Benimaru Nikaido

Benimaru
Benimaru in The King of Fighters XV.
Profile
Full name	Benimaru Nikaido
Birthdate	June 6; 20 years old (KOF '94), 21 years old (KOF '95~)
Birthplace	Japan Japan
Height	180 cm (5'11")
Weight	68 kg (150 lbs)
Blood type	O+
Family/Relatives	Japanese father, American mother
Job/Occupation	Model
Likes	Himself, pierce earrings, being the center of the attentions
Dislikes	Otakus, regrets
Hobbies	Sky cruising, cooking
Favorite food	Sashimi (sliced raw fish), pasta, coffee
Forte in sports	Clay pigeon shooting, high diving
Fighting style	Shoot boxing (with his inborn electrical power); Muai Thay kickboxing (KOF '94~2002)

Benimaru Nikaido (二階堂 (にかいどう) 紅丸 (べにまる)) is a character from The King of Fighters series. He debuts in The King of Fighters '94 as a member of the Hero Team, and as one of Kyo Kusanagi's longest rival and friend. His official nickname is "The Shooting Star" (シューティング・スター).

Development

Benimaru's appearance was loosely based on Jean Pierre Polnareff from the third part of the popular manga series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, right down to his outfit in The King of Fighters '94 and The King of Fighters '95. Even after Benimaru's name was decided, the game developers continued to refer to him as Polnareff. Additionally, his taunt in The King of Fighters XI mirrors Polnareff's stature from the manga. His vocal performance was initially deemed by his original designer to have nothing to do with the character's original image.

The idea for his electric powers—as well as the other elemental powers for the rest of the Japan team—was derived from the anime Getter Robo. In the show, there were three featured heroes who served as the inspiration for the KOF trio: the protagonist had a "fiery" persona, his friend was "edgy and daring", and the third hero was the "down-to-earth giant". It is also a homage to a Japanese phrase of giving birth to fire (roughly translated: lightning strikes the earth which sparks the flame).

Story

The King of Fighters series

Orochi Saga

File:JapanTeam-95Ending.PNG

Benimaru with Kyo and Daimon.

Benimaru is a young son of a multi-millionaire family. He is a professional fighter and part-time professional modeler who is very confident in his abilities. When Japan held a tournament for their country's representative team in the King of Fighters, Benimaru entered and made it to the finals. Despite his experience, he lost to newcomer Kyo Kusanagi and earned second place. He and Kyo enter the 1994 KoF tournament with the third place contestant, Goro Daimon. Eventually, he befriends his teammates and joins them for the rest of the saga.

NESTS Chronicles

The King of Fighters '99

File:KOF'99-Novel-Krizalid.jpg

Krizalid revealing his plans to the Hero Team.

After the climax of The King of Fighters '97, Benimaru resumed his modeling career and went on a world tour. He returns to Japan before the 1999 tournament due to an invitation he seemingly received from Kyo's pupil, Shingo. In reality, both Shingo and him were actually set up to join the "special team" with K' and Maxima. During the tournament finals, he learns about NESTS, a syndicate that is responsible for Kyo's disappearance. After he helps Shingo escape from the crumbling base, Benimaru continues to track NESTS to try and find Kyo.

The King of Fighters 2000

In the following year, Benimaru forms his own team with Shingo and his old friend, Seth. The agent also brings their final teammate, Lin. Benimaru hopes to use Lin's abilities to help his search for Kyo. In his team's ending, he saves Lin from Ron. After this encounter, Benimaru loosely trusts members from the Hizoku.

The King of Fighters 2001

Regardless of his search's results, he meets Kyo again in 2001. Looking to relive their glory days once more, he teams up with the old Japan Team and Shingo. Each member goes their separate ways after the tournament's climax.

Tales of Ash

The King of Fighters 2003

After he bails Shingo from a false arsonist accusation, he teams with him and Goro in the 2003 tournament.

The King of Fighters XI

File:RivalTeam-KOFXI-6.png

Rival Team confronting Ash.

Benimaru and Duo Lon are invited to Elisabeth Blanctorche's mansion. There, they discuss Ash Crimson's thievery of Chizuru's powers, the existence of Those From the Past, and their experiences during the 2003 tournament. The trio forms the Rival team and track down Ash. They find him after he steals Iori's powers. Benimaru sees Shingo and Kyo's beaten states and threatens Ash for an explanation. Before either members can interrogate him further, Ash teleports away and warns that Kyo will be next.

The King of Fighters XIII

File:IMG 20170504 012218.jpg

Daimon and Benimaru watching Kyo and Iori fight.

Deciding to let Duo Lon do as he please, Benimaru returns from overseas to Japan. He first visits Chizuru to tell her about what happened in the last tournament, both aware of the dangers that come with Ash's new abilities. Excusing himself to meet with his teammates, he visits Shingo to learn the details of what caused Kyo's hospitalization. Goro arrives and they catch up during the meeting. With the current state of affairs and the invitations from "R" passed out, he and Goro decide to reunite the old team for the tournament. In the KOF XIII ending, he and Daimon both watch Kyo as he fights once again with Iori to an unknown result.

Shun'ei Saga

The King of Fighters XIV

When the tournament was announced, Saisyu summons the team into the Kusanagi residence, then informs them about a new threat which will cause untold chaos. He and Tung Fu Rue also requests the team to help his new students. Benimaru mentions the 'first generation' KOF champion that appeared while they were away and asks Kyo what he'll do about it. At Saisyu's request, the team enter the tournament once again.

After the tournaments conclusion, Benimaru asks Kyo about the new threat and agrees that if it comes back they'll just have to beat it again. He heads back to Japan with Daimon shortly after.

The King of Fighters XV

Prior to the fifteenth tournament, Benimaru receives a call from Kyo, explaining that he'll be teaming up with Iori Yagami and Chizuru Kagura. He requests his old friend to watch and protect the young fighters Shun'ei and Meitenkun, forming the Fourth Saga's Hero Team.

Personality

Benimaru, while sometimes outspoken and flamboyant, means business in battle as he's very proud of his skills and doesn't want anyone to look down on him for his good looks. He also respects ladies though he tends to be more than a flighty flirt. Although he seems to have an indecisive mind, Benimaru has a heart of gold. His loyalty and respect can go a long way.

Despite his American heritage, he carries many Japanese mannerisms. Though he would never openly admit it aloud, his pride as a professional fighter was shaken when Kyo beat him before 1994 and he secretly trains for a rematch.

Abilities

• Electrokinesis - Benimaru can control electricity.
  • Static - Benimaru can create static around his body. This is what makes his hair upwards.
  • Electric Fist - Benimaru can create an electric ball around his fist.
  • Thunder - Benimaru can summon lightning from the sky. Benimaru can also form sparks on the ground and move them upwards.
  • Discharge - Benimaru can release an electric discharge by touching his enemy.
  • Electric Attacks - Benimaru can fuel his attacks with electric energy, especially from lightning he summons.
• Super-Speed - Benimaru can move himself so quickly that he leaves several images of himself when he moves.

---

• Cooking - Benimaru is an accomplished cook.
• Modeling - Benimaru is a professional model by occupation.
• Shooting - Benimaru has interests and has practiced shooting with rifles.

Fighting style

Benimaru specializes in shooting techniques and electricity, though his fighting style is more focused on agility and less on actual submission and raw power, focusing on agile kicks and decent range.

Music

Themes

• Esaka - The King of Fighters '94
• Funky Esaka - The King of Fighters '95, '98 Ultimate Match (with Daimon and EX Kyo)
• Esaka? - The King of Fighters '96, '98
• KD-0079 - The King of Fighters '99
• Inner Shade - The King of Fighters 2000, EX
• Flame of Invincibility - The King of Fighters 2001
• J - The King of Fighters 2002
• Joyrider - The King of Fighters 2003
• Queen - The King of Fighters XI
• ESAKA!! - The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match
• Esaka Continues... - The King of Fighters XIII
• Esaka ~Acid Remix~ - The King of Fighters XIII (when the music is set to "Type B", console version only, shared with Kyo and Daimon)
• Yappari ESAKA - The King of Fighters XIV
• Under the Control of... - The King of Fighters XV

Image songs

• Show Time!
• The Song of Fighters II - shared image song with other characters

Voice actors

• Atsushi Maezuka - since his debut
• Genki Okawa - The King of Fighters for Girls
• Hikaru Midorikawa - Dengeki Bunko drama CD

Appearances

Games

• The King of Fighters '94
• The King of Fighters '95
• The King of Fighters '96
• The King of Fighters '97
• The King of Fighters '98
• The King of Fighters '99
• Capcom vs. SNK: Millennium Fight 2000
• The King of Fighters 2000
• The King of Fighters EX: Neo Blood
• Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001
• The King of Fighters 2001
• The King of Fighters 2002
• The King of Fighters Neowave
• The King of Fighters 2003
• The King of Fighters '94 Re-Bout
• The King of Fighters XI
• The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match
• The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match
• The King of Fighters XII
• The King of Fighters XIII
• Xuan Dou Zhi Wang
• CR The King of Fighters
• The King of Fighters XIV
• The King of Fighters XV

Mobile

• The King of Fighters Mobile
• SNK Dream Battle
• Metal Slug Defense - unlockable
• The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match Online
• Brave Frontier
• Crash Fever
• Puzzle & Dragons
• Kimi wa Hero
• The King of Fighters Destiny
• The King of Fighters: World
• The King of Fighters All Star
• The King of Fighters: Orochi Go
• The King of Fighters M: Fighting Stars Assembly
• The King of Fighters for Girls
• SNK Fighting Age

Cameos

• Days of Memories (second and fourth titles) - in-text cameos
• The King of Fighters
• The King of Fighters 2
• KOF: Maximum Impact 2 - background
• Garou: Mark of the Wolves - background in Hokutomaru's stage
• SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy - in Miss X's ending

Anime

• The King of Fighters: Destiny

Similar characters

• Another Benimaru

Etymology

• The name Benimaru means "crimson, deep red" (紅 (べに)) (beni) and "circle, pills, purity, suffix for ship names, complete" (丸 (まる)) (maru).
• Benimaru's surname Nikaido means "two-storied, upstairs" (二階 (にかい)) (nikai) and "hall" (堂 (どう)) (do).

Trivia

• Benimaru's straight hair stays up during fights due to a rather exaggerated case of electrostatics.

• When Goro Daimon uses Jirai Shin in KOF '95-'98, Benimaru and Kyo Kusanagi are the only background characters who will jump.

• Benimaru has canonically is the biggest winner of the KOF tournaments. He, Kyo Kusanagi and Goro Daimon were the winners of the four hosted in the Orochi Saga; he won in KOF '99 alongside K', Maxima and Shingo Yabuki, KOF XI alongside Elisabeth Blanctorche and Duo Lon, and most recently in XIII, XIV and XV (with Shun'ei and Meitenkun). These victories are confirmed in team stories, light novels and cutscenes.
  • His win in XIII is considered given the canonical events of the game, with his team in this entry (Japan Team) having an cannonical ending which confirms their victory.
  • He is also the only character to be part of almost every formation of the Hero Team in the game series. The only exception is the Tales of Ash saga, where he is part of the Rivals Team.
  • Benimaru is also the only character to being part of the two main teams of the series: the Hero Team (6 entries) and the Rivals Team (1 entry).

• Due to the particular pitch in his voice, some fans have voiced question to Benimaru's sexuality to developers, to which they respond, "It's not what you think. (Not that there's anything wrong with that)." A developer also responds that he's a man's man who loves women.

• Benimaru is the second character of the series with more changes of looks and outfits, the first being Athena Asamiya. He is also the only male character to do this.

• In Neo-Geo Freak 1998, the characters in KOF '98 have their own interviews. Here are Benimaru's answers to the questions.
  • What is your aspiration in this competition? - "To stand out more than anyone. That is all."
  • Who would you like to fight the most? - "Kyo Kusanagi. I've only had one fight with him. Although it was my loss."
  • Who would you like to team up with? / Who would you not like to team up with? - "I want to fight alone if I can. The rest of the guys don't feel comfortable with just being companions?"
  • What is "KOF" for you? - "Something like a stage for actors...Huh?"
  • Finally, please give a word to your fans. - "I LOVE YOU!"

• It has been mentioned in an interview that Benimaru has many girlfriends.

• It can be noted that Benimaru and Jean Pierre Polnareff, his character inspiration, does share more elements than just the hairstyle: being a gentleman and their sense of justice. Polnareff also inspired the creation of the CAPCOM's character Guile from Street Fighter series (to a degree) and the character Paul Phoenix from Bandai Namco's Tekken series.

• One of Benimaru's many quotes is "Yare, Yare." This is possibly another reference to the Jojo's Bizarre Adventure series.

• His character also pays homage to the Tatsunoko character, Hurricane Polymar. The attacks Shinkuu Katategoma (Vacuum One-Handed Top), Handou Sandan Geri (Recoiling Three-Stage Kick) and Gen'ei Hurricane (Phantom Hurricane) take their names and functions directly from the aforementioned character.

• Several other of his moves also take their namesakes from various anime and manga, including:
  • Benimaru Coleda/Benimaru Collider from Gunbuster;
  • Elec-Trigger from Super Robot Red Baron;
  • Flying Drill, Raijiken (Thunder Quiver Fist) and Raikouken (Lightning Fist) from Casshern's Denkou Punch (Voltaic Punch);
  • Iai Geri (Re-sheath Kick) from Kako Teito: Ore wa Shubei!.

• Benimaru dislikes otakus, which is ironic given all of the anime-based references in his moves.

• In Gamest's 1997 Heroes Collection, Benimaru was voted as the staff's thirteenth favorite character. He tied the spot with Samurai Shodown character, Shizumaru Hisame. In the character popularity poll on Neo Geo Freak's website, he was voted as the sixth favorite character with a total of 1,269 votes.

• Benimaru is one of the few KOF characters who has never changed his voice actors since debut.
  • The other characters in the series with the same voice actors since their first appearance are Maxima, Choi Bounge, Kula Diamond, Whip, Ash Crimson and Oswald.
  • Benimaru and Choi shares the same voice actor since their debut.

Gallery

Benimaru Nikaido 95.jpg

The King of Fighters '95 artwork.

Benimaru Nikaido 96.jpg

The King of Fighters '96 artwork.

Benimaru Nikaido 99.jpg

The King of Fighters '99 artwork.

Benimaru2003.jpg

The King of Fighters 2003 artwork.

Benimaruxi.jpg

The King of Fighters XI artwork.

Benimaru-xii.jpg

The King of Fighters XII artwork.

Benimaru-kofXIII.jpg

The King of Fighters XIII artwork.

Benimaru-kofxiv.jpg

The King of Fighters XIV artwork

Benimaru-kofxiv.png

The King of Fighters XIV render.

References

This article uses content from the SNK wiki.