Shiver

Lore & Background

Shiver made her debut in Splatoon 3 as a member of Deep Cut, the musical trio that hosts Anarchy Splatcast and announces Splatfest events. Alongside Frye and Big Man, she brings a calm, calculating energy to the group, often delivering sharp commentary during broadcasts. Her presence is felt in moments of competition, where her cool demeanor helps keep the team grounded. Shiver's journey reflects a broader theme of unity, showcasing how Inklings and Octolings can come together through music and turf wars.

In Their Own Story

The facility hummed with the low vibration of machinery as Shiver adjusted her visor, scanning the corridor for any sign of instability. A recruit stumbled ahead, ink splattering across the metal floor in a chaotic burst of color. "Focus," she called out, her voice steady despite the rising tension. The walls seemed to close in, the pressure building with every step deeper into the unknown. Yet, Shiver remained unmoved, her eyes locked on the path forward. She knew that fear was just another obstacle to overcome, and today, she would guide them through it.

Reader's Guide

Shiver is an Octoling leader defined by her cool professionalism and sharp wit. As part of Squidforce, she plays a crucial role in managing the facility's operations and guiding new recruits through challenging trials. Her arc centers on bridging the gap between Inklings and Octolings, promoting unity over conflict. She often acts as the mediator when disagreements arise among her peers or with recruits. Shiver possesses exceptional leadership skills and tactical awareness, allowing her to navigate complex scenarios with ease. Her defining moments include key interactions during the Octo Expansion where she helps resolve critical plot points.

Did You Know?

• Shiver is one of three members of Deep Cut, alongside Frye and Big Man.
• Her personality contrasts sharply with Frye's energetic enthusiasm, offering a more grounded perspective.
• She wears a distinctive outfit that includes a hooded jacket and goggles, reflecting her tactical style.

Origins and Group Dynamics

Deep Cut emerged as the central musical force in Splatoon 3, debuting in August 2022 alongside the game's release. Created by co-creator Seita Inoue, this trio—Shiver Hohojiro, Frye Onaga, and Big Man—was intentionally designed as an antithesis to previous musical duos, embracing a "bad boy" archetype with animal motifs representing predators of squid and octopuses. While they function publicly as idol pop stars hosting the Anarchy Splatcast news program in Splatsville, their true nature is that of bandits who steal valuables to aid the city's poor. Their pirate radio broadcast hijacks official programming, a chaotic element central to the game's themes. The members share deep roots; they are descendants of families responsible for local festivals and religious ceremonies. Shiver and Frye bonded over music in school before recruiting Big Man as their pianist. Structurally, the group operates with Shiver and Frye handling vocals while Big Man produces EDM-based tracks, blending international cultural influences into a unique sound that mixes Shōwa-era delinquency with Edo-period traditions.

Visual Identity and Cultural Inspiration

Each member of Deep Cut embodies a distinct global culture through their physical design and attire. Shiver Hohojiro, an Octoling with blue hair and red accents, draws heavily from Japanese aesthetics. As the successor to the shark-taming Hohojiro family, she wears shark tooth earrings, a shimenawa headband, and traditional clogs, speaking in a Kyoto dialect to contrast Western influences found in earlier games. Frye Onaga represents Indian culture; this Inkling features yellow hair, purple accents, and an outfit inspired by regional styles, including a top that lights up rhythmically. As heir to the eel-charming Onaga Clan, her design includes downward-turned facial features and fried-food accessories. Big Man, a massive bipedal manta ray, incorporates Brazilian influences alongside his role as head of the Manta Clan. He wears a traditional Japanese headdress but communicates through unconventional noises translated via text boxes. Notably, the trio adapts their fashion for seasonal events, donning Halloween costumes for Splatoween or punk-era gear with metallic wires and tattoos during the final Splatfest, showcasing their versatility.

Narrative Roles and Musical Contributions

Beyond their idol status, Deep Cut serves as the primary antagonist force in the single-player campaign, Return of the Mammalians. Their musical output is integral to gameplay, providing tracks for matches and Splatfests while advancing the story through their pirate radio broadcasts. The group's internal dynamics are highlighted by a specific conflict involving Big Man's secret collaboration with the Squid Sisters on the charity song "Liquid Sunshine." Shiver and Frye initially viewed this as a betrayal, responding with the track "Big Betrayal," but relations were mended when Big Man explained his intent to bridge factions for Splatsville's benefit. Their musical style often features kanji and katakana naming schemes reminiscent of Ringo Sheena's work. Additionally, Shiver and Frye occasionally operate as a rap duo named Fire & Ice, notably facing off against Off the Hook in the song "Suffer No Fools." This duality of being both chaotic antagonists and beloved community figures defines their complex narrative presence within the Splatoon universe.

Reception and Community Impact

Since their introduction, Shiver, Frye, and Big Man have garnered significant praise from critics and fans alike, with Big Man frequently cited as a fan favorite online. However, their debut also sparked intense debate within the community, particularly regarding Shiver's gender identity. Upon reveal, speculation arose that Shiver might be non-binary due to design choices and vocal performance by Anna Sato. Nintendo officially denied these claims, yet many fans continued to embrace the headcanon, illustrating the character's resonance beyond official lore. The trio has also been associated with technical quirks; a popular bug in early game versions caused Shiver's clothing to vanish when viewed through specific NPCs, leaving only her sarashi visible. Despite controversies during Splatfests where they often incited conflict among players, Deep Cut remains a defining element of Splatoon 3, set to return in the upcoming spin-off Splatoon Raiders, cementing their legacy as pivotal figures in the franchise's evolution.