Who Is Anri in Blue Lock?

Who is Anri in Blue Lock? Explore this character’s identity in the series, her role in the storyline, as well as her significance.

Who Is Anri in Blue Lock?
Anri as seen in the Blue Lock manga (Image via Kodansha)

As one of the biggest sports anime ever made, Blue Lock presents a unique perspective on the world of football. By following a cast of eccentric characters aiming to capitalize on their ego through a selfish playstyle, the series leaves us thoroughly entertained through every match.

It is easy to forget the importance of several cast members due to how diverse and memorable certain characters are, and Anri is one among them. At the same time, she is extremely crucial to the themes of the series. So, who is Anri in Blue Lock?

Anri Teieri is a member of the Japan Football Union who helped conceptualize Project Blue Lock. It is solely due to her dedication that we have gotten acquainted with our cast of egoists. Here is a closer look at her character.

Who Is Anri in Blue Lock?

Anri as seen in the manga (Image via Kodansha)
Anri as seen in the Blue Lock manga (Image via Kodansha)

As mentioned above, Anri joined as a new member of the Japan Football Union, which was filled with men who saw the sport as nothing but a money-making business. However, due to her enthusiasm and radical vision, she drove forward the idea of making Japan shine on the world stage.

Anri may seem like a nice and calm woman, but she pours her heart out to whatever catches her passion. She doesn’t hesitate to express her thoughts publicly, even if she knows others won’t take her seriously. 

Anri also gets personally involved in her ideas, as she keeps watch over every match in Project Blue Lock. She is not the most knowledgeable about football but is open to learning and showcases excitement every time a player stands out.

Anri as seen in the manga (Image via Kodansha)
Anri as seen in the Blue Lock manga (Image via Kodansha)

Anri Teieri’s name is inspired by the French footballer Thierry Henry. However, apart from this, the two share no noticeable similarities.

Anri’s Role in Blue Lock

Anri’s primary role in Blue Lock is as an administrator and an advocate for a project training Japan’s next great striker. While she realized that her peers merely saw her as a pretty face, she pushed forward with her vision of making Japan win the World Cup.

Anri as seen in the manga cover (Image via Kodansha)
Anri as seen in the Blue Lock manga cover (Image via Kodansha)

This eventually bore fruit, as Project Blue Lock was approved, and is currently the biggest event in the manga. The announcement of this initiative is what attracted Itoshi Sae back to Japan, while also inspiring several young aspiring players.

Along with this, Anri’s main role in Blue Lock is that she scouted and recruited Jinpachi Ego to run the program. While Ego has taken over the reins of the project since then, Anri stays by his side as a helping hand.

Anri’s Relationship with Jinpachi Ego

Ego’s version of playing football relies on selfishness and egoism which completely contrasts Japan’s team-style playing. While it was scoffed upon by many in the country, Anri was one of the few who trusted him to create the ultimate striker.

Anri as seen in the Blue Lock manga (Image via Kodansha)
Anri as seen in the Blue Lock manga (Image via Kodansha)

After Project Blue Lock’s approval, she let him run it as he saw fit, staying by his side and showing respect. At the same time, Anri also acts as Ego’s caretaker, scolding him due to his unhealthy lifestyle.

Ego, on the other hand, was initially condescending to Anri. However, as time passed, we found that was simply his personality. Through his actions, Ego has shown that Anri is the one he trusts the most in the series. He constantly explains his ideologies to her, even hilariously insulting her when she doesn’t understand something. 

She is his second-in-command in Project Blue Lock, as well as the one he interacts with the most in the series directly. Hence, their relationship may be subtly developed, but it definitely cannot be ignored when popping up on screen.

Anri’s Significance in Blue Lock

Anri and Ego as seen in the Blue Lock manga (Image via Kodansha)
Anri and Ego as seen in the Blue Lock manga (Image via Kodansha)

Anri’s biggest significance in Blue Lock is being the only recurring female character, standing out with her fiery spirit and passion. Since Blue Lock is full of male football players, there is little female presence beyond glimpses of their families.

Anri makes up for this, reminding us that the project wouldn’t exist without her in the first place. At the same time, viewers may feel confused since she is often used for fan-service in manga covers and visuals. This goes against her role as a strong woman overturning an entire sport.

Nevertheless, Anri remains an important figure in Blue Lock. She displays resistance against the outdated manner of thinking of the Japan Football Union as well as the boldness required to move forward. Through her time spent with Ego, fans also get to know more about Ego’s mindset and the awakening of players.

Conclusion

Anri Teieri is an overlooked yet crucial character in Blue Lock who was pertinent to the project’s creation. She is also the only important female character, though her screen time is constantly affected due to intense matches.

While heading deeper into the series, fans would undoubtedly love to learn more about Anri while also seeing her climb the hierarchical ladder in the JFO.


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