Tooru Oikawa

Oikawa is sociable, theatrical and fond of teasing people, especially Hajime Iwaizumi and his former junior Tobio Kageyama. His polished manner and popularity can obscure how obsessively seriously he approaches volleyball.

He is acutely aware of players whose natural gifts seem greater than his own. Kageyama's setting talent and Wakatoshi Ushijima's physical ability both feed his insecurity, but they also drive him to study, train and search for advantages that talent alone cannot provide.

His competitiveness can push him beyond sensible limits. Iwaizumi repeatedly acts as the person capable of forcing Oikawa to rest or regain perspective.

Oikawa's defining ability is drawing out the strengths of his hitters. He studies their preferred timing, physical capabilities and habits, then adjusts his sets to make them comfortable attacking. This lets him coordinate effectively even with players he has known for relatively little time.

His jump serve is another major weapon. Oikawa combines power with precise targeting and can attack particular receivers or seams instead of merely trying to overpower the entire formation.

He is also a strong tactical observer. His familiarity with Kageyama gives him considerable insight into Karasuno's offense, while his broader experience lets him recognize opponents' patterns and weaknesses during a match.

Oikawa becomes one of Karasuno's central Miyagi rivals. His history with Kageyama at Kitagawa Daiichi gives their encounters personal importance: Kageyama learned by watching his senior, while Oikawa came to view the younger setter's talent with both hostility and respect.

Aoba Johsai's matches against Karasuno repeatedly test Kageyama's development as a setter. Oikawa demonstrates the value of adjusting to hitters rather than demanding that hitters simply accommodate the setter.

After high school, Oikawa moves to Argentina to pursue volleyball. He later obtains Argentine citizenship and reaches international competition as Argentina's setter.

Hajime Iwaizumi is Oikawa's childhood friend, vice-captain and closest confidant.

Tobio Kageyama is Oikawa's former junior at Kitagawa Daiichi and one of his most significant rivals.

Wakatoshi Ushijima is Oikawa's long-standing Miyagi rival and repeatedly expresses respect for his ability.

Takeru Oikawa is Oikawa's nephew, with whom he attends and assists children's volleyball activities.

Shouyou Hinata encounters Oikawa first as an intimidating rival setter and later continues crossing paths with him through volleyball.