Shuu Tsukiyama is one of the antagonists in the Tokyo Ghoul series. Coming from a wealthy and influential family has influenced him a lot. Shuu is not used to simple things: his style is outrageous and over-the-top, his excessive personality can drive you insane, and his taste for exquisite cuisine may sound like a normal thing until you’re reminded that he’s a ghoul and gourmet food for him means eating people.
In the early episodes of anime Tsukiyama is portrayed as an obsessive freak that loves the scent of Kaneki so much that it drives him crazy. His refined taste doesn’t let him enjoy food the way other people or ghouls do, it’s just too simple for Shuu. The ghoul relishes uniqueness and loves making a show out of his meals. He is also no stranger to eating other ghouls, that’s why his interest in Kaneki was so intense. Tsukiyama is also very charismatic which allows him to lure the victims into his web and this is exactly how the main protagonist ended up in Tsukiyama’s hands. Besides, after finding out that Kaneki is a one-eyed ghoul, Shuu becomes even more obsessed with him and now wants him all to himself, also revealing his possessiveness.
Despite having a threatening and sadistic nature, Tsukiyama was mostly seen as a comedic relief by the fans. His behavior and crazy-looking face have become the reason for countless memes and laughs from the fanbase. The handkerchief scene alone (where he got a drop of Kaneki’s blood on it and was smelling it vigorously in the bathroom) was a good enough excuse to make fun of the character. However, Shuu wasn’t destined to stay just a crazy gag for the entire show.
While started as an insane obsession, his relationship with Kaneki evolved and turned into a bizarre care. Later in the series, the news of Kaneki’s death reaches Tsukiyama, and it breaks him. His obsession with the boy is so strong and his craving for the one-eyed ghoul so intense, that he refuses to eat anything else and drives himself into starvation and suffering. This mad loyalty is twisted but appreciated by the fans. Seeing Tsukiyama in such a vulnerable state was a nice change of pace and a turning point for the viewers when it comes to the perception of this character. Moreover, when Shuu learns the truth about Kaneki and understands he’s not dead, he tries to help him and later understands that the young ghoul is no longer an exquisite meal for him, but actually someone he cares about.
This switch from a hilariously insane and charismatic psycho to a deep and layered character has made thousands of fans (and us, of course) feel for Tsukiyama and understand him on a different level.
A quick look into this Gourmet ghoul’s personality.
Shuu Tsukiyama is one of the antagonists in the Tokyo Ghoul series. Coming from a wealthy and influential family has influenced him a lot. Shuu is not used to simple things: his style is outrageous and over-the-top, his excessive personality can drive you insane, and his taste for exquisite cuisine may sound like a normal thing until you’re reminded that he’s a ghoul and gourmet food for him means eating people.
In the early episodes of anime Tsukiyama is portrayed as an obsessive freak that loves the scent of Kaneki so much that it drives him crazy. His refined taste doesn’t let him enjoy food the way other people or ghouls do, it’s just too simple for Shuu. The ghoul relishes uniqueness and loves making a show out of his meals. He is also no stranger to eating other ghouls, that’s why his interest in Kaneki was so intense. Tsukiyama is also very charismatic which allows him to lure the victims into his web and this is exactly how the main protagonist ended up in Tsukiyama’s hands. Besides, after finding out that Kaneki is a one-eyed ghoul, Shuu becomes even more obsessed with him and now wants him all to himself, also revealing his possessiveness.
Despite having a threatening and sadistic nature, Tsukiyama was mostly seen as a comedic relief by the fans. His behavior and crazy-looking face have become the reason for countless memes and laughs from the fanbase. The handkerchief scene alone (where he got a drop of Kaneki’s blood on it and was smelling it vigorously in the bathroom) was a good enough excuse to make fun of the character. However, Shuu wasn’t destined to stay just a crazy gag for the entire show.
While started as an insane obsession, his relationship with Kaneki evolved and turned into a bizarre care. Later in the series, the news of Kaneki’s death reaches Tsukiyama, and it breaks him. His obsession with the boy is so strong and his craving for the one-eyed ghoul so intense, that he refuses to eat anything else and drives himself into starvation and suffering. This mad loyalty is twisted but appreciated by the fans. Seeing Tsukiyama in such a vulnerable state was a nice change of pace and a turning point for the viewers when it comes to the perception of this character. Moreover, when Shuu learns the truth about Kaneki and understands he’s not dead, he tries to help him and later understands that the young ghoul is no longer an exquisite meal for him, but actually someone he cares about.
This switch from a hilariously insane and charismatic psycho to a deep and layered character has made thousands of fans (and us, of course) feel for Tsukiyama and understand him on a different level.
