Season two of Demon Slayer showcased jaw-dropping action sequences and unveiled key characters that held significant importance in the series. Yoriichi Tsugikuni is one of the characters who captivated fans’ attention. The mysterious man was teased during the Entertainment District Arc, and many became curious about him.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni was a supporting character in the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba's Entertainment District Arc. However, he was central to the culture-rich history of the Demon Slayers. He created the Breathing Styles, which many other characters have used since then.
Who was Yoriichi Tsugikuni?
He was a revered member of the Demon Slayer corps. Yoriichi was a tall man with a lean, muscular build. He had the following features:
- Fair skin
- Long spiky hair with red tips
- Maroon eyes
Apart from a few differences, his overall appearance was similar to his twin brother. His clothing style comprised the following:
- A red haori over a pale orange-coloured nagagi kimono
- A pair of zōri with red straps
- White tabi socks
He carried a Nichirin Sword on the left side of his waist like other Demon Slayers. Additionally, he wore handmade earrings that his mother created and gifted to him. Later, he gave them away to his friend, who passed them to his descendants.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s brother
Yoriichi was brought up with his elder twin brother, Michikatsu Tsugikuni. Even though Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Kokushibo were identical in appearance, they had several differences. Yoriichi looked up to his brother and wanted to be like him one day.
All was well with the twin brothers until Muzan Kibutsuji turned Michikatsu into a demon known as Kokushibo. Consequently, this turned the brothers into natural enemies. Ultimately, Yoriichi's brother became the strongest Upper-Rank demon in the Twelve Kizuki.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s wife and children
Unlike most characters, Yoriichi had an actual love interest. Who was Yoriichi married to? He was married to Uta. The duo first met in a rice field, and when Uta revealed her struggles to him, she earned his respect.
Subsequently, they returned to Uta’s house and lived there for over a decade. Shortly after getting married, Uta became pregnant with Yoriichi Tsugikuni's son. When Uta was in labour, her husband left her behind to fetch the village midwife.
Unfortunately, returning home, he found that his wife had been killed by a mysterious demon whose identity was never revealed. Yoriichi carried his dead wife’s body and their unborn child for ten days before burying them.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s personality
Yoriichi was a man of peace and reverence. He remained humble and viewed everyone as equal, with no one being more special than the other. He was resolute that the upcoming demon slayers' generations could surpass the swordsmen of his era.
He was a kind person ready to help anyone in need. For instance, he once helped an older man reach his dying son. Also, he still loved and cared for his brother despite becoming an Upper-Rank demon.
Occasionally, he expressed strong emotions. For instance, when a demon killed his wife Uta and their unborn child, he mourned their bodies for ten days before burying them. He strongly believed that the world was beautiful before demons corrupted the world.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s relationships
The Demon Slayer was in a couple of relationships throughout the series. Some of the associations that stood out include:
1. Uta
He met Uta in a rice field, where she earned his respect and eventually married. She was murdered by a mysterious demon when she was about to deliver.
2. Muzan Kibutsuji
They confronted each other for the first and only time in a fight. Yoriichi struck him in all his weak spots and cut off his head, but Muzan still managed to run away.
3. Tamayo
Yoriichi met Tamayo during his encounter with Muzan. However, he let her go because he believed Tamayo’s unrelenting passion to kill Muzan would come to fruition one day.
4. Michikatsu Tsugikuni/Kokushibo
He was Yoriichi's elder twin brother. They had a cordial relationship until Muzan turned him into a demon slayer known as Kokushibo. Before Yoriichi’s death, he had engaged in a fight with Kokushibo.
5. Akeno Tsugikuni
Akeno was Michikatsu and Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s mother. She created the hanafuda earrings worn by his son before passing them on. Akeno loved his son so much that she did not allow her husband to kill their son Yoriichi due to his mark.
6. Sumiyoshi Kamado
Yoriichi met Sumiyoshi for the first time when he saved him from an attack by a demon slayer. Even though they never saw each other often after the incident, they remained good friends.
7. Suyako Kamado
Suyako was Sumiyoshi's wife, and just like her husband, she recognized Yoriichi as a close friend and respected him as a talented swordsman. She once fed and cheered Yoriichi when he was having a hard time.
8. Sumire Kamado
The two didn't interact closely since Yoriichi was quiet and Sumire was young. However, it is presumed that Yoriichi would have cared for Sumire as one of his friend’s family.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s death
Yoriichi came face to face with his twin brother before his death. Despite the pain, he put on a spirited fight with his demon brother. With a swift and deadly sword, he left his brother helpless.
He passed away just as he delivered his final blow to Kokushibo. Who killed Yoriichi? No one killed the Demon Slayer. He succumbed to old age, passing away on his feet.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni’s fast facts
- Who was Yoriichi Tsugikuni? Yoriichi Tsugikuni was one of Demon Slayer's most important and mysterious characters.
- Is Tanjiro related to Yoriichi Tsugikuni? Tanjiro is not related to Yoriichi Tsugikuni. However, Yoriichi taught Tanjiro’s ancestors the Hinokami Kagura, passed down to other generations.
- Is Yoriichi Tanjiro's dad? Yoriichi is not Tanjiro's dad, as some fans speculate. Yoriichi’s son was never born, as his pregnant wife was murdered before delivering their baby.
- Is Yoriichi Tsugikuni alive? Yoriichi Tsugikuni is not alive. He died during a heated fight with his twin brother.
- Why Muzan is afraid of Yoriichi? Muzan is afraid of Yoriichi because of his calm and reserved personality. Unlike other fighters, he never emitted any malicious intent or bloodlust.
- What did Yoriichi Tsugikuni leave behind upon death? Yoriichi Tsugikuni left a bag created from his late wife's kimono and a flute, which was an adored gift from his twin brother.
- What happened to Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Kokushibo’s relationship? Yoriichi Tsugikuni and Kokushibo became enemies after Muzan Kibutsuji turned Michikatsu into a demon known as Kokushibo.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni's story - Final word
Yoriichi Tsugikuni was a skilled demon slayer. He lived a remarkably long life where he significantly outlived the average life expectancy during the Sengoku era in Japan. Even though he had a birthmark suggesting he would die early, he defied the odds by living past 80.
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