Subaru Natsuki, the unforgettable protagonist of Tappei Nagatsuki’s hit series Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World, has captivated audiences worldwide with his arduous journey through a fantasy realm. At the heart of his story is a relatable, albeit initially flawed, young man thrust into impossible circumstances. While his struggles and incredible growth often take center stage, a fundamental detail anchors his journey: Subaru Natsuki is 17 years old.
This age is crucial, as it defines his perspective, his initial immaturity, and the immense weight of the challenges he faces. Before his sudden summoning to the world of Lugunica, Subaru was a hikikomori and NEET, a common trope for isekai heroes, but one that sets up a dramatic contrast with the hero he is forced to become. His transition from an ordinary teen to a battle-hardened, yet deeply traumatized, leader is one of anime's most compelling character arcs.
The Burden of Immortality: Understanding Return by Death
Subaru's adventure begins not with a grand prophecy or inherent magical power, but with a terrifying ability bestowed upon him: "Return by Death" (Shinimodori). This Authority, granted by Satella, the Witch of Envy, allows him to rewind time to a predetermined "save point" after dying, retaining all memories from previous timelines. However, this power comes with a severe psychological cost and a strict taboo: he cannot reveal it to anyone, lest his heart be crushed by the Witch and his scent attract dangerous mabeasts.
This unique form of immortality is both his greatest asset and his greatest curse, forcing him to endure countless deaths and failures. To truly grasp the profound impact this ability has on his mental state and strategic development, we invite you to take a .
Beyond Resurrection: Subaru Natsuki's Evolving Arsenal
While "Return by Death" is his most prominent trait, Subaru is far from a one-trick pony. Over the course of his journey, he learns to wield an array of distinct powers and abilities, evolving from a powerless ordinary boy into a versatile combatant and support figure.
His journey sees him acquiring the Authority of Sloth, manifesting as "Invisible Providence," an unseen hand he can manipulate. Later, he gains the Authority of Greed, "Cor Leonis," allowing him to take on the physical and mental burdens of his allies. Moreover, his contract with the artificial spirit Beatrice transforms him into a Spirit User, granting him access to Yin Magic and unique spells like EMM (absolute defense) and EMT (absolute magic nullification). He also develops practical skills, mastering parkour and becoming proficient with his signature weapon, the "Guiltywhip." Discover the full scope of his growing strengths by exploring .
Forging Bonds: Subaru's Indispensable Allies
Subaru Natsuki's survival and growth are inextricably linked to the deep, often complex, relationships he forms in Lugunica. From the very beginning, his devotion to Emilia, the silver-haired half-elf, drives many of his desperate actions, ultimately leading him to become her knight. His bond with Rem, marked by her pivotal confession, serves as a major turning point for his character, reminding him of his worth when he was at his lowest. His later contract with Beatrice further solidifies his support network, providing him with a powerful magical ally and a newfound emotional connection.
These relationships are not just plot devices; they are the anchors that keep Subaru grounded, motivating him through despair and shaping his identity. To understand the full dynamic of his personal connections and the strength he draws from others, you'll want to .
The Phoenix from the Ashes: A Character Forged in Fire
Subaru Natsuki's character arc is arguably one of the most celebrated aspects of Re:Zero. Initially, he exhibits arrogance and a deep-seated inferiority complex, a byproduct of living in the shadow of his accomplished father. The repeated failures and excruciating deaths he endures push him to the brink of mental collapse. The raw, honest depiction of his psychological trauma and eventual breakthroughs resonates deeply with audiences.
His turning point in Arc 3, particularly his conversation with Rem, marks a profound shift. From that moment, he commits to self-improvement, becoming more considerate of others and evolving into a remarkably capable strategist and leader, all while silently bearing the crushing weight of his past. Dive deeper into the agony and triumph that define .
Bringing the 17-Year-Old to Life: Voice Actors and Critical Acclaim
The creation of Subaru Natsuki began in 2013 with Tappei Nagatsuki's web novel. While illustrator Shin'ichirō Ōtsuka's initial design was refined to avoid a delinquent appearance, the core concept of a struggling hero remained. A significant part of Subaru's impact comes from the incredible vocal performances that breathe life into his character. Yūsuke Kobayashi delivers his Japanese lines with a raw intensity that captures every nuance of Subaru's joy, despair, and determination. In English, Sean Chiplock provides an equally compelling portrayal, ensuring his emotional struggles and triumphs resonate with a global audience.
Subaru's complex portrayal has not gone unnoticed, earning him critical acclaim, including "Best Character (Male)" at the Newtype Anime Awards 2015-2016 for his realistic depiction of stress and growth. For a closer look at , and the vision behind his creation, explore our dedicated guide.
Subaru Across the Multiverse: Manga, Anime, and Beyond
Beyond the original light novels, Subaru Natsuki's story has expanded into a rich multimedia franchise. Fans can follow his adventures through the anime adaptation, which vividly brings the brutal yet beautiful world of Re:Zero to life, and the various manga adaptations that offer alternative perspectives and depths to his narrative. His popularity has also led to appearances in video games, allowing players to interact with his world in new ways, and in crossover series like Isekai Quartet, where he comically navigates interactions with other beloved isekai characters.
If you're eager to follow Subaru's journey across all his appearances, we have a comprehensive guide detailing .
Subaru Natsuki, a 17-year-old thrust into a world far beyond his understanding, embodies the struggle and triumph of perseverance against insurmountable odds. His story is a testament to the idea that even the most ordinary individual can achieve extraordinary things when faced with the ultimate test of will. His journey continues to unfold, promising more challenges, more growth, and more reasons to champion this deeply human hero.