Kenji Kondou  

, 近藤 剣司

Kenji is known as the clown in your group and Sakura would describe him as a cowardly admirer of women. Despite this, he is the Student Council President at Tatsumiya Island Junior High School, although most people assume Soushi holds that position. Kenji is friends with Sakura and Mamoru and attends the local dojo run by Sakuras father. Although initially scared to fight in the Fafner, Kenji makes significant growth throughout the series for Sakuras sake. He has always admired Sakura but realizes he needs to become stronger to protect her after seeing her afraid during battle. Kenji lives with his mother, Ayano, and they share a close, affectionate relationship, although Ayano often throws things at him and calls him "baka musuko." Kenji is the pilot of Mark VIII.