Minami Hokutozai (北東西 南 Hokutozai Minami) is a pre-petrification human and a former reporter. Originally a member of the Tsukasa Empire, she later joins and helps the Kingdom of Science.
Contents
Appearance
Minami is a slim young woman of moderate height with long, yet carefully styled blonde hair that is notably adorned with seashells. She has large brown eyes and soft facial features, with an exceptionally well-endowed and shapely figure.
For clothing, she wears a single short burgundy dress with a small ribbon around her upper body and goes barefoot.
Her seashell headband is hollow and she is able to hide small items within it.[4]
Gallery
Personality
She seems to prefer strong, handsome men with strong conviction as she is enamored with Tsukasa and is heartbroken when he is cryogenically frozen in order to save him. Despite this, she has great confidence in her abilities as a former reporter to determine who will be the best to revive, whether working for the Tsukasa Empire or for the Kingdom of Science.
It seems she is particular with the kind of man she likes and doesn't just focus on looks or strength, as Ryusui's proclamations of her as being beautiful in chapter 142 did not move her at all (she even seemed confused but not disgusted) though she did get embarrassed and blush heavily when he was first revived and fully naked. She also reacted with comical disgust and exasperation at Mozu's antics in chapter 166, particularly due to his desire to protect the "cute girls".
She was initially a firm believer in Tsukasa's philosophy of not reviving greedy or rich people, fearing they would plunge the new era in chaos. This was best seen when she did not want to revive Ryusui, though admitted her views of him changed after she got to know him. From this, it is seen that she can alter her perspective of a person.
She is so passionate about being a reporter and photography that she agrees to exchange her last bit of revival fluid in exchange for the tool of her trade, a camera. Once she gains the equipment, Minami wastes no time in reporting Perseus' voyage for America.
On a side note, she seems to love clothing, becoming quite happy when the Kingdom of Science manages to create cloth and being one of the first to purchase a set of clothes for herself. Though oddly enough, she continues to wear the same primitive outfit despite having new attire, not even bothering to wear shoes.
She seems to be emotional, developing a strong attachment to Tsukasa and crying when he is cryogenically frozen for a long time before Senku snaps her out of it with a job. Similarly, she cries when Senku gives her a camera and when a good portion of the Kingdom of Science goes on their voyage, she wants to take a picture to commemorate it, crying because she understands that it may be a long time before everyone meets each other again. She is in tears of joy at Tsukasa's revival and nervously states how happy she is to see him okay.
Minami likes to pry into people's relationships, as she questions Kirisame and Kinro on their status, leaving them flustered. She was excited at the thought of Ruri and Chrome's obvious attraction.
Abilities and Skills
Thanks to her time as a reporter, Minami has detailed information about countless people all over the world, allowing her to accurately identify any individual with the most vital skills for the Kingdom of Science. This is best highlighted when she helps identify Ryusui Nanami, whose sailing and leadership skills have proven valuable to the group.
- Acute Senses: She has good eyesight being able to see from a distance that Senku was holding a machine gun, despite him being in the air in a plane.
- Linguistic Proficiency: She states as a reporter that she had to learn other languages. Therefore she is fluent in both Japanese and English. She was able to understand and communicate with Dr. Brody during their negotiations for the establishment of Corn City. [5]
Stats
| Combat Power | 1/5 E | |
|---|---|---|
| Writing Ability | 3/5 C | |
| Coverage | 5/5 A | |
History
At one point, she interviewed the shipping heir Ryusui Nanami and was put off by his nature.
Prior to the Petrification, Minami was the news reporter who spoke to the astronaut Byakuya Ishigami before he launched into space.
Synopsis
Vs. Hyoga Arc
Minami's first appearance in the manga.
Minami first appears in a flashback about Hyoga's awakening from the petrification. She is content with the way things are, aligned with Tsukasa's goals. Minami states that she's been a fan of Tsukasa from before the fated event.[6]
While Tsukasa shows Hyoga around his Empire, he describes how they are making a better life in the Stone World, rather than the modern times. Minami agrees with this and comments about how the world 3700 years ago was awful, since they were all forced to serve others. She also says how she was a fan of Tsukasa before the petrification.
Age of Exploration Arc
Minami mopes about Tsukasa's fate before Senku approaches her and tells her that he has a job. Moving past her sadness, she asks what it is and he replies that he needs a captain.[7]
While going to a certain area, she recalls a potential candidate for the position, Ryusui Nanami, but tries not to revive him because of his nature. She is amazed when Senku has his allies get to work. While looking through the statues, she finds Ryusui and gives a background on him and suggests they go for someone else. Regardless, Senku ignores her and revives Ryusui.[8]
Ryusui and Gen barter with her for a flask of Stone Formula to free Francois in exchange for a camera.[4]
Once Senku creates a camera, Minami is amazed and thinks on how she lost her original. However, she is shocked to see that Senku made more. She then asks to takes a photo with Senku as the first photo in the Stone World. She is annoyed by Ryusui's comments on buying the photo, but surprised by his noble reasons while Francois states she misunderstood his personality. She and Francois both state Senku should pose after he does so, she tells the stone world members that only a modern timer would know its meaning.[9]
She then uses the camera to document the next year.
Minami wants to take a picture of the Perseus' crew, since she fears that it may be the last, but the others tell her to cheer up. Minami listens and prepares her picture, while lamenting she won't be in it, but Francois reveals that they have anticipated this and created a timer so she can be in it. Although shocked by the preparation, Minami is happy regardless.
She watches the Perseus sail off and is surprised when Ginro jumps after them.[10]
Treasure Island Arc
After the conflict on Treasure Island is done, Minami is with the others at the base when Ruri uses the cellphone to contacts Senku.[11]
New America City Arc
Minami is happy when the Perseus returns and sees that most of the modern timers lost their scars. She is worried for Mirai after the others comically grab her hands, nearly crushing them. She is pleased when Tsukasa is revived, but tells Nikki that she will let him reunite with his sister first. She is pushed into talking to him by Ruri and nervously greets him while blushing heavily.[12]
Minami tells Ryusui not to approach Tsukasa with his recreated invention of currency. She notes while he isn't like the rich people of old times, he may not look good to Tsukasa.[13]
She is very happy at the recreation of the voice recorder, which gives her the chance to report the Perseus' voyage to America to revive the whole world.[14]
Minami later documents the poker game between Senku and Ryusui over which course is quicker to reach America. She is put off by the bets, telling her crewmates they will still have their lives on the line. She soon watches Senku use a unique strategy before he wins.[15]
Minami questions why Senku is describing Vikings, as Ukyo tells her that he is describing navigation. She is later scene curious as to whether Chrome confess to Ruri.[16]
After the recreation of beer, she is confused by Yo's drunken rambling about shooting Ibara and notes he likes to tell stories.[17]
She is excited when they reach land.[18]
She is stunned to see that America is still petrified. She is confused by Taiju referring to it as a vacation, though does lighten up after Senku brings it is the charm of the latter. Minami stays behind with the crew on the Perseus. [19]
Minami is later present when Dr. Xeno contacts them. Minami remarks on Taiju dressing up, despite it being a call. She watches Taiju talk with Xeno while being told by Senku what to say. After Xeno states that his side has a clear technological advantage, Minami asks Senku what Xeno means and Senku says that Xeno has a factory that can produce mass amounts of ammunition. Taiju acts out that he knew this, as Minami is impressed by his acting. Once Taiju refuses to help Xeno, the talk is over and Stanley Snyder is seen in another plane flying over them. Minami is shocked by Senku announcing plans to face Stanley by building an airstrip on the Perseus.[20]
She remains on the communicators, as a way to hold a civilized conversation while telling Ginro and Homura its worth a shot to try. When Senku creates ice cream, she complains on the stench of some of the items before enjoying it.[21]
She later observed noise from communications, which was Xeno discovering Senku was the science user.[22]
After Senku is grievously wounded by an enemy sniper, Minami is in a panic until Ryusui calms her and the crew.[23]
When Francois translates Senku's plan to send the powerless Petrification Weapon to Xeno and have someone describe its ability, Minami questions if they have someone who could do that. Unknown to her, Gen was the one fit for the job.[24]
She is later seen checking out Kaseki's new invention, she is creeped out Mozu and Matsukaze's belief on it being a weapon of mutilating the enemy, telling them what it's purpose is.[25]
While Luna and Francois spoke at the bar about Luna dating Senku, Minami looks away in shame after Luna asserts that Senku appeared legitimately interested in her and not merely using her, knowing full well Senku was manipulating her. They also informed her that Senku had actually once married someone for his own ambition and then divorced her, much to her dismay.[26]
She bears witness to the aerial battle between Senku, Ryusui and what appears to be Stanley. Minami notes on Mr. Mangaka being talkative as he describes the battle.[27]
Minami soon notices submarine emerge and enemy soldiers proceed to raid the ship.
She watches Mozu and Matsukaze battle the enemy soldiers, while voicing her disgust of Mozu's antics to Kirisame, particularly due to his desire to protect the "cute girls". She notes he is both strong, calculating but thickheaded. [28]
Much later, she overhears Senku's transmission and hears him reveals the ingredients for the revival formula and his plans to free over a million people.[29]
Minami continued to hear Senku speak with Dr. Brody and listens to him wanting an alliance with the American colony. When Yuzuriha asked who spoke English, Minami revealed her fluency and served as Senku's negotiator with Brody. At first, she was nervous when Brody tried to establish rules but Nikki Hanada stepped in and intimidated him to easing off. Minami watched Nikki inform Brody that their goals align and that if he wants to save humanity, then they're a team. Amused by the girl's ferocity, Brody agrees to ally with them and establish corn city but notes on Stanley's desire to hunt them should he learn of Xeno's capture.[5]
Relationships
Tsukasa Shishio
Minami was a big fan of Tsukasa even before the petrification occurred.
She also demonstrates she has romantic feelings for him due in no small part to his good looks, personality, and charisma. In turn, Tsukasa showed deep respect for her abilities as a reporter, remembering to revive her and also having her scout potential people to revive who shared in Tsukasa's ideology. When he was cryogenically frozen, she was genuinely heartbroken, showing her devotion and admiration as being genuine and not just being a shallow fangirl.[7] When he was revived, she was genuinely happy to the point of crying but initially did not rush to welcome him as she didn't want to get in the way of his family reunion of his sister, as she felt family came first. After Ruri pushed her into action, she nervously spoke to him while blushing heavily.[12] While Tsukasa's feelings for her aren't specified, he at the least cares for her and greeted her when she welcomed him back.
Tsukasa Empire
As a fan of Tsukasa and member of his empire, she was shown getting along well with the other members. Even after they joined the Kingdom of science, despite limited interaction, she seemed to have no problem getting along with others.
Senku Ishigami
While she was technically enemies with Senku, due to her allegiance with the Tsukasa Empire and even tried to report his location to Tsukasa during the war. After the war ended and Senku cryogenically froze Tsukasa, he immediately recruited Minami to join him due to her abilities as a reporter. She was eager to prove her capabilities. Senku holds no grudge for her past allegiance and deeply respects her abilities, while Minami in turn becomes loyal to the kingdom of science.[7]
Minami is grateful for being gifted with a camera (even if it was in exchange for giving the last of her revival fluid for Francois, but also asked Senku to do another pose, but in a sexy way). [9]
Even before Senku's group left for Treasure Island, she shows concern for everyone who was leaving for their voyage, and stating that it might be their last time together. Soon later tears of joy when everyone; including Senku; returned to the Kingdom of Science safely.
She was concerned for him after he was sniped by Stanley Snyder.
Ryusui Nanami
When Senku asked for Minami's help in finding a captain for their ship, she immediately remembered Ryusui as being the top candidate but kept quiet and tried tom divert attention away from the topic.[8] However, after Senku found his statute, she admitted he had the best skills but also a difficult personality but Senku ignored her and immediately revived him. While the two don't have much interaction, Ryusui seems to consider Minami, like many other women, beautiful and has faith in her abilities as a reporter. Later, when Ryusui is talking about profits with the other members of the Science Kingdom within earshot of Tsukasa, she takes him away to warn him not to talk that way in front of Tsukasa, who hates people who use others for their own benefit. However, she does acknowledge to him that she was wrong about her impression of Ryusui, demonstrating genuine respect for the man and his abilities.[13] Interestingly, she never falls for his flirtations and seems more irritated by them but not off-put or disgusted.
Chapter Appearances
Trivia
- Her name means North (Hoku/北), East (Tou/東), West (Zai/西), and South (Minami/南), which makes her initials "NEWS".[4]
References
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga — Vol. 9 Volume 9/Extras
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga — Vol. 1 Chapter 1, Minami Hokutozai is petrified along with all of Earth's Human Population.
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga — Vol. 6 Chapter 50, Minami Hokutozai first appearance meaning she was revived that year.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 92
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 169
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 50
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 84
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 85
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 93
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 102
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 137
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 141
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 142
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 143
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 144
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 145
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 146
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 147
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 148
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 152
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 153
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 158
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 160
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 161
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 162
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 163
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 164
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 166
- ↑ Dr. Stone Manga: Chapter 168
| Male | Chrome • Gen Asagiri • Ginro • Hyoga • Kaseki • Kinro • Kokuyo • Magma • Matsukaze • Mozu • Ryusui Nanami • Senku Ishigami • Taiju Oki • Tsukasa Shishio • Yo Uei | |
|---|---|---|
| Female | Homura Momiji • Kirisame • Kohaku • Minami Hokutozai • Nikki Hanada • Ruri • Suika • Yuzuriha Ogawa | |
| Unknown | Francois | |
| Male | Dr. Brody • Byakuya Ishigami • Carlos • Gen Asagiri • Hyoga • Max • Ryusui Nanami • Senku Ishigami • Shamil Volkov • Stanley Snyder • Taiju Oki • Tsukasa Shishio • Ukyo Saionji •Dr. Xeno • Yakov Nikitin • Yo Uei | |
|---|---|---|
| Female | Connie Lee • Darya Nikitina • Homura Momiji • Lillian Weinberg • Luna • Minami Hokutozai • Mirai Shishio • Nikki Hanada • Yuzuriha Ogawa | |
| Unknown | Francois | |
| Male | Tsukasa Shishio • Hyoga • Ukyo Saionji • Yo Uei | |
|---|---|---|
| Female | Homura Momiji • Minami Hokutozai • Nikki Hanada | |
