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Shichika Yasuri

Shichika Yasuri (鑢 七花, Yasuri Shichika), is the male protagonist of the anime Katanagatari. He is the seventh head of the Kyotōryū school of Japanese sword martial arts, a highly revered martial art that focuses on the use of one’s body as a weapon, forgoing traditional swords. Shichika is the son of Mutsue Yasuri and Migiri Yasuri, and the younger brother of Nanami Yasuri. He begins his journey as a skilled martial artist who, despite his incredible talents, lacks the understanding of the broader world beyond his secluded home.

Throughout Katanagatari, Shichika’s character evolves from a naive and seemingly simple figure into a sharp, emotionally complex protagonist, learning not only about the world around him but also about love, loyalty, and the responsibilities that come with his heritage. His role as the seventh head of the Kyotōryū and his growth over the course of the series define his character arc, making him a central figure in the story.

Background

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Appearance in Anime

Shichika Yasuri was born into the Yasuri family, known for their legacy of martial arts, particularly Kyotōryū. His father, Mutsue Yasuri, was the sixth head of the school, and his mother, Migiri Yasuri, played an important role in shaping his early upbringing. Shichika grew up in seclusion on an isolated island with his family, where he was taught the ways of the Kyotōryū martial art.

Unlike most traditional martial arts schools, Kyotōryū does not use any weapon other than the practitioner’s own body, which makes it unique and formidable. Shichika’s upbringing was one of discipline, but also one that kept him from the complexities of the outside world. As the younger brother of Nanami, a more conventional fighter, Shichika grew up in the shadow of his family’s expectations, though his own growth and journey would soon take him far beyond the island that shaped his youth.

Shichika’s journey begins when he is recruited by Togame, a strategist working for the shogunate, to help retrieve twelve powerful swords known as the Deviant Blades. As a fighter with the abilities of the Kyotōryū, Shichika is the perfect candidate to help in this mission. This marks the start of his adventure, as he begins to travel the world, learning more about himself, his family legacy, and the many individuals he meets along the way.

Photo Section with Captions

Appearance

Shichika Yasuri has a simple yet distinctive appearance. He is a tall, lean young man with long, straight black hair that he typically wears loose, often covering part of his face. His eyes are sharp and intense, reflecting his internal growth and the lessons he learns throughout the series. His facial features, while not as striking as some other characters, convey a certain gentleness, which contrasts with his strength and skill in combat.

He is usually seen wearing a basic outfit, typically a long robe that reflects his martial arts background and his lifestyle as someone who values simplicity. His clothing is practical for his travels and his swordsmanship, with minimal decoration. Shichika’s overall appearance is humble, reinforcing his personality as someone who does not seek attention but is incredibly skilled and strong nonetheless.

Personality

Shichika Yasuri is initially portrayed as a rather simple and naive character, having spent much of his life isolated from the world. He has little knowledge of the complexities of society, and his view of the world is shaped by his upbringing in the Kyotōryū martial arts tradition. His personality is kind-hearted, honest, and direct, and he often acts without the consideration of societal norms or expectations.

Despite his initially simple demeanor, Shichika is a deeply emotional and introspective character. Over time, as he embarks on his journey with Togame, Shichika becomes more self-aware and starts to grow emotionally, learning to confront his past, his feelings for others, and his role as the seventh head of the Kyotōryū. His bond with Togame is a major part of his development, as their relationship evolves from that of a master and servant to something deeper and more complicated.

One of Shichika’s defining traits is his loyalty, particularly towards Togame, and his determination to protect those he cares about. He may not always understand the complexities of the world, but he approaches challenges with sincerity and resolve, making him a reliable and noble protagonist.

Role in the Story

The Swordless Swordfighter: Shichika’s journey begins when Togame arrives on Fushou Island seeking a powerful warrior. Unlike others she tried to recruit, Shichika’s complete loyalty and swordless combat made him the perfect partner. Together, they begin traveling Japan to retrieve the twelve Deviant Blades, weapons each protected by powerful and unique wielders.

Emotional Awakening: Throughout the quest, Shichika engages in battles that test not only his Kyotōryū skills, but also his moral compass and emotional growth. His encounters with the blade holders gradually reshape his understanding of strength, justice, and relationships. Togame’s intellect and vulnerability, in particular, challenge his loyalty to mere commands and push him toward deeper emotional awareness.

Love, Loss, and Resolve: As he falls in love with Togame, Shichika begins making choices for himself, rather than simply obeying. However, tragedy strikes near the end of the journey, when Togame is killed after uncovering the true purpose behind their mission. Devastated, Shichika turns his fully realized strength not toward revenge, but toward ending the corrupt system that used both of them. In a final battle, he confronts his last opponent and walks away, not as a weapon, but as a man who has truly lived.

Relationships

Togame: Togame is Shichika’s partner, strategist, and ultimately, his first love. Their relationship evolves from cold professionalism to deep emotional intimacy. Togame’s influence allows Shichika to grow beyond his role as a weapon. Her death leaves a permanent mark on him and becomes the catalyst for his final transformation.

Nanami Yasuri: Nanami is Shichika’s older sister, a genius martial artist who far surpasses him in talent. Despite appearing weak and sickly, she is frighteningly powerful. Their bond is a mix of love, fear, and rivalry. Their eventual battle is tragic, as it pits Shichika’s growth against his own sister’s suffering and detachment from life.

Mutsue Yasuri: Shichika’s father and the previous head of Kyotōryū, Mutsue was a legendary swordsman who instilled the discipline and techniques of their family style in his son. Though long deceased, his legacy and philosophy guide Shichika’s early development.

Trivia

    • Shichika’s name contains the kanji for “seven” (七), as he is the seventh head of the Kyotōryū school.
      • Despite being a swordsman, Shichika never uses a sword, staying true to Kyotōryū’s philosophy of becoming the sword himself.
      • His fighting style is a blend of martial arts and animalistic movement, allowing him to take down supernatural weapons with his bare hands.
      • He undergoes one of the most drastic character evolutions in the series, changing from an emotionless tool to a person capable of love, grief, and agency.
      • His signature outfit’s yellow belt has the kanji for “sword” (刀), an intentional irony in a series about collecting swords.

    Legacy

      • Shichika Yasuri stands as one of anime’s most unique takes on the swordsman archetype a man who fights without a blade, and learns the meaning of strength through emotion rather than power. Katanagatari is both a road trip and a love story, and Shichika’s transformation lies at its heart.
        • His development from a loyal, directionless weapon to a man capable of independent thought and love marks one of the most nuanced character arcs in anime. Shichika’s final choice to walk away from the cycle of violence and power cements him as a subversive and deeply human protagonist, making him a standout figure in the genre of action and romance alike.