Jin Kazama

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Jin Kazama

Origin	Japan
Fighting Style	Traditional Karate (Was formerly Advanced Mishima Style Karate and Kazama style self defence)
Age	21
Blood Type	AB
Height	5'11"
Weight	165 lbs
Occupation	Martial Artist
Hobby	Forest bathing
Likes	His mother's precepts
Dislikes	Deception

1 Introduction
2 Story
3 Ending Animations
4 Character Relationships

Introduction

Jin Kazama is the son of Jun Kazama and Kazuya Mishima. During the King of Iron Fist Tournament 2 (which is the setting of the game Tekken 2), Kazuya and Jun crossed paths and were intimate. Jun found herself pregnant with Jin immediately afterwards. The Devil that possessed Kazuya attempted to enter Jin while he was still in the womb, but Jun defeated it. Wishing to raise her son alone, Jun disappeared into a remote mountain location where she raised Jin and trained him in her Kazama-style self-defense fighting style. After many years, Jun sensed the approaching of a great evil (Ogre) and told Jin that if anything happened to her, that he should seek his grandfather, Heihachi Mishima. Jun's words proved to be prophetic, and some time after Jin's 15th birthday, she was attacked by Ogre. Some time later, Jin awoke amongst rubble and searched for his mother and could not find her anywhere. The young man swore revenge.

Romantic Possibilities

The most prominent fan speculation involves Jin's friendship/potential romance with Ling Xiaoyu, a Chinese girl raised by the Mishima Zaibatsu and attending the same high school as Jin. In Tekken Tag Tournament, Ling Xiaoyu's secret ending indicates that she has somewhat of a crush on Jin, and this is complemented in her Tekken 4 intro (in which she hopes to be "reunited" with Jin) and in her Tekken 4 ending. Tekken 5, however, seems to have taken a step backward in this regard, as Ling's part in the overall plot is minimal.

Although Ling is clearly smitten with Jin, he apparently doesn't feel the same for her. Assuming the alternate costume ending for Ling in Tekken Tag Tournament had been canon, which it is not, Jin had little time for the girl when they attended the same high school and, given his rabid hatred of the Mishima Zaibatsu, it is possible he warned her about Heihachi's intentions prior to the King of Iron Fist Tournament 4 merely to spite his grandfather. Furthermore, although he has been present with Ling at a minimum of three Tournaments (3,4,5), and knows how to contact her, he has done so only once. It can be argued, however, that he had good reasons--as he had been in hiding for two years and then began losing his struggle against his internal Devil shortly after that.

More rumors surround Jin's relationship with his newly-introduced relative, Asuka Kazama. Neither seems to be aware of their relation, but in Asuka's ending, Jin clumsily falls onto her breasts and seems to be quite comfortable there before finally regaining his wits. A momentary look of red-faced embarrassment on Asuka's face before her mood shifts to pure anger also raises eyebrows, as this is a common setup for many couples in anime and manga. However, the meeting results in nothing more than Asuka yelling "You pervert!' while punching Jin into the side of a rock wall and stomping off angrily, leaving Jin naively wondering what happened.

Other fan-motivated partnerships include various partners such as Xiaoyu's best friend and classmate Miharu Hirano, college student Julia Chang and his Korean rival Hwoarang. Despite all of this, Jin has yet to show any romantic interest in another character, which might have to do with his ambition to destroy his own lineage (see below).

Analysis of Jin

Jin's actions and surroundings fit the mold of a quintessential "tragic hero," except for his lack of a tragic flaw. As with many tragedies, all of the major traumatic events that occur within the hero's life are wholly beyond his control. First and foremost, there's the fact that his grandfather and father are two of the most ruthless individuals who've ever lived. Secondly, his mother was cruelly and abruptly taken from him while he was still a helpless teen. Third, he was betrayed by his grandfather, whom he trusted deeply. Finally, the return of his great-grandfather has caused him to begin losing his internal struggle with the Devil within. Each of these occur to a helpless and unassuming Jin, who is simply doing what he can to set things right at every turn.

Jin's personality ranges from calm to angry at various moments, and his words and actions hint toward the bitterness within. He also has one personality trait which is common with many Japanese action heroes. Once Jin's mind is focused in any particular direction, it's very difficult to get him to change or even notice the events and people around him. People close to him, including Ling Xiaoyu and Hwoarang, are always going to extremes to gain Jin's attention, and yet he rarely seems to notice. It is known, however, that he will help them if they need it, as Ling Xiaoyu's Tekken 4 profile and Hwoarang's Tekken 4 ending have shown.

Jin's disinterest in close relations probably has one unique motivation. As a result of his family's Devil Gene, Jin knows that people close to him will likely suffer--or worse--if he ever completely loses control. In addition, Jin may not show any interest in women because he plans to wipe out his lineage entirely. In short, during T4, Jin planned to kill his father and grandfather and then himself, dying without children to put an end to the Mishima curse once and for all. However, Jin could not go through with the deed after defeating his two predecessors, so it's unknown if he has given up on this plan completely.

In addition, as of the 2005 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Jin's presence in a Tekken sequel has been just about confirmed. Furthermore, he was shown in his human state, so this could be a good sign for the character's internal struggle.

Trivia

Jin Kazama has been voiced by Isshin Chiba since his début.
In early screen showings of Tekken 3, many fans assumed the unnamed character of Jin Kazama to be Kazuya Mishima in his early teen years, due to their similarities. This however was not proven to be the case.
Jin is the only character to have won two Tekken Tournaments consequtively (Tekken 3 and Tekken 4). Although Paul defeated Orge and felt as if he was the true winner, Orge morphed into his true form and the tournament continued in Paul's absence, with Jin challenging him. One would also say that because Jin was captured by Heihachi's Tekken Forces, Jin may not be considered as the winner of The King Of Iron Fist Tournament 4 (in this sense, that is actually true- Heihachi is actually the winner of the 4th Tournament, since portions of his, Kazuya's, and Jin's Tekken 4 endings are considered to be canon). However, it is generally accepted that because Jin defeated both Heihachi and Kazuya he walked away as the official winner of the Fourth King Of Iron Fist Tournament. In other words, Heihachi won the "tournament", but Jin ultimately won.
Ironically, it has only been the Mishima's who have won the tournaments thus far, with his father as the winner of the first and his grandfather as the winner of the second. (Jin goes by his last name "Kazama", but is still part Mishima by blood).
While some fans consider Jin to be somewhat "one dimensional" (probably due to his storyline, or other factors) he still has a incredible fan following.
Fans who like the concept of "fantasy relationships" have most often paired Jin and Xiaoyu as a possible couple. Others have seen Hwoarang and Jin to be homosexual lovers (due to their rather intriguing rivalry).

Story

Tekken 5

Tekken 5 Jin Kazama

Jin Kazama, son of Kazuya Mishima and Jun Kazama.

After the grueling battle between Kazuya and Heihachi Mishima, Jin takes flight, leaving Honmaru behind. He is overwhelmed by an evil presence and loses conciousness.

Jin wakes to an unknown voice and sees a mountiain forest, which appears to have been ravaged by a giant tornado.

However, Jin had no doubt that he was responsible for the destruction. Upon returning to Yakushima, Jin was plagued by reoccuring nightmares. Jin could feel the influence of the devil gene growing stronger.

"It is only a matter of time before I am completely overcome by the devil gene".

Although he has no direction, Jin begins his journey guided only by fate...

Tekken 4

Tekken 4 Jin Kazama

Brisbane, Australia... a city crowded with buildings, new and old. Nestled amongst the towering buildings of this city was a small dojo. A young man trained there, his face covered by the hood of his jacket. This young man trained there quietly...

... The young man was Jin.

Day after day, Jin trained in the traditional art of karate. Ever since Heihachi's betrayal, Jin loathed everything about himself. His Mishima bloodline, his fighting style, the Devil gene in his blood, everything. He unlearned the Mishima-ryu fighting style thanks to the dojo master's training and mastered traditional karate.

Jin's thoughts burned with the desire to destroy the evil Mishima bloodline, the bloodline of his grandfather, Heihachi Mishima, and his father, Kazuya.

One day, Jin heard rumors that The King of the Iron Fist Tournament 4 was announced.

A once in a lifetime opportunity to exterminate the Mishima clan... Without hesitation, Jin hardened his resolve to enter the tournament.

Jin hit a sandbag with his sharply honed kick. The bag burst open violently, and sand poured out of the bag...

Tekken: The Animated Movie

Jin bears a strange force that Jun begins to notice.

Tekken 3

Tekken 3 Jin Kazama

Manual Version

Jin is Kazuya Mishima and Jun Kazama's son. He recieved intense training under his grandfather Heihachi Mishima all in effort to avenge the loss of his mother by fighting and defeating Ogre. This Tournament is his chance to test his strength and to face his destiny.

Official Version

Meeting with destiny... At the age of 15, Jin found out that he was Kazuya Mishima's son. At the same time his mother, Jun Kazama, died. Jin trained himself under the supervision of Heihachi every day with the intention of defeating Ogre, who is supposed to have killed his mother. Heihachi was not only his grandfather but also a reliable teacher.

Four years have passed. Having mastered the Kazama-style of Judo and Mishima-style fighting karate, Jin starts to take action as a martial artist.