TV-Series
Description
Yakumo Saitō exhibits heterochromia: his right eye typically appears brown or green, while his left eye is bright crimson red with a slitted pupil. This unique eye enables him to perceive ghosts and spirits, leading him to conceal it with a contact lens. He stands tall with fair skin and short, spiky brown hair—depicted as black in certain manga adaptations. His attire consistently features a disheveled white button-down shirt paired with dark blue jeans or pants.
Blunt, sarcastic, and socially withdrawn, Yakumo displays a cold, condescending demeanor yet harbors underlying kindness. He assists those seeking help, often employing psychological manipulation—such as fabricating supernatural curses—to achieve objectives. He possesses a notable sweet tooth, frequently indulging in parfaits, and reacts violently to being tickled near his waist or hips. Highly intelligent and observant, he solves mysteries through logical deduction but feels sensitive about his inability to exorcise spirits. Emotionally guarded, he forms deep bonds only with his uncle Isshin, cousin Nao, detective Kazutoshi Gotou, and fellow student Haruka Ozawa, risking his life for them without hesitation.
Yakumo's traumatic past stems from his conception via the rape of his mother, Azusa Saitou, by Unkai Saitou—his biological father. Azusa initially cared for Yakumo lovingly but feared his red eye, reminiscent of Unkai's. When Yakumo was six or seven, Azusa’s fiancé, Shunsuke Takeda, faced murder accusations. Manipulated by Unkai’s ghost, Azusa attempted to strangle Yakumo, believing he would become a murderer. A policeman intervened, saving Yakumo; Azusa vanished and was later found deceased alongside Takeda. Yakumo eventually encountered her spirit, learning she had always loved him. Raised by his uncle Isshin, a Buddhist priest, Yakumo received the name "Yakumo" (meaning "many layered clouds" or "eight clouds"), symbolizing hope his emotional burdens would clear. He rejects Unkai as his father, viewing Isshin as his true parent. His family includes his deaf cousin Nao, whom he treats with exceptional gentleness, and a half-brother, Yuuta Takagishi.
Yakumo’s character evolves through gradual emotional openness, primarily influenced by Haruka Ozawa—the first outsider unafraid of his red eye, even complimenting it. Partnering on supernatural cases, he forms attachments beyond his inner circle, displaying softened demeanor and implied mutual romantic feelings for Haruka. His protective instincts intensify as Unkai’s ghost orchestrates threats against loved ones, aiming to corrupt Yakumo with darkness for possession. Yakumo resists, confronting danger to shield Haruka, Nao, Gotou, and Isshin. This culminates in sacrifices, including consenting to Isshin’s organ donation postmortem to save a child.
Yakumo’s abilities center on his supernatural left eye, allowing him to see and communicate with earthbound spirits. He believes spirits linger due to unresolved hatred, regret, or love; addressing these "causes" permits peaceful passing. Unable to physically exorcise spirits—a frustration—he investigates via meticulous observation, deductive reasoning akin to Sherlock Scan, and spirit-gathered intel, often collaborating as a civilian consultant with law enforcement like Gotou.
Blunt, sarcastic, and socially withdrawn, Yakumo displays a cold, condescending demeanor yet harbors underlying kindness. He assists those seeking help, often employing psychological manipulation—such as fabricating supernatural curses—to achieve objectives. He possesses a notable sweet tooth, frequently indulging in parfaits, and reacts violently to being tickled near his waist or hips. Highly intelligent and observant, he solves mysteries through logical deduction but feels sensitive about his inability to exorcise spirits. Emotionally guarded, he forms deep bonds only with his uncle Isshin, cousin Nao, detective Kazutoshi Gotou, and fellow student Haruka Ozawa, risking his life for them without hesitation.
Yakumo's traumatic past stems from his conception via the rape of his mother, Azusa Saitou, by Unkai Saitou—his biological father. Azusa initially cared for Yakumo lovingly but feared his red eye, reminiscent of Unkai's. When Yakumo was six or seven, Azusa’s fiancé, Shunsuke Takeda, faced murder accusations. Manipulated by Unkai’s ghost, Azusa attempted to strangle Yakumo, believing he would become a murderer. A policeman intervened, saving Yakumo; Azusa vanished and was later found deceased alongside Takeda. Yakumo eventually encountered her spirit, learning she had always loved him. Raised by his uncle Isshin, a Buddhist priest, Yakumo received the name "Yakumo" (meaning "many layered clouds" or "eight clouds"), symbolizing hope his emotional burdens would clear. He rejects Unkai as his father, viewing Isshin as his true parent. His family includes his deaf cousin Nao, whom he treats with exceptional gentleness, and a half-brother, Yuuta Takagishi.
Yakumo’s character evolves through gradual emotional openness, primarily influenced by Haruka Ozawa—the first outsider unafraid of his red eye, even complimenting it. Partnering on supernatural cases, he forms attachments beyond his inner circle, displaying softened demeanor and implied mutual romantic feelings for Haruka. His protective instincts intensify as Unkai’s ghost orchestrates threats against loved ones, aiming to corrupt Yakumo with darkness for possession. Yakumo resists, confronting danger to shield Haruka, Nao, Gotou, and Isshin. This culminates in sacrifices, including consenting to Isshin’s organ donation postmortem to save a child.
Yakumo’s abilities center on his supernatural left eye, allowing him to see and communicate with earthbound spirits. He believes spirits linger due to unresolved hatred, regret, or love; addressing these "causes" permits peaceful passing. Unable to physically exorcise spirits—a frustration—he investigates via meticulous observation, deductive reasoning akin to Sherlock Scan, and spirit-gathered intel, often collaborating as a civilian consultant with law enforcement like Gotou.