Riku (Kingdom Hearts)

Riku
Kingdom Hearts character
Riku as he appears in Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories wielding the Soul Eater
First appearance	Kingdom Hearts (2002)
Created by	Tetsuya Nomura
Designed by	Tetsuya Nomura
Voiced by	Japanese Mamoru Miyano Eiji Shima (young) English David Gallagher Ty Panitz (young)
In-universe information
Weapon	Keyblade
Home	Destiny Islands

Riku (Japanese: リク) is a fictional character from Square Enix's franchise Kingdom Hearts, debuting in the original 2002 Kingdom Hearts game. Riku is introduced as a teenager who wishes to visit other worlds with his friends Sora and Kairi. After a way to other worlds is opened, Riku meets the evil fairy Maleficent who pits him against Sora, leading to Riku falling to darkness and ultimately being possessed by Ansem, Seeker of Darkness. Riku is freed thanks to Sora and returns as a protagonist in following games.

Riku was created and designed by Tetsuya Nomura who wanted him to be a foil for Sora's character and wanted his character arc represent the series' main theme of being able to choose light or darkness. His design and story are in parallel to Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep character Terra. He is voiced by Mamoru Miyano and Eiji Shima in Japanese, while David Gallagher and Ty Panitz voice him in English.

Critical response to Riku has been widely acclaimed, particularly for his redemption arc. David Gallagher's performance of Riku was also praised by the media.