《My Hero Academia》's Biggest Mystery: Who is Izuku Midoriya's Father? A Complete Analysis from Popular Theories to the Final Outcome

Preface: The Father Who Doesn't Exist Behind the Hero

In the epic story of "My Hero Academia," almost all major characters have distinct family backgrounds, except for the father of the protagonist Izuku Midoriya (Deku), who remains a mystery. Who is he? Where is he? Why has he never appeared on his son's hero journey? The keyword "Izuku Midoriya's father" has become one of the most intensely discussed and deeply mysterious foreshadowings among fans over the years.

This article will organize all official information about Midoriya's father, delve into the most famous popular hypothesis—is he All For One?—and, based on the now-completed manga, reveal what the ultimate answer is to this greatest mystery that runs through the entire work.

Official Setting: What We Know About "Hisashi Midoriya"

Although he is a mysterious figure, author Kōhei Horikoshi has indeed provided a small amount of official information about Midoriya's father:

• Name: Hisashi Midoriya (みどりや ひさし / Midoriya Hisashi)
• Quirk: Fire Breath (Able to breathe fire from his mouth)
• Current Status: Currently working overseas.

This information comes from the first chapter of the manga, mentioned by Izuku's mother, Inko Midoriya, to a doctor at the hospital. Beyond this, there is no further elaboration in the story. He has never made a phone call, nor has he appeared in any flashback scenes. This deliberate "non-existence" has instead sparked endless speculation among fans.

The Biggest Hypothesis: Is He the Arch-Nemesis All For One?

Among the many theories, the most widespread and shocking is undoubtedly the "Hisashi Midoriya = All For One" hypothesis. Supporters of this theory have put forward several highly persuasive points:

1. Quirk Match: All For One's (AFO) ability is to steal and use others' Quirks. For him, faking a "Fire Breath" Quirk would be extremely easy.
2. Doctor Connection: The doctor who diagnosed Midoriya as "Quirkless" was none other than AFO's confidant, "Dr. Kyudai Garaki." This led many to suspect that Midoriya was not born Quirkless, but rather his Quirk was stolen in childhood by his father, AFO, in collaboration with the doctor.
3. Homage to Star Wars: "My Hero Academia" contains numerous homages to Star Wars. "The righteous protagonist confronting his evil father" is Star Wars' most classic plotline (Luke vs. Darth Vader). Applying this to Midoriya and AFO seemed like a natural homage.
4. Fated Confrontation: If Midoriya were AFO's son, his confrontation with AFO's successor, Tomura Shigaraki, would add a layer of "brotherly" tragic destiny, raising the story's dramatic tension to its peak.

The Final Answer: A Deliberately Left-Blank Foreshadowing

With the official conclusion of the "My Hero Academia" manga, this decade-long mystery has finally received its ultimate answer.

The answer is: There is no answer.

In the final chapters of the manga, Hisashi Midoriya never appears. Author Kōhei Horikoshi did not adopt the "AFO father theory," nor did he have this mysterious father make a last-minute appearance. He was completely, deliberately left blank.

This seemingly "unresolved plot point" approach actually contains a deeper creative intention. The absence of Midoriya's father was never meant to create a cheap plot twist, but to highlight a more important theme: The inheritance of spirit far surpasses the inheritance of blood.

Izuku Midoriya's hero journey was never about his biological family. His "father" was All Might, who told him "You can become a hero" when he was most desperate. What All Might gave him was not just the power called "One For All," but also spiritual guidance, belief support, and selfless paternal love. This "mentor as father" emotion is the core and the moving essence of the "MHA" story.

Conclusion: Who the Father Is No Longer Matters

In the end, Hisashi Midoriya's true identity is just as the official setting states—he is simply an ordinary father working overseas. His unimportance is precisely this character's most important meaning. Through his absence, the author perfectly illustrates the core value of "My Hero Academia": A hero's greatness is not determined by where you come from or your bloodline, but by your beliefs and who you choose to pass those beliefs on to.

Izuku Midoriya did not need a powerful biological father because he already had the best hero mentor—All Might. And he himself ultimately inherited this will, becoming the "Greatest Hero" who could save everyone.

Browse now My Hero Academia merchandise