Taichi Kamiya
Encyclopedia
Taichi "Tai" Kamiya, known as in Japan
, is a fictional character in the anime
and manga
, Digimon Adventure
, and Digimon Adventure 02
. Although his first name is "Taichi", in the English version, he primarily goes by his dub-given nickname, Tai.
Tai first appeared in the manga Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01
in 1998, but was re-imagined
for the Digimon Adventure
television franchise. After appearing in the film Digimon Adventure (1999), Tai has made regular appearances in the television series as a main character and also in other supplementary medias.
As the leader of the DigiDestined
, Tai is partnered with Zeromaru in the V-Tamer 01 manga, and Agumon in Digimon Adventure. He is also the rightful holder of the . He is the older brother of fellow DigiDestined Kari Kamiya.
, Tai is the star player on his school's soccer team. He is best friends with Sora Takenouchi
.
In the sequel, Digimon Adventure 02
, Tai remains close friends with Agumon and a powerful soccer player, but has also become more patient.
as its main lead, but he not same Taichi, who in Digimon Adventure. He was a boy whose V-Pet had a Digimon thought to be a glitch, which turned out to be Zeromaru. After meeting Lord HolyAngemon, he was brought into the Digital World to fight Daemon. After he and Zeromaru defeated Daemon, he and the other children returned to the Real World. Despite the fact that this is the earlier appearance of the design, the character of Tai in V-Tamer is separate from the character of Tai in the anime and video games. It is noted by Davis, in a crossover
chapter of the manga, that V-Tamer's Tai looks completely identical to the one he knows.
television franchise in the short pilot film Digimon Adventure (1999), which was combined as the first part of Digimon: The Movie
(2001) was localized. Unlike the V-Tamer 01 manga, he was given a new background and origin. The film depicts his first encounter with a Digimon as a young child.
(1999). In this series, Tai is in fifth grade and is eleven years old.
In the sequel, Digimon Adventure 02
, Tai appears less frequently due to relinquishing his abilities to Davis Motomiya
, and even hands him his leadership title along with his goggles. He still volunteers when needed. Taking place roughly four years after Digimon Adventure (three years in the original version), Tai is now in tenth grade and fifteen years old (eighth grade and fourteen years old in the original version). In the epilogue, he has son who is partnered with a Koromon. He has also become a diplomat
for the Digital and Real Worlds with Agumon.
game Digimon Adventure: Anode/Cathode Tamer
, where he is captured by Milleniummon and until Ryo Akiyama comes to his rescue.
Tai appears in D-1 Tamer, where he is a contestant in the D-1 Tournament Ryo must battle against.
In the game Digimon Tamers: Brave Tamer, Tai and Agumon are attacked by Shellmon, and Ryo has the option to save him over Davis
and Takato. Following the end of the battle, he allows Agumon to join his party.
When the film featurette release of Digimon Hurricane Landing! and its second part, Supreme Evolution! The Golden Digimentals, which also made the third part of Digimon: The Movie, Tai is captured by Wendigomon during his search for Willis and is de-aged until Davis and Willis defeat him. Due to Digimon Hurricane Landing!/Supreme Evolution! The Golden Digimentals being heavily cut when the movie was localized for Digimon: The Movie, this subplot was removed in the English version.
The sequel of Our War Game!, Revenge of Diaboromon (2001), takes place on the spring break after Digimon Adventure 02. After being targeted by Diaboromon, Tai battles him with Matt and their Digimon, only to fail. However, he lends his power to Davis and Ken to combat the threat.
.
In an audio drama released years after the end of Digimon Adventure 02, which takes place between Digimon Adventure and Digimon Adventure 02, Tai is heard talking to Agumon after a Digiport briefly opens.
that related to "luck."
In Japan, all of Tai's appearances were voiced by Toshiko Fujita
. In the English dub, Joshua Seth
provides his voice. However, by the time the film Revenge of Diaboromon was dubbed in English, he had retired from the voice acting industry in 2005, causing casting director Jeff Nimoy
to cast Jason Spisak
as his replacement, remarking how similar he sounded to Seth.
. His character CD single, , which also included Agumon's (Chika Sakamoto
) solo and their duet "Team", was released on June 21, 2000. It debuted at #77 on the Oricon Weekly Charts
and stayed there for one week.
Digimon website, Tai was ranked 3rd by Japanese voters as their favorite DigiDestined . When the same question was asked three more times, his rank fell to 6th , rose to 4th , and finally landed at 5th .
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, is a fictional character in the anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
and manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
, Digimon Adventure
Digimon Adventure
is a Japanese animated television series created in 1999 by Toei Animation based on the Digimon virtual pet made by Bandai. It is the first series of the Digimon anime "metaseries"...
, and Digimon Adventure 02
Digimon Adventure 02
, also commonly referred as Digimon Zero Two, is the direct sequel to the previous series and takes place three years after the original series. With most of the original characters now in junior high school, the Digital World was supposedly secure and peaceful. However, a new evil has appeared in...
. Although his first name is "Taichi", in the English version, he primarily goes by his dub-given nickname, Tai.
Tai first appeared in the manga Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01
Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01
was the first and longest-running Digimon manga, printed in the pages of V-Jump magazine. Starting on November 21, 1998, it ran to fifty-eight chapters and ended on August 21, 2003. This manga introduces the character of Taichi - although he is not the same Taichi that features in the Digimon...
in 1998, but was re-imagined
Remake
A remake is a piece of media based primarily on an earlier work of the same medium.-Film:The term "remake" is generally used in reference to a movie which uses an earlier movie as the main source material, rather than in reference to a second, later movie based on the same source...
for the Digimon Adventure
Digimon Adventure
is a Japanese animated television series created in 1999 by Toei Animation based on the Digimon virtual pet made by Bandai. It is the first series of the Digimon anime "metaseries"...
television franchise. After appearing in the film Digimon Adventure (1999), Tai has made regular appearances in the television series as a main character and also in other supplementary medias.
As the leader of the DigiDestined
DigiDestined
are the major heroes in the Digimon media franchise who have been chosen by certain beings to protect the Digital World, a plane which originated from data produced by Earth's telecommunications networks. This plane is often beset by evil forces, and is closely linked to Earth; saving the Digital...
, Tai is partnered with Zeromaru in the V-Tamer 01 manga, and Agumon in Digimon Adventure. He is also the rightful holder of the . He is the older brother of fellow DigiDestined Kari Kamiya.
Description
Tai is adventurous, athletic, and charismatic, which easily makes him the leader of the DigiDestined. However, his aggressive, impulsive personality often puts him in danger. He eventually learns empathy and compassion are key to success instead of reckless courage. Back at his home in OdaibaOdaiba
is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, Japan, across the Rainbow Bridge from central Tokyo. It was initially built for defensive purposes in the 1850s, dramatically expanded during the late 20th century as a seaport district, and has developed since the 1990s as a major commercial, residential...
, Tai is the star player on his school's soccer team. He is best friends with Sora Takenouchi
Sora Takenouchi
is a fictional character in the anime and manga series Digimon Adventure and Digimon Adventure 02. First appearing in the film Digimon Adventure , Sora has made regular appearances in the television series as a main character and also in other supplementary medias.As one of the DigiDestined, Sora...
.
In the sequel, Digimon Adventure 02
Digimon Adventure 02
, also commonly referred as Digimon Zero Two, is the direct sequel to the previous series and takes place three years after the original series. With most of the original characters now in junior high school, the Digital World was supposedly secure and peaceful. However, a new evil has appeared in...
, Tai remains close friends with Agumon and a powerful soccer player, but has also become more patient.
Manga
Tai first appeared in the 1998 manga Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01Digimon Adventure V-Tamer 01
was the first and longest-running Digimon manga, printed in the pages of V-Jump magazine. Starting on November 21, 1998, it ran to fifty-eight chapters and ended on August 21, 2003. This manga introduces the character of Taichi - although he is not the same Taichi that features in the Digimon...
as its main lead, but he not same Taichi, who in Digimon Adventure. He was a boy whose V-Pet had a Digimon thought to be a glitch, which turned out to be Zeromaru. After meeting Lord HolyAngemon, he was brought into the Digital World to fight Daemon. After he and Zeromaru defeated Daemon, he and the other children returned to the Real World. Despite the fact that this is the earlier appearance of the design, the character of Tai in V-Tamer is separate from the character of Tai in the anime and video games. It is noted by Davis, in a crossover
Crossover
-Fiction and media:* Fictional crossover, a storyline combining characters or settings from separate fictional properties** Fictional crossovers in video games* Crossover , a 2002 documentary by Justin Lin...
chapter of the manga, that V-Tamer's Tai looks completely identical to the one he knows.
Pilot film
Tai made his first appearance in the Digimon AdventureDigimon Adventure
is a Japanese animated television series created in 1999 by Toei Animation based on the Digimon virtual pet made by Bandai. It is the first series of the Digimon anime "metaseries"...
television franchise in the short pilot film Digimon Adventure (1999), which was combined as the first part of Digimon: The Movie
Digimon: The Movie
Digimon: The Movie is a 2000 American film adaptation of the first three Japanese Digimon films distributed by 20th Century Fox. The film used footage from the films Digimon Adventure , Our War Game!! , and Digimon Hurricane Touchdown!! / Supreme Evolution!! The Golden Digimentals .In comparison to...
(2001) was localized. Unlike the V-Tamer 01 manga, he was given a new background and origin. The film depicts his first encounter with a Digimon as a young child.
In the television series
Succeeding the film, Tai is one of the main characters in the television series Digimon AdventureDigimon Adventure
is a Japanese animated television series created in 1999 by Toei Animation based on the Digimon virtual pet made by Bandai. It is the first series of the Digimon anime "metaseries"...
(1999). In this series, Tai is in fifth grade and is eleven years old.
Digimon Adventure 02
, also commonly referred as Digimon Zero Two, is the direct sequel to the previous series and takes place three years after the original series. With most of the original characters now in junior high school, the Digital World was supposedly secure and peaceful. However, a new evil has appeared in...
, Tai appears less frequently due to relinquishing his abilities to Davis Motomiya
Davis Motomiya
Davis Motomiya, known in Japan as , is the main character in the Digimon Adventure 02 anime series. He is partnered to Veemon. He's extremely stubborn in personality.-Digimon Adventure:...
, and even hands him his leadership title along with his goggles. He still volunteers when needed. Taking place roughly four years after Digimon Adventure (three years in the original version), Tai is now in tenth grade and fifteen years old (eighth grade and fourteen years old in the original version). In the epilogue, he has son who is partnered with a Koromon. He has also become a diplomat
Diplomat
A diplomat is a person appointed by a state to conduct diplomacy with another state or international organization. The main functions of diplomats revolve around the representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending state, as well as the promotion of information and...
for the Digital and Real Worlds with Agumon.
In the video games
Tai makes a cameo as a non-playable character in the WonderSwanWonderSwan
was a line of handheld game consoles produced in Japan by Bandai between 1999 and 2003. It was developed by the late Gunpei Yokoi's company Koto and Bandai...
game Digimon Adventure: Anode/Cathode Tamer
Digimon Adventure: Anode/Cathode Tamer
Digimon: Anode/Cathode Tamer is one of two Digimon WonderSwan games that are available in English. It combines two separate Japanese games, Digimon Adventure: Anode Tamer, and Digimon Adventure: Cathode Tamer, into one...
, where he is captured by Milleniummon and until Ryo Akiyama comes to his rescue.
Tai appears in D-1 Tamer, where he is a contestant in the D-1 Tournament Ryo must battle against.
In the game Digimon Tamers: Brave Tamer, Tai and Agumon are attacked by Shellmon, and Ryo has the option to save him over Davis
Davis Motomiya
Davis Motomiya, known in Japan as , is the main character in the Digimon Adventure 02 anime series. He is partnered to Veemon. He's extremely stubborn in personality.-Digimon Adventure:...
and Takato. Following the end of the battle, he allows Agumon to join his party.
In other films
In the film Our War Game! (2000), the second part of the localized Digimon: The Movie, which takes place on the spring break after Digimon Adventure, Tai engages in battle with Diaboromon and enlists the help of Izzy, Matt, and T.K.When the film featurette release of Digimon Hurricane Landing! and its second part, Supreme Evolution! The Golden Digimentals, which also made the third part of Digimon: The Movie, Tai is captured by Wendigomon during his search for Willis and is de-aged until Davis and Willis defeat him. Due to Digimon Hurricane Landing!/Supreme Evolution! The Golden Digimentals being heavily cut when the movie was localized for Digimon: The Movie, this subplot was removed in the English version.
The sequel of Our War Game!, Revenge of Diaboromon (2001), takes place on the spring break after Digimon Adventure 02. After being targeted by Diaboromon, Tai battles him with Matt and their Digimon, only to fail. However, he lends his power to Davis and Ken to combat the threat.
In the CD dramas
Tai is featured in supplementary audio dramas released on CD during the television series' run, most of which consist miscellaneous adventures with the other DigiDestined that do not relate to the overall plot of the show. These include a mystery adventure Tai and Sora go on and tap dancing to distract Boltmon on Valentine's DayValentine's Day
Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496...
.
In an audio drama released years after the end of Digimon Adventure 02, which takes place between Digimon Adventure and Digimon Adventure 02, Tai is heard talking to Agumon after a Digiport briefly opens.
Development
Tai's character was designed by Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru. In an exclusive interview released with the Digimon Adventure DVD box on December 21, 2007, producer Satoru Nishizono revealed that as the staff decided on Tai's name using kanjiKanji
Kanji are the adopted logographic Chinese characters hanzi that are used in the modern Japanese writing system along with hiragana , katakana , Indo Arabic numerals, and the occasional use of the Latin alphabet...
that related to "luck."
In Japan, all of Tai's appearances were voiced by Toshiko Fujita
Toshiko Fujita
is a Japanese seiyū. She currently works at Aoni Production.-Roles:*Bonobono in the first Bonobono film*Cross in Ginga Nagareboshi Gin*Corazón Muto in Allison & Lillia...
. In the English dub, Joshua Seth
Joshua Seth
Joshua Seth Freedman is an American entertainer and voice actor. He was born in Kent, Ohio and attended the New York University film school. He has voiced dozens of well known anime characters and is sometimes credited as "Jeremiah Freedman", but has retired from voice acting in 2005...
provides his voice. However, by the time the film Revenge of Diaboromon was dubbed in English, he had retired from the voice acting industry in 2005, causing casting director Jeff Nimoy
Jeff Nimoy
-Biography:Jeff Nimoy wrote, directed, and served as story editor for the English translation of the anime Digimon: Digital Monsters . He also served as an Executive Producer and writer on numerous other Fox Kids shows...
to cast Jason Spisak
Jason Spisak
Jason Spisak is an American voice actor in animation and video games, and a Computer Programmer.Spisak is also the co-leader of the Symphony OS Project. He is the designer of Symphony's unique Mezzo desktop environment and wrote the Laws of Interface Design, for which the project tries to adhere...
as his replacement, remarking how similar he sounded to Seth.
Merchandise
During the run of the television series Digimon Adventure and Digimon Adventure 02, Tai was included in merchandise such as trading cards. In Japan, his character was also given three theme songs: , , and . All songs were performed by his voice actress, Toshiko FujitaToshiko Fujita
is a Japanese seiyū. She currently works at Aoni Production.-Roles:*Bonobono in the first Bonobono film*Cross in Ginga Nagareboshi Gin*Corazón Muto in Allison & Lillia...
. His character CD single, , which also included Agumon's (Chika Sakamoto
Chika Sakamoto
is a Japanese voice actress from Tokyo affiliated with Arts Vision.-Television animation:*Baby and Me *Ashita no Nadja *Legend of the Mystical Ninja *Fighting Foodons *Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ...
) solo and their duet "Team", was released on June 21, 2000. It debuted at #77 on the Oricon Weekly Charts
Oricon
, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
and stayed there for one week.
Reception
In a series of online polls conducted on Toei Animation'sToei Animation
Toei Animation Co., Ltd. is a Japanese animation studio owned by Toei Co., Ltd. The studio was founded in 1948 as Japan Animated Films . In 1956, Toei purchased the studio and it was reincorporated under its current name...
Digimon website, Tai was ranked 3rd by Japanese voters as their favorite DigiDestined . When the same question was asked three more times, his rank fell to 6th , rose to 4th , and finally landed at 5th .