Tanaka is the longtime steward of the Phantomhive household. He is an elderly man with white hair and a matching white beard. Tanaka often appears in a comical, simplified form, calmly sipping tea. Even though he is rarely seen working because Sebastian Michaelis handles most chores, Tanaka is a highly skilled butler who once served as head butler to Vincent Phantomhive, Ciel's father. He survived a deadly attack on the Phantomhive family three years ago. When Ciel returned home, Tanaka realized he was actually the younger brother, not the true Ciel, but he kept it a secret. Later, when the real Ciel appeared, Tanaka chose to support him. He is the only servant who has served since the previous master's time. Tanaka's character is inspired by actor Shunji Fujimura, who also voiced him in the anime until his death in 2017.
Tanaka is an old man with neat white hair and a white beard.
He usually appears in a chibi, or cute, simplified form.
Tanaka is about 165 cm tall.
He is almost always seen calmly drinking tea, with a relaxed and gentle expression.
Tanaka is gentle, calm, and wise.
He is very laid-back, often enjoying tea quietly.
He rarely gets involved in day-to-day work since Sebastian Michaelis takes care of almost everything.
Even in busy times, he doesn't stress and keeps his peaceful attitude.
Tanaka has served the Phantomhive family for many years.
He was the head butler in the time of Vincent Phantomhive, Ciel’s father.
He is the only current servant who has worked there since the previous master's era.
Three years ago, he was seriously hurt in the attack on the Phantomhive mansion but survived.
Although Tanaka acts like a quiet old man, he is surprisingly skilled.
He is talented in jujutsu and can handle physical threats easily.
He was able to subdue Carl Woodley, who was out of control.
During the "Emerald Witch Arc," Tanaka showed his sword skills by cutting a bullet in half with a katana at close range.
With age, some of his physical abilities have faded, but he is still very capable.
Tanaka served Vincent Phantomhive, Ciel’s father, loyally.
He is respected by other servants and is seen as a wise elder.
He immediately realized that the Ciel who returned was the younger brother, not the real Ciel.
When the true Ciel appeared, Tanaka supported his return and openly picked his side.
He trusts Sebastian Michaelis and even entrusted him with the head butler's sign.
Survival of the Attack
Tanaka was left for dead during the attack that killed Ciel’s parents, but he miraculously survived.
He stayed as a trusted figure in the Phantomhive household after this tragedy.
Butler During the Serial Murders
When a series of murders happened at the Phantomhive manor, Tanaka became acting head butler in Sebastian Michaelis’s absence.
He swiftly and skillfully directed the three other servants.
His leadership showed the deep respect others have for him.
The Emerald Witch Arc
Tanaka stunned everyone by cutting a bullet in half with a Japanese sword, showing that his old skills are still sharp.
Discovering the Truth About Ciel
When Ciel and Sebastian Michaelis returned to the mansion, Tanaka knew that this was the younger brother and not the true Ciel.
He kept this fact secret, entrusting Sebastian Michaelis with the sign of the head butler.
When the real Ciel appeared, Tanaka revealed the truth and stood with the original master.
Tanaka’s character is based on the actor Shunji Fujimura.
Shunji Fujimura also voiced Tanaka in the anime for about nine years until his passing in 2017.
After that, Mugihito took over the role from the "Boarding School Arc" in the drama CDs.
Tanaka is well loved for his gentle laugh, “Ho ho ho.”
He is rarely seen without his teacup.
Tanaka is the steward (house steward) of the Phantomhive household.
He is ranked higher than Sebastian Michaelis in position, but rarely does visible work.
He is a symbol of wisdom and calm in the busy mansion.
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