Reiji Kirihara is one of the principal young shinobi in Black Torch and an important member of the covert team fighting dangerous Mononoke alongside Jiro Azuma.
He enters the story as a confident 17-year-old ninja from another traditional shinobi bloodline and quickly develops a rivalry with Jiro. VIZ describes their first encounter as an explosive competition to determine who is stronger, with Reiji’s distrust of the Mononoke Rago making the tension even greater.
Where Jiro often relies on instinct, aggression and unconventional abilities, Reiji represents a more disciplined approach to supernatural combat.
He is:
- A trained shinobi
- A skilled swordsman
- A Black Torch squad member
- Initially suspicious of Jiro and Rago
- Competitive
- Tactical
- More controlled than Jiro
- Part of the Bureau of Espionage’s fight against hostile Mononoke
His rivalry with Jiro gradually becomes one of the relationships that helps define the Black Torch team.
Here is everything you need to know about Reiji Kirihara, his abilities, his sword fighting, relationship with Jiro and role within Black Torch.
Who Is Reiji Kirihara in Black Torch?
Reiji Kirihara is a teenage shinobi who joins the Black Torch unit within the Bureau of Espionage.
VIZ introduces Reiji in Volume 2 as a 17-year-old from a ninja bloodline who initially appears arrogant and immediately clashes with Jiro Azuma.
That background makes him an interesting counterpart to the protagonist.
Jiro is also descended from shinobi.
But their personalities are very different.
Reiji Kirihara at a Glance
Affiliation: Black Torch / Bureau of Espionage
Role: Shinobi and field operative
Specialty: Sword combat and disciplined ninja techniques
Relationship with Jiro: Rival and teammate
Enemy Type: Hostile Mononoke
English Anime Voice: Kyle McCarley
VIZ officially announced Kyle McCarley as Reiji’s English anime voice actor in 2025.
EXPLORE REIJI KIRIHARA FIGURES →
Is Reiji Kirihara a Ninja?
Yes.
Reiji comes from a traditional shinobi bloodline, just like Jiro. VIZ specifically highlights this shared heritage when introducing their rivalry.
That immediately gives them common ground.
Both possess abilities inherited through ninja traditions.
Both understand combat.
Both are young.
Both eventually become part of the same supernatural organization.
But they approach those responsibilities very differently.
Jiro’s Ninja Style
Jiro is instinctive.
He reacts quickly.
He often trusts his intuition.
His personality is direct and sometimes reckless.
Reiji’s Ninja Style
Reiji appears much more controlled.
He favors:
- Precision
- Discipline
- Tactical positioning
- Formal training
- Weapon technique
- Mission procedure
This contrast makes their rivalry work.
They are not simply two people with the same abilities competing for attention.
They represent two different interpretations of what a modern shinobi should be.
What Are Reiji Kirihara’s Powers?
Reiji’s strength comes primarily from shinobi training, physical ability and swordsmanship rather than from possessing a Mononoke inside his body.
That distinction matters.
Jiro becomes extraordinarily unusual after fusing with Rago.
Reiji remains much closer to the conventional elite shinobi model.
His strengths include:
- Sword fighting
- Close-range combat
- Agility
- Reflexes
- Tactical awareness
- Ninja techniques
- Combat discipline
- Team coordination
His effectiveness therefore depends on skill and training rather than overwhelming supernatural power alone.
Reiji Kirihara’s Sword Fighting Explained
Sword combat is one of Reiji’s most recognizable fighting traits.
Your current merchandise depicts him repeatedly in a combat-ready stance with his long blade, including the Reiji Kirihara Sword Combat Poster and Sword Acrylic Stand.
That visual identity fits his personality.
A sword rewards:
- Precision
- Timing
- Distance control
- Discipline
- Commitment
Those characteristics match Reiji much more naturally than Jiro’s aggressive improvisational style.
Why His Sword Matters
Weapons in Black Torch are not merely decorative.
The Black Torch unit fights supernatural beings that can possess:
- Extreme speed
- Enhanced strength
- Spiritual abilities
- Regeneration
- Unpredictable forms
A swordsman therefore needs more than ordinary athletic ability.
Reiji must combine traditional techniques with the tactical demands of Mononoke combat.
VIEW REIJI KIRIHARA SWORD ACRYLIC STAND →
Reiji Kirihara vs Jiro Azuma
Reiji and Jiro become rivals almost immediately after meeting.
VIZ describes Reiji as initially arrogant and notes that the two teenagers clash almost immediately, eventually entering a fight to determine who is tougher.
Their rivalry works because they share enough similarities to constantly compare themselves.
Both are:
- Young
- Shinobi
- Talented fighters
- Strong-willed
- Members of the same organization
But Jiro possesses something Reiji deeply distrusts:
Rago.
Why Does Reiji Distrust Jiro?
Jiro is not simply another recruit.
He has fused with one of the most dangerous Mononoke in existence.
For someone trained to fight supernatural threats, that raises an obvious question:
Can Jiro really be trusted?
Reiji’s suspicion therefore makes sense.
The Bureau’s mission involves confronting hostile Mononoke.
Now one of its newest members carries a powerful Mononoke inside his body.
That sounds less like a normal recruit and more like a potential disaster.
Reiji Distrusts Rago
Rago is enormously powerful.
Even if Jiro insists they cooperate, Reiji has little reason initially to believe that the arrangement will remain stable.
Jiro Rejects Reiji’s Judgment
Jiro trusts Rago because their bond began before the Bureau became involved.
He therefore reacts badly when someone treats Rago only as an enemy.
This disagreement quickly becomes personal.
Is Reiji Stronger Than Jiro?
At the beginning, the comparison is more complicated than a simple power ranking.
Reiji has significant formal combat experience and discipline.
Jiro also has shinobi training, but after fusing with Rago he gains access to supernatural abilities that dramatically increase his potential.
Reiji’s Advantages
- Technique
- Swordsmanship
- Discipline
- Tactical experience
- Emotional control
Jiro’s Advantages
- Natural athletic ability
- Animal communication
- Rago’s supernatural power
- Unpredictable fighting style
- High potential
This is why their rivalry works particularly well.
Reiji may initially represent the more polished fighter.
Jiro possesses the more abnormal ceiling.
Why Reiji and Jiro Fight
Their first major conflict is not meaningless.
It reveals how differently they view power.
Reiji has trained inside a structured shinobi tradition.
Power comes through discipline.
Jiro suddenly gains extraordinary supernatural abilities through his relationship with Rago.
From Reiji’s perspective, that can look unfair and dangerous.
Jiro, meanwhile, does not appreciate someone questioning a bond formed through genuine sacrifice.
The fight therefore combines:
professional distrust
with
personal pride.
Does Reiji Become Jiro’s Friend?
Their relationship develops beyond simple hostility.
They remain competitive, but joining the same Black Torch squad forces them to rely on one another during dangerous missions.
VIZ confirms that Reiji ultimately serves alongside Jiro, Ichika, Hana and Ryosuke Shiba in the Black Torch squad, whose mission involves confronting threats in the growing conflict between humans and Mononoke.
Shared danger changes their dynamic.
A rival can still be a teammate.
In fact, competition can make both fighters stronger.
Reiji Kirihara and the Black Torch Squad
Reiji eventually becomes one of the principal members of Black Torch, the Bureau’s specialized supernatural response team.
The group includes:
- Jiro Azuma
- Rago
- Ichika Kishimojin
- Reiji Kirihara
- Hana Usami
- Ryosuke Shiba
VIZ identifies these characters as the team fighting in the hidden war between Mononoke and humans.
What Does Reiji Contribute?
Your site's current organization guide summarizes his role around:
- Combat
- Mission discipline
- Team coordination
- Observation
- Supernatural knowledge
- Investigation support
This gives the team a useful balance.
Jiro brings unpredictability.
Ichika brings experience.
Reiji brings controlled combat discipline.
What Is the Bureau of Espionage?
The Bureau of Espionage is the covert organization responsible for dealing with supernatural threats hidden from ordinary society.
Its agents investigate and combat dangerous Mononoke while attempting to prevent those supernatural incidents from destabilizing the human world.
Black Torch operates as a specialized unit inside that larger structure. Your site's existing organization guide also describes the team as a specialized anti-Mononoke squad.
This creates one of Black Torch’s most distinctive ideas:
traditional ninja abilities have survived inside a modern intelligence agency.
Reiji represents that evolution perfectly.
He comes from an old shinobi bloodline but operates within a contemporary covert organization.
Reiji and Ichika Kishimojin
Reiji’s relationship with Ichika Kishimojin differs significantly from his interactions with Jiro.
Ichika is already accustomed to the discipline and structure of the Bureau.
Reiji therefore fits more naturally into her understanding of how an operative should behave.
Your existing Ichika guide describes Reiji as a talented, confident ninja from another traditional shinobi bloodline who contrasts with the unpredictable Jiro.
Reiji and Ichika Share Discipline
Both characters tend to approach missions more professionally than Jiro.
They understand:
- Orders
- Threat assessment
- Tactical caution
- Organizational responsibility
This makes Jiro the disruptive element within the trio.
Reiji, Jiro and Ichika as a Team
Together, the three characters create a balanced combat dynamic.
Jiro
Instinct and supernatural power.
Ichika
Professional experience and tactical discipline.
Reiji
Precision and competitive combat skill.
This balance also works visually.
Your store currently features a dedicated Jiro Azuma, Ichika Kishimojin and Reiji Kirihara Testimony Poster using all three characters in tactical uniforms.
EXPLORE BLACK TORCH TEAM POSTERS →
Reiji and Rago
Reiji’s initial hostility toward Rago is understandable within the setting.
Rago is not a harmless supernatural companion.
He is an extraordinarily powerful Mononoke.
The Black Torch organization exists specifically because beings like him can represent catastrophic threats.
The problem is that Rago does something the Bureau’s worldview does not easily account for:
he genuinely cares about Jiro.
That forces Reiji and the other agents to reconsider whether every Mononoke can be treated according to the same assumptions.
How Reiji Changes
One of Reiji’s important functions within the story is showing how trust can develop through shared experience.
He begins with suspicion.
He evaluates Jiro according to what he sees:
a reckless teenager fused with a dangerous supernatural creature.
Over time, missions provide more information.
Jiro repeatedly protects others.
Rago repeatedly chooses to help.
The situation becomes harder to dismiss as simple possession or manipulation.
This gradual shift reinforces one of Black Torch’s central themes:
individual actions matter more than labels.
Reiji and the Human-Mononoke Conflict
Black Torch is not simply about ninjas fighting monsters.
The manga repeatedly complicates the distinction between human and supernatural.
Some Mononoke are hostile.
Others are not.
Some humans behave honorably.
Others abuse power.
Reiji initially exists much closer to the institutional position:
dangerous Mononoke must be controlled.
Jiro and Rago force him to encounter an exception.
That makes Reiji important because his perspective reflects the broader conflict inside the Bureau itself.
Reiji vs Amagi
When the conflict with Amagi escalates, Reiji’s role as a Black Torch operative becomes part of something much larger.
Amagi wants to create a world in which Mononoke regain dominance over humanity.
VIZ describes him as Rago’s old acquaintance and one of the primary forces behind the emerging supernatural war.
Reiji therefore eventually fights for more than Bureau procedure.
He fights alongside a team that includes both humans and Rago against someone claiming coexistence is impossible.
The situation creates an important contrast.
Amagi
Believes power should establish hierarchy.
Black Torch
Gradually becomes proof that humans and Mononoke can cooperate.
Reiji’s willingness to fight beside Jiro therefore carries thematic importance.
Why Reiji Is Important to Jiro’s Development
Rivals frequently reveal weaknesses that allies overlook.
Reiji forces Jiro to confront questions such as:
- Is raw power enough?
- Can he control Rago’s abilities?
- Can he operate as part of a team?
- Can other people trust him?
- Does he have enough discipline?
Jiro cannot simply rely on good intentions.
He needs to prove himself.
Reiji provides some of that pressure.
Competition Pushes Jiro
Because Reiji already possesses formal combat ability, Jiro has someone his own age against whom he can measure his growth.
This is different from fighting older Bureau agents or supernatural enemies.
Reiji represents a genuine peer rival.
Why Jiro Is Important to Reiji’s Development
The effect works in both directions.
Jiro challenges Reiji’s assumptions.
Reiji begins with a structured understanding of the supernatural world.
Humans belong here.
Mononoke belong there.
The Bureau protects one side from the other.
Jiro and Rago complicate that model.
Their partnership demonstrates that the rules Reiji learned may not explain every situation.
That encourages him to judge individuals through experience rather than relying only on doctrine.
Reiji Kirihara in the Black Torch Anime
Reiji is part of the central cast of the Black Torch anime adaptation.
VIZ officially revealed the English dub cast in October 2025, with Kyle McCarley voicing Reiji Kirihara.
The anime adaptation gives Reiji’s rivalry with Jiro another dimension through:
- Voice acting
- Animated sword fighting
- Movement
- Facial reactions
- Team combat
- Supernatural effects
For a character whose appeal depends heavily on fighting style and personality contrast, animation is particularly useful.
Who Voices Reiji Kirihara in English?
Kyle McCarley voices Reiji Kirihara in the English dub.
VIZ announced the English cast alongside:
- AJ Beckles — Jiro Azuma
- Keith Silverstein — Rago
- Erin Yvette — Ichika Kishimojin
- Kyle McCarley — Reiji Kirihara
This places Reiji among the four principal characters highlighted by VIZ for the adaptation.
Reiji Kirihara’s Character Design
Reiji has a particularly clean and recognizable design.
His appearance commonly includes:
- Glasses
- Neatly styled hair
- Tactical combat clothing
- Gloves
- A long sword
- Controlled posture
Your Reiji merchandise emphasizes exactly these characteristics, particularly his sword, tactical uniform and glasses.
The visual style reinforces his personality.
Jiro frequently feels chaotic.
Reiji looks controlled.
Reiji Kirihara Sword Acrylic Stand
One of the strongest Reiji-specific products currently on your store is the Reiji Kirihara Sword Acrylic Stand Figure.
The product depicts him:
- Drawing his sword
- Wearing tactical armor
- In a wide combat stance
- With his glasses and gloves
- Ready for a supernatural confrontation
That makes it especially appropriate for readers arriving through an article focused on his abilities.
VIEW REIJI KIRIHARA SWORD ACRYLIC STAND →
Reiji Kirihara Sword Combat Poster
For larger displays, your shop also has a dedicated Reiji Kirihara Sword Combat Poster.
The artwork uses a bright blue background while showing Reiji in tactical equipment with his katana, making the sword-fighting identity immediately recognizable.
It works particularly well for:
- Anime bedrooms
- Gaming rooms
- Manga shelves
- Offices
- Reading corners
- Black Torch galleries
VIEW REIJI KIRIHARA SWORD POSTER →
Reiji Kirihara Keychains
Your store also carries several smaller Reiji collectibles.
The Reiji Kirihara Portrait Acrylic Keychain emphasizes his recognizable glasses, focused expression and hairstyle, while the Chibi Acrylic Keychain offers a more stylized version of the character.
VIEW REIJI KIRIHARA PORTRAIT KEYCHAIN →
VIEW REIJI KIRIHARA CHIBI KEYCHAIN →
Building a Reiji Kirihara Collection
A strong character-focused Reiji display can combine several formats without becoming visually repetitive.
Main Piece
Use the Sword Combat Poster as the visual centerpiece.
Desk Display
Place the Reiji Sword Acrylic Stand beside your manga volumes.
Smaller Accessory
Add one portrait or chibi keychain.
Team Element
Include artwork featuring Jiro and Ichika to represent Reiji’s role inside Black Torch.
Your store already carries a large gaming mouse pad featuring Jiro, Ichika and Reiji together, which can also connect the character-specific display to the wider squad.
Why Reiji Kirihara Is More Than Jiro’s Rival
It would be easy to define Reiji only through his rivalry with the protagonist.
But his role is broader.
He represents the type of shinobi Jiro might have become under a more conventional path.
Reiji is:
- Trained
- Structured
- Tactical
- Responsible
- Integrated into the Bureau
Jiro is:
- Instinctive
- Unpredictable
- Emotionally driven
- Fused with a Mononoke
- Constantly challenging procedure
Their differences force both characters to grow.
Reiji learns that the world cannot always be divided into simple categories.
Jiro learns that instinct without discipline has limits.
That is what makes their rivalry valuable.
They do not simply compete.
They expose what the other person needs to improve.
Reiji Kirihara and the Meaning of a Modern Shinobi
Black Torch combines traditional ninja mythology with modern intelligence agencies and supernatural threats.
Reiji embodies that concept extremely well.
His heritage belongs to the past.
His missions belong to the modern world.
His enemies belong to Japanese supernatural folklore.
His equipment and tactics bridge all three.
This allows Black Torch to ask an interesting question:
What would a ninja look like if shinobi traditions survived into a world of government intelligence and supernatural warfare?
Reiji is one possible answer.
He keeps the discipline.
He keeps the sword.
He keeps the training.
But the battlefield has changed completely.
Instead of feudal conflict, he confronts Mononoke alongside a secret government unit.
That combination makes Reiji one of the characters who best represents Black Torch’s unique identity.
EXPLORE ALL BLACK TORCH MERCH →
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Reiji Kirihara in Black Torch?
Reiji Kirihara is a 17-year-old shinobi from a ninja bloodline who becomes part of the Black Torch squad and initially develops a strong rivalry with Jiro Azuma.
Is Reiji Kirihara a Ninja?
Yes. VIZ specifically describes Reiji as coming from a ninja bloodline, making his shinobi heritage one of the similarities between him and Jiro.
How Old Is Reiji Kirihara?
VIZ introduces Reiji as 17 years old in its official Black Torch Volume 2 feature.
Why Does Reiji Hate Jiro?
Reiji does not simply hate Jiro. Their relationship begins as a rivalry fueled by personality differences and Reiji’s distrust of Rago, the dangerous Mononoke fused with Jiro.
Are Reiji and Jiro Rivals?
Yes. VIZ explicitly describes the two as immediately developing a rivalry when Reiji enters the story.
Does Reiji Join Black Torch?
Yes. Reiji becomes part of the Black Torch squad alongside Jiro, Ichika, Hana, Ryosuke Shiba and Rago.
What Weapon Does Reiji Use?
Reiji is strongly associated with sword combat. His current character merchandise also depicts him using a long sword in tactical fighting poses.
Is Reiji Stronger Than Jiro?
Their abilities are different. Reiji possesses disciplined shinobi training and swordsmanship, while Jiro gains extraordinary supernatural potential through his fusion with Rago. Their rivalry is therefore not determined by one simple power comparison.
Does Reiji Trust Rago?
Initially, Reiji strongly distrusts the fact that Jiro is fused with a Mononoke. His experiences fighting alongside the team gradually complicate that initial perspective.
Who Voices Reiji Kirihara in English?
Kyle McCarley voices Reiji Kirihara in the English dub of the Black Torch anime adaptation. VIZ officially announced the casting in October 2025.
What Is Reiji’s Role in Black Torch?
Reiji serves as a disciplined combat operative whose swordsmanship, tactical awareness and shinobi training strengthen the squad during supernatural missions.
Is There Reiji Kirihara Merchandise?
Yes. BlackTorchMerch currently carries Reiji-focused merchandise including a Sword Acrylic Stand Figure, Sword Combat Poster, Portrait Acrylic Keychain and Chibi Acrylic Keychain.
VIEW REIJI KIRIHARA SWORD ACRYLIC STAND →