Why is Shigeo Known as Mob in ‘Mob Psycho 100’?

Shigeo Kageyama is the overpowered, socially awkward esper we all have come to love through the episodes. He was generally reliant and not confident in his ideas. Season 3 is allowing Shigeo to develop and find a voice of his own. 

Throughout the series, Shigeo is generally referred to as Mob, it is not his family name, nor is it a part of his name. So how the heck did Shigeo turn into ‘Mob’? Let’s find out!

Shigeo Kageyama is frequently referred to as Mob by Reigen and his childhood friends as his kanji can also be read as Mobu. The origins of this nickname are unknown but we know it has been there since his childhood. 

Shigeo’s Nickname

Shigeo’s kanji (茂夫) can be read as Mo (茂) and Bu (夫). This is primarily the reason for calling him Mob. Mobu generally means dull and uninteresting which correlates to his personality, as he feels like a background character. 

It is unclear, however, who started to call Shigeo, Mob. Initially, it feels like Reigen was the one who gave the nickname to Shigeo as many other people call him by his real name, but we soon realise it is the name he received during his childhood.

However, it is unclear who gave this name to Shigeo. It is believed that this nickname was used to tease Mob. Tsubomi, who is his childhood crush, also refers to him as Mob.

Thankfully, Shigeo’s family does not refer to him as Mob, and calls him by his real name while Ritsu calls him ‘ Nii-san’ or ‘older brother’. 

Does it Truly Represent his Personality?

Shigeo learned early on in his life that his powers are related to emotions and decided to suppress them, so as to not harm his beloved friends and family.

This led to him suppressing his feelings and not really mingling with others, thereby giving him a background character feel. However, he is one of the kindest and most wholesome characters we see in anime.

Also, when his emotions are in full throttle, he is the strongest esper. So no, I do not think, his nickname actually matches his personality.

About Mob Psycho 100

Mob Psycho 100 is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by ONE. It was serialized on Shogakukan’s Ura Sunday website from April 2012 to December 2017.

Mob Psycho 100 is a story about a young middle-school boy, Shigeo Kageyama, a.k.a Mob, a powerful esper. Mob is determined to live a normal life and keeps his ESP suppressed.

But when his emotions surge to a level of 100%, all his powers are let loose. As he is surrounded by false espers, evil spirits, and mysterious organizations, what will Mob think? What choices will he make?