The Enigmatic Blade: Why Doesn’t Yoshimitsu Always Use His Sword?
Yoshimitsu, the enigmatic ninja from the Tekken and Soulcalibur franchises, is renowned for his bizarre appearance and unorthodox fighting style. While he is known for wielding a katana also named Yoshimitsu, he frequently chooses not to use it, opting instead for bare-handed combat. This seemingly contradictory behavior stems from the nature of his cursed sword and his role as a protector. The sword is cursed, needing to kill evildoers, without this activity, the wielder will lose his mind. The sword will seek a new owner if it doesn’t kill bad people for a prolonged amount of time, leading to chaos. Yoshimitsu also has Fumaken, a sword that contains the power of the evil sword.
The Burden of a Cursed Blade
The primary reason Yoshimitsu doesn’t constantly wield his sword lies in its insatiable thirst for violence. The Yoshimitsu sword isn’t just any weapon; it is a living entity, imbued with a malevolent spirit that craves bloodshed. If denied its fill of “evil” souls, the sword will begin to corrupt its wielder, driving them to madness and eventually seeking out a new, unsuspecting host. This inherent danger forces Yoshimitsu to carefully manage his sword’s use, ensuring that its power is directed only at those who deserve it.
The Sword’s Need for Evil Souls
The Yoshimitsu sword is cursed. The curse is fueled by the life force of evil souls, which are gathered as the blade is used. The curse is dependent on this constant influx of evil life force to keep itself at bay. Without it, it slowly corrupts its wielder and the sword will seek out new owners. It is an active process that Yoshimitsu must continually focus on.
Bare-Handed Combat as a Restraint
By engaging in bare-handed combat, Yoshimitsu effectively restrains the cursed sword. He is able to avoid a forced change of owners, limit the sword’s power, and focus his efforts on helping people.
Seeking Balance: The Fumaken
To further mitigate the risks associated with the cursed sword, Yoshimitsu acquired the Fumaken, a weapon designed to contain and suppress the evil energy emanating from the Yoshimitsu blade. When not actively engaged in combat against evildoers, Yoshimitsu can use the Fumaken to seal the cursed sword, preventing it from influencing his mind or wreaking havoc on the world. This allows him to maintain control and preserve his sanity.
A Ninja’s Versatility
Beyond the practical considerations of managing a cursed weapon, Yoshimitsu’s decision to sometimes forego his sword speaks to his skill and adaptability as a ninja. He is not solely reliant on the katana for combat. His training has equipped him with a diverse range of martial arts techniques, allowing him to effectively engage opponents with his bare hands, utilizing swift strikes, acrobatic maneuvers, and deceptive tactics.
No Sword Stance: Mutou no Kiwami
The Mutou no Kiwami, or No Sword Stance, showcases Yoshimitsu’s mastery of unarmed combat. This stance, introduced in Tekken 6, allows him to sheathe his sword and fight bare-knuckle. While in this stance, many of his regular attacks are altered, providing a unique and unpredictable fighting style. This demonstrates Yoshimitsu’s confidence in his abilities and his willingness to adapt to any situation.
Fighting For Justice
Yoshimitsu is not just a ninja; he is a leader of the Manji Clan, a group dedicated to helping the poor and fighting oppression. He does not just use his sword recklessly. He channels it to aid in the causes of his clan.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Yoshimitsu’s Sword and Fighting Style
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the mysteries surrounding Yoshimitsu and his relationship with his sword:
1. Why is Yoshimitsu’s sword cursed?
The origins of the curse are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed that the sword was imbued with malevolent energy through years of bloodshed and dark rituals.
2. What happens if Yoshimitsu doesn’t use his sword for a long time?
If the sword is denied its fill of “evil” souls, it will begin to corrupt Yoshimitsu’s mind, driving him to madness and eventually seeking out a new host. The sword will also cause chaos and destruction as it seeks a new owner.
3. What is the Fumaken?
The Fumaken is a sword with the ability to contain the power of the evil sword. Yoshimitsu uses it to seal the Yoshimitsu blade, preventing it from influencing his mind or wreaking havoc.
4. Is Yoshimitsu’s sword the same in every game?
No, Yoshimitsu is the only character whose appearance drastically changes in every game, and this extends to his sword. The design of the Yoshimitsu blade often reflects his current appearance and personality.
5. What is Mutou no Kiwami?
Mutou no Kiwami, or No Sword Stance, is a stance used by Yoshimitsu since Tekken 6. In this move, Yoshimitsu sheathes his sword, allowing him to fight bare knuckles.
6. Is Yoshimitsu human?
Yes, despite his odd appearances, Namco has confirmed that Yoshimitsu is human. His left hand is mechanized due to a failed mission.
7. How did Yoshimitsu lose his arm in the Soulcalibur series?
After refusing power-hungry lord Oda Nobunaga’s offer of alliance, Yoshimitsu discovers his village has been destroyed. In a battle with Nobunaga’s army, Yoshimitsu loses his arm.
8. Why does Yoshimitsu hate Kunimitsu?
Kunimitsu is a former member of the Manji Party thieves guild. Kunimitsu was denounced from the group by its leader, Yoshimitsu, when she stole for her own personal interests, going against the Manji Party’s principles.
9. Is Yoshimitsu a joke character in Tekken?
While he has some unusual moves and a quirky appearance, Yoshimitsu is a viable character.
10. Why is Yoshimitsu in both Tekken and Soulcalibur?
When then-Tekken publisher Namco (now Bandai-Namco) grew its other fighting franchise, SoulEdge, into SoulCalibur, the company decided to bring Yoshimitsu into the world of the newly rebranded weapon-based fighter.
11. Is Yoshimitsu based on a real person?
Minamoto no Yoshimitsu (1045 – 1127) was a Japanese samurai lord during the Heian period.
12. Why does Yoshimitsu say “Namu”?
He seems to be using it as a mantra. It is part of a chant you say at funerals, so, by saying that, Yoshi is actually threatening them with death.
13. Why does Yoshimitsu look weird?
Yoshimitsu is the only character who’s appearance drastically changes in every Tekken game, taking advantage of the fact that he always conceals his identity on account of being a ninja.
14. Is Yoshimitsu a good guy?
Yes, Yoshimitsu’s benevolence has not changed since the first Iron Fist Tournament. He enjoys helping people who are in need.
15. How powerful is Yoshimitsu?
Overall he’s an exceptionally powerful adversary for most opponents. His only weakness is that his primary sword is cursed, and without a steady flow of villains to slay with it, it will ultimately drive him insane.
Yoshimitsu’s choice to sometimes abandon his sword is not a sign of weakness. The decision is indicative of his complex character, showcasing the burden of wielding a cursed weapon, his versatility as a martial artist, and his unwavering commitment to fighting for justice. He remains one of the most unique and beloved characters in fighting game history. He does what he can to balance the needs of himself and his weapon.
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