Kikyōya Rihei is a character from the 1978 anime film Ikkyū-san to Yancha-hime, as well as the original 1975 television series Ikkyū-san. He is a merchant by profession, a role that places him within the commercial class of the historical setting in which the story takes place. Rihei is the father of another character from the series, Kikyouya Yayoi, establishing his place within the family structure of the narrative.

As a merchant, his role in the story likely involves interactions that highlight the economic and social dynamics of the era, often a source of conflict or plot development in the original series. Merchants in the world of Ikkyū-san are frequently depicted as figures of wealth and influence, sometimes with greedy or self-serving motivations that the protagonist, the young monk Ikkyū, must outwit. Given the comedic and often educational tone of the franchise, Rihei would serve as a representative of this class, potentially acting as an antagonist or a challenging figure for the main characters.

His most significant relationship is with his daughter, Yayoi, who is a more prominent character in the franchise, particularly in the films focused on the mischievous princess. While detailed accounts of his personality are not extensively documented, his role as a parent to Yayoi suggests a dynamic that could range from a protective father to one who uses his daughter for social advancement, common tropes in period comedies. Information on his personal development throughout the film or notable abilities is unavailable, as the documented references to this character focus on his basic biographical data and familial connections rather than his actions or growth within the specific plot of the movie.