Kiku in Wano and Zoro
disclaimer: I don’t know much about Japanese History so forgive me if I get certain things wrong
Also: I can, and might be looking too deep into this so take it all with a grain of salt!
One thing I really love about Kiku being transgender is the time period their in, which (correct me if I’m wrong please) is Japan’s Edo Period.
Feminism is a large part of modern culture though its all throughout history. In all forms and fashions we as people (for the most part) tend to be super honed in on this idea of equality. While I agree with most of the ideologies, I also think that understanding/acknowledging culture is super important to.
What I mean, is that olden Japan(and maybe even current, im not sure) is very stark with its contrast between women and men. It’s neatly divided into the “standard” gender roles of women being at home while men take on work and provide protection, property, and what is otherwise considered to be a good life.
What I love, and what stands out to me, is that Kiku, as a woman, WANTS to be in this environment, which mind you, isn’t inherently bad, but likely would be seen as offensive in today’s era. There’s nothing at all wrong with wanting to stay home, raise children, and cook or clean, but gender roles suggest and emphasize that those things are actual jobs and identifiers for women and men. That, as a woman, this is what you should do, what you should be like. And as a man, this is what you should do, this is what you should be like.
Kiku however, desires this path, and this way of life. She wants to be a maiden and fit into this “damsel in distress role” and its really a big part of why I love her so much. It, in my opinion, accurately shows how perspective is an important thing when it comes to many topics concerning ethics.
Aside from when Kiku is this badass female warrior who’s kind of like, “Fuck I just wanted to marry a hot man and live my life but now i have to kick ass again” I love her coy, “feminine” moments and it again plays well into the mentally of the real world century that she’s in and drives home the fact that despite the gender inequality, it is something normal for this time period and actually DESIRED.
Episode 905, when Kiku and Zoro end up fighting Speedsama is one of my favorite moments with these two, who in my opinion, need A LOT more moments together.
I just think its hilarious and kind of cute, to see Kiku let herself get “captured” and she looks at Zoro with this pleading gaze only for him to be like, “I won’t help you.” and run in the opposite direction. It feels like it should be annoying, but for me it isn’t because all she’s really trying to do is fit this role that society deems women should have (and that her, as a woman should abide by). I also feel like in her own way, she was trying to ego stroke Zoro, without realizing that he’s a bit unlike most men when it comes to things like “roles”.
I can also appreciate that she shuts that coy shit down, the moment she needs to. She plays her fucking cards and I love this woman for it. “Oh, he’s not going to fight for me? Fine.” And then she breaks out as easily as breathing, and cuts the man who was holding her, before APOLOGIZING.
Of course, the apology could been some badass quote, but I like to think that it was an apology to the man, as well as one to herself. Not so much a “I didn’t want to hurt you” as it was a “I’m supposed to be a woman, and act all quaint, but I had to defy that nature.” Its fascinating because I truly believe that her and Sanji’s ideal parallel each other, and yet Sanji is the one who gets major flack for it. Double standards are a bitch.
I digress. Kiku apologizes, and then immediately runs to Zoro for instructions, which again, adheres to this submissive sort of “stance”. Our marimo, without blinking, issues what he wants to happen and then it happens. I love these two, because its an interesting stand point and mesh of characters,
Canonical Zoro, in my opinion, isn’t interested in women in a romantic or sexual way.(Maybe Hiyori but who really knows) So interestingly enough, all the parts of her that he respects/praises are all the parts that she considers masculine. Mind you, Zoro doesn’t think in terms of “manly and girly”, but thats what makes their relationship so fascinating and just all around fun.
Watching them fight and communicate together is so amusing to me, its like seeing a battle of wills. Zoro knowing that Kiku is capable of fending for herself and Kiku wanting to just live her best life never having to fight anymore. If anything, they’re like water and oil, Zoro always reminding of the life thats supposed to be in the past. But they make it work. I love them and I hope they get more moments together. Ah another of the scenes I really like is when Kiku tries to hide behind Zoro, and rather than sneer at her, or call her weak or do anything disrespectful, he’s just like, “Look this ain’t gonna work.”
I can’t explain it, and I don’t ship them but they really are adorable. And I love that in an unironic way, Kiku both defies feminism and represents it.
