Takeru Nakashima is the captain of the Wakutani Minami High School boys’ volleyball team. He stands out for his clever spike technique, which helps him overcome his shorter height compared to other ace spikers. Inspired by the legendary “Small Giant,” he leads his quirky teammates like a big brother and manages his wild, unique family. After high school, he works for a sports company in Miyagi and switches positions from spiker to libero in the professional league.
Takeru Nakashima is 173.4 cm tall and weighs 65.8 kg.
His highest jump reach is 324 cm.
He wears the school uniform and his volleyball jersey has number 1.
His birthday is August 20.
Takeru is responsible, hardworking, and friendly.
He knows how to manage people with strong personalities, which helps him both at home and on his team.
He often makes jokes about his lively family and calls them a “free-spirited Jurassic Park.”
He cares about others and is quick to help, even when it means extra effort for him.
He has a good sense of humor, often poking fun at his own troubles.
Takeru Nakashima is a third-year high school student at Wakutani Minami High School.
He comes from a big family with four siblings, and he is the second oldest.
His older brother, Isamu Nakashima, used to be the volleyball team captain and setter.
Growing up in a chaotic, loving home made Takeru a strong leader and a reliable friend.
He admired and was motivated by the “Small Giant,” a famous player from a Spring Tournament.
Now, he aims to be just as impressive on the court.
Takeru is the ace spiker for his team.
His main weapon is his technique—he changes the angle of his arm when he spikes, making it hard for opponents to block him.
He is especially good at scoring block-outs.
His stats are:
Power: 4
Jump: 4
Stamina: 5
Brains: 3
Technique: 4
Speed: 4
Even with a shorter height, his skills allow him to compete with taller players.
After high school, he switches from spiker to libero in the V.League Division 3 team, Kin’iro Sports Jumpers.
Takeru’s family is full of unique people.
— Father: Masayoshi Nakashima, the head of the family, always cheers loudly for Takeru at games.
— Mother: Ai Nakashima, expecting another child soon, plans to name the baby “Kazuhiko” if it is a boy.
— Older brother: Isamu Nakashima, was the previous team captain and a setter, now a university student. His free-spirited nature helped Takeru build his own sense of responsibility.
— Younger sister: Makoto Nakashima, thinks Takeru should have been the eldest brother due to his maturity.
— Younger brother: Minoru Nakashima, energetic and wild, makes life at home fun and busy.
— Youngest brother: Taira Nakashima, still a baby, is often seen with their mother at games.
Takeru is proud of his family, even when they embarrass him by cheering very loudly.
He also admires Shouyou Hinata, who wears the same number 10 as the “Small Giant.”
Volleyball Captain and Ace
Takeru leads Wakutani Minami’s volleyball team as their captain and main spiker.
Although shorter than most ace players, he uses clever tricks and technique to win points.
Keishin Ukai, a coach, says Takeru’s playstyle is the closest in the region to the famous “Small Giant.”
Inspired By the "Small Giant"
When Takeru was troubled about his height, he watched the “Small Giant” play in the Spring Tournament.
This gave him the confidence to overcome his worry and work harder, becoming someone who could inspire his own teammates.
Life After High School
After graduation, Takeru works at a sports equipment company in Miyagi.
He joins the Kin’iro Sports Jumpers in the V.League Division 3.
He changes his position from wing spiker (WS) to libero (L), showing his adaptability.
Family Ties
The Nakashima family is very supportive.
They all go together to his matches and cheer for him loudly, sometimes making Takeru feel embarrassed but proud.
Meals at their house are described as “wars” because everyone has a big appetite.
When their parents are affectionate, Takeru worries it might be bad for his youngest sibling’s education and sometimes tries to “shield” them.
Cross-Series Appearance
Takeru also appears in another manga by the same author, called “The Q.E.D Studies: Yotsuya-senpai’s Ghost Stories,” along with his younger sister Makoto.
Takeru’s favorite food is zunda mochi, a sweet with crushed green soybeans.
He is troubled that his father’s hairline is seeming to go back a little every day, and often jokes about it.
He calls his volleyball team a “zoo” because of all the unique personalities.
Every sibling’s name in his family is just one kanji (character).
“I grew up in a free-spirited Jurassic Park, so I know how to handle this team.”
“Dad’s hairline might be running away, but I’m not giving up on my blocks!”
“I want to play like the Small Giant and inspire my team.”
Jersey Number: 1 (in high school)
Position in high school: Wing spiker (WS)
Position in pro league: Libero (L)
High school class: 3-1
Current workplace: Sports manufacturer in Miyagi
V.League team: Kin’iro Sports Jumpers
Birthday: August 20
Height: 173.4 cm
Weight: 65.8 kg
Spike reach: 324 cm
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