Gyokko is a powerful demon and the Upper Rank Five of the Twelve Kizuki, the elite group of demons who serve directly under Muzan Kibutsuji in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. He is known for his grotesque, aquatic-themed appearance and his obsessive artistry, creating “art” through the mutilation and rearrangement of human bodies. He serves as one of the main antagonists (alongside Hantengu) during the Swordsmith Village Arc.
Appearance[]
Gyokko’s appearance is highly abnormal even by demon standards. His upper body emerges from a large, ornate porcelain vase, which he uses as both his base of movement and a weapon. His face is warped, with eyes vertically aligned and a mouth that stretches unnaturally across his head, giving him a disturbing and unsettling visage. His body is covered in fish-like scales, and he often sprouts tentacle-like appendages that resemble aquatic creatures. His entire aesthetic and biology are themed around marine life and traditional Japanese pottery.
Gyokko's true form
When pushed to his limits, Gyokko undergoes a transformation into a more humanoid yet still grotesque form. In this state, he emerges fully from the pot, shedding his lower half and resembling a lithe, muscular aquatic deity covered in shimmering scales. His hands become fish-like and extremely fast, giving him a massive speed boost and enhancing his combat prowess.
Personality[]
Gyokko is arrogant, sadistic, and disturbingly obsessed with the concept of art—specifically, macabre art crafted from the remains of his victims. He believes his grotesque creations are beautiful masterpieces, often expressing genuine delight when showcasing them. He is vain and self-important, becoming enraged when others insult or mock his art or appearance.
Unlike other Upper Moons who revel in battle or strength, Gyokko values creativity above combat. However, this doesn’t mean he lacks bloodlust—he tortures and kills for the sake of creation and takes perverse joy in inflicting suffering. His speech is flamboyant, and he often boasts about his "exquisite" artistic achievements, even as he massacres innocents.
Story[]
Backstory:
Before becoming a demon, Gyokko was a human named Managi, a sickly and disturbed child living in a fishing village. He developed a twisted fascination with death and sea creatures after his parents died at sea, and he began killing animals and eventually people. He mutilated their corpses and hid them in jars, considering them art. Eventually, he was killed by angry villagers but was saved and transformed into a demon by Muzan, who saw potential in his madness.
During Demon Slayer:
Gyokko appears during the Swordsmith Village Arc, sent by Muzan to destroy the hidden village that produces Nichirin swords—essential tools for Demon Slayers. He works alongside Hantengu, another Upper Rank demon, and begins slaughtering swordsmiths in gruesome ways, turning their corpses into “statues” to display his artistic flair.
Gyokko confronts Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira, and initially overwhelms him using his techniques and regenerative powers. However, Tokito unlocks his Demon Slayer Mark during the fight, which drastically increases his abilities. Despite Gyokko’s transformation into his faster, deadlier true form, he is ultimately defeated by Tokito, who decapitates him before he can regenerate.
Powers and Abilities[]
Gyokko’s powers revolve around his control over vases and water-based techniques, tied closely to his grotesque artistry and marine aesthetic.
1. Vase Manipulation and Spatial Teleportation[]
Gyokko can teleport between his vases, allowing him to evade attacks and reposition unpredictably. These vases can appear at will and even float in the air. He can travel from one to another instantaneously, making it incredibly difficult to predict his movements or corner him in battle.
2. Fish and Tentacle Summoning[]
Gyokko can summon demonic fish-like creatures from his vases. These beasts vary in size and function—from small piranha-like attackers to large, tentacled monstrosities. They possess great strength and durability, often requiring high-level swordsmanship to defeat.
Some fish explode upon death, while others can shoot poisonous spines or entangle opponents in their limbs. One notable summon is a giant fish demon that attacks the village, nearly killing the swordsmith Kotetsu.
3. Water-Based and Artistic Techniques[]
Gyokko uses water not just for attack, but as a medium to create surreal and deadly “art.” His abilities include:
- Octopus Vase Hell (壺遁・蛸壺地獄, Kokotsu: Takotsubo Jigoku): He summons dozens of writhing, massive octopus-like tentacles from his vases to crush and ensnare enemies. These limbs are strong enough to destroy buildings and overpower Hashira-level opponents.
- Ten Thousand Sliding Slime-Fish (滑魚・万滑り, Katsugyo: Man Suberi): Releases a torrent of slimy fish that slither over the ground, making movement nearly impossible and sapping the stamina of those caught in it.
4. Regeneration and Durability[]
As an Upper Rank demon, Gyokko boasts high-speed regeneration, healing from sword slashes and severe injuries within seconds. His body is unusually durable due to his fish-scale-like skin, which can repel standard attacks.
5. True Form – Speed and Power Boost[]
When he sheds his vase and enters his true form, Gyokko becomes immensely fast. His punches can twist the air and pierce solid stone. He compares himself to a “living god” in this state, capable of overwhelming most opponents through speed alone. However, his pride leads to his downfall when underestimating Tokito.