Why are Kurama and Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho popular? A thorough analysis of their relationship and charm
Reasons why Kurama and Hiei are the most popular in Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho features many characters, but the popularity of Kurama and Hiei is overwhelming. The reasons for their support from numerous fans go beyond just their good looks. The background of why Kurama and Hiei are loved is influenced by their deep backstories, complex character design, and the nature of their relationship.
Ranking and reasons for votes in popularity polls
In official popularity polls, Kurama and Hiei consistently rank highly. Kurama won first place in the first popularity poll and has continued to compete for the top spots in subsequent votes. Hiei also maintains a stable high ranking, often positioned alongside Kurama in the top tier.
The reasons fans vote for these two are summarized in the comments section of the popularity polls. For Kurama, reasons frequently mentioned include "a fusion of intellect and strength," "complex character setting," and "the duality of South Field Kazuma and the demon fox Kurama." For Hiei, reasons capturing fans' hearts include "beauty of appearance," "a kindness within coldness," and "a growth story." 【Related articles】: Ranking of memorable quotes from Yu Yu Hakusho: Toguro, Kurama, and Hiei
Common traits that make Kurama and Hiei loved
Several common traits exist that explain why both Kurama and Hiei have gained high popularity. First, both characters undergo change and growth through their relationship with the protagonist Kazuma Kuwabara while having complex backgrounds. Additionally, their beautiful appearances combined with a mysterious aura stimulate viewers' curiosity.
Moreover, both Kurama and Hiei are depicted as "holding powerful abilities," which has become a focal point for many fans' support activities.
Both characters have the background of being youkai (Kurama is a fox spirit, and Hiei is a youkai), which stimulates fans' imagination with a storyline that spans between the human world and the youkai world.
Who is Kurama? The Duality of Shuuichi Natanos and Fox Spirit Kurama
To understand the charm of Kurama, it's essential to know his **two identities**. On the surface, Kurama is an exceptional student known as "Shuuichi Natanos", but his essence is that of a powerful youkai known as the "fox spirit". This duality provides a profound appeal to fans, pushing Kurama to the top of popularity polls.
- Shuuichi Natanos: The Mask of the Honor Student
- Fox Spirit Kurama: The True Form
- The Heart Torn Between Two Worlds
Shuuichi Natanos: The Mask of the Honor Student
Within the academy, Kurama lives as Shuuichi Natanos. He possesses the appearance of **a handsome, top-performing, and athletic honor student**, and he is well-trusted by his classmates and teachers. This social standing and reputation become a symbol of the relationships he wants to protect as Kurama seeks to return to youkai society.
As Shuuichi Natanos, Kurama is knowledgeable, always calm, and gives an intellectual impression without showing his emotions. In school, he completely hides his true nature as a youkai and lives according to human norms. The gap between this "performed" persona and his inherent self as a fox spirit creates depth in the character.
A Sharp-Witted Tactician
Kurama's greatest characteristic displayed in the dark martial arts tournaments and other battles is **his cunning and strategic thinking**. His knowledge and analytical skills as Shuuichi Natanos not only reflect in his academic achievements but also become his greatest weapons in real combat situations. Kurama is a tactician who anticipates enemy movements, analyzes their habits and abilities, and formulates countermeasures.
Unlike Kazuma Hamada and Hiei, Kurama often **avoids direct physical confrontations, identifying his opponent's weaknesses and winning through cunning**. This combat style symbolizes Kurama's character of prioritizing knowledge and analytical abilities while possessing the power of a fox spirit, earning him support from fans.
Yoko Kurama: True Form
Kurama's essence is a type of yokai known as a **fox demon**. As a fox demon, Kurama embodies a character fused with beauty and danger, and the moments when he unleashes his true power at events such as the Dark Martial Arts Tournament hold some of the highest levels of intensity in the series. Yoko Kurama reveals a side that prioritizes our own interests within yokai society, contrasting starkly with his rational behavior in the human world.
In scenes where Kurama appears as a fox demon, his innate cunning and strength come to the forefront. When the mask of Shuichi Nanyou is removed, Kurama is depicted as **more dangerous, more beautiful, and more complex**. This transformation is one of the key factors for fans falling in love with Kurama, as the gap between "outer beauty and inner danger" enhances his value as a beloved character.
Plant-Based Abilities
Kurama's powers as a fox demon are primarily consolidated in his ability to **manipulate plants**. His traps utilizing banana peels, sharp attacks with the whip flower, and the Evil King Tree are not merely combat techniques, but expressions of a deep understanding of nature and yokai powers. These abilities exemplify unique visual representations within the work, leaving a strong impression on viewers.
In particular, the **Evil King Tree** appears in the mid-series as a technique showcasing Kurama's matured powers as a fox demon. Its overwhelming destructive power and its representation of the true strength Kurama has been hiding are highly valued among fans. Kurama's plant-based abilities are essential elements for understanding his identity as a yokai, and they significantly support his popularity.Related Articles: All Special Moves from Yu Yu Hakusho | From Spirit Gun to Evil King Flame Dragon Wave
A Heart Torn Between Two Worlds
Kurama's greatest charm lies in his **torn emotions** between his loved ones in the human world and his nature as a yokai. The scene of Kurama struggling between his desire to return to yokai society and his wish to preserve his relationships in the human world resonates with many readers and viewers.
Throughout the series, Kurama gradually grows, continually searching for where he belongs while understanding the differences between the two worlds. This **growth story** allows Kurama to be appreciated not merely as a strong character but as one with human-like conflicts, deepening fan empathy. One reason Kurama consistently ranks highly in popularity polls is this complex and realistic portrayal of emotions.
Who is Hiei?
From Ruthless Yokai to Trust
Hiei is one of the most notably developed characters in Yu Yu Hakusho. In the early parts of the story, he appears as a ruthless and isolated yokai, but through his interactions with Kazuma Hamada and other companions, he gradually opens his heart. This transformation captures the viewers' hearts and raises Hiei's popularity significantly.
- Lonely Past and Yokai Blood
- Evil King's Flame Killing Black Dragon Wave: The Ultimate Power
- Depth of Relationships with Companions
Lonely Past and Yokai Blood
Hiei's background is one of the most tragic in Yu Yu Hakusho. Despite having yokai blood, he is excluded from society and continues to hone his strength in loneliness. Hiei's past explains his ruthlessness and mental strength. The reason Hiei harbors distrust towards humans is deeply rooted in his past experiences, and fans can gain a deeper understanding of his character by knowing this background.
While accepting his identity as a yokai, Hiei often appears as a hostile presence due to his lack of social standing. However, the more viewers learn about his past, the more they understand the reasons behind Hiei's actions and words, leading them to want to support him. This sympathy and understanding contribute to fan voting, bolstering Hiei's popularity.
Evil King's Flame Killing Black Dragon Wave: The Ultimate Power
The signature move that symbolizes Hiei is the Evil King's Flame Killing Black Dragon Wave. This technique represents Hiei's greatest power as a yokai and is one of the signature moves of the series. The Evil King's Flame Killing Black Dragon Wave is not just a fire technique; it is an ultimate expression of yokai power that summons the strength of a fictional creature called the black dragon. For more details about this special move, you can check the related article: All Special Moves in Yu Yu Hakusho: From Spirit Gun to Evil King's Flame Killing Black Dragon Wave.
In scenes where this technique appears, Hiei's true strength and the yokai power that supports that strength are fully expressed. The overwhelming destructive power of the Evil King Flame Kill Black Dragon Wave has one of the highest levels of intensity in the series, leaving a deep impression on the audience.
Characteristics and Destructive Power of the Technique
The greatest feature of the Evil King Flame Kill Black Dragon Wave lies in its **black dragon element**. The power of the black dragon, which differs from normal flames, has destructive power beyond physical heat and has a tremendous impact not only on enemies but also on the surrounding environment. The use of this technique involves great exhaustion, so Hiei only uses it in decisive moments.
The moment the Evil King Flame Kill Black Dragon Wave is unleashed creates one of the highest levels of tension in the work, giving the audience a strong impression. The scene where Hiei masters this technique and actually uses it in battle is a significant turning point symbolizing **character growth and the acquisition of power**, and it is one of the most memorable scenes among fans.
Depth of Relationships with Friends
The most symbolic aspect of Hiei's growth is the **formation of a trust relationship with Kazuma Hamada and the ally relationship with Kurama**. Hiei, who was initially an antagonistic presence, gradually opens up through his interactions with Kazuma Hamada, ultimately building a solid trust relationship. This process is one of the most moving stories in the series.
The moment Hiei is recognized as a member of the team, the audience significantly changes their evaluation of him. The joy of a lonely demon obtaining a trustworthy companion for the first time and his determination to protect that relationship evoke a strong sense of empathy in many fans. The reason Hiei consistently ranks high in popularity polls lies in the depth of such relationships and character growth. For an overview of all characters in Yu Yu Hakusho, please refer to 【Related Article】:Introducing all characters from Yu Yu Hakusho | Comprehensive explanation from main members to enemies.
The Relationship between Kurama and Hiei: Trust and Understanding
The relationship between Kurama and Hiei is one of the representative human relationships in Yu Yu Hakusho. By following the changes in their relationship, one can gain a deeper understanding of the essential themes of this work: "trust and bonds."
From Rivals to Allies
Kurama and Hiei initially stood as **rivals facing each other**. In tournaments such as the Dark Martial Arts Tournament, scenes of their battles unfolded, and there was a competitive awareness regarding who was stronger. However, as the series progressed, this competitive relationship gradually transformed into a cooperative one.
The process of them becoming allies is not merely a change in power dynamics, but an expression of **beginning to recognize and understand each other**. When Kurama's wisdom and Hiei's power are combined, the two unleash their maximum combat potential, overcoming many difficult situations.
Knowing Each Other's Weaknesses
Kurama and Hiei truly form a relationship of trust when **they come to know each other's weaknesses. Hiei understands Kurama's internal struggle between his nature as a demon fox and his human aspects, and Kurama learns about Hiei facing his lonely past. Through this process, their relationship transcends superficial cooperation intodeep trust based on true understanding**.
By knowing each other's weaknesses and conflicts, Kurama and Hiei evolve from mere combat partners into psychological supports for one another. This transformation resonates with viewers and serves as a reason to cheer for their relationship.
Synergistic Effects During Cooperation
When Kurama's wisdom and Hiei's strength are combined, **their fighting power increases synergistically**. Kurama analyzes the enemy's weaknesses, and Hiei launches precise attacks based on that analysis. This similarity in thought and alignment in action yield the best results in many battle scenes.
The sight of the two cooperating is one of the most captivating moments for fans, effectively expressing the depth of their relationship.
Reasons Kurama and Hiei Captivate Female Fans
The high popularity of Kurama and Hiei is due to **
