Akihiro Hirata, universally known by his nickname 'Prince,' is a manga-obsessed introvert and one of the residents of Chikusei-so. When Haiji announces his plan to enter the Hakone Ekiden, Prince is by far the most reluctant recruit, having never run competitively and far preferring the comfort of his enormous manga collection to any form of physical exertion.
Prince's arc is one of the most relatable in the series, charting the painful, incremental struggle of a complete beginner. Where his teammates show natural athleticism, he battles exhaustion, self-doubt, and the sheer difficulty of building stamina from nothing. His progress is measured not in blazing times but in small, hard-won victories that test his perseverance and reshape his sense of self.
By the climax, Prince embodies the series' central theme that distance running is as much about heart and persistence as raw talent. Though he remains the team's weakest runner on paper, his refusal to quit and his determination to complete his leg of the Ekiden make his journey deeply moving, proving that simply finishing can be its own profound triumph.
Akihiro Hirata (Prince) is one of the central figures in Run with the Wind, a anime/sports/drama series that aired on Nippon TV from 2018–2019. Within the narrative of Run with the Wind, Akihiro Hirata (Prince) serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout 2018–2019. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Akihiro Hirata (Prince) has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Yoshitsugu Matsuoka's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Yoshitsugu Matsuoka's work has been recognized with 1 major award, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
Akihiro is nicknamed 'Prince' by his dormmates because of his slender, refined appearance and his constant devotion to reading manga. The nickname is used far more often than his real name throughout the series.
No, Prince is the least athletic member of the team and has never run competitively before. His storyline is about the slow, difficult growth of a true beginner, and his perseverance rather than his speed is what makes his arc so memorable.
