jakotsuto

[jakotsuto]

you just simply cannot convince me that bankotsu has had sex before. when would he have had the time??? as soon as he seemingly could, he got a big sword and went on a murder quest.

him calling Kikyou “beautiful” was followed directly by him asking if she wants to fight him. he’s evil but not like, sleazy. I don’t think he was sleeping around.

“Bankotsu’s the only man who’d say ‘do you wanna see my sword’ to a woman and it’s a threat instead of a come-on.” — my sister

[jakotsuto]

I was on the InuYasha wikia, on Jakotsu’s page, and I noticed this,

Height.

I checked Bankotsu’s page, and noticed he’s listed as 5’6– and thought, there’s definitely more than 4 inches between their heights

I checked Kagome’s page, too, and surprisingly— she actually has a height listed and sourced.

So is Inuyasha’s,

And he’s listed as 5’6, so allegedly the same height as Bankotsu.

But, the animation art book,

They are clearly not the same height. So, if we go by Inuyasha and Kagome’s wikia-sourced heights, and I put them on Procreate with a small grid,

There are 6 cubes between Inuyasha and Kagome’s height here, so these cubes should act as the equivalent of an inch(?)

Meaning, that provided the wikia’s sourced heights for InuKag have any actual bearing (I am currently unable to verify), the actual heights should look more like this.

[jakotsuto]

Y’know, I actually have mutuals to tag for once, so…

@chickenstilldancing @feudalmerengue @mrmathmanwr @miasmicdemon

I feel like I haven’t seen one of these in forever. Do people still make these?

When I was 11-ish, I was obsessed with these birthday games for various fandoms. I was going some old files the other day, and found the one I had made for InuYasha. It, did not hold up particularly well.

At the suggestion of my friend, I made an updated one.

Reblog w/ what you got in the tags. I got: I murder Ginta & Hakkaku, my motivations are really obvious but no one wants to address them, and I blame Naraku for this? 😭

[jakotsuto]

”Sesshomaru never did anything fatherly for Rin” wdym??? he literally “hired” a nanny to watch her.

[jakotsuto]

This is the old version of this. I made this one when I was about 11ish, and unlike the new version, it was… biased, to say the least.

[jakotsuto]

every single time in my life I’ve ever tried to start a reblog game, I’ve failed. I don’t understand 😔

[jakotsuto]

I feel like I haven’t seen one of these in forever. Do people still make these?

When I was 11-ish, I was obsessed with these birthday games for various fandoms. I was going some old files the other day, and found the one I had made for InuYasha. It, did not hold up particularly well.

At the suggestion of my friend, I made an updated one.

Reblog w/ what you got in the tags. I got: I murder Ginta & Hakkaku, my motivations are really obvious but no one wants to address them, and I blame Naraku for this? 😭

[jakotsuto]

throw me a bone

now throw me another one

excellent

[jakotsuto]

if you think I’m getting over this anytime soon you’re wrong

[jakotsuto]

to me, these are clones

[jakotsuto]

this is my least favourite of the animations I made, but since I don’t go in the tags, I have no way of knowing if it’s been done before and needed to make sure it was

[jakotsuto]

Analysis: Jakotsu, The Selfless Mercenary?

Out of all the traits that separate Jakotsu from the other members of the Band of Seven is his established lack of greed.

Renkotsu takes note of this when Jakotsu very casually says he handed the jewel shard to Bankotsu without protest. To Renkotsu this would seem absurd, but to Jakotsu it was the obvious choice.

We can’t truly judge Jakotsu lacking greed by this, though, because Jakotsu doesn’t want the jewel shards.

Throughout the BO7 arc, Jakotsu never once expresses interest in obtaining more jewel shards. He’s even quick to let Mukotsu take them as long as it means he gets Inuyasha.

Not only does he not desire them, he’s downright nonchalant about their existence. However, this itself isn’t entirely unique; Ginkotsu and Suikotsu also never express any interest in jewel shards. For Ginkotsu, this is because he doesn’t talk at all. His personality is limited and anime exclusive. Meanwhile Suikotsu’s main concern is sticking to one personality. 

Jakotsu doesn’t desire power, period.

Bankotsu and Renkotsu are the most notable seekers of power among the seven, but Kyoukotsu and Mukotsu are also shown desiring more jewel shards for their own self-gain.

Jakotsu is actively disinterested in the shards. His only concern is keeping the one he currently has and the life it’s giving him.

He’s very content with the level of power he currently has. Even if there are battles he can’t win, he doesn’t take that as a personal fault.

The thing he actually desires, and notably “gives up” multiple times when ordered to is Inuyasha.

Jakotsu throws a tantrum when Renkotsu tells him he’s sent Ginkotsu after Inuyasha, citing Inuyasha as his prey. Battling Inuyasha is his ultimate goal and prize.

He wants to fight Inuyasha more than he wants to stay alive. And yet, Jakotsu obeys Renkotsu’s orders both times it’s given (in regards to Koga and Suikotsu respectively.)

The way Jakotsu reacts when Bankotsu also orders him away from Inuyasha and decides to take Inuyasha as his own battle varies from manga to anime, but it’s still ultimately obedient.

In the manga, he reacts to this sadly. There are tears in his eyes, and he genuinely looks sad.

In the anime, he reacts to this with annoyance and frustration.

When Bankotsu says that he plans to fight Inuyasha, Jakotsu sighs, resigned.

During Bankotsu and Inuyasha’s first battle, Suikotsu takes Miroku and Ren/Gin take Koga & Kagome on, and Jakotsu says this:

All that’s left for Jakotsu to fight is Sango. Since Jakotsu is the only one who specifically has preferences for fighting men, it’s a blatant disregard of his feelings, but even though Jakotsu ranks higher than Suikotsu, he doesn’t try and switch opponents with Suikotsu. 

This is a recurring theme,

This clip from their flashback also implies that Bankotsu doesn’t always take Jakotsu’s feelings into consideration and “hoards” opponents.

Jakotsu is constantly giving up what he wants for the other members, if they’re not outright taking it from him like Mukotsu did when he interrupted his battle with Inuyasha. Renkotsu might’ve chosen the wrong piece of evidence to draw the conclusion, but the rest of the canon does back it up. 

[jakotsuto]

you’d think after all this time, that it wouldn’t need to be said.

[jakotsuto]

Abarero!! 04 Monologue & Message - Japanese Transcription (04 モノローグ&メッセージ)

This is a transcription of the bonus track from the Abarero!! CD done by the wonderful Yui N.

English translation available here.

「七人隊の弟分も全員討死だ 弔い合戦させてもらうぜ」 蛮骨役の草尾毅でした。

えー、皆さん、今回はですね えー、このCDを聞いていただいてありがとうございました。 えー、曲の印象を言えと言うことなんですが、あのー、蛇骨の折笠愛さんと、まぁ、初のデュエットということで、えー、キーがですね、この女性も出るようにということで、若干この微妙なえっと、音程とかもたくさんありまして、えー、でもですね、この曲の雰囲気ですとか、そういったものをえー、壊さずに尚且つこの蛮骨らしさをえー、何処に散りばめていこうかということが楽しくもあり、非常に難しくもありという、そういうえー、レコーディングでございました。 みなさん聴いていただいてですね、どんな感想を持たれましたでしょうか？ えー、こちらの宛先まで、宛先出てねーよって、すみません引かないでください。まだ引かないでくださいね。えー、感想をね、教えていただけたらと思います。 えー、この蛮骨というキャラクターの印象ということなんですけれども、えー、原作は、犬夜叉はですね、あのー、毎回じゃないんですけれどもたまにあのー、読んだりしておりまして、で、まぁ蛮骨が出てきた時にですね、非常に魅力的なキャラクターだなと。まぁ、額にこうバッテンの傷があったりですね、いうところも含めて印象的で魅力的なキャラクターだななんて思っていたので、まぁ自分がそれをね、演じられることになってですね、あのー、非常にプレッシャーと、えー、やるぞっていう気持ちを持っていたこと���、で、まぁ相手が山口勝平くんじゃないですか。 まぁその辺も含めましてですね、楽しみにスタジオに行くのが非常に楽しみだった、えー、という記憶がありますね。 で、まぁ残念ながら、えー、途中でやられてしまって、もう出てこないんですけれども、逆にその、終わりがあることがね、非常にこの、蛮骨らしいというか、あのー、よくありがちなパターンでは弟でしたとか双子の兄弟がいたとかっていうね、アニメではよくあるんですけれども、えー、そういうことがなく、潔くこう、終わっているところがまた、この蛮骨の魅力ではないかということで、非常にあの、思い出深いキャラクターの1つになっています。 で、1番思い出に残っているシーンは何かということなんですけれども、えーっと、銀骨、戦車の。銀骨にとまった蝶をですね、こう、捕まえて、こう、逃がしてあげるところ。 で、あれは非常に、こう、蛮骨の優しさをということではなく、きっとこの人は何も考えていないんだろうなと、ただたまたまその時はそういう気分だったぞっていう、あのー、脳みそまで結構筋肉の、体育会系っていうようなね、雰囲気も無きにしも非ずなので、あのー、美しく、綺麗なシーンなんですけど、こう、セリフで語るような、余計なことをせずにこう、見ている人が色々なことを想像できるような、そんなシーンにね、仕上がっていたのがとっても印象でしたね。 あとはその、犬夜叉との最終決戦ですか。これはもう、原作の漫画でもそうだと思うんですけれども、アニメの方でも、えー、山口くんと非常に色々相談しながら、また己のこの魂のぶつかり合いといった、えー、といったことができたのではないかと非常に僕も思い出に残っていますので、えー、ぜひですね、あのー、またちょっとこのCDを聴いた後にDVDなど見返していただけたら嬉しいかなと思います。 で、あのー、ファンの方へ向けてメッセージをキャラクターでくれということなんで、あのー、蛮骨らしくなかったらごめんなさいなんで、最初にこうやって断りを入れとくのが小物ですね、草尾のね、すみませんね。いきます、

初めがありゃ、終わりがあろうな 俺たちあっちでも俺たちらしくあばれてやっから おめぇらもおめぇらしく もっともっと強くなってみせろ 縁があったら、また会おうぜ

というわけで蛮骨役の草尾毅でした。

アニキと俺のデュエット曲どうだった なんつーか、お前、CD買ってくれてありがとなー 犬夜叉には負けるけど、俺好みのスタッフがさー、 司会しろっつーんだよ 折笠愛に質問しろってんだ あー、めんどくせぇな まー、けど、買ってくれたお前のために いっちょ、質問つーやつをやってみるか とも思ったけどよ、はー、自分で進めてくれや、折笠愛 というわけで、恥ずかしい… えー、蛇骨役の折笠愛です。

いやー、あの、たった今レコーディング終わりました。 ほやほやでございます。湯気��たっております、このマイク。 えー、蛮骨とね、蛇骨の2人が弥次さん喜多さんの珍道中のようにですね、ハチャメチャなこう、楽しい旅なんかしている、そんなこう、イメージで朝日を背に受けて荒れ野をこう、ガンガン、ガシガシ歩いている感じの曲だなーなんてこう、勝手に思いながら、えー、歌ってみました。 えー、みなさん、どんな風に聴いてくれたんでしょうか？ 七人隊の中で唯一私だけが女性ということでね、最初は良いんですかねって皆さんにお聞きしたんですけど、まぁ私としてはちょっと戸惑いもあったんですけれども、回を重ねる毎に蛇骨のおバカだけど一途で愛らしいそのキャラクターが大好きになっていきました。彼の可愛らしさや無邪気なところ、こう、表現すればするほど蛇骨の残虐性っていうんですか、悲しさが出せるんじゃないかなーと思って、そして女性にしか出せない役作りがあるんじゃないかなーなんて思って頑張ってみました。 えー、しかしあれですね、あのー、あんな簡単な足し算ができなくて良いんですかね、蛇骨は。良いんでしょうかね？1＋1はえー、3とかなんとか、そんなこと言ってましたよね？確かね？ 「犬夜叉ー」っていうセリフも私は好きだったですね。 あのー、ファンの方も結構好きだって言ってくださる方がいるんですけれども、えー、あの言い回しっていうのは絵を見ていたら自然と出てきたっていう、そういう言い回しなんですね。えー、あとそうですね、「まぁいいか、結構楽しんだしな…」なんて、死んでいくシーンありましたよね。 あそこは結構、私としては印象深いところでしたね、はい。 まぁ、放送が終わって随分経った今でも、ファンの方達からこう、メッセージなんかいただくんですが、本当に、本当に、ありがたいと思っています。本当に感謝してます。そして、えー、蛇骨という役を演じられて本当に良かったなと出会いに感謝しています。この場を借りて、スタッフの皆さん、そしてファンの皆さんにお礼を申し上げたいと思います。好きでいてくれてありがとうね。 えー、それじゃあ、蛇骨さん、あのー、そんなところでスタッフなんか口説いてないで、ね？最後にきちんと皆さんにお礼を言いましょうか。

「犬夜叉のファンの皆様、七人隊を好きでいてくれるあなた、蛇骨を骨まで好きなおめぇ、へへ、ありがとな！」

[jakotsuto]

Abarero!! Bonus Track: Monologue & Message - English Translation

Since I bought the CD awhile ago... Feels fitting to post this around the same time as my Abarero!! analysis.

This is a translation of the bonus track from the Abarero!! CD done by the wonderful Yui N. According to her, the original has a radio-like tone, which she did her best to reflect in the text.

Japanese transcription available here.

[Takeshi Kusao] “All the younger members of the Band of Seven are dead, too. Time for a revenge match.” This has been Takeshi Kusao, voice of Bankotsu.

Uh, so… everyone, thanks a lot for listening to this CD. They asked me to talk about my impression of the song. Well, this was my first duet with Ai Orikasa, who plays Jakotsu, and because she’s a woman, the key had to be set for her range. So yeah, there were a lot of subtle pitch shifts to work around.

But even with that, I wanted to make sure I didn’t break the vibe of the song, and at the same time, I had to figure out where and how to sprinkle in a bit of “Bankotsu-ness.” That part was fun—but also really tough. That’s the kind of recording session it turned out to be.

So… what did you all think after listening? If you’ve got any feedback—uh, wait, I don’t think they gave an address to send it to. Sorry, don’t tune out yet! Not just yet, okay? But yeah, if you feel like it, let us know what you thought.

As for my impression of Bankotsu as a character… I didn’t read Inuyasha every week, but I did check in from time to time. And when Bankotsu appeared, I remember thinking, “Whoa, what a cool character.” That big X-shaped scar on his forehead and all… He really left a strong impression. So when I found out I’d be playing him, it came with both a lot of pressure and a strong sense of “Alright, let’s do this.”

And hey, my opponent was none other than Kappei Yamaguchi. So yeah, going to the studio was something I always looked forward to.

Unfortunately, Bankotsu gets taken out partway through and doesn’t come back. But you know, I think that’s what made him feel so… Bankotsu. A lot of anime fall into those tropes—“He was the younger brother!” or “Turns out he had a twin!” But Bankotsu? No gimmicks. He just went out with dignity. And I think that clean ending is part of what made him such a memorable character for me.

My most memorable scene? That would be… the one with Ginkotsu—the tank guy. There’s that scene where a butterfly lands on him, and Bankotsu catches it… then lets it fly away. It wasn’t really meant to show his kindness or anything. I think he just wasn’t thinking at all in that moment. That’s the kind of guy he is—maybe even a bit of a meathead, all brawn and no brain.

Still, it turned into this beautiful, wordless scene that really left an impression on me. The kind where you don’t need dialogue—just watch and feel. The audience can take away whatever they want from it.

And of course, the final battle with Inuyasha. That was a big one. I think the manga handled it well, and the anime did too. Kappei and I had a lot of discussions leading up to it, and we really poured our souls into it. It left a strong mark on me, so if you have time, I’d be super happy if you revisited those episodes again—maybe after listening to this CD.

Oh, and they asked me to give a message to the fans in character. Just in case it doesn’t sound Bankotsu-like enough… I’m gonna make my disclaimer now. Man, that makes me sound like such a small-time guy. Sorry about that.

Alright, here goes:

[Takeshi Kusao as Bankotsu]

“Where there’s a beginning, there’s an end. We’ll keep tearing things up on the other side too, just like always. You guys better keep getting stronger—your way. And if fate allows it… we’ll meet again.”

[Takeshi Kusao as himself]

This has been Takeshi Kusao, voice of Bankotsu.

[Ai Orikasa, as Jakotsu]

So, what’d you think of the duet between me and Aniki, huh? I mean, thanks for buying the CD and all. We might’ve lost to Inuyasha, but the staff—who totally get my vibe—told me to host this segment and ask Ai Orikasa a bunch of questions. Ugh… what a pain, right?

But hey, since you bought the CD, maybe I’ll give this whole “interview” thing a shot— …Nah, forget it. I’m leaving it to you, Ai Orikasa!

[Ai Orikasa, as herself]

Ugh, so embarrassing… Hi, this is Ai Orikasa, voice of Jakotsu.

So yeah—just finished recording. Like, just now. This mic is still steaming! This song? I imagined it like a wild, chaotic road trip, with Bankotsu and Jakotsu as a crazy duo, kinda like Yaji and Kita from the old travel tales. They’re storming through the wilderness with the sunrise at their backs—that kind of image came to mind as I sang it.

How did it sound to you all?

I was the only woman in the Band of Seven, so at first I was like, “Is this really okay?” I had some doubts. But as I kept playing the role, I totally fell in love with Jakotsu—this sweet, silly, and loyal character.

The more I tried to express his adorable and innocent sides, the more I felt I could bring out his cruelty and sadness, too. I started thinking, maybe there’s a kind of performance only a woman could give. That really motivated me.

…But seriously, is it really okay that Jakotsu can’t do simple math? I mean, didn’t he say “1 + 1 = 3” or something like that? Yeah, I’m pretty sure he did.

I also loved the way I said “Inuyashaaa!” Some fans told me they really liked it too. That delivery just kinda came naturally when I saw the art and animation.

Also, there’s that scene where he dies and says, “Oh well, I had fun.” That one really stuck with me.

Even now, long after the show ended, I still get messages from fans. I’m truly, deeply grateful for that. I really feel lucky to have played Jakotsu, and I’m thankful for the role and the people I got to work with. So I’d like to take this chance to say thank you—to the staff and to all of you fans.

Thanks for loving Jakotsu.

Alright, Jakotsu—stop trying to flirt with the staff, okay? Let’s finish this properly.

[Ai Orikasa as Jakotsu]

To all the Inuyasha fans out there— To those who loved the Band of Seven— And to you, who loved Jakotsu down to the bone… Hehe… thanks a lot!

[jakotsuto]

Abarero!! Lyric Analysis

Compaion piece: Band of Seven Analyses and Speculation: Bankotsu’s past

In this analysis, I will be doing a breakdown on the meaning of Abarero!!, the character single of Bankotsu and Jakotsu. Abarero!! Also happens to be the only character single that is a full duet.

I paid multiple people on Fiverr to translate this song, including the lovely Yui N, who was able to provide a breakdown of what the word’s mean at my request. She also instantly recognized the song as being from Inuyasha, as she’s a fan! 

So a special thank-you to Yui N. If you need anything translated from Japanese into English, I definitely recommend hiring her.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the analysis.

Starting with Verse 1,

Now, the meaning of this verse is pretty simple to see, and instantly tells us about Bankotsu. He doesn’t want to waste his time following a path someone else picked out for him— which lends well to my “Bankotsu was conscripted” theory. But it’d be a shame not to include the wonderful breakdown Yui N did.

To paraphrase, Bankotsu believes independence and free-thinking is always the better option, even if that path is ugly. 

With that in mind, I think it’s important to remember that independence was the reason why the Band of Seven was hunted down to begin with— the lords of the region didn’t care about the atrocities they committed, they cared that they were strong and unaligned with any one lord. 

So in that sense, their independence did lead somewhere ugly— but nonetheless, Bankotsu still preferred to choose his own path.

The second verse is from Jakotsu’s perspective,

You may notice that the “I” and “We” pronouns vary translation-to-translation. 

I asked Yui N who the song implied Jakotsu was hugging tightly, whether it was life or Bankotsu. This is what she said,

With that in mind, this verse says that Bankotsu and Jakotsu are in this together. It also implies that even though survival is a goal of theirs, they aren’t the type who can sit idly and live peaceful lives. The chorus gives us an insight into why,

They both share a common standpoint: There’s no point in trying to be good, because everything sucks anyway.

Their view seems, essentially, that it doesn’t really matter what they do because, as described in the song, they see the war as endless. If the war is endless, there’s no point in fighting it as a soldier. If the war is endless, then any peaceful life they might aim for would just be taken from them.

The war and tragedy is endless, so why should they bother with it?

Verse 3 is from Bankotsu’s perspective, and it outright tells us something that’s already been implied,

The phrase “hot blood” seems to be similar to how people say “fire in [one’s] [belly/veins/blood/under the skin, etc]” which is used to express an almost restless fiery passion. I take it to mean something along the lines of, Bankotsu (and Jakotsu) are individuals who have that certain something itching underneath their skin that urges them to fight, to move, to do something for the adrenaline. By nature, they’re fighters.

Bankotsu’s “don’t preach to me” line is very interesting since with how it’s usually translated, it seems like Bankotsu is moreso saying that he won’t listen to your preaching about morals and whatnot, that it’s pointless.

What’s more interesting is what Yui N had to say about the translation,

So, it may also hold a meaning of “don’t bother preaching to the dead because they can’t hear you and can’t be saved/it won’t help them”, or something along those lines.

Verse 4 is from Jakotsu’s perspective, and it’s one of the most confusing verses because of how most translated it, so I paid additional people to translate exclusively this line before Yui N translated it,

The old wikia translation was what initially enticed me to further analyze this line because it seems very telling. And in a lot of ways, it does capture the meaning of the line. 

The thing that confused me about this, was finding that the original translations of this line were incorrect and the word was “delicate” rather than “beautiful”, which meant the phrase was “delicate eyes” and raised a question. 

Unless Jakotsu is reflecting on the fragility of eyeballs, it likely refers to a soft glance/expression. Regardless of the translation of “zaregoto” it implies levity. Combined, I think it’s meant to imply flirting. Soft looks and playful banter.

But then he conveys that said glances and words can turn into hidden weapons, and regardless of intention can hurt someone deeply, leaving them scarred.

It hints at a “nothing is truly innocent, everything can hurt you” mindset, and somewhat of a bleak look on love.

This line alongside a few subtle moments in the anime says to me that Jakotsu has had or observed some failed romances in his past that have left him with this viewpoint. I feel like Jakotsu acknowledging this, in-song, says he’s no longer willing to put his feelings at risk because it’s not worth it.

In a lot of ways, these lines (and Yui N’s explanation of the translation) are self explanatory.

They also bring in a sense of freedom here, which feeds nicely to the independence Bankotsu favours.

That’s my short analysis. A huge thank you to Yui N, again.

[jakotsuto]

Band of Seven Analyses and Speculation: Bankotsu’s past

For the other members of the BO7, here.

Companion piece: Abarero!! Lyric Analysis

Despite being the leader of the band of seven, Bankotsu’s backstory is left largely up to speculation. However, I think there are a few key moments that hint towards how he ended up where he did.

Most of these moments are revealed during his fights with Inuyasha. Directly before telling him how he met Naraku, he says this:

Inuyasha: So you’re old pals, then?

Bankotsu: Ha! I don’t befriend demons.

Bankotsu is established to have little to no moral compass. What he values in an ally and opponent is the same: strength. He’ll fight alongside anyone if they’re strong enough, regardless of their quirks or ideologies. Plenty of humans in the series have shown a prejudice towards demons, but those are usually humans who are weak and/or ill-prepared for battle. To me, that suggests a jealous resentment or personal history.

Bankotsu: Back then, I was always looking for a challenge. Always looking for strong opponents to beat.

Bankotsu: I didn’t care if they were demons, as long as they were strong.

Bankotsu: If you’re telling me you’re strong, then I wish to fight you.

Naraku: Oh? You want to test your strength?

Bankotsu: One like you who possessed demonic powers from the moment he was born couldn’t possibly understand!

Another example of his bias:

Bankotsu: Humans can’t possess demon powers, and I didn’t care for spiritual powers. And I wasn’t born with the power of the divine!

Bankotsu: I always thought that to become powerful, you had to make yourself stronger. However, there was one other way. And that’s to put power into an object.

Inuyasha: You were resurrected by Sacred Jewel shards, all right, but you’re still human. That sword is surrounded by a demonic aura— get rid of it for your own good!

Bankotsu: Go to hell, half-breed! 

Bankotsu: A demon could never understand my desires! 

Bankotsu: Or maybe you think you understand because you’re half-demon, is that it?!

Bankotsu: You can’t understand man’s world, where strength is your only hope of survival!

This line establishes Bankotsu as someone who might’ve started his quest for strength out of fear— a stark contrast to his confident demeanour and attitude.

He feels like demons, with their inherent strength, have an undeniable leg-up over humans and he resentfully believes that a demon couldn’t understand him because of it. He’s stubbornly against believing that Inuyasha could relate, and I think it scares him to think he could.

He and Inuyasha have a lot of similarities, but Inuyasha never threw away his morality in exchange for survival. He stuck to it and survived anyway, never completely compromising on it. Bankotsu was not so lucky.

A theme that comes up during the Band of Seven arc is conscription. Specifically, it comes up in Bankotsu’s debut episode.

One thing Bankotsu cares deeply about, as well, is choosing your own path. Making your own choices. 

In the English subtitles, Jakotsu’s line to Bankotsu here is: “I thought you never wanted to listen to samurai again.”

This implies that Bankotsu was in the military— quite possibly because he was conscripted.

My theory is either his village or family were hurt by demons, giving him an admiration and fear of demonic powers and a desire to be strong enough to survive, then he was conscripted into the military to fight in the war. Bankotsu didn’t care about the cause and wasn’t interested in dying for someone else’s fight, so he deserted. 

(I’d also like to note that the reason I believe Bankotsu most likely had a good relationship with his parents is he is very comfortable expressing his emotions and is surprisingly level-headed. In contrast to his character foil, Inuyasha, the loss of his village/family wouldn’t mean being shunned completely, which is where they differ.)

Still, he’s not the type to be able to live a quiet life, and sought out battles looking for a challenge so he could feel alive, and more importantly, feel like he was strong enough. Seemingly along the way, he met the like-minded Jakotsu. The two formed a friendship, got matching names, and decided to get tattoos together. Normal bestie activities, obviously.

Despite the fact Bankotsu is a villain, there’s one thing he values above all else, even power— friendship. 

Bankotsu: The difference is, I would never betray my friends.

Power and his life comes second in this regard. When Bankotsu goes to fight Inuyasha, he isn’t expecting to survive.

Bankotsu: This will be the final battle of the Band of Seven.

And true, Inuyasha didn’t kill any members of the Band of Seven, so it’s a questionable choice that Bankotsu chooses him as his final battle for vengeance. But I think it’s more of a symbolic gesture than a literal one, as well as just Bankotsu being somewhat petty.

Because he’s jealous of Inuyasha. Inuyasha is essentially his character foil, and he feels threatened by that. Moreso, he’s also jealous that Jakotsu likes Inuyasha— at least in the manga.

(In the interest of not repeating myself, I suggest you read my post on tumblr on why this panel indicates jealousy.)

While Bankotsu has accepted that their second life is impermanent, he still mourns his friends and comrades. Most noticeably Jakotsu, but he also seems to have buried Kyoukotsu and Mukotsu, as implied by this scene.

Which, given Kyoukotsu’s size, shows incredible dedication to his friends. He has a drink in their honour and reflects.

I bring this up to show Bankotsu’s dedication to his friends establishes him as a loyal person (though he does threaten Renkotsu, but that’s because he’s aware of Renkotsu’s shady behaviour) who, despite recognizing from the get-go that their second life is temporary, is still bummed out by the loss of his friends. After killing Renkotsu, he even remarks that it’s sad he’s the only one left.

Which means he was likely extremely devastated when they were initially killed. (see: this separate analysis where I touch on that briefly)

This could very well mean that if Bankotsu did have people he loved and lost, like his family, that he wouldn’t have been able to move on. The fact he doesn’t believe in the afterlife means that he never would’ve been comforted by the “they’re at peace” mentality. 

Bankotsu: I have no interest in the so-called other worlds. I do as I please with no fear of the afterlife!

Kikyou: You say that to convince yourself, don’t you? Pathetic.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking moment we see with Bankotsu is this scene,

Bankotsu never felt like he was strong enough. He wanted to prove to himself that he was, or that he could become it. But in the end, it didn’t work out for him. He died alone, without his friends, still fearing the afterlife and knowing nothing waited for him.