TV-Series
Description
Kijin Kou is a high-ranking government official in the second series of The Story of Saiunkoku. He serves as the chief minister of the Department of Treasury and Taxation, a position that places him at the center of the empire's financial administration. His family name is Kou, sometimes translated as Yellow or Saffron, and he belongs to a powerful mercantile clan. His original personal name is Kou Houju, though he later changed it to Kijin, which is a nickname meaning "weirdo".
In terms of appearance, Kijin Kou is a striking and enigmatic figure. He has long, flowing gray hair that reaches his waist, which he leaves unbound in defiance of the traditional custom of binding it up. His eyes are noted to be white, adding to his unusual and somewhat ethereal look. However, his most defining characteristic is the mask he always wears in public. These masks are part of a large collection and conceal his entire face, though they often have a lower panel that can be opened to allow him to eat or drink. The masks serve a very specific and ironic purpose. Contrary to the assumption that they hide a disfigurement, they actually cover a face of such extraordinary and dazzling beauty that it can have a profoundly disruptive effect on others. The masks also muffle his voice, which is said to be as naturally silky and beautiful as his hair.
Kijin Kou's personality is a blend of strict professionalism and personal eccentricity. In his official capacity, he is known to be very strict, efficient, and imposing, running his department with an expectation of competence and integrity. This serious demeanor has led many to consider him mysterious and eccentric, not only because of his concealed appearance but also due to his unconventional hairstyle. Despite this formidable exterior, he can be gracious and fair, particularly when dealing with Kou Shuurei. When Shuurei begins working for him undercover disguised as a man, he already knows she is the niece of his close friend, Kou Reishin, but he does not reveal her identity to the rest of his staff. He shows her kindness, comforting her when she is upset and bringing her flowers when she falls ill.
His motivations are rooted in a tragic personal history. As a young man, Kijin Kou took the imperial examinations, an event that became legendary as the "Nightmare Exam." His beauty was so distracting that it caused chaos in the examination hall, leading to thirty officials being dismissed, with only two other candidates, Reishin and Yushuun, managing to pass. He won third place but the aftermath of this event contributed to his decision to change his life. He proposed to a woman named Yuri-hime, whom he loved, but received a rejection message stating that she "couldn't stand beside someone with a face like yours". Unbeknownst to him, the message was sent by Kou Reishin, who also loved the same woman and eventually married her. On Reishin's wedding night, Kijin changed his name and began wearing masks permanently, an act that was later officially sanctioned. His primary motivation is to use his professional role to govern effectively, while his masks serve the practical purpose of preventing the disruption his unearthly beauty would inevitably cause, allowing him to perform his duties without incident.
Kijin Kou's most significant relationship is with Kou Reishin, the Minister of Civil Affairs and Administration. Despite their contrasting personalities, they are close friends who enjoy engaging in meaningless arguments. Reishin is one of the few people who can withstand the sight of Kijin's bare face, and he is the creator of many of the masks in Kijin's collection. Their interactions are a key part of the series, with Kijin even playfully tormenting Reishin by claiming he is thinking of marrying Reishin's niece, Shuurei. This friendship is complex, as it is built on a shared past that includes the painful romantic triangle involving Reishin's wife. His relationship with Shuurei is that of a mentor. He recognizes her talent and dedication, evaluating her abilities objectively and providing her with an opportunity to work in his department.
Throughout the second series, Kijin Kou's role in the story is to act as a capable and mysterious figure within the imperial bureaucracy. He supports Shuurei's efforts to become a government official by allowing her to work for him, testing her skills in a real-world environment. His development is revealed more through his interactions and the gradual unveiling of his past rather than a dramatic change in his character. A pivotal moment occurs during Reishin's trial for malfeasance. In this critical scene, Kijin removes his mask in front of the court to confront a corrupt official, causing the man to nearly lose his mind. The other officials are warned to look away, but some forget to cover their ears and faint or go into hysterics, demonstrating the power of both his appearance and his voice. This act shows his willingness to use his nature as a weapon when the situation demands it.
Beyond his unique physical traits, Kijin Kou possesses notable abilities in governance. He is a shrewd and competent administrator, leading the Department of Treasury and Taxation with a firm hand. His ability to conduct audits and manage financial matters is highly respected. Furthermore, the effect of his unmasked face and natural voice is itself a form of power, capable of incapacitating others with their sheer beauty, a trait that is both a curse and, on rare occasions, a tool. His character serves as a compelling example of how personal tragedy and societal perception can shape a person's identity, forcing them to conceal their true self in order to function in the world.
In terms of appearance, Kijin Kou is a striking and enigmatic figure. He has long, flowing gray hair that reaches his waist, which he leaves unbound in defiance of the traditional custom of binding it up. His eyes are noted to be white, adding to his unusual and somewhat ethereal look. However, his most defining characteristic is the mask he always wears in public. These masks are part of a large collection and conceal his entire face, though they often have a lower panel that can be opened to allow him to eat or drink. The masks serve a very specific and ironic purpose. Contrary to the assumption that they hide a disfigurement, they actually cover a face of such extraordinary and dazzling beauty that it can have a profoundly disruptive effect on others. The masks also muffle his voice, which is said to be as naturally silky and beautiful as his hair.
Kijin Kou's personality is a blend of strict professionalism and personal eccentricity. In his official capacity, he is known to be very strict, efficient, and imposing, running his department with an expectation of competence and integrity. This serious demeanor has led many to consider him mysterious and eccentric, not only because of his concealed appearance but also due to his unconventional hairstyle. Despite this formidable exterior, he can be gracious and fair, particularly when dealing with Kou Shuurei. When Shuurei begins working for him undercover disguised as a man, he already knows she is the niece of his close friend, Kou Reishin, but he does not reveal her identity to the rest of his staff. He shows her kindness, comforting her when she is upset and bringing her flowers when she falls ill.
His motivations are rooted in a tragic personal history. As a young man, Kijin Kou took the imperial examinations, an event that became legendary as the "Nightmare Exam." His beauty was so distracting that it caused chaos in the examination hall, leading to thirty officials being dismissed, with only two other candidates, Reishin and Yushuun, managing to pass. He won third place but the aftermath of this event contributed to his decision to change his life. He proposed to a woman named Yuri-hime, whom he loved, but received a rejection message stating that she "couldn't stand beside someone with a face like yours". Unbeknownst to him, the message was sent by Kou Reishin, who also loved the same woman and eventually married her. On Reishin's wedding night, Kijin changed his name and began wearing masks permanently, an act that was later officially sanctioned. His primary motivation is to use his professional role to govern effectively, while his masks serve the practical purpose of preventing the disruption his unearthly beauty would inevitably cause, allowing him to perform his duties without incident.
Kijin Kou's most significant relationship is with Kou Reishin, the Minister of Civil Affairs and Administration. Despite their contrasting personalities, they are close friends who enjoy engaging in meaningless arguments. Reishin is one of the few people who can withstand the sight of Kijin's bare face, and he is the creator of many of the masks in Kijin's collection. Their interactions are a key part of the series, with Kijin even playfully tormenting Reishin by claiming he is thinking of marrying Reishin's niece, Shuurei. This friendship is complex, as it is built on a shared past that includes the painful romantic triangle involving Reishin's wife. His relationship with Shuurei is that of a mentor. He recognizes her talent and dedication, evaluating her abilities objectively and providing her with an opportunity to work in his department.
Throughout the second series, Kijin Kou's role in the story is to act as a capable and mysterious figure within the imperial bureaucracy. He supports Shuurei's efforts to become a government official by allowing her to work for him, testing her skills in a real-world environment. His development is revealed more through his interactions and the gradual unveiling of his past rather than a dramatic change in his character. A pivotal moment occurs during Reishin's trial for malfeasance. In this critical scene, Kijin removes his mask in front of the court to confront a corrupt official, causing the man to nearly lose his mind. The other officials are warned to look away, but some forget to cover their ears and faint or go into hysterics, demonstrating the power of both his appearance and his voice. This act shows his willingness to use his nature as a weapon when the situation demands it.
Beyond his unique physical traits, Kijin Kou possesses notable abilities in governance. He is a shrewd and competent administrator, leading the Department of Treasury and Taxation with a firm hand. His ability to conduct audits and manage financial matters is highly respected. Furthermore, the effect of his unmasked face and natural voice is itself a form of power, capable of incapacitating others with their sheer beauty, a trait that is both a curse and, on rare occasions, a tool. His character serves as a compelling example of how personal tragedy and societal perception can shape a person's identity, forcing them to conceal their true self in order to function in the world.