Mako Tsunami

Mako Tsunami, known as Ryota Kajiki (梶木漁太) in the manga and Japanese versions, is an ambitious fisherman striving to become the greatest of all time in honor of his father. In the original version, his father tragically perished in a shipwreck, while in the dub, Mako searches for his father, who he believes survived the disaster, evidenced by a missing lifeboat. Mako specializes in WATER-based cards in his Duel Monsters Deck and is noted for his skill, having secured third place in the Regional Duel Monsters Championship (referred to as the Japanese National Duel Monsters Championship in the Japanese version).

Names	Mako Tsunami, Ryota Kajiki (梶木漁太) Freaky Fish Guy (by Joey)
Gender	Male ♂
Race	Human
Occupation	Duelist, Fisherman
Origin	Yu-Gi-Oh! Chapter 71 (Duelist 12): "The Scourge of the Sea" 海の恐怖 Umi no Kyōfu lit, The Fear of the Sea (August 4, 1998 tankōbon volume)
Alignment	Good
Age	19
Created By	Kazuo Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋 一雅)
Height	178 cm (5ft 10in)
Weight	68 kg (149.91 lbs)

Appearance

Mako Tsunami has a rugged and sea-weathered appearance befitting a fisherman. He has tanned skin, wild cobalt-blue hair resembling crashing waves, and sharp, determined eyes. Mako typically wears a sleeveless blue vest over a bare chest, decorated with marine-themed patterns and tied with a rope-like belt. His ensemble includes light beige pants rolled up at the ankles and brown sandals, showcasing his practical, seafaring lifestyle. The simple and functional design of his attire reflects his connection to the ocean and his role as a fisherman.

Personality

Mako is a passionate and steadfast individual with a profound respect for the sea, which he views as a living entity. His deep bond with the ocean shapes his worldview, often leading him to speak poetically about its moods and power. He is fiercely loyal to his father's memory, striving to honor him through his fishing endeavors and dueling career.

Mako has a strong sense of honor and fair play, believing that opponents should give their all in competition. This dedication sometimes borders on sternness, as he disapproves of those who treat dueling casually. However, he is also generous and hospitable, shown when he shares his fish with Yugi and his friends despite their initial misunderstanding.

Although he can come across as dramatic or overly focused on the sea, Mako’s sincerity and courage earn him respect. He is a gracious loser, as demonstrated in his defeats, and his sentimental attachment to “Legendary Fisherman” reveals a tender, emotional side. Mako’s unwavering spirit and love for the ocean make him a memorable character, both as a duelist and a person.

Biography

Background

Mako Tsunami, known as Ryota Kajiki in the manga and Japanese versions, grew up deeply connected to the sea, viewing it as more than an environment but as a living entity. He believed he could sense its moods, knowing when it was joyful or sorrowful. His father, a fisherman, shared his love for the sea. One fateful day, while fishing together, Mako sensed the sea’s shift from calm to turbulent, blaming a nearby oil spill. The sudden change led to a storm that sank their boat. They were rescued by a passing ship, but their vessel was lost to the depths.

Without a boat of his own, Mako’s father borrowed others’ boats, often venturing out on rough days when others feared the sea. Tragically, he disappeared during one such outing, leaving Mako with a deep respect for the ocean and a longing to honor his father’s memory.

Duelist Kingdom

Years after the shipwreck, Mako entered the Duelist Kingdom tournament, hoping to win the prize money to buy a new boat. He earned three Star Chips and spent much of his time fishing near the island’s cliffs. To attract challengers, he left fish cooking over an open fire near a Battle Box, strategically positioned by the sea to benefit his WATER-based Deck under the Field Power Source rule.

When Joey Wheeler stumbled upon Mako’s unattended fish, he and his friends decided to help themselves. Mako tried to intervene but was knocked into the water by a wave. Emerging with an octopus on his head, he scolded them for taking his food. After introducing himself, he shared his fish and recounted the story of his lost boat. Before they could leave, Mako hurled a harpoon into the ground, challenging Yugi to a Duel with two Star Chips each at stake.

Mako’s tactics took full advantage of the sea terrain, allowing his monsters to hide underwater and attack stealthily, a strategy he called “sea stealth attack.” Though Yugi struggled initially, he outsmarted Mako by manipulating the tide with "Mystical Moon" and defeating his monsters with “Burning Land.” Mako graciously accepted defeat, vowing to continue the tournament with his remaining Star Chip. However, he did not qualify for the semifinals.

Battle City

Mako also participated in the Battle City tournament, earning four Puzzle Cards. During a visit to Domino City Aquarium, he met Joey Wheeler and Téa Gardner. Mistaking the killer whale’s tank for a fish tank, Mako humorously remarked on wanting to grill the whale, much to Téa’s disbelief. When Joey explained he was there to Duel, Mako laughed but accepted the challenge, wagering two Puzzle Cards and rare cards, including “Leviathan” and “Fortress Whale.”

Mako used his sea-themed strategies effectively, hiding monsters and using “Tornado Wall” to block attacks. Joey countered by adapting his tactics, fusing “Alligator Sword” into “Alligator Sword Dragon” to bypass Mako’s aquatic defenses. The Duel culminated with Mako summoning “Fortress Whale” and his trusted “Legendary Fisherman.” Joey outmaneuvered him, using “Magic Arm Shield” to turn the fisherman against the whale and defeating both with “Panther Warrior.”

Despite his loss, Mako revealed his emotional connection to “Legendary Fisherman,” a card he treasured for its resemblance to his father. Refusing to leave it in his Graveyard, he intentionally made a less optimal move in his final turn. Joey initially hesitated to accept victory, understanding Mako’s sentimental bond. Mako tried to give Joey “Legendary Fisherman” instead of the agreed wager, but Joey reassured him that his father’s spirit would always be with him, regardless of the card.

This heartfelt exchange highlighted Mako’s deep love for his father and the sea, leaving a lasting impression on Joey and everyone who crossed paths with the steadfast duelist.

Dawn of the Duel

In the final episode of the series, Mako is briefly seen sailing on a boat with a sail bearing the word "Tairyō" (大漁), which translates to "large catch" or "bountiful haul," symbolizing his fishing aspirations. Upon arriving at the shore, Mako encounters the Roba brothers, with Espa Roba preparing for a Duel. This scene is exclusive to the original Japanese anime and occurs during the end credits.

Film Appearances

Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light

Mako makes a cameo appearance in Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light. He is seen watching a television broadcast announcing Yugi Muto as the Duel Monsters champion. Later, he appears in a montage created by Maximillion Pegasus, showcasing individuals who had influenced Yugi and the Pharaoh's journey. Pegasus explains that everyone Yugi and the Pharaoh had encountered played a role in the events leading up to the climactic Duel.

Powers and Statistics

Tier: 10-B

Dimensionality: 3D

Powers and Abilities: Weapon Mastery (Skilled Spear Wielder), Illusion Creation (Can create holograms of monsters and cards with his Duel Disk)

Attack Potency: Human level

Speed: Average Human

Lifting Strength: Unknown

Striking Strength: Human level

Durability: Human level

Stamina: At least Average

Range: Standard Melee Range, Several meters with Illusion Creation

Standard Equipment: Deck, Duel Disk, Spear

Intelligence: Above Average (Despite relying almost solely on monsters rather than traps and spells, Mako nearly defeated both Yugi and Joey in duels.)

Weaknesses: None notable

Attacks and Techniques

• Duelist Kingdom Deck:
  • Monsters:
    • Fiend Kraken: A giant squid that drags its enemies to a watery grave.
    • Great White Terror: A giant shark that attacks from underwater with its large mouth.
    • Jellyfish: An almost invisible, semi-transparent jellyfish that drifts in the sea.
    • Kairyu-Shin: A sea dragon known as the King of the Ocean, it attacks its enemies with huge tidal waves.

• Battle City Deck:
  • Monsters:
    • Amphibian Beast: A powerful monster with immense speed on both land and sea.
    • Flying Fish: A fish with the power of flight that is rumored to grant those who see it three wishes.
    • Great White: A giant white shark with razor-sharp teeth.
    • Jellyfish: An almost invisible, semi-transparent jellyfish that drifts in the sea.
    • The Legendary Fisherman: While "Umi" is on the field, this card is unaffected by Spell effects and cannot be targeted for attacks, but does not prevent the opponent from attacking Mako directly.
    • Fortress Whale: A powerful monster that can only be Ritual Summoned with the Ritual Spell Card, "Fortress Whale's Oath".
  • Spells:
    • Fortress Whale's Oath: This card is used to Ritual Summon "Fortress Whale". Mako must also Tribute monsters whose total Levels equal 7 or more from the field or his hand.
    • Return of the Doomed: Returns 1 of Mako's monsters destroyed and sent to the Graveyard as a result of battle during this turn to his hand at the end of this turn.
    • Umi: Increase the ATK and DEF of all Fish, Sea Serpent, Thunder, and Aqua-Type monsters by 200 points. Decrease the ATK and DEF of all Machine and Pyro-Type monsters by 200 points.
  • Traps:
    • Tornado Wall: This card can only be activated when "Umi" is active on the field. As long as "Umi" remains face-up on the field, any damage to Mako's Life Points becomes 0. When "Umi" is destroyed or removed from the field, this card is also destroyed.
    • Torrential Tribute: Destroys all monsters the opponent controls when they summon a monster.

Trivia

• Kajikimagurō means "Swordfish". His English anime name, Mako, originates from the "Mako Shark", and a "Tsunami" is a type of large wave formed by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions
• His blood type is B