Why Does Yoshimitsu Look So Weird? Unpacking the Enigmatic Ninja
Yoshimitsu, the enigmatic ninja, is a staple character in both the Tekken and Soulcalibur franchises. However, one of the most consistent things about him is his inconsistency in appearance. Why does he look so weird? The straightforward answer lies in a deliberate design choice to emphasize his mysterious nature and ever-evolving persona. Unlike most characters who maintain a relatively consistent look across games, Yoshimitsu undergoes radical transformations with each new installment. This isn’t just an aesthetic whim; it’s deeply interwoven with his lore and serves several key purposes:
- Concealment and Anonymity: As a ninja, Yoshimitsu prioritizes stealth and secrecy. His constantly changing appearance makes him difficult to identify and track. The outlandish designs, often incorporating robotic or bizarre elements, are a form of disguise, ensuring his true identity remains shrouded in mystery.
- Technological Upgrades: The article states, “He’s a robot samurai…he updates himself, maybe?”. Although the character is confirmed to be human, this points towards a creative use of technology and personal modifications. Each new design represents an upgrade or evolution, reflecting his constant adaptation and search for power or improvement. These aren’t simply cosmetic changes; they are intrinsic to his development as a fighter.
- Reflecting Inner Turmoil: Yoshimitsu is not just a fighter; he is a complex character wrestling with a cursed sword and the moral responsibilities of leading the Manji clan. His erratic appearance can be seen as a reflection of his internal struggles, the outward manifestation of his inner chaos.
- Creative Freedom and Design Flexibility: From a development perspective, the ever-changing design offers creative freedom for the game developers. It allows them to experiment with different aesthetics and push the boundaries of character design without being bound by continuity constraints. This freedom often results in some of the most memorable and distinctive character designs in the fighting game genre.
- Unpredictability: Lastly, Yoshimitsu’s weird appearance contributes to his unpredictability as a fighter. He’s not a standard warrior, and his unusual aesthetic complements his equally unorthodox fighting style, making him a unique and challenging character to master.
Yoshimitsu is not meant to fit a conventional mold. His bizarre and varied looks serve as a visual testament to his eccentric personality, the constant changes he undergoes, and his enduring legacy as a true enigma in the fighting game world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Yoshimitsu
Here are some frequently asked questions about Yoshimitsu, exploring various aspects of his character and his unique place in the Tekken and Soulcalibur universes:
Who is Yoshimitsu supposed to be?
Yoshimitsu is a katana-wielding ninja and leader of the Manji clan. He is a character in both the Tekken and Soulcalibur series. Despite his often bizarre appearance, he is confirmed to be human, albeit one with a mechanized left hand due to a previous mission.
Why does Yoshimitsu’s sword look different too?
Yoshimitsu’s sword, also named Yoshimitsu, tends to change appearance along with his own. This is because the sword is cursed and requires a constant flow of evil to stay sated. His changing blades often reflect the current challenges, situations, or even temporary solutions he employs for this unique problem. He often uses another blade called Fumaken which has the property to seal the effects of his cursed blade.
What fighting style does Yoshimitsu use?
Yoshimitsu’s fighting style is an eclectic blend of ninjutsu, kenjutsu (sword attacks), and special stances inspired by kabuki dance. He utilizes acrobatic maneuvers, sword techniques, and often employs unconventional or even self-damaging moves to disrupt his opponents.
Is Yoshimitsu based on a real samurai?
The name Yoshimitsu is shared with Minamoto no Yoshimitsu, a historical Japanese samurai lord from the Heian period. However, the fighting game character is entirely fictional and only shares a namesake with this historical figure.
What is Yoshimitsu’s nationality?
Yoshimitsu is a fictional character originating from the Tekken and Soulcalibur video games, set within fictional worlds that are loosely based on Japanese culture. While he is clearly meant to represent a Japanese ninja, his “nationality” is essentially that of the game’s world. He speaks a traditional form of Japanese, often incorporating the mannerisms of a kabuki actor.
Why does Yoshimitsu have a rivalry with Kunimitsu?
Kunimitsu is a former member of the Manji Party who was expelled for stealing for her personal gain, betraying the clan’s principles. This betrayal led to Yoshimitsu’s deep animosity towards her. Some speculate that Yoshimitsu might have even been the one who killed her although there is no canonical confirmation of that fact.
Is Yoshimitsu a good guy?
Yoshimitsu is generally portrayed as benevolent and strives to help those in need. He has been known to aid characters like Law and Dr. Bosconovitch, demonstrating his desire to do what is right. His actions are often driven by a sense of justice, despite his often bizarre and unpredictable behavior.
Why does Yoshimitsu speak like a Kabuki actor?
In the Japanese versions of Soulcalibur I-III, Yoshimitsu speaks with the dramatic mannerisms of a Kabuki actor. This adds an element of theatricality to his persona and reinforces the theatrical nature of his moves and unpredictable fighting style.
Is Yoshimitsu a stance character?
Yes, Yoshimitsu is definitely a stance character. He uses different stances to access various moves, allowing him to execute unexpected combinations and unpredictable attacks. This makes him a challenging but rewarding character to play.
How powerful is Yoshimitsu?
Yoshimitsu is generally considered a powerful fighter due to his diverse moveset, unconventional fighting style, and the unpredictability he brings to the battlefield. His primary weakness is his cursed sword, which can drive him insane if it isn’t sated by evil beings.
Are Kunimitsu and Yoshimitsu related?
No, Kunimitsu and Yoshimitsu are not related by blood. They come from different clans, with Yoshimitsu leading the Manji clan, while Kunimitsu is a former member who was expelled for her betrayal.
Is Yoshimitsu one of the weakest characters in Tekken?
Some sources place Yoshimitsu among the weakest characters, often due to his more unorthodox playstyle, making him harder to master. However, a skillful player who understands his moveset can turn his unique fighting style to a great advantage.
Why does Yoshimitsu say “Namu”?
Yoshimitsu often says “Namu,” which is a mantra of Buddhist origin. In the context of his fighting style, it serves as a verbal focus of meditation, and some also believe it is a veiled threat, since the chant is used during funerals.
Why is Yoshimitsu in both Tekken and Soulcalibur?
Yoshimitsu’s presence in both Tekken and Soulcalibur stems from a crossover decision by Namco (now Bandai Namco). He was brought into the Soul series as a way to expand the roster of characters and to capitalize on his popularity. He has been a staple in both franchises ever since.
What is Yoshimitsu Flash?
Yoshimitsu Flash is a move that has been a constant in the Tekken series since Tekken 3. It involves a powerful burst of energy and is generally one of his most recognizable and often-used attacks. Though it has briefly been replaced by Soul Stealer in Tekken 4, it reappeared in Tekken 5. It is known as Soul Stealer in later titles.