TV-Series
Description
Born as Kou Houju, Kijin Kou serves as the Chief Minister of the Department of Treasury and Taxation in the government of Saiunkoku. He is a member of the mercantile Ko Clan, also known as the Yellow or Saffron Clan. His physical appearance is highly distinctive, characterized by long, unbound gray hair that flows to his waist, a style that defies tradition, and notable white eyes. Most remarkably, he permanently wears a collection of masks during all public interactions, which completely conceals his face.
The practice of wearing masks is not due to any deformity but for the opposite reason: his unmasked appearance possesses such extraordinary physical beauty that it provokes intense infatuation and disruption in others. This effect was dramatically illustrated during his imperial examination, when fellow candidates became so distracted by his looks that they failed to complete their tests, an event that became known as the "Nightmare Exam". Following a broken engagement where his fiancée declared she could not stand beside him, he changed his name to Kijin Kou and adopted his mask permanently. The masks also serve the practical purpose of muffling his naturally silky and attractive voice.
In his professional capacity as head of the finance ministry, Kijin Kou maintains a strict, efficient, and imposing demeanor. He is viewed as mysterious and eccentric due to his concealed appearance and unconventional hairstyle. Despite his stern exterior, he demonstrates fairness and acts as a mentor. This is notably seen when he evaluates Kou Shuurei's capabilities objectively as she works undercover in his department disguised as a male assistant, even comforting her when she is distressed. His governance emphasizes competence and integrity within financial administration.
Kijin Kou shares a significant relationship with Kou Reishin, the Minister of Civil Affairs and Administration. The two are close friends despite having contrasting personalities, and Kijin Kou recognizes Reishin's crafty and coldhearted nature beneath a cheerful exterior. Reishin is one of the few people who can withstand the sight of Kijin's bare face and is also the creator of many of his masks. Their interactions reflect mutual respect within the bureaucracy. During Reishin's trial for malfeasance, Kijin Kou removes his mask in front of the court to confront a corrupt official, an act which nearly drives the official insane while other officials, despite being warned, faint or go into hysterics from the effect of his revealed appearance.
His background illustrates the societal and personal challenges tied to appearance and perception, and his role as a competent administrator underscores the importance of specialized expertise within Saiunkoku's complex clan-based government structure. His development includes moving past his personal tragedy to serve effectively, his concealed appearance serving the practical purpose of allowing him to perform his duties without causing disruption.
The practice of wearing masks is not due to any deformity but for the opposite reason: his unmasked appearance possesses such extraordinary physical beauty that it provokes intense infatuation and disruption in others. This effect was dramatically illustrated during his imperial examination, when fellow candidates became so distracted by his looks that they failed to complete their tests, an event that became known as the "Nightmare Exam". Following a broken engagement where his fiancée declared she could not stand beside him, he changed his name to Kijin Kou and adopted his mask permanently. The masks also serve the practical purpose of muffling his naturally silky and attractive voice.
In his professional capacity as head of the finance ministry, Kijin Kou maintains a strict, efficient, and imposing demeanor. He is viewed as mysterious and eccentric due to his concealed appearance and unconventional hairstyle. Despite his stern exterior, he demonstrates fairness and acts as a mentor. This is notably seen when he evaluates Kou Shuurei's capabilities objectively as she works undercover in his department disguised as a male assistant, even comforting her when she is distressed. His governance emphasizes competence and integrity within financial administration.
Kijin Kou shares a significant relationship with Kou Reishin, the Minister of Civil Affairs and Administration. The two are close friends despite having contrasting personalities, and Kijin Kou recognizes Reishin's crafty and coldhearted nature beneath a cheerful exterior. Reishin is one of the few people who can withstand the sight of Kijin's bare face and is also the creator of many of his masks. Their interactions reflect mutual respect within the bureaucracy. During Reishin's trial for malfeasance, Kijin Kou removes his mask in front of the court to confront a corrupt official, an act which nearly drives the official insane while other officials, despite being warned, faint or go into hysterics from the effect of his revealed appearance.
His background illustrates the societal and personal challenges tied to appearance and perception, and his role as a competent administrator underscores the importance of specialized expertise within Saiunkoku's complex clan-based government structure. His development includes moving past his personal tragedy to serve effectively, his concealed appearance serving the practical purpose of allowing him to perform his duties without causing disruption.