A sideblog about the Todoroki family commenting the scenes in which they appear (in the manga but also in other mediums like the anime, movies, OAV, illustrations and gadgets) and adding notes about culture, food, places, references, retcons, sexism, teaching, translations and weird things happening.
I am not Japanese nor a professional Japanese translator.
What I report is what I researched about. I might be wrong though so take everything with a grain of salt.
Notes can be:
Observation notes: notes about what we can observe just reading/watching the manga/anime.
Cultural notes: notes that talk about Japanese culture and about how things work in Japan. Remember, I am not Japanese, what I share is what I researched about.
Food notes: notes about food that get mentioned/showed.
Places notes: notes about the place the characters are in or places mentioned.
Reference notes: notes about what gets referenced.
Retcon notes: notes that talk about what was later retconned or POTENTIALLY retconned as sometimes it’s not 100% sure a retcon took place.
Sexism notes: notes that discuss sexism happening in the chapters with the Todorokis and that are often not stricktly related to the Todorokis as victims/perpetrators of it, but to something that happens while they’re there to see it or involved as a term of paragon or things like that. Since most of the sexism in the story is Doylist in nature (it is not a character that is sexist but the story itself) they are usually very critical notes so they come, of course with a BNHA critical warning.
Teaching notes: notes that talk about how things are taught, while a Todoroki is present (be it as a mentor or as a student). They are often very critical notes because the way people teach things in this story is rather bad for the standards of my country so they come, of course with a BNHA critical warning.
Translation notes: notes that talk about things that get lost in translation. Japanese can’t be translated with a 100% match, some words might have more layers or imply more things in Japanese or be peculiar to it.
Weirdness notes: note that relate to things that go from being weird to not making sense at all.
English version notes: notes about the official English version of the manga that can cover mistakes, cuts and so on. Note that I am not English and I have no particular simpathy/hate for the official English versions, I just think it is the one most commonly known and referenced in the net as well as used as the source for canon.
Extra notes: notes about info who don’t fit with any of the above.
ANIME ONLY
Added parts notes: notes about things that weren’t in the manga but that the anime decided to add.
Changed parts notes: notes about things that were in the manga but that the anime decided to change.
Deleted parts notes: notes about things that were in the manga but that the anime decided to cut.
Todoroki Enji’s birthday and zodiac sign: August 8, Leo
According to the profile shared at the end of chap 37 Enji is born on August 8.
In Japanese numerology the number 8 (八 hachi) is considered lucky and auspicious due to its shape, which widens at the bottom, symbolizing prosperity, growth, and expanding fortune. This concept is called suehirogari (末広がり), meaning "spreading out at the end". The number 8 is also associated with concepts like "countless" or "infinite," as seen in the phrase "eight million gods" (八百万の神 yaoyorozu no kami) to represent multitude. The number 8 is also featured in names of shrines and is believed to bring divine energy and spiritual power, offering blessings and protection. People often choose dates containing the number 8 for significant events such as wedding dates and grand openings. Even when giving gifts, monetary amounts or items in sets of eight are considered lucky.
This also means his zodiac sign is Leo (獅子宮 Shishikyū).
Zodiac symbol: ♌︎ Lion
House: 5
Duration: Around July 22/23 – August 22/23
First decan (the ruling planet is Sun): Around July 22/23 – July 30/August 1
Second decan (the ruling planet is Jupiter): Around August 1/2 – August 11/12
Third decan (the ruling planet is Mars): Around August 12/13 – August 22/23
Constellation: Leo (Latin for “Lion”)
Zodiac element: Fire
Polarity: Positive
Zodiac quality: Fixed
Sign ruler: Sun
Detriment: Saturn and Uranus
Exaltation: Pluto
Fall: Neptune
Northern Hemisphere Season: Summer
Southern Hemisphere Season: Winter
Opposite sign: Aquarius
Key Traits: Confident, charismatic, generous, creative, loyal, ambitious, passionate, natural leaders and a penchant for taking center stage.
Potential Challenges: Arrogant, stubborn, with a need for attention, sensitive to criticism, impulsive, jealous, lazy when not motivated.
Horoscope (according to zodiacsign.com)
(Pluto) – MARS – (Pluto) – MARS
Color: Flame
In One Word: Raw
Shape: Arrow
Strength: Strong
Weakness: Aggressive
Most Compatible With: Aquarius
A date such as the 8th of August reminds us of the warmth of the real world and has a great responsibility with all the strength it carries along. This is a date of grand moves and choices when a lot can be done with the right focus and a solid plan that a person will stick to. Everything new will be done with ease and people born on this date are typically well-grounded, focused on the real world and ready to act.
This entire planetary row speaks of one's connection to planet Earth and speaks of the importance of the material world in lives of individuals born on August 8th. They will be filled with energy that needs to be employed and if their instincts and physical needs aren’t met at the youngest age, they could feel frustrated or become aggressive as time goes by. The energy in their lives needs to circle and balance is to be found between things they give and things they receive. With solid boundaries and carefully planning, they can achieve anything they strive for.
The Sun and Venus make the second row of this date, pointing out the importance of inspiration and creativity in the material world. Their goal is the manifestation of love and a firm personality that will allow them to stand on their true identity without diminishing their personal value or self-respect. The potential to make something magnificent is grand here, but it comes with great responsibility.
Love and Emotions
Feelings are an important destination point of those born on the 8th of August, for they are to guide them before they put their head through the wall. Their relationships will usually be intense and passionate but need to support them on a deeply emotional plane so progress in all other areas of life can be made. We will often find them in solitude or bonds that don’t truly touch their heart as they grow older, if they don’t give in to deep self-reflection and find ways to balance out their intense energies.
Initiative won’t be their issue, except when they get tied in images of cocreation with the wrong partner. As they get closer to their center of personality and allow their entire world to reshape and change, they will find someone equal and stop taking over the roles of an aggressor or a victim. They need time and usually to spend some time alone to understand their true needs and sort their priorities out, before they rush to initiate a close and a healthy relationship with the one they love.
Purpose
Liberation is the focus point in lives of individuals born on August 8th, and their social circle will most likely drastically change throughout their lifetime. More than other Leos, they feel the need to remain the part of a known system and will encounter people who resemble them in strange ways, in their incredible authenticity that might be considered eccentric or hard to accept. They are to set free of the predestined and limitations in their attitude, in order to build their own individualism in unusual ways.
What They Excel In
A person born on August 8th excels in sports and all sorts of intense activities. Time teaches them that they are to create something beautiful to make their life meaningful and they might turn to creative or artistic work as they grow older. Their passions are powerful and guide the way towards outer recognition once they are recognized for who they are by themselves.
August 8th Birthday Gift
When you choose a birthday gift for someone born on the 8th of August, you are to consider their fiery nature first and think of something in sync with their passion. Although you can always give them a gift card from a local gym or organize training with them, it would be your best bet to go with something that sparks their positive emotions and creativity. Give them a toolkit for graphic drawing, a sewing machine, or something that will keep their focus and help them relax in their hectic everyday routines.
Positive Traits for August 8th Born
Innovative, strong and energetic, they are able to perform any task and position themselves in ways that allow victory in battles that are seen as too intense or hurtful for other people.
Negative Traits for August 8th Born
With frustration on their plate, they become too intense or aggressive and need to find ways to vent and let their anger out until it is productive and supportive of their true needs.
Healing Crystal
Goethite is a very good choice of crystal for Leos born on August 8th, giving them the ability to healthily connect to planet Earth and find resourceful grounding by dealing with residual emotions that hold them back. It is a stone that gets them in touch with benefits of changes in the natural flow of things, making them open for compassion and love and aiding emotional healing. It will bring peace into their heart and teach them how to embrace pain and negative emotions and transform them into light and joy as time goes by.
Sabian Symbol
The Sabian symbol for Leo representatives born on August 8th in a year preceding a leap year:
"A Pageant, with its Spectacular Floats, moves along a Street Crowd with Cheering People"
The Sabian symbol for Leo representatives born on August 8th in a leap year and two years following it:
"The Storm Ended, all Nature Rejoices in Brilliant Sunshine"
These two symbols speak of everything that needs to show for all the right reasons, to the outer world. Other people and our planet are to see the incredible inner light of individuals born on this date, after the storm has passed and they reached the end of the tunnel they were born into. These are symbols of positive outcomes and one's struggle to reach their own inner truth that will guide them to impress the world in all its natural glory.
The TodoFam in BNHA X Character Pop-up Store: Hanabi ver.
Observation notes:
The image above was created for a series of 10 images used for promotional gadgets for a Boku no Hero Academia themed event, Hanabi ver. [花火ver. Firework Ver.], on June 27 2020 at "Character Pop-up Store" (キャラポップストア), featuring the main characters celebrating with fireworks. Character Pop-up Store are limited-time character pop-up stores operated by Bandai Namco.
Cultural Notes:
Hanabi taikai (花火大会 "firework tournament"): a traditional Japanese summer fireworks festival, a beloved cultural event where dazzling fireworks light up the night sky, often accompanied by people wearing yukata (summer kimonos), enjoying street food, and gathering by rivers or parks for a communal celebration. These spectacular displays, featuring unique shapes and music, are a quintessential part of Japanese summer culture, drawing large crowds across the country in July and August. Some are large-scale competitions between pyrotechnic companies, like the famous Sumida-gawa Hanabi Taikai (隅田川花火大会 "Sumida River Fireworks Tournament/Festival") in Tokyo, while others are community gatherings. In essence, a Hanabi Taikai is more than just fireworks; it's a cultural experience capturing the spirit, colors, and flavors of a Japanese summer.
Temochi Hanabi (手持ち花火 "handheld firework"): it is a general term for small, handheld fireworks for home use. In Japan, they are classified as "toy fireworks" and are a popular summer tradition enjoyed safely in private settings like gardens, beaches, and riverbanks.
Tezutsu-hanabi (手筒花火): a type of traditional Japanese pyrotechnic device and fireworks projector similar to a flamethrower. They are prepared by local amateurs who have obtained a license to do so. Structurally, the projector is a roughly 80 cm long cartridge made of mōsō bamboo reinforced with tightly bound rope and packed with a mixture of slow-burning gunpowder and iron powder. When the fuse is lit, a jet of fire is released while the projector is held in a daunting pose. At the end of the performance, the projector is hefted and flipped around as the bottom explodes in a brief secondary ignition called a hane (跳ね), however, in some regions including Shizuoka, the hane may be less dramatic or absent altogether. They are the tubes Midoriya, Bakugō, Uraraka, Kirishima and Toyokami are holding.
Susuki fireworks (ススキ花火 "Pampas Grass Fireworks"): A classic type with gunpowder packed into a long, tubular paper tube. Sparks are sprayed forward with a whoosh. It is the firework Sero has in the illustration.
SPARKLERS (スパークラー): These are characterized by their twinkling stars. The flame color reaction of the metal powder creates a variety of colors. It is the firework Kaminari has in the illustration.
Senkō hanabi (線香花火 "incense-stick fireworks"): a traditional Japanese handheld firework and a type of sparkler. It is a thin shaft of twisted tissue paper about 20 centimeters long with one end containing a few grains of black powder (gunpowder) and whose sparks change shape after burning, from buds to peonies, pine needles, willows, and scattered chrysanthemums. They are usually included in packets of assorted fireworks and are usually ignited last. They are said to somehow hypnotize the watcher into silence and to evoke mono no aware (物の哀れ "an empathy toward things," or "a sensitivity to ephemera"), a Japanese term describing a flash of sadness felt when reminded of the beauty and briefness of life. There is also another image of Shōto with one of those types of fireworks so either he especially likes them or he is just considered more fitting to be depicted holding one of them.
Jinbei (甚平): a traditional set of Japanese clothing worn by men, women and children during summer as loungewear which consist of a side-tying, tube-sleeved kimono-style top and a pair of trousers. They are usually worn as a form of nightwear or house clothes, and are considered very informal clothing. Normally, they are typically only worn outside the house when travelling short distances, such as to go on a local errand, collecting the mail or while shopping. The formal use of jinbei, or wearing it outside the house for a long period, is frowned upon though jinbei can also be used as a substitute for yukata during the summer months, particularly at summer festivals.
Setta (雪駄): traditional Japanese sandals. They are not so difficult to walk, especially compared to Geta which have teeth type clogs, so many favour them, from the person who conducts tea ceremony to the people going at festivals and fireworks shows.
The TodoFam in BNHA X MEDICOS: Hanabi ver. [花火ver. Firework Ver.]
Observation notes:
The image above was created for a series of 5 images to use for gadgets created by MEDICOS which include B2 Tapestries, A4 Multi-Clothes, Acrylic Keychains, Big Acrylic Stands which were meant to be released on September 2019.
Cultural Notes:
Hanabi taikai (花火大会 “firework tournament”): a traditional Japanese summer fireworks festival, a beloved cultural event where dazzling fireworks light up the night sky, often accompanied by people wearing yukata (summer kimonos), enjoying street food, and gathering by rivers or parks for a communal celebration. These spectacular displays, featuring unique shapes and music, are a quintessential part of Japanese summer culture, drawing large crowds across the country in July and August. Some are large-scale competitions between pyrotechnic companies, like the famous Sumida-gawa Hanabi Taikai (隅田川花火大会 “Sumida River Fireworks Tournament/Festival”) in Tokyo, while others are community gatherings. In essence, a Hanabi Taikai is more than just fireworks; it’s a cultural experience capturing the spirit, colors, and flavors of a Japanese summer.
Temochi Hanabi (手持ち花火 “handheld firework”): it is a general term for small, handheld fireworks for home use. In Japan, they are classified as “toy fireworks” and are a popular summer tradition enjoyed safely in private settings like gardens, beaches, and riverbanks.
Senkō hanabi (線香花火 “incense-stick fireworks”): a traditional Japanese handheld firework and a type of sparkler. It is a thin shaft of twisted tissue paper about 20 centimeters long with one end containing a few grains of black powder (gunpowder) and whose sparks change shape after burning, from buds to peonies, pine needles, willows, and scattered chrysanthemums. They are usually included in packets of assorted fireworks and are usually ignited last. They are said to somehow hypnotize the watcher into silence and to evoke mono no aware (物の哀れ “an empathy toward things,” or “a sensitivity to ephemera”), a Japanese term describing a flash of sadness felt when reminded of the beauty and briefness of life. There is also another image of Shōto with one of those types of fireworks so either he especially likes them or he is just considered more fitting to be depicted holding one of them.
The images above are part of a series of visual realized for two events called the Animal Beach Ball (アニマルビーチボール) in which a pop-up shop would be held on Tokyo Anime Center. The first event, took place from July 18, 2025 to August 3, 2025, the second event, which took take place from June 27, 2026 to July 12, 2026. During the events, in addition to life-size panels of the over mentioned visuals placed all around it was possible to buy merchandise based on it or on the mochocho images also created for the occasion depicting a chibi version of the characters in animal costumes so that we have Enji's GorillaGorillaGorilla Ver. (ゴリラゴリラゴリラ), Tōya's DabiHebi Ver. (ダビヘビ) and Shōto's Shōtocat ver. (ショートキャット). Also, gadgets with the visuals for the balls were created, and those included the Villains as well. I really do wish we had normal versions of them too, I'd love to see them at the beach
Cultural notes:
Umi-biraki (海開き "opening the sea"): the official, traditional start of the summer swimming season in Japan, generally held around July 1st on Honshu (earlier in Okinawa, later in northern regions). It marks when beaches officially open, featuring Shinto ceremonies to pray for safety, the installation of lifeguards, and the opening of beach houses with many, but not all, beaches in Japan requiring this formal opening before it is considered safe or officially permitted to swim.
The TodoFam in BNHA X Tohoku Festival: Tanabata Ver.
Observation notes:
The images above come from a collaboration between "Boku Hero Academia" and "the Tohoku Festivals", so as to create streamers featuring BNHA characters in yukata, and limited-edition merchandise for sale.
Cultural notes:
Matsuri (祭り "Japanese festivals"): traditional festive occasions, which might be sponsored by local shrines, to celebrate kami (神 Shintō deities), seasons, or historical events, often celebrated with folk dances, ritual practices, traditional clothes and events, parades, food stalls with local delicacies, games, music and fireworks in Japan.
Tōhoku matsuri (東北祭り Tohoku Festival): summer celebrations in Japan's northeastern Tohoku region. They are famous for the "Three Great Festivals":
Aomori Nebuta matsuri (青森ねぶた祭), so called because the main event features Nebuta (ねぶた), illuminated papier-mâché float of a brave warrior-figure which is carried through the center of the city, while dancers wearing a unique type of costume called haneto (ハネト) dance around in time with the chant Rasserā (ラッセラー).
Akita Kantō matsuri (秋田竿燈まつり), so called because the main event features Kantō (竿燈), balancing bamboo poles with rice paper lanterns, which hang from horizontal bars being carried through the streets by night on the palms, foreheads, shoulders, or lower backs of the celebrants.
Sendai Tanabata matsuri (仙台七夕まつり), Japan's largest and most famous Hoshimatsuri (星祭り "Star Festival") held annually from August 6-8 in Sendai, Tohoku, featuring spectacular, massive paper streamers and decorations lining shopping arcades to celebrate the legendary meeting of the deities Vega and Altair.
Tanabata (たなばた/七夕 "Evening of the Seventh") or Hoshimatsuri (星祭り "Star Festival"): a Japanese festival that celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively). According to legend, the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar. The date of Tanabata varies by region of the country, but the first festivities begin on 7 July of the Gregorian calendar. The celebration is held at various days between July and August. One of the most beloved customs of Tanabata is writing on Tanzaku (短冊 "paper strips"), white or colorful narrow, vertical strips of paper, wishes, hopes and dreams, ranging from personal aspirations to prayers for health and happiness, usually using a brush and ink, reflecting traditional calligraphy practices. The act of writing a wish is seen as a way to focus on one’s desires and send them to the heavens, hoping they will be granted. The Tanzaku are then used to decorate bamboo branches which are placed outside homes, schools, and public spaces. In the image we can see that Shōto is holding a Tanzaku.
Yukata (浴衣 lit. "bathrobe"): a summer kimono, worn in casual settings such as summer festivals and to nearby bathhouses. They originally were worn as bathrobes but now their modern use is much broader, and are a common sight in Japan during summer. Though Yukata are traditionally indigo and white in color, modern Yukata commonly feature multicolored designs, and are designed to be machine washable. They are held close by an obi (帯), a traditional Japanese belt. This is what Shōto is wearing in the image.
Hanshin shitate (半身仕立て "half-body tailoring"): a special method of tailoring kimono and yukata, where different fabrics and colors and patterns are used on the left and right sides of the center back (the back seam), giving them a modern and unique impression.
Setta (雪駄): Japanese sandals
Kinchaku (巾着): traditional Japanese pouch or purse, typically made of cotton or silk, that is closed by pulling a drawstring and usually used by men and women when wearing a yukata.
Uchiwa (うちわ/団扇): a rigid hand fan that does not fold and has a fan head and a handle. While folding fans were also considered as a mean to show dignity, this kind of fans are more commonly used for fanning though they were also used for exorcising, purifying, dancing, advertising and even at idol concerts to show support for your idol.
The TodoFam in BNHA Theatrical Release Commemorative Fair at Animate
Observation notes:
This image is part of a set of 6 visuals created for 6 characters of the series for the '“Boku no HERO ACADEMIA” gekijō kōkai kinen FAIR in ANIMATE' (『僕のヒーローアカデミア』劇場公開記念フェアinアニメイト ""My Hero Academia" Theatrical Release Commemorative Fair at Animate") which was held from August 3rd, 2018 to September 9th, 2018 to celebrate the release of the first movie 'Boku no HERO ACADEMIA THE MOVIE ~futari no eiyū~ (僕のヒーローアカデミア THE MOVIE ～２人の英雄～ "My Hero Academia The Movie ~2 Heroes~") which was first released on July 5th, 2018.
Todoroki Natsuo’s birthday and zodiac sign: July 1, Cancer
According to the profile shared at the end of chap 189 Natsuo is born on July 1.
In Japanese numerology the number 7 (七 nana) is considered a lucky and sacred number, symbolizing spiritual well-being, good fortune, and prosperity. This positive association stems from its significance in Buddhism and Shinto, with common examples including the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin), the celebration of a baby's seventh day, and the Tanabata festival on July 7th. The number seven appears in various aspects of daily life, from traditions and holidays to items and even some marketing campaigns, further cementing its lucky status.
In Japanese numerology the number 1 (一 ichi) is often associated with good things, such as being "number one" or the best, and symbolizes new beginnings and a fresh start. It can however also represent loneliness.
This also means his zodiac sign is Cancer (磨羯宮 Makatsukyū).
Zodiac symbol: ♋︎ Crab
House: 4
Duration: Around June 21/22 – July 22/23
First decan (the ruling planet is Venus): Around June 21/22 – June 30/July 1
Second decan (the ruling planet is Mercury): Around July 1/2 – July 10/11
Third decan (the ruling planet is Moon): Around July 11/12 – July 19/20
Constellation: Cancer (Latin for “crab”)
Zodiac element: Water
Polarity: Negative
Zodiac quality: Cardinal
Sign ruler: Moon
Detriment: Saturn
Exaltation: Jupiter
Fall: Mars
Northern Hemisphere Season: Summer
Southern Hemisphere Season: Winter
Opposite sign: Capricorn
Key Traits: Nurturing, emotional, intuitive, and creating cozy environments.
Potential Challenges: Moodiness, clinging behavior, being easily offended, and grudge-holding.
Horoscope (according to zodiacsign.com)
(Pluto) – SUN – (Pluto) – URANUS
Color: Platinum
In One Word: Authentic
Shape: Zig Zag
Strength: Character
Weakness: Stressed
Most Compatible With: Scorpio
As the month of July begins, it brings a new energy of change, one with the greatest impact in our entire calendar. The freedom those born on July 1st fight for tends to take over, make them angry and ready to break loose from the river of ancestors they were born into. They are innovators that follow their heart and need support to shine with true strength, detached enough, and with boundaries clearly set.
On July 1st, the Sun and Uranus combine in a row, emphasizing the need of each individual born on this date to find their inner truth and express it. The liberation they seek often makes them strange, a bit eccentric, or stressed out. In order to give the best their personality has to offer, they often have to break loose from their primal family, create peace in their own home, and fight for alone time that will allow them to build the foundation for their thoughts to land. Ready to jump in, take risks, and be different from everyone else, their sensitivity needs to be nurtured and cherished or they might break along the way. When they allow themselves to be exactly who they are, their heart finds peace it needed all along.
Love and Emotions
Born in the Sun sign of Cancer, they have an uneasy task to discover who they are under all the emotional baggage left by their ancestors. Their family might not be that supportive of their true sensitive nature, and this makes them edgy and stressed, bringing out their real personality to the surface in a rebellious way. This influences their choice of partners and makes them strive for freedom, even when they aren’t fully aware of this craving in their heart.
Their relationships will often be strange, changeable, and pushing them over their limits. Conflicts are of great importance for their growth and could make them cut off from the most serious of their bonds if they turn out not to serve a purpose anymore. If they begin a serious relationship while still living in their primal home, their world could greatly change afterwards, and if they aren’t getting enough freedom along the way to evolve in their own pace, they could end up getting separated or divorced. The imperative to each romantic bond that lasts in their life is personal freedom, most of all, despite of their sensitive need to have a quiet family life.
Purpose
Striving for all matters of Mars resolved, people born on July 1st sometimes get aggressive and difficult when pushing for their ideals. They are to understand the quality and the safe side of conflict, learning how to use it constructively to move ahead. Grounding is their mission in life and they are to learn how to incorporate their true being in the world around them, the society, and all practical matters their life consists of. Action is the imperative and this makes them extremely innovative but often uncertain if they should make the first step. When they show initiative and take matters in their own hands, they become leaders with no obstacle in their path that is impossible to overcome.
What They Excel In
Excellent sportsmen and innovators, they shine in all areas of physical work, professions with a lot of movement and freedom to learn, travel, and grow. They need excitement and the sense of constant risk to keep them going, and unlike most Cancer representatives, they won’t settle for less than what they know their potential is. Getting lulled in an unsatisfying workplace is not an option in their life and if they are pushed and pressured into such choices, they will either break free or simply break apart. Wonderful friends and dedicated colleagues, they will excel in all relationships that give them enough room to be exactly who they are in each role they take and every phase of their life.
July 1st Birthday Gift
It might seem difficult to choose a gift for a Cancer representative born on the 1st of July, but in fact, their ability to feel gratitude is vast. They will find symbolism even in the smallest of gifts and treasure them if they are given with love. Put your positive intentions in your choice, buy a colorful trinket that shows that you see their different, sparkly nature. They want a surprise, something unique, creative, to remind them of the person they got it from. If you get something for their home, make it a meaningful memory with an important message, rather than something practical and used daily.
Positive Traits for July 1st Born
Innovative, emotionally aware, and ready to change and jump into risk, they are the ones to chase after the individualistic approach others might envy or admire. On the chase for personal growth and evolution, they are to discover just how much they can do when they express their true personality fully.
Negative Traits for July 1st Born
Stressed and standing out from the crowd, they could feel like they don’t belong in their own social circles, closing their heart for open interactions if they get hurt too many times.
Healing Crystal
Stellerite is an excellent choice of crystal for Cancer representatives born on July 1st. It is a stone that aids change while giving emotional stability as one goes through it. Relieving them of stress, it will help these individuals calm intense reactivity and keep them stable in times of disturbing changes in the outer world. Its effect manifests through clearer expectations and sets them free from any fear of the future that might come after they make a step towards the change they desire.
Sabian Symbol
The Sabian symbol for Cancer representatives born on July 1st in one of the two years that precede a leap year:
"A Small Naked Girl Bends over a Pond Trying to Catch a Fish"
The Sabian symbol for Cancer representatives born on July 1st of a leap year and a year following it:
"A Large Diamond in the First Stages of the Cutting Process"
As if to mark the beginning of something that will turn into its adult, grown, fully carved future self, these symbols both carry the message of little experience and all things that have yet to be done. This date will bring a lot of work and situations that could put one to shame, or make them feel uncomfortable, pointing out the importance of well-developed awareness of their own sexuality. Unable to control and give shape to things they show, they could seem clumsy, in some ways blatant, or poorly adapted. Still, both symbols show great potential for material wellbeing and a rich Soul that is to be caught, carved, or shaped into something the world can see.
And here let’s have a close up of the Todoroki involved:
Observation notes:
We can see that Shōto is shown among the Class A students in his new Hero clothes.
Again no info are given about him even though he was relevant in this volume too, while Īda gets a small info box and the way the character page keeps on ignoring Shōto is something I find rather sad.
The TodoFam and minor characters: Todoroki Enji’s father
Since in Japan the 21st of June is father's day I decided to talk about Enji's father.
We catch a blurry and extremely tiny glimpse of him in chap. 356.
We have very little info about him as Horikoshi didn’t bother to let us know as much as his name, nor let us see his face clearly. The image above is what is likely his Iei (遺影 “memorial photo”), placed in the Butsuma room, the room which contains the Butsudan.
Since there is plenty of confusion in the fandom I will clear up what is a Butsudan and a Butsuma room.
Let's start with the easy part, the Butsuma (仏間) is the room whose principal or exclusive function is containing a Butsudan.
So what is the Butsudan?
The Butsudan (仏壇 “Buddhist altar”) is a shrine commonly found in temples and homes which looks either a defined, often ornate platform or simply a wooden cabinet sometimes crafted with doors that enclose and protect a Gohonzon (御本尊) or religious icon, typically a statue or painting of a Buddha or Bodhisattva, or a calligraphic mandala scroll.
Its primary use is for paying respects to the Buddha, as well as to family members who have died.
The Butsudan is commonly seen as an essential part in the life of a traditional Japanese family as it is the centre of spiritual faith within the household, especially in dealing with the deaths of family members or reflecting on the lives of ancestors.
Traditional Japanese beliefs hold the Butsudan to be a house of the Buddha, as well as of deceased relatives enshrined within it.
Long story short...
no, the shrine isn't in Tōya's old bedroom, nor existed specifically for him. That shrine existed in the Todoroki house BEFORE Tōya's birth and has likely hosted enshrined in it Enji's parents as well.
If you find writing saying that room is Tōya's room they are however correct in the sense that Tōya's soul is expected now to live in the Butsudan and therefore in that room, that is clearly not his old bedroom.
The Butsuma should be on ground floor in a room easily accessible by visitors, Tōya's bedroom (as well as all the Todorokis' bedrooms) should have been on the first floor, therefore a floor above the Butsuma room.
If you are wondering why Enji's father's photo is not inside the Butsudan but up on a wall that is likely because, after a number of years the Hotoke (仏 “the deceased soul”) is elevated to the status of tutelary ancestor, Senzo (先祖), and is believed to join the collective spirits of the generations of household ancestors and his photo is removed by the Butsudan.
So yeah, Enji's father is out of the Butsudan because he died a long time ago.
Back to Enji's father this is all we have about him.
Todoroki Enji (young) ‘Sara ni yowaku natta. Tachiba to tsugunai to ayamachi to sekinin ga. Omae no seirai no yowasa o abaki dashi miru ni taenai guzu e to hikizuri oroshita. Chōjin ni wa narenainda yo Enji (read: omae) wa. Genten o omoi dase. Teki ga nandatta no ka o? Akkan kara shōjo o sukuou to shi kekka shōjo moro tomo nikukai to ka shita chichi o’
轟炎司「更に弱くなった。立場と償いと過ちと責任が。おまえの生来の弱さを曝き出し見るに堪えない愚図へと引きずり下ろした。超人にはなれないんだよ炎司（おまえ）は。原点を思い出せ。敵が何だったのかを。悪漢から少女を救おうとし結果少女もろとも肉塊と化した父を。」
Todoroki Enji (young) “You became beyond weak. Position, atonement, mistakes and responsibility. Your innate weakness was exposed and I can’t bear to see how you were dragged down into an indecisive person. Enji (read: you) can’t become a superhuman. Remember your origin. Who was the enemy? Your father tried to save a girl from a scoundrel and, as a result, he and the girl were turned into a lump of meat.” [Chap. 356]
Since we first see Enji's father when the young Enji talks about mistakes, it is possible Enji sees his death also as a mistake he made, namely that he didn't act to help his father but just remained there to watch as the man went and tried to save a girl from a scoundrel (which is why he is labelled as an indecisive person).
Note that that the guy is called ‘akkan’ (悪漢) literally a “bad/evil man” (alternatively you can translate it as “thug, rascal, scoundrel” and not a Villain (敵 （ヴィラン） ‘teki (read: VILLAIN)’), who is “someone who uses his Quirk to commit crimes”.
This means it is possible the guy was not a Villain, just a bad person and Enji's father therefore wasn't a professional Hero, just someone who wanted to save a girl.
The fact they all died in an area that seems to have been destroyed by an explosion let us understand something big happened, something that killed Enji's father, the girl and the scoundrel (we see three corpses covered by cloth) but we don't know if the explosion was caused by the scoundrel or by Enji's father himself as he might have had a fire Quirk like his son and might have tried to use it, ending up causing an explosion that killed them all instead.
It will be difficult to learn more about Enji's father as this is the first and only time he gets mentioned in the story and the anime didn't try to expand his story either, so I guess this is all we have.
The TodoFam in BNHA X Tokyu Hands: Let's Build a Beach House Together! in Tokyu Hands
Observation notes
The images above is part of a series of 15 visuals created for the event which was meant to commemorate the release of the BNHA first movie and that was named 'Boku no HERO ACADEMIA minna de tsukurou! Uminoya in Tōkyū HANDS' (僕のヒーローアカデミア みんなで作ろう！海の家in東急ハンズ "My Hero Academia Let's Build a Beach House Together! in Tokyu Hands"). The images would be used to create merchandise. The event took place from July 21, 2018 to August 31, 2018.
Food notes:
Kakigōri (かき氷 "shaved ice"): a Japanese shaved ice dessert flavored with syrup and a sweetener, often condensed milk. Rather than flavored ice, Kakigōri is traditionally made of pure ice and the traditional way of making it uses a hand cranked machine to spin a block of ice over a shaving blade over which will be poured a syrup (popular flavors being strawberry, cherry, lemon, green tea, grape, melon, "Blue Hawaii", sweet plum). SOme also pour on top of it condensed or evaporated milk to sweeten it. During the hot summer months, it is sold virtually everywhere in Japan, street stalls, festivals, convenience stores, coffee shops, specialized kakigōri parlors, and restaurants or prepared by families at home. A flag with the kanji sign for ice kōri (氷) is a common and traditional way for an establishment to indicate that they are serving it.
During the event you could buy 'Todoroki to Tokoyami ga tsukuru tokusei kakigōri-fū PARFAIT' (轟と常闇が作る特製かき氷風パフェ "Special shaved ice-style parfait made by Todoroki and Tokoyami")
In 2021 at a Drawing Smash cafe you could buy Todoroki Shōto no Hanrei Hannen kakigōri (轟焦凍の半冷半燃かき氷 "Todoroki Shōto's Half-Cold, Half-Hot Shaved Ice"). The left side was milk shaved ice, and the right side was strawberry shaved ice, decorated with red candy to represent Shōto's Quirk. One could pour on it warm strawberry sauce from the separate bottle.
The images above are 3 of the 14 visuals for their Tsukamare! (つかまれ！"hold tight!") series in which characters appear to be "clinging" to items. Includes magnets and badges. From what I know Shōto should have been a magnet while Enji was a badge. They were released in mid-April 2026.
The images above are 3 of the 14 visuals for their Tsumamare (つままれ "pinched") series in which characters are depicted in cute, stylized poses, as if being pinched between fingers. Includes rubber straps, keychains, and acrylic items. They were released in mid-April 2026.
The image above was one of the 5 visuals for their acrylic PYOKOTTE (アクリルピョコッテ) series in which the characters express their Quirk. The idea was that the character would look like they are popping out from where they are attached. In fact the name of the series is a playful mashup derived from the Japanese onomatopoeia pyokotto (ピョコッと), which describes something suddenly popping out or appearing. They usually have clips and magnets with whom they can be attached. They were released in mid-April 2026
The images above was one of the 6 visuals with a retro feel created for the collaboration with the amusement park Asakusa Hanayashiki" called 'TV ANIME “Boku no HERO ACADEMIA” in Asakusa Hanayashiki' (TVアニメ『僕のヒーローアカデミア』 in 浅草花やしき). The visuals were featured on photo spots throughout the park as well as used to make merchandise. The collaboration was meant to start from March 5th to April 21st, 2025.
Cultural notes:
Asakusa Hanayashiki (浅草花やしき): an amusement park in Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, that has operated since 1853 and therefore is claimed to be the oldest amusement park in Japan. It is operated by Hanayashiki Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Bandai Namco Holdings.
Taishō Roman (大正ロマン): refers to the vibrant cultural and aesthetic movement in Japan from 1912 to 1926 that merges traditional Japanese aesthetics with European Romanticism and Art Deco, resulting in a romantic, vintage look characterized by bold colors, lace, Victorian-inspired blouses, and western accessories. This is the style in which the characters are dressed. In specific Shōto's clothes include:
Haori (羽織): traditional Japanese kimono-like jacket which is worn open or kept closed by a string. Originally it was worn only by male Samurai and nobles, but later the economic growth of the Edo period allowed the middle class to afford it. In Meiji era women also started to wear it. It seems the longer the haori is, the more formal it is.
Haori himo (羽織紐): a pair of ties that loosely fasten a Haori and that is normally bought separately from the haori. Men’s himo are usually hooked onto the haori and unhooked to open it, rather than untied, though one can just untie the himo instead.
Kimono (着物): a Japanese traditional garment.
Obi (帯): the sash securing the Kimono, tied at the back.
BAND COLLAR SHIRT (バンドカラーシャツ): buttoned shirt that features only the upright band of a traditional collar lacking the triangular fold-over collar. They are highly popular in Japanese fashion.
Amiage BOOTS (編み上げブーツ "lace-up boots") or LACE UP BOOTS (レースアップブーツ): Boots that are fastened by threading shoelaces through eyelets or hooks.
Kinchaku (巾着): a traditional Japanese drawstring pouch or bag used to carry personal items.
The images above show the visuals of 2 of the 8 acrylic key chain with a changeable facial expression realized for SEGA FAVE (セガ フェイブ)'s series of ACDOLL mini (アクドールmini "action doll mini"). They were meant to be available for pre-sale at Jump Festa 2026, held at Makuhari Messe on December 20th and 21st, 2025.
The TodoFam in BNHA X HERO PLAZA: The Guides and the Walkers (July/October, 2025)
Observation notes:
The image above is one of the three visuals shown at a merchandise event, "HERO PLAZA" (ヒーロープラザ) on November 24, 2025. The theme is 'Michibiku mono to ayumu mono' (導く者と歩む者" The Guides and the Walkers") and therefore combines All Might and other senior heroes with Deku, Bakugo, and other students from U.A. High School aiming to become heroes. Merchandise featuring this visual will be available for pre-sale at Jump Festa 2026, held at Makuhari Messe on December 20th and 21st, 2025.
