Tanaka

Tanaka (田中, Tanaka) is the house steward, former butler, and a senior staff member of the Phantomhive household.
==Appearance==
Tanaka is an elderly man with gray hair and a mustache. He wears a monocle, a black suit, and white gloves, and he is often holding a cup of tea.
Tanaka's body dimensions are generally portrayed shorter, smaller, and in less detail than they are in actuality. In dire situations, he is depicted at his full height.
==Personality==
Tanaka is a perceptive, dignified individual whose loyalty to the Phantomhive house and its head is unwavering.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 145, page 15 He previously served Vincent Phantomhive as a butler; however, after sustaining severe injuries during the Phantomhive Manor raid in 1885,Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 62, page 12 he presently does a limited amount of work. Nevertheless, when needed to substitute Sebastian Michaelis as the butler, he performs his duties efficiently and without delay. He has a wealth of experience at his disposalKuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 42, pages 13-14 and thus is a dependable adviser to the head of the Phantomhive house.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 151, page 15 He is calm and stern and will admonish Ciel Phantomhive, whose well-being is his paramount concern,Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 93, page 2 if he finds that Ciel is displaying weakness as the head.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 42, page 15
Despite his age, Tanaka remains an exemplary fighter; he once, via Baritsu, effortlessly subdued a man who attempted to harm Ciel.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 43, pages 22-23 
==History==
Tanaka was present when Ciel Phantomhive's family was murdered, and he had attempted to warn Ciel to escape. In doing so, an unseen attacker stabbed him from behind, severely injuring him.Kuroshitsuji manga, Chapter 19, page 6 Tanaka was the only member of the original Phantomhive Manor staff who survived the massacre.
He was treated at the Royal London Hospital where Angelina Dalles worked. Ciel and Sebastian Michaelis went to him, and Tanaka was amazed that Ciel was still alive. He then gave Sebastian his pocket watch, which he said has been passed down from one Phantomhive butler to the next.Kuroshitsuji manga, Chapter 62, pages 12-14
==Plot==
===Black Butler Arc===
Tanaka, Baldroy, Mey-Rin, Finnian, and Ciel Phantomhive observe the match between Sebastian Michaelis and a martial artist outside Phantomhive Manor. Sebastian vanquishes his opponent, which impresses them. Afterward, Sebastian instructs them to perform their duties.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 1, pages 8-12 When the Phantomhive servants make a mess prior to and during Chlaus’s visit, Sebastian cleans up after them and rectifies the various issues.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 1, pages 16-39
One day, Elizabeth Midford visits and adorns the manor in extravagant furnishings, as well as dresses up the servants.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 2, pages 8-11 They dance alongside Ciel and Elizabeth.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 2, page 36
At one point, the Phantomhive servants attempt to exterminate rats, which have been biting the wires in the manor.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 3, pages 4-7 Sebastian effortlessly gets rid of the rats.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 3, page 16 After Ciel is taken by Azzurro Vanel and while Mey-Rin is delivering to Sebastian the ransom letter she has received, a sniper attacks, but fails. Sebastian tells the servants to clean and cook and leaves after declaring that he will return before dinner.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 3, pages 28-33 Later, Sebastian returns with Ciel, and the servants welcome them home.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 4, pages 43-44 When the servants discuss the Azzurro Vanel case, Sebastian orders them to do work.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 4, pages 45-46
===Red Butler Arc===
In the morning, Sebastian assigns Baldroy, Mey-Rin, and Finnian their individual tasks for the day while Tanaka loiters.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 5, pages 6-7 When the Phantomhive servants make a mess, Sebastian cleans up after them and rectifies the various issues.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 5, pages 12-20 After Sebastian discovers that his chocolate statue is missing a head, he and the other Phantomhive servants hunt down Tanaka, assuming he is the culprit, but it is actually Ciel.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 5, pages 28-31
When Ciel and Sebastian leave for London, the Phantomhive servants stay behind at Phantomhive Manor.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 6, page 4
On December 14, the Phantomhive servants prepare for Ciel's thirteenth birthday, which coincides with Elizabeth and Francis Midford's visit. Sebastian redirects Francis away from the disasters the servants inadvertently cause.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 14, pages 11-18 They all celebrate Ciel's birthday.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 14, pages 38-43
===Indian Butler Arc===
Tanaka, Baldroy, Mey-Rin, and Finnian frolic in the snow.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 15, page 2
Ciel and Sebastian bring the Phantomhive servants along to the Phantomhive townhouse in London while they investigate a case. The servants meet Soma Asman Kadar and Agni.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 15, pages 32-37
The next day, Agni fulfills household duties on the servants' behalf, to their astonishment.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 16, pages 7-9 Later, Agni collaborates with them and gets them to work efficiently.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 17, pages 17-22
The servants watch and assist Sebastian in preparing for the curry competition.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 20, page 2Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 20, page 7 The servants also participate in taste-testing the different curries.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 20, pages 15-21Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 20, pages 25-27
The servants accompany Ciel, Sebastian, and Soma to the curry competition.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 21, page 4 The servants are jubilant when Sebastian's curry dish garners rave reviews from the judges.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 21, page 39 Queen Victoria arrives, to their shock, and crowns Sebastian the winner. The servants rejoice.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 21, pages 42-48
The servants are pleased when Soma reconciles with Agni and stunned when Queen Victoria refers to Ciel as "boy."Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 22, page 14 They congratulate Sebastian on his victoryKuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 22, page 19 and enjoy the view of the evening sun.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 22, page 24 Soma hugs Ciel and cries over Mina while the servants look on.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 22, pages 25-27
Sometime afterward when they are back at Phantomhive Manor, Sebastian assigns Baldroy, Mey-Rin, and Finnian their individual tasks for the day while Tanaka loiters. Agni helps out, as well. The servants voice their appreciation for their current lives at the manor.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 23, pages 5-16
The following day, the servants bid farewell to Ciel and Sebastian, who are heading to London to investigate Noah's Ark Circus. Ciel tells them to take care of the manor.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 23, page 40
===Circus Arc===
Tanaka calls Sebastian at Ciel's London townhouse, much to Ciel's surprise, to inform Ciel that Elizabeth has come to visit him at his manor.Kuroshitsuji manga, Chapter 30, page 19 Sebastian later passes on this news, and it is what prompts Ciel to attempt to finish dealing with Baron Kelvin as quickly as possible.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 30, page 23
Later, when Dagger, Jumbo, Peter, Wendy, and Beast invade Phantomhive Manor, Tanaka goes to check on Elizabeth, who awakes when Mey-Rin shoots Peter through a window outside of her room. He comforts her, telling her it was just a sound in her dreams, and tells her to go back to bed, lest she gets cold.Kuroshitsuji manga, Chapter 33, page 19 This as well as shown Peter's body who was shot to death by Mey-Rin.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 33, pages 19-20
===Phantomhive Manor Murders Arc===
Georg von Siemens' and Patrick Phelps' deaths are followed by the death of Sebastian. Because Tanaka is the former butler of the late Earl Phantomhive, Ciel gives him the duty of his butler. He accepts and orders the servants. Ciel even comments that he is still a good butler, for an old man.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 42, pages 13-16
When Karl Woodley is about to attack Ciel, Tanaka flips him onto his back. Lau states that the technique he used is called "Baritsu" when Arthur Conan Doyle asks what it is it. Ciel replies that there is nothing much more interesting in it.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 43, pages 22-26
When the servants go outside looking for Sebastian's keys in the rain, Tanaka, carrying an umbrella with him, tells them to go inside. They check the food supplies as Tanaka states that Sebastian would chastise them if they were not able to overcome a crisis.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 44, pages 33-35
Later, he enters Karl's room to report that Patrick's killer had been caught and shall be presented to them soon. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 47, pages 4-5
Tanaka is present at Sebastian's burial and is one of the coffin bearers.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 50, pages 26-27 After Sebastian is revealed to be alive, Tanaka returns the position of head butler to him, while stating that the Phantomhive family butler should not die before his master.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 50, pages 32-33
===Luxury Liner Arc===
Tanaka waves goodbye, as Ciel, Sebastian, and Snake go on the Campania.Kuroshitsuji manga, Chapter 51, page 20
Later, on Easter Day, Tanaka stands next to Snake along with the rest of the servants as they cheer when Ciel presents Elizabeth with her Easter egg.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 66, page 36
===Public School Arc===
Tanaka is sitting with the servants on the grounds at Ciel's cricket match. Elizabeth is also with them. He listens to the conversation. Later on, he meets Sebastian in his normal form, and he addresses Sebastian as "Professor Michaelis." Sebastian gives him a beef minced pie for everyone's lunch. Tanaka asks him if he's sure they won't get sick after eating this. Sebastian chuckles softly and assures him that they all will be all right. As Tanaka is leaving, he gives Sebastian the "thumbs up" sign, stating he's looking forward to the next "Miracle of the Sapphires."Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 76, pages 36-37
Tanaka whisks Baldroy's pie away and replaces it with Sebastian's lunch.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 77, page 2 Later on, Tanaka stands alongside everyone else when they see how great Ciel looks. Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 81, page 4 They all laugh good-naturedly when Ciel falls into the water after the boat ride.Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 81, page 11 During the final party, everyone is present and enjoying themselves.
He remains in his "small form" during the sheep incident, and he does not accompany the rest of the household when Ciel takes them all to London.
==Quotes==
* (To Karl Woodley) "At this manor, all who seek to harm the Young Master . . . whoever they may be . . . shall, by we servants, be shown no mercy."Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 43, pages 23-24
* (To Sebastian Michaelis) "The butler of the Phantomhive family is not permitted to pass away before his master does. Remember that!"Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 50, page 33
==Trivia==
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General=
* Tanaka's favorite tea is Gyokuro.Kuroshitsuji Character Guide, page 35
===Etymology===
* "Tanaka" is the fourth most common Japanese surname and means "dweller in the rice fields." It is written with the Kanji for "ricefield, field, rice paddy" (田, ta) and "middle" (中, naka).Wikipedia:TanakaBehind the Name ‒ Tanaka
===Out of Universe===
* According to the official Kuroshitsuji character popularity poll, Tanaka is the twelfth most popular character in the series, with 156 votes.June 2015 Issue of Square Enix's GFantasy Magazine
*The "Baritsu" Tanaka displays when he protects Ciel from Karl WoodleyKuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 43, pages 22-23 may be a reference to the form of martial arts popularized by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in The Return of Sherlock Holmes.Wikipedia:Baritsu It is, additionally, a certain misspelling of Bartitsu, which was developed by Edward William Barton-Wright in England from 1898 to 1902, around the time Doyle's works were being written.Wikipedia:Bartitsu
* His "special" lemonade is made with "Ajixmoto."Kuroshitsuji manga; Chapter 1, page 9 Ajinomoto is the name of a Japanese food and biotechnology corporation and its original trade-marked monosodium glutamate (MSG), AJI-NO-MOTO (味の素, "essence of taste"),Wikipedia:Ajinomoto a flavor enhancer with an umami taste.Wikipedia:Monosodium glutamate
* Tanaka appears in the short story "With Father!", written by Yana Toboso for the Kuroshitsuji anthology Rainbow Butler 2.Kuroshitsuji anthology; Rainbow Butler 2: "With Father!"
** In the short story, he states that he has worked for the Phantomhive family ever since Vincent Phantomhive was young.Kuroshitsuji anthology; Rainbow Butler 2: "With Father!", page 3
* Toboso once drew the Phantomhive household celebrating Tanabata and writing their wishes on tanzaku; Tanaka's wish was "that everyone is in good health and well.""I hope... [...] Tanaka: ...that everyone is in good health and well."
* In early drafts, Tanaka had visibly thicker hair.Kuroshitsuji Character Guide, page 109
* Tanaka was modeled after his late first voice actor, Shunji Fujimura, whom Toboso admired when she was young. She also said, without him, "Kuroshitsuji wouldn't be the Kuroshitsuji what it is today."Yana Toboso on Twitter"Tanaka was modeled after Mr. Shunji Fujimura who I've admired as the 'old gentleman' since childhood. For me, it was truly an honor that Mr. Fujimura himself voiced Tanaka in the anime. If it wasn't for Mr. Fujimura, Kuroshitsuji wouldn't be the Kuroshitsuji what it is today. Thank you so much. I pray from the bottom of my heart that his soul may rest in peace."
** When Toboso met Fujimura for the first time, she told him that Tanaka was modeled after him. He felt honored but remarked that he had more hair than Tanaka.Yana Toboso on Twitter"When she first met Mr. Fujimura and told him that Tanaka was modeled after him, he, with a cigar in his hand, replied with a playful smile:'He's modeled after me? I'm honored! I must tell you, though, I've got more hair than him!😉'"
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Anime=
* There is a running gag that Tanaka only has a certain amount of time in his "regular style" before he returns to his smaller size. When he returns to his smaller version, there tends to be a lot of steam, like air coming out of a balloon. Then, a character, frequently Finnian or Mey-Rin, will exclaim that his "time" ran out.Kuroshitsuji anime; Episode 1
* In the first season of the anime, Tanaka is the figurehead and executive director of the Funtom Corporation.Kuroshitsuji anime; Episode 9
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Musicals=
* Tanaka is the only member of the Phantomhive household who has not appeared in any of the musicals in person. Only his voice can be heard at the beginning of That Butler, Friendship. He is voiced by his anime voice actor Shunji Fujimura.
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==References==
==Navigation==
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Category:Characters
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