Tooru Naruse

Main character of Harlem Beat. In the original Japanese version, Tohru Naruse goes by his nickname Naruchiyo (Narucho) and is often associated with a monkey, serving as a mascot to the team. Naruse is a perennial benchwarmer. Lacking in both coolness and talent, he is the most unlikely basketball player you'll ever find. But through persistence and support from his friends, Naruse slowly teaches himself the art of basketball. In the process, he slowly builds up his confidence and begins to realize his dream of success on the high school basketball court. He also develops feelings for Mizuki Kusuda, an ex-classmate in elementary school, but later falls for another girl named Tomomi Koizumi. He incorporated many flashy moves into his game, such as his signature airwalk, evolved lay-up (high loop lay-up), and an unusual jump shot with longer hang time. Every single one of these skills are pulled off subconsciously.