Who is Kokushibo?
Kokushibo, originally known as Tsugikuni Michikatsu, is one of the most formidable and complex characters in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. As the Upper Moon One of the Twelve Kizuki, he is the strongest demon under Muzan Kibutsuji and a pivotal antagonist in the series. Kokushibo’s tragic backstory, immense power, and internal conflict make him a fascinating and multi-dimensional character.
Appearance:
Kokushibo’s appearance is both striking and intimidating. He has six eyes (three pairs of yellow eyes with red sclerae), long black hair with maroon tips tied in a ponytail, and a Demon Slayer Mark resembling flames on his forehead and cheek. His attire includes a purple and black kimono with hexagonal patterns, black hakama pants, and a white obi. His katana, a fleshy weapon with eyes and veins, adds to his ominous presence.
Don’t forget to check out “Kokushibo Fan Art“
What defines Kokushibo’s Personality and Background?
Kokushibo is a character defined by ambition, pride, and deep-seated resentment. Once a human and the older twin brother of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the strongest Demon Slayer in history, Kokushibo’s envy of his brother’s natural talent led him down a dark path. He abandoned his humanity to become a demon, seeking power and immortality.
Key Traits:
- Ambitious and Power-Hungry: Kokushibo’s desire to surpass his brother and achieve ultimate power drove him to become a demon.
- Prideful and Condescending: As Upper Moon One, he looks down on weaker opponents and takes pride in his status.
- Calm and Ruthless: Kokushibo maintains a composed demeanor in battle, showing no mercy to his enemies.
- Tragic and Regretful: Despite his pride, Kokushibo harbors deep regret and jealousy, especially toward his brother Yoriichi.
What is Kokushibo’s Backstory?
Kokushibo’s human name was Michikatsu Tsugikuni. Born during the Sengoku Era, he was the older twin brother of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, a prodigious Demon Slayer who created the Sun Breathing technique. Despite his own skill with the sword, Michikatsu could never match Yoriichi’s natural talent, fueling his jealousy and resentment.
Fearing the curse of the Demon Slayer Mark (which doomed its bearers to an early death), Michikatsu succumbed to Muzan’s temptation and became a demon, taking the name Kokushibo. Over the centuries, he honed his skills and developed the Moon Breathing technique, becoming the strongest of the Twelve Kizuki.
Why did Kokushibo become a Demon?
Kokushibo became frustrated with his inability to surpass his brother, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who possessed natural talent and abilities as a Demon Slayer. Additionally, fearing the inevitable death that awaited those who awakened their Demon Slayer Marks, Kokushibo, formerly known as Michikatsu Tsugikuni, succumbed to persuasion by Muzan Kibutsuji. In a quest for power, he abandoned the path of a Demon Slayer and embraced demonic transformation, becoming a demon known as Kokushibo. The process took three days for the Breathing Style user to fully transform into a demon.
What was Kokushibo, the Upper Moon 1’s Relationship with his Brother?
Kokushibo’s relationship with his twin brother, Yoriichi, is central to his character. Despite their close bond as humans, Kokushibo’s envy of Yoriichi’s talent and his own fear of mortality drove him to betray his humanity. Even as a demon, Kokushibo could never fully hate Yoriichi, as evidenced by his emotional reaction upon finding Yoriichi’s corpse and the broken flute he had gifted him as a child.
What are Kokushibo’s Powers and Fighting Style?
As Upper Moon One, Kokushibo is one of the strongest hashiras in Demon Slayer. His abilities are a testament to his centuries of experience and mastery of combat.
Key Abilities:
- Demon Slayer Mark: Enhanced strength, speed, and durability, surpassing even his human capabilities.
- Transparent World: Kokushibo’s six eyes allow him to see the “Transparent World,” giving him unparalleled insight into his opponents’ movements and weaknesses. Kokushibo was also able to identify that Muichiro was his descendant, immediately discern the skill level of Muichiro, Sanemi, and Gyomei with one look, and see that Genya Shinazugawa consumed Demons to gain strength by examining his cellular structures.
- Regeneration: Like all demons, Kokushibo can regenerate from injuries, making him nearly invincible in battle.
Moon Breathing Techniques:
Kokushibo’s Moon Breathing style is one of the most dangerous and powerful in the series. It features crescent-shaped slashes that mimic the moon, enhanced by his Blood Demon Art. Some of his techniques include:
First Form: Dark Moon, Evening Palace:
Swift horizontal slash creating chaotic crescent blades, reminiscent of Iaijutsu.
Second Form: Pearl Flower Moongazing:
Defensive crescent-shaped slashes, sending a barrage of crescent blades.
- Third Form: Loathsome Moon, Chains:
Rapid swings creating two gigantic crescent slashes and a storm of smaller crescents causing destruction.
Fifth Form: Moon Spirit Calamitous Eddy:
Multiple curved slashes resembling a rising vortex.
Sixth Form: Perpetual Night, Lonely Moon – Incessant:
Wild barrage of crescent-shaped slashes overwhelming opponents.
Seventh Form: Mirror of Misfortune, Moonlit:
Powerful frontal slash creating a multi-directional frontal assault.
Eighth Form: Moon-Dragon Ringtail:
Tripled attack radius with a singular gigantic slash.
Ninth Form: Waning Moonswaths:
Long-ranged crescent-shaped vertical and horizontal slashes.
Tenth Form: Drilling Slashes, Moon Through Bamboo Leaves:
Long-ranged triple-layered slash twister.
Fourteenth Form: Catastrophe, Tenman Crescent Moon:
Chaotic vortex of powerful omni-directional slashes.
Sixteenth Form: Moonbow, Half Moon:
Barrage of downward crescent slashes resulting in a powerful six-fold crash.
How did Kokushibo die?
Kokushibo’s death is a poignant moment in the series. After being decapitated by Sanemi Shinazugawa and Gyomei Himejima, Kokushibo begins to regenerate. However, the wound from Muichiro Tokito’s red blade causes his body to disintegrate. In his final moments, Kokushibo reflects on his life as Michikatsu Tsugikuni, expressing regret for his choices and the ugliness he had become.
Know more about Upper Rank 1 Kokushibo
What was Kokushibo’s real name?
Kokushibo’s real name was Tsugikuni Michikatsu when he was a human
How tall is Kokushibo?
Kokushibo is 190 cm (6’3″) tall.
Did Kokushibo love his brother?
Yet despite his chronic envy, Kokushibo could never truly hate his brother. Upon striking Yoriichi’s corpse, he realized that he had inadvertently broken the flute he had gifted to him as a child.
Who is Kokushibo’s big brother?
Kokushibo did not have a big brother. He had a younger brother by the name Yoriichi Tsugikuni during the Sengoku era, when he was a human.
Is Kokushibo related to Tanjiro?
While the visual resemblances between Tanjiro and Kokushibo in Demon Slayer spark fan curiosity, it’s important to clarify that Kokushibo is not blood-related to Tanjiro. Despite shared features, the connection revolves around the Hanafuda earrings and Demon Slayer Marks. Kokushibo’s mark, linked to Moon Breathing and a demon transformation, differs from Tanjiro’s unique mark, acquired through a perilous incident. Therefore, the answer to the question “Is Kokushibo related to Tanjiro?” is a definitive no in terms of blood relation.
