Who is Kokushibo?
Kokushibo, also known as Tsugikuni Michikatsu, is a key character in “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.” As the strongest demon among the Twelve Kizuki, holding the position of Upper Rank One under Muzan Kibutsuji, Kokushibo is undoubtedly one of the most important characters in Demon Slayer. His appearance is distinctive, characterized by a mask resembling a traditional Japanese demon with six eyes, denoting his rank. Kokushibo’s abilities as a demon include regeneration and unparalleled swordsmanship, employing the unique Moon Breathing style that he developed. His character stands as a significant contrast to the main themes of love and family in the series, emphasizing the consequences of succumbing to jealousy and resentment.
Kokushibo’s character serves as a stark contrast to the protagonists of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.” His transformation into a demon, driven by envy and a desire for power, stands in opposition to the series’ themes of love, family, and self-sacrifice. His character arc is a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting jealousy and resentment consume you and his eventual downfall serves as a reminder of the ultimate futility of seeking power at the expense of one’s humanity.
Don’t forget to check out “Kokushibo Fan Art“
What defines Kokushibo’s Personality and Background?
Kokushibo, also known as the Upper Moon One Demon, is a fascinating and complex character in ‘Demon Slayer’. Kokushibo shares a physical resemblance with his brother, Yoriichi, both before and after turning into a demon. His spiky, long black hair with maroon tips is kept in a ponytail. Before turning into a demon, he appeared indistinguishable from a normal human. However, his transformation brought significant changes, with his face adorned by three sets of yellow eyes with red sclerae, totaling six eyes. His left eye bears the kanji for ‘Upper,’ and the right eye has the kanji for ‘One.’ Notably, Kokushibo displays a Demon Slayer Mark in the shape of a flame on his forehead and lower cheek. Attired in a purple and black kimono with hexagonal patterns, black hakama pants, and a white obi, Kokushibo wields a fleshy katana. The tsuba and blade feature eyes and veins, contributing to his ominous appearance. Kokushibo is defined by his ambition, driven by a strong desire for power and recognition. His pride as an Upper Moon Demon fuels a condescending attitude towards weaker opponents.
Externally, he presents a calm, composed, and authoritative demeanor, rarely displaying agitation or fear. This composed facade adds to his intimidating presence. With 6 eyes and long waist-length hair, Kokushibo possesses a regal appearance. In battle, Kokushibo is ruthless, showing no mercy to his opponents. His combat style is marked by precise, swift movements, showcasing his immense power and swordsmanship. Despite his composed exterior, he harbors deep resentments, particularly towards his twin brother, Yoriichi Tsugikuni. This internal conflict stems from jealousy and betrayal, as Yoriichi chose the path of a legendary Demon Slayer over embracing demonic powers, adding complexity to Kokushibo’s character.
His ambition and desire for power drive his character, leading him to constantly seek strength and recognition. Prideful of his status as an Upper Moon Demon, Kokushibo looks down upon weaker opponents, displaying a condescending attitude. Externally, he appears calm, composed, and authoritative, adding to his intimidating presence. In battle, Kokushibo is ruthless, showing no mercy and employing precise movements. Despite his composed demeanor, he harbors deep resentments, particularly towards his twin brother, Yoriichi.
What is Kokushibo’s Backstory?
Kokushibo shares a physical resemblance with his brother, Yoriichi, both before and after turning into a demon. His ambition and desire for power drive his character, leading him to constantly seek strength and recognition. Prideful of his status as an Upper Moon Demon, Kokushibo looks down upon weaker opponents, displaying a condescending attitude. Externally, he appears calm, composed, and authoritative, adding to his intimidating presence. In battle, Kokushibo is ruthless, showing no mercy and employing precise movements. Despite his composed demeanor, he harbors deep resentments, particularly towards his twin brother, Yoriichi, a legendary Demon Slayer.
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?
In the Sengoku Era nearly five centuries ago, Kokushibo, originally Michikatsu Tsugikuni, was a human and the older twin brother of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, renowned as the strongest Demon Slayer in history. As humans, the brothers shared a close sibling bond and cared deeply for each other. However, Kokushibo harbored envy towards Yoriichi’s extraordinary talent. Yoriichi, known for inventing Sun Breathing, became the most powerful Demon Slayer, adding complexity to their relationship.
What are Kokushibo’s Powers and Fighting Style?
Demon Slayer Mark:
A special Mark worn by certain “awakened” Demon Slayers that resembles demon crests. Kokushibo, as a demon, was no longer bound by the curse of premature death at the age of 25, and the Mark’s abilities were enhanced even further than when he was a human. He utilized his enhanced powers in battles against some of the strongest hashiras in Demon Slayer.
Transparent World:
Similar to Tanjiro, Kokushibo has gained the ability to constantly see the “Transparent World” through the use of his three pairs of eyes. This allows him to observe the muscles, blood flow, and joint movement of his opponents. With this ability, he can accurately predict and anticipate the movements and attacks of his opponents. 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.
Moon Breathing:
Kokushibo utilized the Moon Breathing combat style, one of the most dangerous and powerful styles among Breathing Styles. The combat style featured crescent-shaped sword attacks that mimicked moons, enhanced by his Blood Demon Art. Over centuries, Kokushibo developed numerous techniques within this style.
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 left open to interpretation. Some say that Kokushibo’s realization of how ugly he had become caused him to lose the will to fight. Others say that after centuries as a demon, Kokushibo regrets his past decisions and allows the demon slayers to finish him off. In the manga, Sanemi and Gyomei decapitate Kokushibo, but he regenerates his head. However, the wound from Muichiro’s burning red blade causes his body to disintegrate. As his body withers away, Kokushibo reflects on his human life as Michikatsu Tsugikuni, the twin brother of Yoriichi
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.
