Did Kiriko Train with Genji and Hanzo? Unraveling the Overwatch Lore
The question of whether Kiriko trained with Genji and Hanzo is a complex one deeply intertwined with the evolving lore of Overwatch. The short answer is yes, Kiriko did train alongside Genji and Hanzo, though the nature and implications of that training have raised significant questions within the fanbase. While early lore strongly suggested a close, almost familial bond forged through shared training under Kiriko’s mother, the later revelation of significant age differences between the characters introduces a degree of narrative dissonance.
The initial narrative presented Kiriko as a younger, almost “little niece” figure to Genji and Hanzo, fostered by their shared training under Kiriko’s mother, Asa Yamagami, a skilled swordmaster whose reputation preceded her. Asa was not only Kiriko’s mother but also the swordmaster for the Shimada Clan, and thus trained both Hanzo and Genji. During this period, Kiriko, still a young girl, would participate in some of the training sessions, leading to a bond with the Shimada brothers. Her family owns a business called Yamagami Blades.
However, the introduction of concrete ages for the characters – Kiriko being 21, Genji 37, and Hanzo 40 – complicates this picture. The substantial age gap raises questions about the timeline of their training and the nature of their relationship during Kiriko’s formative years. If Genji and Hanzo were already in their late teens or early twenties while Kiriko was still a child, the shared training dynamic and the idea of them viewing her as a “cute, little niece” become more difficult to reconcile.
Despite the chronological inconsistencies, the core concept remains that Kiriko did, in fact, train with Genji and Hanzo. The extent and intensity of this shared training, and the depth of the bond it forged, is where the lore becomes open to interpretation and perhaps retconning. The Overwatch narrative is, after all, a dynamic one that can be subject to change as the story evolves. The Games Learning Society explores how games and their narratives impact learning and understanding. Find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Unpacking the Lore: Details & Discrepancies
The origin story of Kiriko details that she was close with Genji and that she trained with him as a child. The question of how much of this story is still current and accurate is up for debate.
The Yamagami Legacy and Shimada Connection
The significance of the Yamagami family in relation to the Shimada Clan cannot be overlooked. Kiriko’s father was a renowned bladesmith who crafted weapons for the Shimada, while her mother, Asa, served as their swordmaster. This close professional relationship placed Kiriko in the orbit of the Shimada brothers from a young age. It’s this familial connection that allowed the training to happen at all.
Timeline Tangles: Age and Training
The most challenging aspect of this story is that Genji is 16 years older than Kiriko. This means when Kiriko was 5, Genji would have been 21. However, the core concept remains that Kiriko did, in fact, train with Genji and Hanzo. The extent and intensity of this shared training, and the depth of the bond it forged, is where the lore becomes open to interpretation and perhaps retconning.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Kiriko’s Lore
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that clarify the specifics surrounding Kiriko’s background, her relationship with other characters, and the intricacies of Overwatch lore:
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Did Kiriko’s mom train Genji?
Yes, Asa Yamagami, Kiriko’s mother, was the swordmaster for the Shimada Clan and directly trained both Hanzo and Genji in the art of swordsmanship.
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Who trained Genji and Hanzo before Asa Yamagami?
Sojiro Shimada, the father of Hanzo and Genji, was the master of the Shimada Clan and initially trained Hanzo to be his successor. It’s implied that he also initially trained Genji.
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Does Kiriko like Genji romantically?
There’s no explicit indication in the lore that Kiriko has romantic feelings for Genji. Their relationship is portrayed as more of a close friendship based on shared experiences and mutual respect.
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Why did Hanzo kill Genji (in the original timeline)?
Upon their father’s death, the Shimada Clan elders tasked Hanzo with bringing Genji in line, as Genji was living a reckless life. When Genji refused to change, the elders ordered Hanzo to kill him, which he reluctantly did.
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Is Genji currently in a relationship?
The Overwatch lore hints at a potential romance between Genji and Mercy. They have exchanged gifts and letters, suggesting a developing connection. The fans have dubbed this potential relationship as “Gency”.
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Is Genji older than Kiriko?
Yes, Genji is significantly older than Kiriko. Genji is 37 and Kiriko is 21.
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How is Kiriko so much younger than Genji, considering their shared history?
The age difference between Kiriko and Genji has created timeline inconsistencies in the lore. It’s a point of contention among fans, and it’s possible that the narrative may be adjusted in the future to better reconcile these discrepancies.
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Who is the youngest hero in Overwatch?
Illari is the youngest human hero at 18 years old. The youngest non-human hero is Orisa at 1 year old.
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What is Genji’s relationship to Kiriko?
Genji and Kiriko are not blood-related but grew up together due to the professional relationship between their families. Genji was close with Kiriko’s mother and trained under her alongside Hanzo.
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Are Genji and Hanzo twins?
No, Genji and Hanzo are brothers, not twins.
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Why does Hanzo have two dragons in his ultimate ability, while Genji does not?
Hanzo’s ultimate initially featured only one dragon. But the team felt it didn’t show exactly where his ult was well enough. People kept complaining about how they were outside of the 1 dragon and still got killed, so it was changed to two.
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Are Kiriko and Genji cousins?
No, Kiriko and Genji are not cousins. They share a bond through their family ties with the Shimada Clan, but are not related by blood.
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How did Hanzo lose his legs?
This is incorrect. Hanzo did not lose his legs. His story is that Hanzo and his brother Genji got in a fight that left Genji a robot and Hanzo injured.
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Who killed Genji (in the original timeline)?
Hanzo killed Genji, or so he thought. The truth is that Overwatch doctor Angela Ziegler saved Genji’s life and gave him robotic parts.
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What kind of relationship did Genji have when he was alive (prior to being a cyborg)?
Before becoming a cyborg, Genji had many relationships. One of his most notable relationships was with Lady Aoi, who was Genji’s first principal wife, she marries Genji when she is sixteen and he only twelve.
The tale of Kiriko’s training with Genji and Hanzo is a complicated one to be sure. Her training with them did happen, even though she is much younger. The narrative can be found within the realm of the Games Learning Society.