Chihiro's new outlook in Kagurabachi could be Hokazono's love letter to John Wick

Chihiro Rokuhira's new outlook in Takeru Hokazono's Kagurabachi manga has gone viral among animanga fans, with many comparing the battle-shonen protagonist with the legendary fictional hitman, John Wick, played by Keanu Reeves.

After allying with the Makizumi to confront Samura, Chihiro appears wearing a suit and a tie. In other words, his new ensemble is in line with Makizumi's formal attire.

According to an interview with Kagurabachi manga's editor, Takuro Imamura, on the occasion of MangaPlus' 5th anniversary, it was revealed that Hokazono was greatly influenced by Tarantino films and John Wick. From then on, fans noticed Chihiro shared a similar personality and aura to Keanu Reeves's character.

The latest chapter seems to have extended the comparison. That's why, Chihiro Rokuhira's new ensemble in the series could be Hokazono paying homage to one of his favorite American neo-noir action film series, John Wick.

Exploring Chihiro's new outlook in Takeru Hokazono's Kagurabachi and why it's the perfect homage to John Wick

Chihiro Rokuhira's new outlook in Kagurabachi (Image via Shueisha)

While Chihiro Rokuhira is inherently different from the legendary hitman, John Wick from the popular American neo-noir action series, he treads on the same path of vengeance in Kagurabachi. Undoubtedly, the interview with Takuro Imamura on MangaPlus' 5th Anniversary reveals how much the author was influenced by such Western movies.

Takeru Hokazono's series follows cinematic panels and character movements, akin to how the characters in Tarantino's films and John Wick movies. Now, the author has further expanded the comparison by giving Chihiro Rokuhira a suit as his new ensemble in Kagurabachi.

Chihiro and the Makizumi (Image via Shueisha)

In the latest chapter, titled Resurrection, Chihiro Rokuhira awakened from the dead and wondered about Samura's intentions and actions. He wanted to face the blind swordsman to let him know that he was also going to Hell for killing several people on his quest for vengeance.

Makizumi also shared the same ideal. They wanted to know Samura's true intentions. That's why, the Kamunabi organization formed a new force, teaming up Chihiro Rokuhira with the Makizumi.

Notably, the Makizumi (Masumi) group, which specializes in stealth operations, wears a traditional suit and tie. The latest Kagurabachi chapter saw Chihiro wear the same outfit. From the panel, it seems he has his suit's collar raised. Besides, the protagonist appears determined and resolute.

Chihiro, as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Undoubtedly, it was refreshing to see Chihiro Rokuhira in a new ensemble, especially after he wore the same black jacket for 59 chapters. More than the new ensemble, Chihiro's outlook resembled John Wick, added with the same expression and aura.

In the movies, Keanu Reeves' character is seen wearing the same type of outfit while carrying his duties. Although it's not confirmed whether Hokazono meant to draw a parallel between the legendary hitman and Chihiro, the resemblance is striking. In a sense, the panel pays homage to John Wick.

How fans reacted to Chihiro's new outlook in Kagurabachi

Chihiro Rokuhira's updated outlook in chapter 60 has drawn fans' attention, as they find a striking parallel with the legendary character, John Wick. Fans loved Chihiro's appearance, complimenting his "drip."

Many fans felt the chapter's final panel was something they see in a John Wick film. Others have thanked Takeru Hokazono for giving a John Wick-inspired outfit for Chihiro. Besides, many fans loved how Chihiro Rokuhira appeared in a suit.

"Its official, Chihiro is John Wick coded" - A fan said.

"Chihiro in a suit…Hokazono said it wasn’t John Wick enough for his liking...bless the new attire tho. always appreciate when a character changes their outfits past their default"- Another fan said.

"Thank you for giving us a John Wick inspired outfit for Chihiro for the next arc can he dress up as Batman." - A fan said.

"Oooh ending shot in elevator, then we have a whole John Chihiro Wick for all the promotional art and key visual for S2 " - A fan hopes.

"Chihiro in a suit is something I didn’t know I wanted" - A fan genuine expressed their feelings.

Conclusion

The sheer amount of influence Western films have had on the titular series has been simply sensational. Hokazono always incorporates cinematic visuals as panels to accentuate the action and tension in his battle shonen series. Now, the author has taken it a step higher and drew a breathtaking parallel between his protagonist and the legendary fictional hitman.