- For the Part 8 character, See Yoshikage Kira (JoJolion).
- For the Part 8 character, See Yoshikage Kira (JoJolion).
Template loop detected: Yoshikage Kira/Infobox
“
I just want a peaceful life. It's just that it's in my nature to kill...
”
SPOILER WARNING: Part spoiler details may follow.
is the main antagonist of Diamond Is Unbreakable.
Kira is a paraphilic serial killer committed to defending his uninterrupted lifestyle.
Kira is also featured centrally in the short story Dead Man's Questions.
Appearance
Yoshikage Kira adopts one face other than his original one in Part IV, and a ghostly body resembling his original, with a unique outfit, after this. He remains a man of average height and slim to athletic build.
Original
Kira has light, loosely combed back hair with a few strands out of place. He wears a light suit and a dark tie patterned by a column of skull emblems with upright, cat-like ears, similar to those on his Stand, Killer Queen. As a salesman by profession, he wears a similar suit throughout the series, though he usually takes off his jacket at home.
Kosaku-Kira
When Kosaku Kawajiri is killed, Kira assumes his facial features, including his spiky black hair, thin, dark eyes, and higher cheekbones. He retains his suit, changing only his tie.
After receiving the Arrow, Kira's hairstyle spontaneously changes, becoming perfectly combed back, light, and striped by black strands.
Ghost
Immediately after his death, as a ghost, he retains Kosaku's features for a few moments before reverting to his original appearance, which he retains in Under Execution Under Jailbreak.
Henceforth, he adopts an elaborate outfit consisting of a dark bowler hat with an upturned rim and a tie, both patterned by concentric squares, and, shirtless, a dark, lapelless suit.
In Video Games
Like many others, Kira makes his gaming debut in All Star Battle, playable as two distinct characters: His original form, with Killer Queen and Sheer Heart Attack; and his awakened form, with Killer Queen, Stray Cat, and Bites the Dust.
Both versions of Kira are voiced by Rikiya Koyama, who previously voiced William Anthonio Zeppeli once in the Phantom Blood game.
If Yoshikage Kira battles "Kosaku Kawajiri", they will have a special dialogue before the fight, where the original Kira will remark how 'Kosaku'-Kira's aura is similar to his, and 'Kosaku'-Kira will be shocked to see his past self. If the original Kira wins, he remarks that only he should be making bombs. If 'Kosaku'-Kira wins, he wonders if the encounter was an after-effect of "Bites The Dust".
Yoshikage Kira
Kira's original form appears as a DLC character included with pre-orders and first edition prints of the original Japanese release of the game. For the overseas release in the US, pre-ordering the game from Club Namco would also get players a free download code for Kira, whilst for EU players, pre-ordering the game from any retailer in that region would get the player both Kira and Shigekiyo Yangu as well.
Kira's moveset primarily involves Killer Queen, and the use of bombs and careful detonation. Killer Queen can perform a fist barrage like most other Stands, and as a result, can trigger a Stand Rush as well. One special move has Kira toss a coin into the air. The coin will explode if the opponent touches it or if Kira detonates it himself. Kira can also prime the opponent themselves as well, detonating them (similar to how he killed Shigekiyo Yangu). A close range detonation will damage Kira as well, however.
Kira's HHA has him swipe his and Killer Queen's arms downward. If they hit, Kira explodes his victim multiple times through Killer Queen's gestures while he adjusts his tie, unfazed.
His GHA is Sheer Heart Attack, which continues to chase the opponent until Kira's HH gauge completely empties or he is hit. If SHA connects, it will ram and drill into the opponent, knock them into the air, leap, and drop on them, exploding at point-blank range while Kira brags about Sheer Heart Attack lacking weaknesses/weakpoints.
Sheer Heart Attack can be temporarily slowed down by Koichi Hirose if the latter uses his "S.H.I.T" special or HHA on it, which will also subsequently affect Kira himself. It continues to be unblockable, but tends to be rather slow on the move.
Kira's alternate costume mirrors his casual outfit and hairstyle from his debut chapter.
"Kosaku Kawajiri"
'Kosaku'-Kira is included in the base game as the main antagonist of Part 4. In game, he is consistently labelled "Kosaku Kawajiri" to differentiate him from Kira's previous form.
He retains Killer Queen in this form, whilst now having Stray Cat assist him throughout.
Killer Queen can still perform a fist barrage as per usual, though Kosaku can now use Stray Cat's air bubbles as bombs. When his Stand is turned off, Kosaku can direct the air bubbles and fire them at different speeds, as well as detonate them when he desires. When his Stand is on, all of the air bombs that Kosaku sends out will be slower, but will explode upon contact with the enemy. He is once again able to prime enemies as bombs and make them explode at his leisure. As before, Kosaku will take damage if he is too close to an explosion. It is also possible to alter a version of an air bomb to a weaker, smaller version while the projectile is in mid-flight, up to two times. This causes it to gain speed and change trajectory should the opponent step out of its path.
Kosaku can also make use of an air bomb cushion to repel an enemy that tries to attack him. This basic throw is also different from his normal Kira form.
His HHA is a counter/reversal. Kosaku readies Stray Cat as he is shocked at it protecting him. If struck during this pose, the opponent will be knocked back and, after taking the instant chance by briefly calculating distance and angle, Kosaku will detonate an airbomb, damaging his victim.
His GHA is "Bites the Dust." Kosaku tosses out Hayato. if Hayato hits the enemy, they will be stunned by his sudden interference, only to see Killer Queen, who enters their left eye and promptly detonates its Bites the Dust bomb, rewinding time. This re-adds 10 seconds to the game's timer and restores Kosaku's health. Like with Sheer Heart Attack, Bites the Dust is unblockable, but still can be dodged/sidestepped/jumped over.
Bites the Dust is, due to its time-rewinding effects, able to reverse a number of character effects (especially round-lasting transformations). Thus, if Kosaku uses his GHA on Pucci when his Stand is in Made in Heaven form, Giorno when his Stand is in Requiem mode, or on Kars in his Ultimate form, all three characters will revert back to their previous, normal forms. If the victim is MIH-mode Pucci, the stage will revert back to what it was previously. If Jonathan Joestar or Funny Valentine used their healing/comeback moves and disabled their Heart Heat Gauge as a result, said gauge will be restored once Kosaku executes his GHA successfully.
Kosaku's alternate costume mirrors his previous look, with a spiky hairstyle and no coat.
Yoshikage Kira
Yoshikage Kira was confirmed for the game alongside Akira Otoishi, Shigekiyo Yangu. Most of his moveset was reused from the previous game.
His GHA has both him and Killer Queen strike a downed opponent, before Kira takes a step back and detonates them.
Touja_romajint
He is paired with Old Joseph Joestar in the Eyes of Heaven touja_romajint, defeating Josuke and Johnny Joestar in the first round. They were eliminated by Bruno Buccellati and Trish Una in the second round, who beforehand, won the F Block series of battles that allowed them to be matched against Kira and Old Joseph within the main touja_romajint.
"Kosaku Kawajiri"
'Kosaku'-Kira was confirmed for the game along with Rohan and Okuyasu.
His GHA is similar to Bites the Dust's ASB variation, rewinding the battle timer and granting him health, but now heals his partner and the enemy not on the receiving end of the GHA as well.
Touja_romajint
He is paired with Weather Report in the Eyes of Heaven touja_romajint, defeating Akira Otoishi and Enrico Pucci in the first round, but eliminated by Giorno Giovanna and Guido Mista in the second.
Trivia
- According to Kira himself,[1] the total amount of women he's killed for their hands is 48.
- He committed his first murder on August 13, 1983, around the age of 18.
- According to a Top 10 List published in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2000, Kira is Araki's favorite antagonist and 2nd favorite character overall.
- In an ironic twist, Kira has his hands severed multiple times: His left hand twice (when he removed Sheer Heart Attack from his body and when the Cleansers attacked him) and his right hand once (when he was bitten by Arnold in Reimi's alley as a ghost).
- Kira's favorite fashion brand is Gianfranco Ferré.
- His Stand's name as well as its abilities are based on a number of songs by British band, Queen.
- The story of Kira's first murder as told by the ghost of Reimi Sugimoto shares similarities with the "Humans Can Lick Too" horror story.
- Despite the timeline stating that Kira has had Killer Queen for at least a decade, he wasn't aware of the concept of "Stands" or that they were really common until Shigekiyo revealed his, Josuke's, and Okuyasu's Stands. As such, he is the first main villain to be largely unaware of what Stands are for a known period of time, as he previously called them "special abilities".
- His design could possibly be inspired by the look of David Bowie in the 1980s.
- His voice actor in the anime, Toshiyuki Morikawa, previously voiced Diavolo in All-Star Battle and Eyes of Heaven.
- Humorously enough, both Kira and Rohan Kishibe's anime voice actors have voiced Griffith of Berserk fame. Toshiyuki had done work in the 1997 anime, while Takahiro (Rohan's VA) did work on the Berserk Trilogy Adaption and is the current voice of Griffith in the 2016 anime.
Gallery
Araki's Top Ten Favorite Characters (2000).jpeg
Kira listed as Araki's second favorite character
Beforeafterkira.png
Kira's before-and-after appearance
KosakuColor.jpg
Illustration of Kosaku-Kira
Yoshikage kira dead man's questions crop.png
93834.jpg
Illustration of Kosaku-Kira post-Arrow
Kira's initial appearance
As a child, with his parents
Taking one of his "girlfriends" on a date
Kira prepares summon Killer Queen to kill Shigechi
Kira at his most desperate
Kira confronting Josuke in the rain
Kira using mathematics to aim his bombs
Kira meets other allies of Josuke
Kira is run over and killed by the ambulance sent to rescue him
The ghostly hands of Kira's past victims exact justice, ripping him to pieces
Kira victim breakfast.png
Kira prepares breakfast with his latest victim's hand.
KiraAnime.png
Kira shown, noticing the electrical power outage in the city.
Kira's gf shower.png
Kira removing his latest "girlfriend" from the shower.
Kira's initial appearance.
Kira driving.png
Kira casually driving to his home.
Kira helping his "girlfriend" out of the car.
Annoyed at his "girlfriend" dripping blood on his car-seat.
Walking into his home for a romantic weekend.
First glimpse of Yoshikage Kira in chase.
Jojovillianssmall.jpg
Kira, along with other main antagonists in All-Star Battle
Kira A.jpg
Original Kira Costume A in All-Star Battle
Kira summon Killer Queen in All-Star Battle
KosakuASB.jpg
Kira as Kosaku (secondary outfit) and Killer Queen in All-Star Battle
Kosaku Kira ASB.jpg
Kosaku Kawajiri (Kira) as he appears in All-Star Battle
Kosaku A.jpg
Kosaku Costume A in All-Star Battle
Kosaku B.jpg
Kosaku Costume B in All-Star Battle
Top2.jpg
Kira (original form and Awaked form; purple suits) with Sheer Heart Attack in Super Action Statue
Siona1331701088.jpeg
Kira (Awaked form) in DX Collection JoJo Figure
Ky 05 nnsm998.jpg
Kira (Kawajiri form) in Real Action Heroes
Kira (Awaked form, blonde) with Killer Queen and Stray Cat in Real Action Heroes
Dq 01 nns889.jpg
Dead Man in Real Action Heroes
References
References
Site Navigation
“
I just want a peaceful life. It's just that it's in my nature to kill...
”
SPOILER WARNING: Part spoiler details may follow.
is the main antagonist of Diamond Is Unbreakable.
Kira is a paraphilic serial killer committed to defending his uninterrupted lifestyle.
Kira is also featured centrally in the short story Dead Man's Questions.
Appearance
Yoshikage Kira adopts one face other than his original one in Part IV, and a ghostly body resembling his original, with a unique outfit, after this. He remains a man of average height and slim to athletic build.
Original
Kira has light, loosely combed back hair with a few strands out of place. He wears a light suit and a dark tie patterned by a column of skull emblems with upright, cat-like ears, similar to those on his Stand, Killer Queen. As a salesman by profession, he wears a similar suit throughout the series, though he usually takes off his jacket at home.
Kosaku-Kira
When Kosaku Kawajiri is killed, Kira assumes his facial features, including his spiky black hair, thin, dark eyes, and higher cheekbones. He retains his suit, changing only his tie.
After receiving the Arrow, Kira's hairstyle spontaneously changes, becoming perfectly combed back, light, and striped by black strands.
Ghost
Immediately after his death, as a ghost, he retains Kosaku's features for a few moments before reverting to his original appearance, which he retains in Under Execution Under Jailbreak.
Henceforth, he adopts an elaborate outfit consisting of a dark bowler hat with an upturned rim and a tie, both patterned by concentric squares, and, shirtless, a dark, lapelless suit.
In Video Games
Like many others, Kira makes his gaming debut in All Star Battle, playable as two distinct characters: His original form, with Killer Queen and Sheer Heart Attack; and his awakened form, with Killer Queen, Stray Cat, and Bites the Dust.
Both versions of Kira are voiced by Rikiya Koyama, who previously voiced William Anthonio Zeppeli once in the Phantom Blood game.
If Yoshikage Kira battles "Kosaku Kawajiri", they will have a special dialogue before the fight, where the original Kira will remark how 'Kosaku'-Kira's aura is similar to his, and 'Kosaku'-Kira will be shocked to see his past self. If the original Kira wins, he remarks that only he should be making bombs. If 'Kosaku'-Kira wins, he wonders if the encounter was an after-effect of "Bites The Dust".
Yoshikage Kira
Kira's original form appears as a DLC character included with pre-orders and first edition prints of the original Japanese release of the game. For the overseas release in the US, pre-ordering the game from Club Namco would also get players a free download code for Kira, whilst for EU players, pre-ordering the game from any retailer in that region would get the player both Kira and Shigekiyo Yangu as well.
Kira's moveset primarily involves Killer Queen, and the use of bombs and careful detonation. Killer Queen can perform a fist barrage like most other Stands, and as a result, can trigger a Stand Rush as well. One special move has Kira toss a coin into the air. The coin will explode if the opponent touches it or if Kira detonates it himself. Kira can also prime the opponent themselves as well, detonating them (similar to how he killed Shigekiyo Yangu). A close range detonation will damage Kira as well, however.
Kira's HHA has him swipe his and Killer Queen's arms downward. If they hit, Kira explodes his victim multiple times through Killer Queen's gestures while he adjusts his tie, unfazed.
His GHA is Sheer Heart Attack, which continues to chase the opponent until Kira's HH gauge completely empties or he is hit. If SHA connects, it will ram and drill into the opponent, knock them into the air, leap, and drop on them, exploding at point-blank range while Kira brags about Sheer Heart Attack lacking weaknesses/weakpoints.
Sheer Heart Attack can be temporarily slowed down by Koichi Hirose if the latter uses his "S.H.I.T" special or HHA on it, which will also subsequently affect Kira himself. It continues to be unblockable, but tends to be rather slow on the move.
Kira's alternate costume mirrors his casual outfit and hairstyle from his debut chapter.
"Kosaku Kawajiri"
'Kosaku'-Kira is included in the base game as the main antagonist of Part 4. In game, he is consistently labelled "Kosaku Kawajiri" to differentiate him from Kira's previous form.
He retains Killer Queen in this form, whilst now having Stray Cat assist him throughout.
Killer Queen can still perform a fist barrage as per usual, though Kosaku can now use Stray Cat's air bubbles as bombs. When his Stand is turned off, Kosaku can direct the air bubbles and fire them at different speeds, as well as detonate them when he desires. When his Stand is on, all of the air bombs that Kosaku sends out will be slower, but will explode upon contact with the enemy. He is once again able to prime enemies as bombs and make them explode at his leisure. As before, Kosaku will take damage if he is too close to an explosion. It is also possible to alter a version of an air bomb to a weaker, smaller version while the projectile is in mid-flight, up to two times. This causes it to gain speed and change trajectory should the opponent step out of its path.
Kosaku can also make use of an air bomb cushion to repel an enemy that tries to attack him. This basic throw is also different from his normal Kira form.
His HHA is a counter/reversal. Kosaku readies Stray Cat as he is shocked at it protecting him. If struck during this pose, the opponent will be knocked back and, after taking the instant chance by briefly calculating distance and angle, Kosaku will detonate an airbomb, damaging his victim.
His GHA is "Bites the Dust." Kosaku tosses out Hayato. if Hayato hits the enemy, they will be stunned by his sudden interference, only to see Killer Queen, who enters their left eye and promptly detonates its Bites the Dust bomb, rewinding time. This re-adds 10 seconds to the game's timer and restores Kosaku's health. Like with Sheer Heart Attack, Bites the Dust is unblockable, but still can be dodged/sidestepped/jumped over.
Bites the Dust is, due to its time-rewinding effects, able to reverse a number of character effects (especially round-lasting transformations). Thus, if Kosaku uses his GHA on Pucci when his Stand is in Made in Heaven form, Giorno when his Stand is in Requiem mode, or on Kars in his Ultimate form, all three characters will revert back to their previous, normal forms. If the victim is MIH-mode Pucci, the stage will revert back to what it was previously. If Jonathan Joestar or Funny Valentine used their healing/comeback moves and disabled their Heart Heat Gauge as a result, said gauge will be restored once Kosaku executes his GHA successfully.
Kosaku's alternate costume mirrors his previous look, with a spiky hairstyle and no coat.
Yoshikage Kira
Yoshikage Kira was confirmed for the game alongside Akira Otoishi, Shigekiyo Yangu. Most of his moveset was reused from the previous game.
His GHA has both him and Killer Queen strike a downed opponent, before Kira takes a step back and detonates them.
Touja_romajint
He is paired with Old Joseph Joestar in the Eyes of Heaven touja_romajint, defeating Josuke and Johnny Joestar in the first round. They were eliminated by Bruno Buccellati and Trish Una in the second round, who beforehand, won the F Block series of battles that allowed them to be matched against Kira and Old Joseph within the main touja_romajint.
"Kosaku Kawajiri"
'Kosaku'-Kira was confirmed for the game along with Rohan and Okuyasu.
His GHA is similar to Bites the Dust's ASB variation, rewinding the battle timer and granting him health, but now heals his partner and the enemy not on the receiving end of the GHA as well.
Touja_romajint
He is paired with Weather Report in the Eyes of Heaven touja_romajint, defeating Akira Otoishi and Enrico Pucci in the first round, but eliminated by Giorno Giovanna and Guido Mista in the second.
Trivia
- According to Kira himself,[1] the total amount of women he's killed for their hands is 48.
- He committed his first murder on August 13, 1983, around the age of 18.
- According to a Top 10 List published in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2000, Kira is Araki's favorite antagonist and 2nd favorite character overall.
- In an ironic twist, Kira has his hands severed multiple times: His left hand twice (when he removed Sheer Heart Attack from his body and when the Cleansers attacked him) and his right hand once (when he was bitten by Arnold in Reimi's alley as a ghost).
- Kira's favorite fashion brand is Gianfranco Ferré.
- His Stand's name as well as its abilities are based on a number of songs by British band, Queen.
- The story of Kira's first murder as told by the ghost of Reimi Sugimoto shares similarities with the "Humans Can Lick Too" horror story.
- Despite the timeline stating that Kira has had Killer Queen for at least a decade, he wasn't aware of the concept of "Stands" or that they were really common until Shigekiyo revealed his, Josuke's, and Okuyasu's Stands. As such, he is the first main villain to be largely unaware of what Stands are for a known period of time, as he previously called them "special abilities".
- His design could possibly be inspired by the look of David Bowie in the 1980s.
- His voice actor in the anime, Toshiyuki Morikawa, previously voiced Diavolo in All-Star Battle and Eyes of Heaven.
- Humorously enough, both Kira and Rohan Kishibe's anime voice actors have voiced Griffith of Berserk fame. Toshiyuki had done work in the 1997 anime, while Takahiro (Rohan's VA) did work on the Berserk Trilogy Adaption and is the current voice of Griffith in the 2016 anime.
Gallery
Araki's Top Ten Favorite Characters (2000).jpeg
Kira listed as Araki's second favorite character
Beforeafterkira.png
Kira's before-and-after appearance
KosakuColor.jpg
Illustration of Kosaku-Kira
Yoshikage kira dead man's questions crop.png
93834.jpg
Illustration of Kosaku-Kira post-Arrow
Kira's initial appearance
As a child, with his parents
Taking one of his "girlfriends" on a date
Kira prepares summon Killer Queen to kill Shigechi
Kira at his most desperate
Kira confronting Josuke in the rain
Kira using mathematics to aim his bombs
Kira meets other allies of Josuke
Kira is run over and killed by the ambulance sent to rescue him
The ghostly hands of Kira's past victims exact justice, ripping him to pieces
Kira victim breakfast.png
Kira prepares breakfast with his latest victim's hand.
KiraAnime.png
Kira shown, noticing the electrical power outage in the city.
Kira's gf shower.png
Kira removing his latest "girlfriend" from the shower.
Kira's initial appearance.
Kira driving.png
Kira casually driving to his home.
Kira helping his "girlfriend" out of the car.
Annoyed at his "girlfriend" dripping blood on his car-seat.
Walking into his home for a romantic weekend.
First glimpse of Yoshikage Kira in chase.
Jojovillianssmall.jpg
Kira, along with other main antagonists in All-Star Battle
Kira A.jpg
Original Kira Costume A in All-Star Battle
Kira summon Killer Queen in All-Star Battle
KosakuASB.jpg
Kira as Kosaku (secondary outfit) and Killer Queen in All-Star Battle
Kosaku Kira ASB.jpg
Kosaku Kawajiri (Kira) as he appears in All-Star Battle
Kosaku A.jpg
Kosaku Costume A in All-Star Battle
Kosaku B.jpg
Kosaku Costume B in All-Star Battle
Top2.jpg
Kira (original form and Awaked form; purple suits) with Sheer Heart Attack in Super Action Statue
Siona1331701088.jpeg
Kira (Awaked form) in DX Collection JoJo Figure
Ky 05 nnsm998.jpg
Kira (Kawajiri form) in Real Action Heroes
Kira (Awaked form, blonde) with Killer Queen and Stray Cat in Real Action Heroes
Dq 01 nns889.jpg
Dead Man in Real Action Heroes
References
References
Site Navigation
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