Series & First Appearance
Shuu Tsukiyama, also known as the Gourmet Ghoul, first appears in the anime and manga series Tokyo Ghoul, created by Sui Ishida. His debut occurs in Chapter 44 of the manga, while he is introduced in Episode 4 of the anime adaptation.
Profile at a Glance
Shuu Tsukiyama is a 20-21 year old Gourmet Ghoul and a fourth-year student majoring in Social Welfare at Haruna Gakuin University. He is affiliated with the former Ghoul Restaurant, "MM," but later becomes prominently fixated on Ken Kaneki‘s flesh, showcasing his identity as a formidable predator. Tsukiyama’s signature abilities stem from his Koukaku RC type, allowing him to craft powerful, protective kagune that enhances his combat prowess.
Personality & Motivations
Tsukiyama embodies an eccentric blend of sophistication and savagery. He prides himself on being a gentleman, which often masks a deeply narcissistic and deranged nature. Shuu exhibits arrogance, viewing himself as a superior carnivore in the ghoul hierarchy. His interests include European literature and languages, showcasing his intellectual pursuits in his speech and manners. He seeks the most tantalizing prey while showing disdain for those who question his culinary preferences. A notable quirk is his penchant for infusing English, French, and Italian phrases into his conversations, reflecting his cultured persona. His primary motivation revolves around the pursuit of gastronomic excellence, ultimately leading to his obsession with Kaneki, whom he sees not just as a meal, but as a cherished companion.
Abilities / Powers
Tsukiyama possesses a unique Koukaku kagune, characterized by its robust and defensive nature. This kagune allows him to produce various weapons and forms to address combat situations. His physical strength and rapid recovery capabilities make him a formidable opponent against both ghouls and humans. Moreover, Tsukiyama’s refined palate grants him the ability to discern detailed nuances in flesh, enhancing his hunting strategy. However, his obsession with aesthetic and taste can lead to overthinking and vulnerability during battles, especially when he considers the emotional weight of his attacks.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Tsukiyama’s character arc is defined by multiple key events throughout the Tokyo Ghoul series:
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Meeting Kaneki: Initially, his interest in Kaneki is purely culinary, viewing him as an ideal meal. However, as they interact, Tsukiyama begins to form a genuine bond with Kaneki.
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Rize’s Influence: His troubled past includes an encounter with the ghoul Rize Kamishiro, who humiliates him regarding his picky eating habits. This humiliation cultivates a personal vendetta against her and defines his complex toward Kaneki, who he initially perceives as a means of redemption.
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Collapse after Kaneki’s Apparent Death: When Tsukiyama is led to believe that Kaneki has been killed by Arima, he falls into a state of despair, losing weight and health. This downturn highlights the depth of his emotional attachments.
- Emotional Realization in Tokyo Ghoul:re: Upon discovering that Kaneki exists as Sasaki Haise, Tsukiyama undergoes a significant transformation, shifting from viewing Kaneki solely as food to a cherished friend. His desire to restore Kaneki’s memories also reflects his growth as he finds meaning beyond nourishment.
Notable Relationships
- Ken Kaneki: Tsukiyama harbors deep, conflicting feelings for Kaneki, indicating his growth from mere obsession to genuine affection.
- Rize Kamishiro: Rize’s taunts leave a lasting impact on Tsukiyama, shaping his character through humiliation and resentment.
- Members of the Ghoul Restaurant (MM): Tsukiyama initially joins this group, but ultimately betrays them, underscoring his conflicting loyalties and personal evolution.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
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Date Scene at the Café: During an outing with Kaneki, Tsukiyama shatters a teacup in rage over Kaneki’s comments. This scene encapsulates his complex emotional state and foreshadows his unraveling obsession. It showcases both his arrogance and vulnerability (Chapter 56).
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Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Voice Actors: In the Japanese version, Shuu Tsukiyama is voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki, while the English dub features Zach Aguilar. Both actors bring distinct nuances to the character, amplifying his eccentricity and charm.
- Popularity: Tsukiyama is a fan favorite and ranks notably in popularity polls, thanks to his flamboyant personality and complex relationship with Kaneki.
- Cultural References: Tsukiyama’s character explores themes surrounding the gourmet lifestyle, often drawing parallels with artistic appreciation and narcissism, critical themes in both human and ghoul societies depicted in Tokyo Ghoul.
Shuu Tsukiyama remains an enduring and multifaceted character, embodying the intricate layers of morality, obsession, and the essence of the ghoul experience within Tokyo Ghoul.
