 |
| Kimihiro Watanuki | |
|---|---|
| xxxHolic character | |
 Kimihiro Watanuki as illustrated by Clamp | |
| First appearance | xxxHolic chapter 1 (2003) |
| Created by | Clamp |
| Voiced by | Japanese Jun Fukuyama English Todd Haberkorn |
| Portrayed by | Shōta Sometani (drama) Ryūnosuke Kamiki (film) |
| In-universe information | |
| Relatives | Tsubasa (alternate self) Syaoran (father) Sakura (mother) Clow Reed (ancestor) |
Kimihiro Watanuki (Japanese: 四月一日 君尋, Hepburn: Watanuki Kimihiro) is a fictional character introduced in the manga xxxHolic, created by the group of manga artists known as Clamp. Watanuki is a high school student plagued by his ability to see spirits. In order to lose such powers, Watanuki begins to work for Yūko Ichihara, a witch who will grant his wish once he pays the price for her services. Such jobs often involve Watanuki encountering other spirits attracted by him. Apart from xxxHolic, Watanuki is featured in the crossover manga Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, which explores his origins. He has also has been featured in their animated adaptations, spin-offs as well as other works by Clamp, most notably the sequel xxxHolic Rei.
The character was created by Clamp to fill their need for a main character who would observe Yūko's work and learn from her supernatural activities. Jun Fukuyama voiced the character in Japanese, and Todd Haberkorn did so in English. To indicate Watanuki's growth, the anime staff asked Fukuyama in later animated works as well as the film. Shōta Sometani portrays the character in the television drama.
Kimihiro Watanuki initially generated mixed responses from manga and anime publications, whose reviews criticised his behaviour, while his maturity and wiser characterisation in later chapters was better received. Similarly, his return in the spin-off xxxHolic Rei also earned a positive response for friendlier interactions with the cast, despite acting like his younger persona.