evident in battle, where he inspires even the timid Simon to rise to the occasion and accomplish extraordinary feats, laying the groundwork for Team Dai-Gurren.
Despite his outward bravado and seemingly reckless actions, Kamina possesses a surprising degree of insight and intelligence. His apparent overconfidence often masks his deeper strategic mind and understanding of combat. Kamina himself admits that his bold demeanor and fearless attitude are tools he uses to suppress his own insecurities and motivate others, believing that individuals like Simon are the true heroes. His ultimate goal in the war against the Beastmen is not personal glory or vengeance but the creation of a future free from fear for generations to come.
While Kamina’s actions can sometimes appear foolish or reckless, he demonstrates moments of practicality and common sense, such as recognizing the dangers of fleeing from Dai-Gunzan. These layers reveal that Kamina is far more complex than his brash behavior suggests, embodying a blend of courage, vulnerability, and an enduring drive to create a better world.
Biography
Background
As a child, Kamina witnessed his father achieve the dream of reaching the surface. Despite his father's invitation to join him, Kamina was overwhelmed by fear of the unknown world above. Understanding Kamina's hesitation, his father left him behind, promising they would reunite someday. This promise became a driving force for Kamina’s determination and strength. Years later, emboldened by his desire to follow in his father's footsteps, Kamina resolved to reach the surface on his own.
During their time in Giha Village, Kamina, Simon, and others became trapped in a collapsed tunnel. Kamina maintained the group’s morale with his characteristic optimism and charisma. However, it was Simon who ultimately rescued them by tirelessly drilling through the rock. Witnessing Simon’s resolve, Kamina pledged to emulate his "bro’s" unyielding spirit. He vowed to never show fear, regardless of his inner doubts, and to always support Simon, encouraging his younger companion's potential at every opportunity.
Beastmen War Arc
Kamina first gained notoriety as the founder of "Team Gurren." He persuaded his "soul-brother," Simon, to join his ambitious plan to drill through the village’s ceiling and reach the surface. However, the attempt was unsuccessful, and Kamina took full responsibility for the disruption, resulting in his imprisonment by the village chief. That night, Simon broke Kamina out of jail to show him a remarkable artifact he had unearthed. Their discovery was interrupted by the arrival of a colossal Gunmen crashing through the village ceiling. In the ensuing chaos, Yoko Littner, a skilled sharpshooter from the surface, joined them in the fight. Together, Kamina and Simon piloted the newly discovered Gunmen, which Kamina christened "Lagann," defeating the invader and breaking through to the surface in the process.
On the surface, the trio encountered both allies and enemies, gradually building their numbers as they advanced. The once small "Team Gurren" grew into the resistance force "Team Dai-Gurren," united in their goal of overthrowing the oppressive Beastman Empire. Kamina’s leadership and charisma were instrumental in rallying others to their cause.
Kamina’s most significant battle came during the capture of Dai-Gunzan, a massive mobile fortress commanded by Thymilph, one of the Beastman Empire’s Four Divine Generals. Despite sustaining grievous injuries—being stabbed through the chest, nearly torn apart, and later hit by a powerful energy beam—Kamina fought on. In a final act of defiance, he and Simon combined their Gunmen to form Gurren Lagann, unleashing the iconic "Giga Drill Break" to defeat Thymilph and claim victory.
Though triumphant, Kamina succumbed to his injuries in the cockpit. Before dying, he imparted his final words to Simon: "Don't believe in the Kamina who you believe in. Don't believe in the Simon that I believe in. Believe in the Simon who believes in himself." These words became a lasting source of inspiration for Simon, guiding him to embrace his destiny as the "one whose drill will pierce the heavens."
Kamina was laid to rest on the battlefield where he fell, his nodachi planted into the ground and his iconic cloak tied to its sheath, serving as a lasting tribute to the fearless leader of Team Dai-Gurren.
Anti-Spiral War Arc
Following the defeat of the Beastman Empire, humanity flourishes as a new city, Kamina City, is constructed on the ruins of Teppelin, named in Kamina's honor. At its heart stands a grand statue of Kamina, a symbol of his indomitable spirit and sacrifice. However, the monument is destroyed during a revolt, as citizens rise up against the government upon learning the truth about the Human Annihilation System.
During the climactic conflict with the Antispiral, Simon's consciousness is trapped in the Multiverse Labyrinth, a fabricated reality meant to break his resolve. In this illusion, Simon envisions a distorted version of Kamina—a defeated and cowardly figure who coerces Simon into robbing banks and groveling before Beastmen to save his life. The stark contrast to the real Kamina leaves Simon shaken until he sees a box identical to the one where he first found Nia. As he reaches for his Core Drill to open it, he realizes it is missing.
At this pivotal moment, the true Kamina appears, draped in his iconic cloak and wielding his nodachi. He confronts Simon, asking if he has truly lost his Drill. Kamina then reminds Simon of their shared ideals, telling him that his drill is the embodiment of his soul and that Kamina, along with their fallen comrades, lives on within him. With Kamina’s encouragement, Simon recalls his purpose: fighting to save Nia and the entire Spiral Universe. This realization shatters the illusion of the Multiverse Labyrinth, freeing Simon and allowing him to rally Team Dai-Gurren for the final battle against the Antispiral.
Before departing, Simon shares one final heartfelt moment with Kamina. Kamina, surprised to see how much Simon has grown, jokes about Simon now standing taller than him. The two share a laugh, underscoring their enduring bond, before Simon returns to reality.
Kamina also makes a brief appearance to Yoko during her own confrontation with an illusory future broadcast on a television screen. When Yoko chooses to shut off the vision, Kamina appears beside her, silently supporting her decision. She thanks him, and together they gaze into the horizon before Yoko reunites with Simon and Gurren Lagann for the ultimate confrontation.
Powers and Stats
Tier: 9-B | Likely High 7-C | High 7-C
Key: Base | Gurren | Gurren Lagann
Powers and Abilities:
Attack Potency: Wall level (On par with Viral, able to cut apart a large swath of grass beyond his reach with one sword swing.) | Likely Large Town level (Was able to overpower Enki Du) | Large Town level
Speed: Subsonic with Transonic Combat Speed/reactions, Subsonic+ Attack Speed with Pistol | Likely High Hypersonic | High Hypersonic (Dodged a bullet fired from the Dai-Gunzan, which moved at around Mach 36.3)
Lifting Strength: Unknown | Unknown | Class M
Striking Strength: Wall level | Likely Large Town level | Large Town level
Durability: Wall level (Can withstand Viral's attacks) | Likely Large Town level | Large Town level
Stamina: Very High; can continue fighting even after being fatally wounded
Range: Standard melee range, Extended melee range with his sword, Hundreds of meters with firearms | At least Dozens of meters
Standard Equipment: Nodachi (His Katana), Pistol | Sunglasses | Same as before, Drills
- Optional Equipment: Rifle, Arrow | Lagann (Can combine with Lagann to form Gurren Lagann) | Same as before except Lagann
Intelligence: Above Average; is a skilled leader, very quick learner and a good tactician. Although, Kamina acts thoughtlessly sometimes.
Weaknesses: Kamina rushes into things and makes rash decisions.
Notable Attacks/Techniques:
- "Who The Hell Do You Think I Am" Kick: An attack used to dropkick an opponent
- "Hands Off My Beloved Little Brother" Punch: A full force spinning punch
- Perfect Combustion of a Man's Soul Cannon Ball Attack: Gurren throws Lagann towards an enemy, while Lagann performs Lagann Impact
- Man's Wrath Explosive Slash: A technique where Gurren's sunglasses is used to cut an enemy vertically
- Blazing Men Flaming Chariot Kick: An airborne kick performed while on fire
- Giga Drill Break: A finishing move created by Kamina in the midst of battle. Gurren Lagann throws its sunglasses to pin its opponent in the air, then creates a really large drill to ram the opponent, flying towards the enemy at high speeds
Trivia
- Kamina's iconic catchphrase, "Just who the hell do you think I am?" (Ore wo dare da to omotte yagaru?/俺を誰と思ってやがる？), is famously echoed by other characters throughout the series. Simon adopts it first, followed by Kittan, and eventually all the protagonists during the final battle.
- The first eight episodes feature titles derived from Kamina’s lines, displayed in a carved-like font. He also narrates the previews for episodes 2 to 7.
- Despite dying in episode 8, Kamina is referenced—directly or indirectly—in almost every subsequent episode of Gurren Lagann.
- Kamina's "Towards-the-Heavens" pose, where he points his finger skyward, has become an iconic gesture, replicated by Simon, Nia, Kittan, Gurren Lagann, and King Kittan during key moments, especially the Giga Drill Break.
- Kamina remains one of the most popular characters in Gurren Lagann, even after his death.
- His parents are officially named Joe (ジョー) and Wenny (ウェニー).
- Kamina is an expy (a spiritual counterpart) of Sanson, a character from another Gainax anime, Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water.
- In the movie Gurren Lagann The Movie: The Lights in the Sky are Stars, it is revealed that Simon personally carved the statue of Kamina in Kamina City.
- Kamina—or a character resembling him—makes a cameo in Episode 2 of Gainax’s Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, alongside Simon, Viral, Nia, Yoko, and Attenborough.
- Mahibi Moji from Medaka Box (another Gainax production) resembles Kamina and shares the same voice actor. His hair color in the manga is red but was changed to blue, similar to Kamina’s, in the anime adaptation.
- Though Kamina and Nia never meet in the main series, they get along well in the Otoko series. Kamina is also one of the few people, besides Simon, who genuinely enjoys Nia’s cooking.
- Kamina gets into even more mischief in Super Robot Wars Z2: Hakai-Hen, such as arm-wrestling Kallen Kozuki over their similarly named mechs (Gurren), scheming to make Zero owe him a favor, and inadvertently dragging others, like Kouji Kabuto (Mazinger Z), into battles.
- The staff have stated that the Super Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is actually a reincarnation of Kamina.
- In SRW Z2: Hakai-Hen, Kamina’s death, like that of Lockon Stratos (Neil Dylandy) from Mobile Suit Gundam 00, is pivotal and cannot be avoided due to its narrative significance. His death also impacts characters from other series within the game. However, in SRW Operation Extend, Kamina's death is not included due to the game being incomplete.
- Kamina’s name is derived from Kami, meaning "above" in Japanese, a nod to his dream of reaching the surface. Kami can also mean "god," reflecting his boundless self-confidence and ability to inspire greatness in others.
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