This is Sui Ishida's debut work. Set in modern-day Tokyo, the story centers around "ghouls," creatures who have the appearance of humans but survive by eating human flesh. The concept is dark fantasy, but it also has elements of science fantasy. It also has many fans and the anime is highly acclaimed. Here, we will summarize the content that was not mentioned in the anime, the plot, and some thoughts on the story.
Episode 7 Mind
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui/Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
Synopsis
The operation to wipe out ghouls from the auction site and the simultaneous operation to escort the CCG transport vehicle have ended. As many casualties occur among both investigators and ghouls, Haise offers to take ownership of Fueguchi Hinami, a ghoul girl who knows his "past self." The Quinx are recognized for their work in this operation, and all members are promoted along with the other investigators who were also recognized for their achievements. Haise plans a home party to celebrate the members' promotion, inviting his boss, Akatsuki, and his friend, Special Agent Arima Kishou. However, on the day of the party, a "strange gift" arrives from someone who knows another personality inside Haise, "Kaneki Ken."
What is a frame?
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui / Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
So far, it has not been clearly stated what role the frame plays. Based on the conversation between Urie, Urie, and Dr. Shiba in episode 2, it is thought to be a kind of wall that suppresses the activity of the kagune (kakuhou). Since surgery is required to release this frame, it seems that something physical is covering the kakuhou. Why is this frame installed? If one wishes to create a being that surpasses Arima, it would be easier not to have a frame. However, I believe that the reason it was installed is because there are two types of dangers.
The first danger
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui/Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
The first danger is "rampage". In the previous episode, Urie went out of control and fell into a kind of confusion. What triggered the rampage was Urie's own abnormal obsession with strength and achievements, but it is also speculated that the fact that he had pulled up his frame just before was also related to it. If the will of a ghoul resides in the kakuhou, as mentioned briefly in the previous heading, then it is possible that by pulling up the frame, the emotions and desires of the kakuhou's owner may have eroded Urie himself.
The Second Danger
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui/Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
"Loss of identity as a human." The Quinx were eating the same food as Arima and Akatsuki. Other than the frame, the Quinx use the same methods as Kaneki did when he became a ghoul, so it is predicted that by pulling up the frame, they will no longer be able to eat the same food as humans, and will become more like ghouls.
Additional Information
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui/Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
CCG may be concerned that if the Quinx's body gets too close to that of a ghoul, they will lose their human consciousness and become enemies of the organization. Moreover, he can use his kagune at 100% of its power, so if he sides with the ghouls he will be a formidable enemy. Perhaps the frame is set up to make him protect his human identity and tame him.
Is Arima a ghoul?
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui / Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
His black hair is hardly ever shown in the TV anime, but in the OVA "Tokyo Ghoul JACK," which depicts his high school days, it can be confirmed that his hair was originally black (or rather blue). So far, it has not been explained why Arima's hair turned white, but if his hair also represents his feelings, Kishou Arima may be a ghoul.It may mean that Arima is a human but has the ideology of the ghouls.
Impressions on Episode 7
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui / Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
The sight of everyone eating together was very heartwarming, and I felt that Arima was a surprisingly casual person. Instructor Tokage also said something along the lines of "Jutsu was also a bad guy in the past." He has a strong image as a quiet young man, but what was he like in the past? Could that have an impact on future developments? It seems the Quinx are still not going to be easy to deal with.
Episode 8 - The Writhing Thing TAKe
Synopsis
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui/Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
[CCG] has begun an investigation into the mass kidnapping ghoul group "Rose." However, they are systematically trained and leave almost no trace, so they have no effective way to hunt them down. As the investigation makes little progress, Haise gets a hint from a "mask" he received and comes up with a plan.
Meanwhile, Kanae, who had her sights on Mutsuki at the recent auction, is heartbroken by the sight of her master, Tsukiyama Shuu, who has become mentally ill from the great loss he has experienced. Tsukiyama's friend, Hori Chie, proposes a plan to help him.
The Tsukiyama Family
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui / Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
Immediately after the start, a man called Croque Monsieur, who was at the auction, is shown on screen. He is Tsukiyama Mirumo's father. He is a wealthy ghoul from a different lineage than Big Madam, and at the auction he showed enough economic power to compete with her? The OVA "Tokyo Ghoul PINTO" explains that the Tsukiyama family is a family with influence in the political and financial world.
The power of the Tsukiyama family
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui/Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
Also, in episode 9 of √A, upon seeing almost all of the CCG's elite gathered together, Xi shouts, "With that level of fighting power, even the Tsukiyama family's power can't do anything about it." On the other hand, the wealthy ghoul Tsukiyama family can be said to be a powerful family with enough money, things, and people to rival the CCG unless it were all-out war.
The cause of Tsukiyama Shuu's illness
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui/Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
This time, it turns out that the cause is "desiring food without any consideration for others. It is speculated that the real reason why Xi became ill was not because he "desired to eat," but because he "did so indiscriminately." He must have eaten not only people of all ages and genders, but also ghouls. This is probably why he went mad, just like Kaneki did when he was repeatedly cannibalizing others.
Why did he eat so indiscriminately?
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui / Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
Since the two years since Kaneki's disappearance have not been depicted, it is difficult to know for sure, but it is speculated that the sense of loss he felt after losing Kaneki is the reason he became so indiscriminate in food. In other words, it seems likely that he fell ill because he was searching for food or gourmet food that could replace Kaneki.
Episode 8 Impressions
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui/Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
The highlights will be the overall picture of the Tsukiyama family, the battles with them, as well as the actions of the ghouls trying to revive Kaneki, and the reactions and changes of Haise to that. Also, although we didn't touch on this in our analysis, Furuta had a slightly insane look on his face in the opening scene. We'll be keeping an eye on his actions in the future.
Episode 9 Ghost Play
Synopsis
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui / Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
When Tsukiyama is shown a photo of Haise by Hori Chie, he is delighted to learn that "Kaneki Ken" is alive and goes to meet him. However, Haise, who has lost his memories as "Kaneki", does not know who Tsukiyama is. Meanwhile, [CCG] Associate Special Investigator Kijima Shiki posts on social media a video of the torture of Yuuma, a servant of the Tsukiyama family who was captured in the Rose incident. The video is so shocking that it causes a backlash not only within the Tsukiyama family but also within [CCG]. Tsukiyama tries to somehow rescue Yuuma and considers asking investigator Haise for help, but...
The Intention of the Disguise Ghoul Operation
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui / Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
Haisei asked Uta if he could custom-make a mask. It was a question to make a Quinx member mask and disguise himself as a ghoul. When asked what his purpose is in disguising himself as a ghoul, he answers, "To infiltrate the world of ghouls..." Rose also says, "Because she leaves almost no traces, it will be like an investigation following a thread," says Ui. At first glance, this disguised ghoul operation seems like a ploy to get a hold of Rose's investigation, but is that all there is to it?
Swaying Feelings
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui/Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
Haise was feeling his own wavering feelings, wondering "Why am I siding with the ghouls...?". Haise fights ghouls but doesn't finish them off, which may be due to the closed memory of Kaneki. Just before these words, Kaneki is told, "You are the only being who has a place in both the human world and the ghoul world."
A wish that sleeps deep inside
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui/Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
The Quinx have the potential to live in the world of ghouls and humans just like me (albeit with different methods). Haise may not be aware of it, but there may be a deep desire behind the disguise ghoul operation to have them learn more about ghouls.
Impressions on Episode 9
Source: Tokyo Ghoul © Ishida Sui/Shueisha, Tokyo Ghoul:re Production Committee
In this story, it felt like the conflict over exterminating the unknown ghouls had reached a new stage due to Kijima's actions. And in the preview for the next episode, we hear the ominous words "Tsukiyama Family Extermination Plan." We also saw a scene where Haise was screaming, so perhaps his interaction with Xi will awaken the Kaneki inside Haise. I have a feeling that the Rose arc will get going again next week.
Summary
The new Rose arc has started. The Quinx squad's frame-out, Chifu's anguish, and Haise's wavering feelings all seem to be foreshadowing the end of the series. What will happen to the Quinx squad in the future? I'm curious.
