Kunimitsu and Kunimitsu II are fictional characters in the Tekken series centred on fighting games by Bandai Namco. Kunimitsu (Japanese: 州光) was introduced in the original Tekken video game as a Japanese female kunoichi who belonged to the Manji Clan, which was founded by Yoshimitsu, another Tekken character. However, she was expelled from the clan due to her theft-like behaviour. Canonically, her first appearance was to steal a valuable treasure held by fellow Tekken character Michelle Chang, who eventually defeated Kunimitsu in the King of Iron Fist Tournament. In Tekken 2, she returned to the tournament to claim a sacred sword given by Yoshimitsu, but she was defeated once more. Since Tekken 2, Kunimitsu has not appeared in any future canonical games. After 25 years since Tekken 2, Kunimitsu's daughter, Kunimitsu II (Japanese: 州光 II), is her successor with mastered disciplines and additional movements, debuting as a downloadable content character in Tekken 7 (2017).
Kunimitsu, introduced as a counterpart to Yoshimitsu with a similar command list, was initially misidentified as a male character due to graphic blocks that gave her a male-like appearance, dialogue in original gaming manuals, and her voice being provided by the game's lead director, Katsuhiro Harada. However, in the second game, she was updated with new graphics and voice-overs to better represent female characteristics. Kunimitsu's most recent remaster was in Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (2011), which featured a new design, move set, and voice acting. The introduction of her daughter Kunimitsu II included a brand-new take on the character, including new outfits, graphics, and voice-acting with a similar story to her mother's; Harada stated that the goal of Kunimitsu II was to further the storyline of her mother's legacy within the game. Furthermore, both characters are considered the fastest and most agile in the Tekken franchise.
Kunimitsu is voiced by Harada, Shiho Kikuchi, and Megumi Toyoguchi throughout her entries, with Kunimitsu II voiced by Saori Hayami. Despite not appearing in every canon entry, Kunimitsu has appeared in spin-off media, including Tekken Tag Tournament (1999), Tekken Hybrid (2011), and Tekken Revolution (2013). The character also appears in the opening sequence of the anime filmTekken: The Motion Picture (1998), two comic series based on the game, a cameo appearance in the video game crossover Street Fighter X Tekken (2012), and the League of Legends Champions Korea comic entry Ambition, Knee, and EscA. Her initial reception was underwhelming, with critics comparing her to Yoshimitsu and labelling her a forgettable character. However, Kunimitsu II received positive feedback for her move-set, character design, and progression from the original. In retrospect, contemporary reviews have largely favoured the characters as one of the video game's underappreciated characters, while others have regarded her as one of the greatest female characters in fighting games.
Concept and design
Original concept art of Kunimitsu.
Early concepts of Kunimitsu in Tekken (1995) show her wearing a kimono-style outfit with a single ponytail and kunai.[1] However, the final design depicts Kunimitsu in a purple or dark red catsuit with two parted red ponytails, a hannya, and two dagger-like weapons.[2] Kunimitsu is mistaken for a male character in the first game media and manual, which is mentioned in her original biography.[a] This was due to technical challenges encountered during development, specifically the character's construction with graphic blocks, which gave her a male-like appearance.[3] Furthermore, the game's head director, Katsuhiro Harada, voiced some characters in the game, including Kunimitsu (her voice has similarities to that of fellow Tekken character Yoshimitsu).[7] Kunimitsu's biography is not discussed in the video game, including her nationality, weight, and height.[6] Kunimitsu was redesigned in Tekken 2 with a new outfit palette, a single kunai in her right hand, and more feminine qualities to correct the mistakes of the first game. Additionally, her command list includes moves that allow her to use her kunai, such as Deadly Stab, Deadly Slice, and Deadly Slash.[8] Her moves were designed to have good "built-in move" qualities, similar to Yoshimitsu's, as well as many unblockable attacks.[9] Her Tekken 2 bio lists her weight as 53 kg and her height as 173 cm, but her age and nationality remained unknown at the time.[10]
Her previous outfit palettes appear in Tekken Tag Tournament (1999), with minor colour variations.[11] A third outfit palette shows Kunimitsu in a purple catsuit, a chest harness, and a hannya that reveals her mouth.[11] Elements of Kunimitsu's costumes appear as a palette option for Yoshimitsu in Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection (2006).[12] Kunimitsu undergoes a complete transformation in Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (2011), with new costumes, voice acting, and move-set. Katsuya Terada created the designs; the first depicts Kunimitsu in a short purple Yukata-style outfit with additional leg and arm armour, as well as her signature red two-ponytail hairstyle with a fox-like hannya that exposes her mouth.[13] An alternative outfit by Terada includes a bodysuit with extra armour and a larger hannya that reveals her mouth.[14] In subsequent character developments, both Harada and game designer Michael Murray stated that they had designed a face for Kunimitsu behind the mask in the event that the game data was "compromised", and confirmed that she was blind with scars on her eyes.[15] Furthermore, he observed that Kunimitsu rarely spoke throughout the video game canon and carried this theme into her character development.[15] Kunimitsu's biography lists the same weight and height as previous entries and identifies her nationality as Japanese, though her age is unknown (Harada confirmed her birth date is March 15).[16]
Yasuto Morioka created the concept art for the Kunimitsu II design, which appears in Tekken 7 (2017).[17] Kunimitsu II is shown in her first outfit palette, which includes a black ponytail with highlights, a new hannya, a purple-and-pink bodysuit with multiple accessories, body armour, and a two-split foxtail.[17][18] Kunimitsu II also carries a kodachi and tantō, which she uses in her new command list and move set throughout the game.[18] Kunimitsu II appears in a second outfit, Urban Ninja, which features an oversized hoodie with black clothing underneath and bandaged legs.[17][18] Unlike her mother, Kunimitsu II has voice notes by Japanese voice actor Saori Hayami and speaks in her appearance on Tekken 7.[19] Additionally, Kunimitsu II has the option of going maskless; according to Harada, he was initially opposed to the idea of removing her mask, but was persuaded by younger staff members and "reluctantly approved" of the decision.[20] Harada confirmed that her birthday is January 13.[16] Kunimitsu has been regarded as one of the game's most agile and fast characters.[b]
Story
"I wanted to move the story forward a bit, and IP that has been around for over 25 years needs a little surprise and a new experience. I don't know if it's make sense for you."
In the original Tekken, Kunimitsu joins Yoshimitsu's Manji Clan. Kunimitsu gives up her Japanese citizenship to remain anonymous.[6] Kunimitsu, like many other Manji Clan members, uses Manji ninjitsu and her thieving skills to steal from the rich and give to the poor. However, she began stealing for personal gain and was banished from the Manji Clan when Yoshimitsu discovered this.[6] To support herself, she became a mechanic and engineer and started repairing air conditioners.[10][26] She enters the inaugural King of Iron Fist Tournament after learning about Michelle Chang, a Native American woman who possesses a valuable treasure sought after by the tournament's head leader, Heihachi Mishima.[5][27] Kunimitsu is defeated after facing Chang.[27] In the game, Chang is Kunimitsu's sub-boss.[2] In Tekken 2, Kunimitsu cares for her frail grandfather and discovers a mysterious power hidden in Yoshimitsu's sword, which has been passed down through generations of the Manji Clan.[10] Kunimitsu enters the second King of Iron First Tournament, determined to steal the sword and replicate it for her grandfather. Kunimitsu loses to Yoshimitsu again.[27][28] In the video game, Yoshimitsu is her sub-boss, and if she completes the story mode, Kunimitsu wields the sword and slices a rock in half, revealing the mysterious sword's power.[8]
Kunimitsu retires as a kunoichi and marries a shinobi.[27][29] Soon after, she gives birth to her daughter, who adopts her mother's name as a fellow kuniochi. Kunimitsu II began working various jobs within major corporations in order to steal specific items for her personal gain.[27][29] She, like her mother, became interested in industrial technology and enrolled at Mishima Polytechnical School to investigate the Mishima Zaibatsu after learning of its possible connection to the Tekken Force.[27][29] However, one day she discovered that her mother had become gravely ill and was bedridden as a result of her condition.[27][29] Her mother tells her about Yoshimitsu's past, his feud with her mother, and his sword, which she has been unable to obtain. Kunimitsu II decides to participate in the King of Iron First Tournament, which appears in Tekken 7.[27][29] Kunimitsu II's story is not considered canon in the video game series because she appears as a downloadable character.[30] Furthermore, Kunimitsu II's ninjitsu-style attacks and command list were thought to be superior to her mother and father's attack levels.[27][29] According to Harada, the decision to include Kunimitsu II was made to "move the story forward a bit", and the fact that the original character was added over 25 years ago "needs a little surprise and a new experience."[25]
Appearances and other media
Like many unlockable characters in the original Tekken, Kunimitsu is not present in the arcade versions.[31] However, she is an unlockable playable character on PlayStation formats that were released on March 31, 1995.[2] Kunimitsu appears as an unlockable character in the second instalment's arcade and PlayStation versions, which were released in August 1994 and March 29, 1996, respectively; her fighting stage is Cambodian Wetlands.[8] A miniature of Kunimitsu was manufactured by Namco as a keychain.[32] She appears as an unlockable character in Tekken Tag Tournament, which was released in July 1999 for the PlayStation 2.[11] Despite her absence for the majority of the series, some of her moves made it onto Yoshimitsu's command list, most notably the Gilloutine Crow Kick in Tekken 5 (2005).[12] Kunimitsu was released as a downloadable character alongside many other characters on Tekken Tag Tournament 2, which was released on September 14, 2011, for PlayStation 3.[33] She is an unlockable character in Tekken Hybrid, which was released on November 24, 2011, for PlayStation 3.[34] Her most recent appearance was as an unlockable character in the defunct Tekken Revolution, which was released on July 11, 2013.[35] Kunimitsu also appears in the opening sequence of the anime filmTekken: The Motion Picture (1998).[36] She appears in Bandai Namco's comic book series Tekken Saga (1997) and Tekken 2: Mishima Family Values (1998).[37][38] She has a cameo appearance in the video game crossover Street Fighter X Tekken (2012).[39] On August 1, 2020, Bandai Namco released the season four pass trailer for Tekken 7, revealing an undisclosed character and location.[40] However, Kunimitsu II was leaked prior to a formal announcement.[41] On September 28, a reveal trailer for Kunimitsu II and a new stage named Vermillion Gates was released; the trailer featured a combat battle between Tekken characters Master Raven and Yoshimitsu, as well as gameplay from Kunimitsu II.[30] She and the stage were featured on the season four pass of Tekken 7, which was made available as DLC on November 9.[29] To celebrate her inclusion, Bandai Namco release shirts featuring designs by Jbstyles and Junny.[42] In 2022, Kunimitsu II appeared in the League of Legends Champions Korea comic entry Ambition, Knee, and EscA.[43] The name Kunimitsu is based on the stage name of Italian singer-songwriter Kuni (also known as Eleonora Danese).[44]
Reception
The initial reaction to Kunimitsu's first appearance was negative. In Tekken, GamePro called her one of the "weirdest" characters in the game, while PlayStation Plus and Total PlayStation thought her moves were too similar to Yoshimitsu, with the latter describing her as "derivative".[45][46][47] According to Dimension Publishing's Official Strategy Guide for Tekken 2, the audience regarded Kunimitsu as the worst character in the original game.[9] They believed her changes in Tekken 2, particularly her unblockable attacks, improved her quality, writing that a “good Tekken 2 player can recognise Kunimitsu’s assets and use them to their advantage".[9] In Tekken 2, Kunimitsu retained the same negative response. Maximum criticised the character, describing her as one of the "less impressive" characters in the game and noting the "sad number of new techniques" in her arsenal.[26] Another magazine review described her as "inept," but did highlight newer moves on her command list.[48]PlayStation Plus was harsh in their review, describing her as one of the "crap fighters" in the game. Despite highlighting her speed, they pointed out her lack of moves and believed her range was "short" compared to other characters. Nonetheless, they referred to her as "battle fodder".[21]Hyper praised the character's new design and agility, but considered her to be the weakest character in the game.[22]
In Tekken Tag Tournament, Kunimitsu received a mixed response. Shawn Sanders of GameRevolution was disappointed that the unlockable characters in the game were "familiar faces", citing Kunimitsu and fellow Tekken character Bruce Irvin as examples. Sanders also referred to Kunimitsu as "Yoshimitsu's doppelganger".[49] However, PlayStation Official Magazine labelled her as one of the best tag partners.[50]PS2M emphasised her return alongside other characters and their previous move-sets, writing that "Tekken veterans should feel right at home."[51] Michael Haddarance of PlayStation Universe reviewed Tekken Hybrid and referred to Kunimitsu, along with Tekken characters Ogre and Unknown, as "forgotten combatants" in comparison to the game's other established characters.[52] Tom Goulter of GamesRadar+ praised her appearance in Tekken Tag Tournament 2, describing her as "a throwback to the notion of ninja as conniving thieves and assassins, and her fleeing-and-hiding skill in particular is so finely honed..."[53]Play received a game preview, but was disappointed by Kunimitsu's absence.[54] When the character was later added, Play praised Kunimitsu and fellow Tekken character Prototype Jack for their contributions to the game.[55] Despite her revival, Harada confirmed that her appearance in both Tekken Tag Tournament series was not widely used or popular among other characters.[56]
Prior to her inclusion in Tekken 7, Heavy listed her as one of the characters they wanted to see as DLC, writing, "All Tekken 7 needs to throw the [Tekken Tag Tournament 2] version of Kunimitsu into the fray, give her even more brand new maneuvers to utilize, and bless her with a bunch of flashy attires. Kunimitsu's current-gen arrival in Tekken 7 is a must at this point."[57] After being added to Tekken 7, Az Elias from Cubed3 described her experience as "[feeling] awesome to play." They also compared her fighting style to that of Kasumi from the Dead or Alive series, citing her somersaults, manoeuvrability, and teleportation.[58] Similarly, Robert Curran of Comic Book Resources compared her to both Kasumi and Taki of Soulcalibur, praising her agility and believing she would be a good main character for those "who will happily trade range and power for blazing speed".[23] According to Dom Peppiat of Red Bull, the inclusion of Kunimitsu II "gave veteran Tekken fans something to celebrate".[59] According to Harada, Kunimitsu II experienced high online usage months after her inclusion in the game.[60] At the Evo 2023, Pakistani esports player Arslan Ash won the Tekken 7 championship with Kunimitsu, defeating Akihiro "Ao" Abe, who also used Kunimitsu.[61]
In retrospect, critics have lauded both characters. When reviewing Tekken 8 (2024), Austin Jones of Paste was critical of Kunimitsu not being added to the character roster. Jones stated that her inclusion in Tekken 7 featured the "most complete kit and fluid gameplay I had personally encountered in any fighting game".[62] Leah J. Williams of GamesHub described her as "a lithe and impressive fighter that utilises a range of flashy moves to take down her opponents." Williams also praised her as one of the game's best fighters, calling her character design "fabulous".[63] Gavin Jasper meanhwhile stated that "Kunimitsu doesn't get nearly enough love."[64] She received an honourable mention from ComicBook.com, who listed her on their Five Best Brawles From the Tekken series, writing "there's something about Kunimitsu that really does something for us, whether it's her pure speed and agility, or being able to deliver thunderous combos on opponents when they don't expect it." They also described her outfits as "absolutely dazzling".[24] Ritwik Mitra of GameRant considered both Kunimitsu characters as two of the best ninja characters in gaming, stating that "this character is swift and a lot of fun to control as players master her move-set and unleash a torrent of pain on their enemies."[65]
^Akagi, Masumi (2005). "アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編". それは「ポン」から始まった-アーケードTVゲームの成り立ち: 128. Note: No sources confirmed each character present in the arcade versions.
^"Tekken Tag Tournament". PS2M (39). United States: 43. November 2000.
^Haddarance, Michael (November 26, 2011). "Tekken Hybrid Review". PlayStation Universe. Archived from the original on July 9, 2017. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
