Hori taking care of Miyamura when he was sick.

Ichimokuren presents himself as a youthful young man, but beneath his exterior lies a history that stretches back at least 200 years—possibly even 300, given his origins as a tsukumogami. Though his exact age remains a mystery, his transformation from an object into a spirit provides a tantalizing hint at his long existence.

His striking appearance is marked by medium-length black hair that falls to his chin, artfully concealing his left eye. This intriguing feature invites speculation about whether he even possesses a left eye at all. It is this eye that grants him the ability to see far away, shrouding its actual placement in mystery. His sole visible eye, a captivating light olive, matches the color of the hidden one.

Ichimokuren’s typical outfit consists of a white and green hooded jacket layered over a black shirt, paired with black track pants adorned with an orange stripe running down each side. He completes his look with black shoes and a distinctive square metal pendant that hangs around his neck.

InTwo Mirrors, his wardrobe undergoes a transformation, featuring a white and brown jacket accented with an orange stripe through the brown sections and a light blue-gray design on the upper left. This jacket drapes over a dark blue shirt, complemented by black pants with gray stripes on the sides and eye-catching orange sneakers. The pendant remains a constant accessory.

By the time we reachThree Vessels, Ichimokuren adopts a more relaxed appearance with a white cardigan over a purple shirt embellished with a light purple design, paired with brown pants. Yet, his pendant continues to be an integral part of his look.

In his straw doll form, Ichimokuren takes on a deep blue hue, distinguished by a red string tied around his neck, adding a touch of the uncanny to his already enigmatic presence.

Ichimokuren exudes a laid-back charm, often sporting a warm smile that reflects his generally relaxed demeanor. His playful spirit shines through as he enjoys joking around, bringing a lightheartedness to the often somber atmosphere surrounding his duties. However, beneath this playful exterior lies a strong sense of justice; he is quick to react when he witnesses unacceptable behavior from humans. Unlike his fellow companions, he shows a notable concern for the well-being of their clients, sometimes forming deep connections with them. This empathy is so profound that he has considered intervening in a case, highlighting his inherent kindness and moral compass.

Despite the weight of his responsibilities, which often demand actions that may seem unjust, Ichimokuren remains obedient to Ai Enma’s orders, showcasing his loyalty to her and the cause they serve. Over the years, he has developed a fondness for his human form, revealing a hint of vanity in his demeanor on occasion. While he holds affection for Ai and the other companions, he seems to have a particular aversion to Kikuri, displaying a complex web of relationships among them.

When asked by Hone Onna about his feelings toward the group, Ichimokuren quietly expressed that he considers them family—an intimate bond that speaks to the growth he has experienced over time. Yet, despite this newfound closeness, he often chooses to remain solitary and detached, even when opportunities arise for camaraderie.

Ichimokuren’s understanding of human behavior is sometimes perplexed. He believes that logic should underpin every action, which leads to confusion when he encounters illogical or unacceptable behaviors. His introspective nature drives him to ponder various aspects of humanity and reflect on his own past. When he first met Ai, she noted that he was searching for something, to which he readily agreed. His subsequent inquiry about whether being with her would help him find it reveals his quest for understanding, yet he never clarifies what it is he seeks. This ambiguity adds depth to his character, as it suggests a journey of self-discovery still in progress.

Ichimokuren’s journey began in an unusual form—as a tsukumogami residing within a katana. This means he existed as a soul within the blade for over a century, witnessing the world through the eyes of an object wielded for personal gain rather than noble purposes. Throughout his existence as a katana, he endured the grim reality of being used for violence and death, with no freedom other than the ability to think and observe. He often found himself silently pleading for peace, wishing for the people around him to refrain from harming one another. A poignant moment came when he was poised to be drawn by a samurai intent on killing a princess; in that moment, he desperately hoped she would find a way to escape the impending doom. Tragically, his thoughts went unheard, leaving him powerless as he was thrust into a cycle of destruction.

After an indeterminate period, Ichimokuren was left stabbed into a rock near a body of water, surrounded by the fallen from a fierce battle. The circumstances of his abandonment remain a mystery—it’s unknown if his last owner was among the dead or who had left him there. However, it was in this forlorn state that Ai Enma discovered him, seemingly having sought him out with purpose.

Their encounter marked a turning point for Ichimokuren. In a brief conversation, Ai invited him to join her on her journey. Curious about her motives, he asked why she wanted him with her. Ai noted that he was searching for something, to which he readily admitted. When he inquired if being with her would help him find it, Ai responded that the answer depended on him. Feeling the weight of boredom in his lonely existence, Ichimokuren accepted her invitation. It was then that Ai bestowed upon him a new human form, transforming him into his current self.

Thus, Ichimokuren became the second of Ai’s companions. His age is suggested by his place in the timeline of Ai’s companions, joining after Wanyuudou, who is over 500 years old, and before Hone Onna, who is over 200. Coupled with the fact that he was at least 100 years old as a tsukumogami, it’s clear that he is at least 300 years old.

As one of Ai’s companions, Ichimokuren actively participates in investigating clients and their targets alongside the other companions. His unique abilities allow him to observe and listen to people from afar, even through walls and other barriers, making him an invaluable asset during investigations. When working undercover, he often adopts aliases, choosing between “Moku” and “Ichimokuren Ishimoto.” This practice helps maintain his anonymity, as his true name is distinctive and not typically associated with humans.

InThree Vessels, following Ai’s death, Ichimokuren initially found solace in a peaceful life as a janitor at a sentō. However, his quiet existence was disrupted when Yamawaro approached him on Kikuri’s orders, proclaiming that Ai had returned. Subsequently, he took on the role of a science teacher at Yuzuki Mikage’s school in Saigawara City. Near the season’s end, Ichimokuren and Hone Onna chose to distance themselves from Yuzuki, who had temporarily assumed the role of Hell Girl. Instead of aiding her, they set off in search of Tsugumi Shibata, suspecting that Tsugumi’s departure from Saigawara City was linked to her desire to alter Yuzuki’s fate—a mission that ultimately failed, prompting her to leave. Ultimately, Ichimokuren returned to his role as Ai’s companion once again after her resurrection as Hell Girl.

Traveling Between the Normal World and the Realm of Eternal Twilight: Ichimokuren possesses the rare ability to traverse between the normal world and the enigmatic Realm of Eternal Twilight. He shares this unique capability with Ai, Kikuri, and the other companions, as well as the master of hell.

Magical Clothing Change: When investigating clients or antagonists of Ai’s service, Ichimokuren can magically alter his clothing. This power allows him to adapt his appearance as needed, enhancing his ability to blend into different situations.

Memory Manipulation: Ichimokuren can create illusions within the minds of others, leading them to believe he is someone specific or that they have known him for a long time. This ability is particularly useful for gathering information or evading detection.

Straw Doll Transformation:At Ai’s request, Ichimokuren can transform into a straw doll, similar to his fellow companions. In this form, he appears dark blue, with a red string tied around his neck. He typically kisses his pendant before making this transformation, signifying his connection to his powers.

Large Eye Projection: One of Ichimokuren’s most intriguing abilities is the creation of a large eye projection onto any surface. This eye resembles his own but is ethereal, lacking physical substance. When he projects this eye, he closes his own, suggesting that he may be sending his essence to observe distant events. Through this projection, he can see and hear anything from afar, penetrating walls and other barriers. He can also manipulate what others perceive, making them seen and heard at will. Additionally, the eye can emit intense flashes of light, which he sometimes uses to instill fear.

Teleportation:Ichimokuren has demonstrated the ability to teleport, vanishing and reappearing at will. This power appears to be linked to his large eye projection. On one occasion, he teleported by projecting the eye onto his forehead and unleashing a brilliant burst of light. During his teleportation, he is enveloped in a small whirlwind, adding an impressive visual element to his ability.

Athleticism: Ichimokuren exhibits exceptional athleticism, boasting impressive stamina and speed. His physical capabilities surpass those of an average human, allowing him to run at extraordinary speeds and jump to great heights. He has also shown proficiency in hand-to-hand combat, effortlessly dispatching a heavily built opponent with a single kick.