Kageyama Tobio, the "King of the Court" and one half of Karasuno's formidable "Freak-Quick" duo, is one of Haikyuu!!'s most compelling characters. His journey from an arrogant middle school prodigy to a world-class setter is a testament to growth, teamwork, and relentless dedication. But a common question fans often wonder is: exactly how old is Kageyama Tobio at different stages of his remarkable career?
Understanding Kageyama's age provides crucial context to his development, explaining his initial immaturity, his physical transformations, and the rapid ascent of his professional career. It allows us to appreciate the sheer talent and hard work that led him to the global stage while still incredibly young.
Join us as we chart Kageyama's life, from his earliest days influenced by his family to his current status as an international volleyball star. We'll explore his formative years in high school, his explosive professional career, and the key moments that shaped him, all through the lens of his age.

The King of the Court's Genesis: Kageyama's Early Life and Age

Born on December 22, 1996, Kageyama Tobio entered the world poised for greatness. His early life was steeped in volleyball, with his passion ignited by his grandfather, Kazuyo Kageyama, and his older sister, Miwa Kageyama. From a young age, he displayed an uncanny understanding of the game and exceptional talent, distinguishing him as a genius setter.
During his elementary school years at Akiyama, Kageyama was already showing flashes of the skill that would one day make him famous. As he transitioned into middle school at Kitagawa Daiichi, his potential truly blossomed. However, it was also here that his singular focus on victory and his demanding nature earned him the notorious "King of the Court" nickname, a title that initially reflected his oppressive style rather than his regal talent. For a complete chronological breakdown of his pivotal life moments, delve deeper into .

Kageyama Tobio's Age in High School: From "Tyrant King" to Karasuno's Genius Setter

The most iconic period of Kageyama's life for many fans is his time at Karasuno High School. When he first enrolled in his first year (Class 3) in April 2012, Kageyama Tobio was 15 years old, turning 16 in December of that year. This age marks a critical turning point. He arrived at Karasuno with the heavy baggage of his "King of the Court" reputation, a title he desperately wanted to shed after his teammates abandoned him during a middle school match.
At 15-16 years old, Kageyama's physique was already impressive, standing at 180.6 cm (later 181.9 cm by November 2012) and weighing 66.3 kg. It was during these formative high school years that he learned the invaluable lessons of teamwork, collaboration, and adapting his genius tosses to his spikers. His contentious yet revolutionary partnership with Shōyō Hinata, born out of mutual rivalry and respect, allowed them to create the unstoppable "Freak-Quick" attack. To fully appreciate the emotional and athletic milestones of his time in Karasuno, don't miss exploring .

Beyond High School: Kageyama's Age in His Professional Volleyball Career

Kageyama's journey didn't end with high school graduation; it was merely a launchpad for an even more illustrious career. By the time he joined the V.League, he was steadily maturing both as a player and an individual. His talent was undeniable, quickly earning him a spot on the Japan National Team.
Here's a look at Kageyama's age as he transitioned into the professional ranks:

  • 2016 Rio Olympics: Kageyama joined the Japan National Team. At this point, still in his late teens, he was approximately 19 years old, showcasing extraordinary precocity for an international athlete.
  • November 2018: As depicted in the manga's post-timeskip, Kageyama was playing for the Schweiden Adlers. By this time, he was 21 years old (approaching his 22nd birthday in December). His height had reached an impressive 188.4 cm, and his weight was 82.2 kg, reflecting his continued physical development as a professional athlete.
  • 2021 Japan National Team & Ali Roma: Kageyama once again represented Japan, and later, we find him as a setter for the Italian professional team, Ali Roma. In 2021, Kageyama would be 24 years old, demonstrating sustained excellence at the highest levels of the sport.
    These career milestones highlight how Kageyama's consistent drive led him to excel at every age. For an in-depth look at his impressive list of teams and achievements, be sure to check out .

The Evolution of a Genius: Kageyama's Personality and Skills Throughout the Years

Kageyama's age-related development is perhaps most profoundly seen in his personality and skill set. In middle school, he was hot-headed and arrogant, often scaring his teammates. This initial "King of the Court" persona, while stemming from a deep desire to win, masked a more sensitive and insecure side, a fear of being abandoned by his teammates again.
As he matured through his high school years (age 15-18) and into his early professional career (age 19+), Kageyama underwent significant personal growth. He learned to trust and respect his teammates, to communicate effectively, and to understand that a setter's role is to bring out the best in others, not just dictate. His innate genius for volleyball never wavered; in fact, it only grew sharper as he learned humility and teamwork. Explore for more on his personal journey.
Beyond his mental game, his physical abilities and techniques continuously improved. From a powerful jump serve and pinpoint accuracy to adapting his tosses for each spiker, Kageyama's technical mastery is second to none. His stats are consistently top-tier across the board, reflecting a complete player who continuously refined his craft. Want to know more about his powerful spikes, amazing game sense, and improved jump reach? You'll find everything you need in .

Key Relationships: Shaping Kageyama at Every Age

Throughout his life, Kageyama's interactions with others profoundly shaped the player and person he became. These relationships were particularly crucial during his high school years, helping him shed his "King" persona and embrace collaboration.
His intense rivalry and eventual partnership with Shōyō Hinata served as the catalyst for much of his growth, challenging him to adapt and understand others. With Kei Tsukishima, the constant teasing and rivalry pushed Kageyama to reflect on his actions, while his respect for senior setter Kōshi Sugawara taught him humility and the value of communication. Even his long-standing rivalry with Tōru Oikawa, whom he both admired and aspired to surpass, fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence. As he matured into his professional years, he even mended fences with former Kitagawa Daiichi teammates like Yūtarō Kindaichi and Akira Kunimi, showing the full circle of his development. Discover all the key dynamics that helped forge Kageyama into the player he is today by reading .
From his teen years discovering the true meaning of teamwork to his early twenties dominating the global stage, Kageyama Tobio's journey is an inspiring narrative of talent, hard work, and relentless growth. His age at each stage tells a story of a prodigy who defied expectations, constantly pushing the boundaries of what a setter can achieve. His impact on Haikyuu!!, and indeed the world of fictional sports, will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.