Kei Tanishi is a third-year student from Higa Middle School, known for being a rare, large-bodied character in the series who is surprisingly agile and boasts immense power with a serve-and-volley playstyle.
Kei possesses a large and heavy-set physique, a feature uncommon among the characters in the series, with a body fat percentage of 18%.
His weight has fluctuated, starting at 106kg, increasing to 114kg, and then reaching 116kg.
In *The New Prince of Tennis*, he temporarily becomes incredibly slim after intense training.
However, he quickly rebounds to his original size after returning to the main camp.
He has a voracious appetite and demonstrates his exceptional eating abilities in "The Prince of Yakiniku."
Kei proudly showcases his "Tongs Eating" skill and can even drink all of Sadaharu Inui's infamous vegetable juices without issue.
His motto is "The greater serves for the lesser," reflecting his belief in the advantages of his size.
He prefers a "woman who will follow me!" and enjoys visiting discos for dates.
Kei is a third-year, Class 5, Seat 15 student at Higa Middle School in Okinawa.
He comes from a large family with a father, mother, four older brothers, an older sister, and two younger brothers.
His father is a restaurant owner, which likely contributes to his love for food and large appetite.
Player Stats
Speed: 3/5
Power: 5/5
Stamina: 1/5
Mental: 2/5
Technique: 3/5
Playstyle and Techniques
Kei is a right-handed Serve & Volleyer who is also skilled in Okinawan Martial Arts.
He utilizes the "Shukuchiho" (Rapid Movement Method) to move with incredible speed despite his size.
Carioca Step:
A step used during a slice return where he crosses his back leg forward.
This technique helps maintain his posture and allows for a quick transition to an offensive play.
Big Bang:
A devastatingly powerful jumping serve taught to him by Eishiro Kite.
It is described as a one-shot-kill special move.
Higa Middle School
He is a regular member of the Higa Middle School tennis team.
His teammates include Eishiro Kite, Yujiro Kai, Rin Hirakoba, Hiroshi Chinen, Tomoya Shiranui, and Kōichi Aragaki.
Tongs Squad
He forms the "Tongs Squad" with Munehiro Kabaji and Hiroshi Chinen, a group of big eaters.
- Birthday: October 23rd (Libra)
- Height: 193 cm
- Weight: 106 kg (progressing to 114 kg and 116 kg)
- BMI: 28.46 (Obesity Class I)
- Foot Size: 30 cm
- Vision: 1.0 in both eyes
- Blood Type: A
- Favorite Foods: Ice cream, cola, Rafute (Okinawan braised pork belly)
- Hobbies: Stone skipping, water skipping, checking gourmet websites
- Family: Father, Mother, 4 older brothers, older sister, 2 younger brothers
- Father's Profession: Restaurant owner
- Best Subject: Science
- Worst Subjects: Modern Literature, Social Studies (memorization-based)
- Favorite School Spot: The cafeteria
- Elementary School: Ryukyu South Elementary School
- Allowance Usage: Buying snacks
- Favorite Movie: Anime
- Favorite Book: Gourmet manga
- Favorite Music: Para Para
- Favorite Color: Ultramarine
- Ideal Type: A woman who will follow me!
- Desired Date Spot: Disco
- Most Wanted Item: A king-sized bed
- Daily Routine: Asking for another serving!!
- Dislikes: Puzzles
- Special Skills (besides tennis): Okinawan martial arts, "Tongs Eating"
- Favorite Anniversary: The opening anniversary of his family's restaurant
- "Another serving!!" (His daily routine)
- "The greater serves for the lesser." (His motto)
National Tournament Arc
In the second round of the Nationals, Kei faced Ryoma Echizen in the Singles 3 match.
He consistently held his service games using his powerful "Big Bang" serve.
However, as the match progressed, the power of his serve diminished, allowing Ryoma to score an ace.
In the end, Kei managed to return Ryoma's "COOL Drive," but the ball's trajectory changed after hitting his racket.
The ball struck him in the face, knocking him unconscious and resulting in his defeat.
The New Prince of Tennis
During the losers' tie-break matches, Kei was defeated by his teammate, Hiroshi Chinen.
He was sent to the losers' training camp, where grueling training caused him to lose a significant amount of weight, transforming his appearance.
However, upon his return to the main U-17 training camp, he quickly regained the weight.
- Voice Actor: Yoji Ueda.
- Related Illustrations: The character has received birthday illustrations from artists such as Matsumoto Yama Mio, Maya, Rukichi, and Be.
💬 Community Discussion
Talk about this anime with people who actually care.