Takumi Aldini

Takumi is the oldest nephew of the owner of the Trattoria Aldini, a trattoria (family-style restaurant) located in Florence, Italy. He is half-Japanese but, unlike his brother Isami, appears more European – with blond hair and blue eyes – and is noted as being extremely handsome, having fan clubs in Toutsuki Academy and his hometown. He enrolled in Tōtsuki at the behest of his uncle, taking with him his mezzaluna (two-handed knife) and a bottle of homemade olive oil as a good luck charm. His specialty is Italian cuisine, although many professional chefs noted that he has a broad vision; like Souma, he will incorporate ingredients and methods from other culinary styles to create inventive dishes, and can modify his recipes while cooking. He is very kind and supportive of his less-skilled brother, to the point of risking his pride to defend Isami's honor. Takumi has a fierce (and somewhat one-sided) rivalry with Sōma. Takumi sees Sōma as someone similar to himself – both having grown-up working at small family restaurants – and a worthy rival, and jumps at any chance to compete with him. He frequently tries to challenge Sōma to informal cooking challenges (usually leading to an embarrassing situation for himself), hoping to one day defeat Sōma in a formal Shokugeki. Despite their rivalry, both he and Sōma greatly respect each other, and likely view each other as friends outside of the arena. Takumi and his brother Isami are the main characters of the Shokugeki no Soma – Fratelli Aldini spinoff manga which focuses on their time in Italy before going to Tōtsuki Academy.