I’ve been watching a little more anime recently, in part due to the release of Sailor Moon Crystal. The revival of the anime that started it all for me has made me think back to other favorites. This train of thought made me think of animes that I still love and would gladly watch again. One of these animes is Fushigi Yûgi. It took me on an emotional roller coaster. I am not kidding — it was full of feels and a large cast of crushworthy characters. Here is the crush that always got to me.
Warning: spoilers ahead!
Stats:
Full Name: Nuriko (Ryuuen Chou)
Age: 16 or 17 when the series began
Occupation: Suzaku warrior, concubine
Who is He?
Nuriko is one the seven warriors of Suzaku in Yuu Watase’s Fushigi Yûgi, most famous for his cross dressing and amorous feelings for Hotohori. Nuriko’s power is amazing super strength. He can lift fallen buildings off your body. Nuriko is the heart of the Suzaku Seishi. At first, Nuriko appears shallow and selfish on the surface. However, that’s not really true of his character at all.
Fun Facts:
- Nuriko grew out his hair to honor his dead sister. He took her name when he entered Hotohori’s harem.
- Nuriko cuts said hair when he resolves to be a strong Suzaku warrior.
- Nuriko was supposed to be a tailor.
- Nuriko is a Pisces.
- Nuriko’s theme song is called “Kaze no Uta”.
Why So Crushworthy?
Nuriko. Even writing this brings back all the old feelings. Nuriko is the best character, in my opinion, on Fushigi Yûgi. He’s definitely the most complex. He’s a walking yin and yang. He identifies himself as both male and female. He has the heart of a woman and the strength of a man. I found his idea of androgyny very appealing as a teenager. Who says you have to act like a boy or a girl? Nuriko lives as he chooses. Nuriko, at first glance, acts like spoiled diva. He’s very jealous and doesn’t want to help Miaka at all. He’s all about getting Hotohori’s attention. Then, he matures and becomes the most supportive of the Suzaku warriors. He keeps them all going emotionally. He always tries to make them smile in tough situations.
Speaking of tough… I’m still not over his demise in the series. It was the worst. Nuriko makes the ultimate sacrifice to save Miaka. This is something he would not have done at the beginning of the series. It shows how much he matures during the series. I wish there had been a better way to show how strong he had become. Nuriko even supports the seishi after his death. He encourages them from beyond and doesn’t regret sacrificing himself. Nuriko is so heart wrenching. He discovers his true self in his journey in the series. He’s neither male or female; he’s just Nuriko, who loves his friends. I could write a long essay about how amazing his character is. The fact is Nuriko simply is.
I also realize I am still not over his death in the series.
