Hayato Kunato
Hayato Kunato |
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| Kanji: | 岐 隼人 |
| Romaji | Kunato Hayato |
| Statistics | |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Birthday: | Unknown |
| Height: | Unknown |
| Portrayed by: | |
| Japanese: | Hidenori Takahashi |
| English: | No English Dub Yet |
Hayato Kunato (岐 隼人, Kunato Hayato), is the older brother of Hyoma Kunato and the twin brother of Kusui Kunato in the Tsukumogami series. Despite his significant role in the backstory, Hayato’s life was tragically cut short when he was killed by Karakasa no Tsukumogami. His untimely death had a lasting impact on his family, particularly on his younger brother Hyoma, who carries a great deal of emotional burden because of it.
Hayato’s death also adds a layer of tragic backstory to the Kunato family, particularly in relation to Hyoma’s hatred for spirits. While Hayato himself is no longer present in the story, his legacy and connection to both Hyoma and Kusui are critical in understanding their actions and motivations, especially as Hyoma’s personal journey is shaped by the tragedy of his brother’s death.
Background
Appearance in Anime
Hayato Kunato was once a promising member of the Kunato family, a clan deeply connected to spiritual matters and tasked with the important role of guiding spirits. As the older brother of Hyoma Kunato and the twin brother of Kusui Kunato, Hayato was an integral part of the family. His life was marked by his own potential to fulfill his family’s duties as a spirit guide, just like the rest of his family.
However, Hayato’s life was tragically cut short when he was killed by Karakasa no Tsukumogami, a spirit who inhabits a paper umbrella. This event had a profound effect on Hyoma, who was deeply affected by the loss of his brother. The bitterness and resentment Hyoma feels toward spirits likely stems from the injustice and pain he experienced after Hayato’s death. This tragedy also adds an emotional layer to Kusui Kunato’s character, as he, too, was left to cope with the loss of his twin brother.
Although Hayato is not physically present in the storyline, his death is a major turning point for the Kunato family, influencing the conflict and emotional dynamics that shape Hyoma Kunato’s journey throughout the story.
Appearance
Hayato Kunato’s appearance is not described in detail, but as the older brother of Hyoma and the twin of Kusui, it is likely that he shared similar features with them. Given the Kunato family’s heritage, Hayato would have had an elegant, well-groomed appearance, possibly with sharp features that reflected his position within the family. His facial expression would likely have conveyed the same seriousness and determination that both his brothers carry.
Though he is no longer alive in the story, memories of Hayato would likely influence the way his brothers appear and carry themselves. His death has left an emotional mark, and his appearance would be idealized in the memories of both Hyoma and Kusui.
Personality
Hayato Kunato’s personality can be inferred through the reactions of his family members, especially his younger brother Hyoma, who was deeply affected by his untimely death. While details of his personality are not provided directly, we can assume that Hayato would have shared some of the qualities of his brothers, such as strength, responsibility, and a strong sense of duty.
Given that Hayato was killed by a tsukumogami, it’s possible that he may have had a strong connection to spirits, similar to his role as a spirit guide, and perhaps even a compassionate side toward the spirits. His death suggests that he might have been an empathetic and selfless individual, someone who truly cared about his work and his family.
In his final moments, Hayato’s courage and resolve may have been tested as he faced the Karakasa no Tsukumogami. His death likely represents a key turning point in the Kunato family’s emotional trajectory, and it would explain Hyoma’s strong hatred for spirits.
Role in the Story
The Catalyst for Hyoma’s Hatred: Hayato’s death along with Kusui’s serves as the emotional foundation for Hyoma Kunato’s arc. Witnessing his beloved siblings murdered by Karakasa leads Hyoma to develop a deep hatred for all tsukumogami, setting him at odds with the teachings of the Saenome and his own family’s ideals. This trauma isolates Hyoma and becomes a recurring theme in his interactions with other characters, especially Botan Nagatsuki and her tsukumogami companions.
Flashbacks and Symbolism: Throughout the story, Hayato appears in Hyoma’s memories and inner reflections, often symbolizing the peace and strength Hyoma seeks to reclaim. He represents a lost ideal a Saenome who could balance duty with empathy and stands as a contrast to Hyoma’s anger and internal conflict.
Relationships
Hyoma Kunato: Hayato was Hyoma’s older brother and closest mentor. Their relationship was built on admiration and familial love. His sudden death devastated Hyoma and shaped much of his behavior, instilling a fear and hatred of tsukumogami that Hyoma struggles with throughout the series.
Kusui Kunato: Hayato’s twin sister. The two shared a deep bond and often worked together on missions. Their simultaneous death by Karakasa underscores the magnitude of the loss Hyoma experiences.
Karakasa no Tsukumogami: The tsukumogami responsible for Hayato’s death. This antagonist becomes the representation of Hyoma’s grief, rage, and inability to forgive.