Inspired by an Astronaut, 8 Facts About Onizuka Eikichi's Character in the Anime 'GTO' That Sparked Both Support and Controversy

The character Eikichi Onizuka gets his name from Onizuka Eikichi, Japan's first astronaut. This name was chosen by Tohru Fujisawa, the mangaka, as a form of tribute even though the character is very different.

Onizuka is a former member of a motorcycle gang who ultimately chose the path of a teacher. This background provides a new perspective on an educator, often filled with silly and unexpected actions.

Onizuka's rough yet effective teaching methods make many Japanese people wonder, even sparking controversy among fans and the public.

Despite appearing rough, Onizuka is designed with strong humor. He teaches in funny ways that make his students more enthusiastic and easily close to him.

Onizuka believes in character building for students more than just formal lessons. His philosophy shows the unique side of a teacher who breaks conventional methods.

Onizuka's facial expressions and behavior are inspired by Japanese actor and comedian, Takeshi Kitano, who is famous for his action humor style.

Onizuka's popularity led to its adaptation into a live-action series. The 1998 version became one of the best adaptations and received high ratings in Japan.

Onizuka became a symbol of a unique and 'rebel' teacher character that has since been widely imitated in other school-themed anime, such as Assassination Classroom and Gokusen.