Danganronpa Wiki
Register
Advertisement
Korekiyo Shinguji
Gallery
Sprites


People are creatures of greed. At times, that inner ugliness is visible. But that, too, is just another aspect of the beauty of humanity.

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony


Korekiyo Shinguji (真宮寺 是清), also known as Kiyo, is a student in the Ultimate Academy for Gifted Juveniles and a participant of the Killing School Semester featured in Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony. His title is the Ultimate Anthropologist (超高校級の「民俗学者」lit. Super High School Level Anthropologist).

History[]

Early Life[]

Before Joining Danganronpa

Korekiyo Shinguji was a normal talentless high school boy who participated in the 53rd Season of Danganronpa, a famous worldwide reality show made by Team Danganronpa.

Korekiyo attended Sunset Hill High School (夕陽ヶ丘学園) during his high school days. However, it is unclear if this memory of him is a part of the fabrication made by Team Danganronpa or if it was genuine.

Fabricated Past

After he successfully participated in the 53rd Killing Game, Korekiyo's memories and past were fabricated by Team Danganronpa as follows:

According to Korekiyo, he had an older sister who meant the world to him and knew him better than anyone else. She always had terrible health, and ever since Korekiyo was young, she constantly had to go in and out of the hospital. Because of this, she was horribly lonely and never had any friends, so she spent a lot of time with her brother. When he was younger, Korekiyo got interested in cultural anthropology while reading a book with his sister. He was surprised to find out that different people around the world have had similar ideas that turned into popular stories. His sister told him that he should research it if he was curious about it, and that motivated him to become an anthropologist.

He used to have a much simpler school uniform, but his sister thought it didn't suit him and personally tailored the unique uniform he wears now for him as a present. This took a long time due to her poor health, but that only made him treasures the outfit more, considering it his alone and truly unique clothing nobody else in the world has.

In the past, according to Korekiyo, he had an incestuous relationship with his older sister. He believed it was true love and he didn't care what the society thought of them. However, at some point, his sister died due to an illness. Left alone and frustrated due to his deep obsession with his sister, he begun to develop an idea of "sending admirable friends" to his sister in the afterlife, since she never had any friends while she was alive. Korekiyo began to target girls that met his requirements as his sister's "friends" by killing them, making him a serial killer, with his goal being 100 victims. He eventually got very close to this number, supposedly killing women during his constant traveling. He also stated that he once visited a village where people frequently practiced bondage and became very popular with the village's women.

In order to study folklore, Korekiyo visited various areas and met with many people. From that experience, he formed a pet theory of "humanity's unlimited beauty". At one point, while crossing an entire country, Korekiyo was attacked by local natives who "welcomed" him by tying him up and torturing him with a whip to near death. He then hallucinated an image of his deceased sister, which lead to him to develop a type of split personality known as a tulpa based on her as a coping mechanism. In times of distress, he talked to himself with his sister's persona in an attempt to calm himself.

It is unclear how much, if any, of Korekiyo's past before participating in the 53rd Killing Game was real, and which parts were fabricated by Team Danganronpa. Furthermore, it should be noted that Korekiyo very likely could be quite delusional and some of his claims may not be accurate.

It's known that he wore a mask even as his former self, but his clothes were neat and in good style.

The Gofer Project[]

Main article: The Gofer Project
Danganronpa V3 CG - The Gofer Project (6)

Part of the fake backstories created for Korekiyo and the other fifteen students was The Gofer Project, which supposedly happened before the Killing Game started. It was initiated by heads of nations from all over the world after countless meteorites crashed into Earth, spreading a deadly virus all throughout the atmosphere. To try and preserve the last vestiges of mankind before the Earth’s destruction, the government decided to select sixteen talented students chosen by the Ultimate Initiative that also somehow happened to be immune to the virus, put them in a spaceship colony, and have them escape before the Earth's destruction. Korekiyo was among these sixteen individuals.

Despite being chosen to participant however, Korekiyo and the other fifteen participants had no intentions of going along with the plan, not wanting to abandon their loved ones. As a result, Korekiyo chose to forget about his Ultimate talent and decided to live as a normal high school student.

Around that time an extremist cult came into power. They believed that the meteorites were a punishment humanity brought upon itself, and having heard of The Gofer Project, tried to stop it. As a result, the Ultimate Hunt started and spread throughout the world, and the sixteen students selected for the Gofer Project were hunted down.

Danganronpa V3 CG - Mass funeral for the students

The government then decided to counter the situation by faking the students' deaths, calming down the Ultimate Hunt while providing protection to the students. The Gofer Project was then put into action while the Earth was being destroyed by meteorites. Korekiyo and the others went to space in the massive ark, the true form of Ultimate Academy of Gifted Juveniles, and were put to a cold sleep for several decades.

Much later on in Chapter 5, after the remaining participants cleared the Death Road of Despair, Kokichi Oma lied about being the mastermind of the Killing Game and that he was the leader of the cult bent on stopping the Gofer Project. He also lied about being the one who let Monokuma enter the spaceship, which effectively forced Korekiyo and the others to participate in the Killing School Semester. All of this was done in order to get everyone to fall into so much despair that they would not continue the Killing Game.

However, the true Mastermind, in order to get the remaining survivors at the time to continue the Killing Game, decided to connect everyone's memories of The Gofer Project to the story of Hope's Peak Academy. As a result, the true Mastermind prepared a Flashback Light that tricked the remaining participants into thinking that everyone, including those that had died, were actually students of the rebuilt Hope's Peak Academy. They also remembered that the ones behind The Gofer Project were Makoto Naegi, the headmaster of the rebuilt Hopes Peak Academy, and the Future Foundation. This Flashback light also revealed that the cult bent on stopping The Gofer Project were actually the Remnants of Despair, and that Kokichi was their leader. This lie filled everyone with the determination needed to stop the despair they were faced with.

In the Mastermind's rush, they accidentally overlooked slight inconsistencies and plot holes when linking both stories together, such as "Ultimate Despair" only referring to Junko Enoshima, and that Class 78th was trapped by the Ultimate Despair when they had actually locked themselves within the school in order to shelter themselves from the tragedy outside.

While Korekiyo did remember about the Ultimate Hunt in Chapter 2 and his and everyone else's funeral in Chapter 3 thanks to the Flashback Light's, he ultimately has no complete recollection of the event, as he was executed before he actually received a complete memory about The Gofer Project by the Flashback Light in Chapter 5.

Killing School Semester[]

Main article: Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony

Introduction[]

Danganronpa V3 CG - The Pre-Game students gathered in the gym

Korekiyo was among the first fourteen people gathered in the gymnasium before Kaede Akamatsu and Shuichi Saihara arrived. Just like everyone else, Korekiyo was confused about their current predicament. Once the Monokuma Kubs arrived in their Exisals, they gave the sixteen participants their Ultimate wardrobe, and their first memory via the Flashback Light. Korekiyo and the other fifteen talentless students underwent the fabrication process, where all of their past memories and personalities were heavily fabricated. He also received the talent and title of Ultimate Anthropologist. All of this was done for the sake of satisfying Danganronpa's audience from all over the world. After the fabrication process was completed, Korekiyo and the others entered the Ultimate Academy for Gifted Juveniles as totally different people, officially commencing the 53rd killing game season known as the Killing School Semester.

Danganronpa V3 CG - Pre-Game Students in their talent outfits (Vita) (1)

Korekiyo was later found in the main hall after the iron bars barricading the front entrance had lifted by Kaede, the Ultimate Pianist, and Shuichi, the Ultimate Detective. He introduced himself to the duo as the Ultimate Anthropologist, explaining to them just what Anthropology was. Kaede still didn't quite understand it but did say that it sounded like a lot of fun. He then went on to explain his theory that human beings are creatures that possess infinite beauty and that he finds even the ugly aspects of humanity to be beautiful. Korekiyo was intrigued by their current situation wondered just what sort of "beauty" he would be able to witness here, stating that people are wonderful, creeping Kaede out. She then asked him if they could go outside through the front doors, but Korekiyo said that she should find the answers to her questions on her own, eerily stating that when their hopes are shattered might be "beautiful" too though Kaede had no idea what he meant by that.

Danganronpa V3 CG - Start of the Killing School Semester

Korekiyo would later gather with everyone else in the gymnasium after the Monokuma Kubs made their announcement. While some of the students were worried, Korekiyo was able to keep calm and composed. Afterwards, the Monokuma Kubs and Monokuma, the Monokuma Kubs' father and the self-appointed headmaster of the Ultimate Academy for Gifted Juveniles, arrived and announced that they would be participating in a Killing Game, much to almost everyone's shock and horror. Korekiyo however, stated that he could sense the despair and malice-like aura around Monokuma. With that, the Killing School Semester had officially begun.

Attempting the Death Road of Despair[]

After Monokuma officially started the Killing Game, Korekiyo read the rules on his Monopad. A majority of the group wasn't sure what to do after reading these rules and began to panic and argue. Thanks to Kaede's motivational argument however, the panic died down and everyone seemed to become united. Afterwards, Gonta Gokuhara, the Ultimate Entomologist, then remembered that he found a manhole inside the boiler room behind the school building. Korekiyo along with everyone else immediately followed Gonta's lead, with hope of finding a way out.

Danganronpa V3 CG - The students despairing at failing the Death Road of Despair (3)

Descending the manhole, Korekiyo and the others found a tunnel leading outside of the academy. Though everyone thought that the tunnel probably ended up being a trap, they still had to test every single possibility in order to escape. However, Korekiyo and the others exhausted themselves both physically and mentally as they found that escaping through Death Road of Despair is next to impossible. Due to this, Kokichi, the Ultimate Supreme Leader, revolted, saying that Kaede's repeated motivational speech is the source of the group's agony, added by some of her friends giving up on escaping the tunnel, Korekiyo included, the group's harmony came to a swift end. The tunnel ended up being a trap set by Monokuma and the Monokuma Kubs, much to everyone's dismay. Korekiyo headed to his assigned dorm room along with the others to get some rest, seeming fairly neutral on the issue, not taking any one side in particular.

The First and Additional Motive[]

After the first motive and additional motives are presented, the First Blood Perk and the time limit, Korekiyo continued to remain calm and not worry unlike a majority of the group. It is also highly likely that during these days he evaluated all the girls trapped within the academy to see if they would make suitable "friends" for his deceased sister, still keeping his ulterior motives hidden from the rest of the group. Out of all the girls, there were, Korekiyo concluded that all of them barring Maki Harukawa, the Ultimate Child Caregiver, and Miu Iruma, the Ultimate Inventor, met his standards.

On The Clock[]

On the morning of the final day of the time limit, Korekiyo, who was in the cafeteria, witnessed Rantaro Amami, the Ultimate ??? and Ryoma Hoshi's, the Ultimate Tennis Pro's, quarrel. Kaede and Angie Yonaga, the Ultimate Artist, eventually came in order to try and calm the situation. Korekiyo listened to Ryoma's proposal, that he was willing to be killed for the sake of the others because he was the only one among the group who has no reason to continue to live. Ryoma was convinced by Rantaro to not go through with this idea, stating that he would end the killing game himself. Korekiyo wondered just how he would go about doing something such as that, but Rantaro reassured them not to worry and to not do anything unnecessary before leaving the dining hall.

Danganronpa V3 CG - Hidden Camera Photo (3)

That same evening, as the time limit was nearing its end, Korekiyo stayed in the dining hall with Miu, Kirumi Tojo, the Ultimate Maid, and Tsumugi Shirogane, the Ultimate Cosplayer. He was eating what he thought would be his "last supper", which happened to be a type of pasta that the menu named oddly. After the body discovery announcement was made, Korekiyo was among the last group of students to enter the library and discover Rantaro's corpse. Even then he was able to keep a level head, simply stating "So this ended up happening after all..." as the investigation began.

During the investigation, Korekiyo inspected the classroom next to the stairs to the basement on the first floor along with K1-B0, the Ultimate Robot. When Shuichi and Kaede asked him for his alibi, he told him that he was in the dining hall and that Miu, Kirumi, and Tsumugi could back up his claim. He did tell the duo that Tsumugi did leave briefly to use the restroom, intriguing Kaede and making sure to ask her later. Other than that, Korekiyo didn't do anything else significant during the investigation.

The First Class Trial[]

As the Class Trial began, Korekiyo suggested that the culprit knew about the hidden cameras Shuichi and Kaede had set up beforehand in order to commit a "perfect crime", disturbing many people within the group, wondering if this was really a solvable mystery. A little later, when Miu was suspected of having killed Rantaro by Kokichi, Korekiyo's account was able to prove her innocence. He would also bring up that Tsumugi did have an opportunity to be alone when she went to use the restroom, though her supposed alibi was quickly proven by Kaede. As luck would have it however, Korekiyo was secretly right to be suspicious of her. Tsumugi was the Mastermind of the Killing Game and Rantaro's true killer. She made use of the hidden cameras and their intervals to kill him and frame Kaede for the crime. Nevertheless, this truth would be hidden from the entire group for a very long time.

Later on during the trial, when everyone was split on whether or not to vote Shuichi as the culprit due to his silence about the camera intervals, Korekiyo was on the side that accused him, being the first one to find his excuse of "I forgot" pitiful when Shuichi confessed that he didn't mention the camera intervals to Kaede because he thought they wouldn't interfere with his and Kaede's plan. He found that he could relate to Kaede lying in order to protect Shuichi, asking everyone if they wouldn't do anything for the one they loved, hinting at his romantic relationship with his sister. Though this slight speech only helped in making him come off as creepier to the other students.

After Shuichi was cleared of blame by Kaede and he accused her of being the culprit, wanting to carry on her wish, Korekiyo was at once quite surprised seeing how serious Shuichi was. Kaede was eventually proven to be the "culprit" and executed by Monokuma. After Monokuma stated that he understands the value of human life because ending it wouldn't be nearly as much fun if it wasn't, Korekiyo stated that he had passed "insane" by an incredibly large margin. Later, when Kaito Momota, the Ultimate Astronaut, slugged Shuichi for not saying anything to Monokuma after Kaede had entrusted him with her wish, Korekiyo stated that it was necessary to be a tad insensitive at times to avoid suicidal thoughts. In the end, Korekiyo was one of the few students who didn't seem overly upset about Kaede's death and headed back to his dorm rooms with everyone bar Shuichi and Kaito, who spent a bit of time talking.

Exploring the Rest of the Academy[]

The morning of the next day, Korekiyo along with everyone else would gather in the dining hall once again and have a normal but forced conversation to try and make themselves not think about the horrible events that transpired yesterday. Afterwards, the Monokuma Kubs showed up and handed out four random items that the students could use to unlock more areas in the academy.

One of the areas that would become unlocked was the remaining second floor of the academy, which housed the Ultimate Maid's Research Lab. Although the lab was not for him, he could not help but admire the Victorian design. The Gothic style reminded him of a tale he heard once about a gentleman pledging his loyalty to the queen and a modest, but beautiful maid during the 19th century of England. He described it as a "love that bloomed between the light and darkness of social classes". Though Shuichi said that that tale sounded more like a plot of a manga for girls. Korekiyo was curious at this remark and asked him if he is reflected as some love-struck girl in Shuchi's eyes, but the Ultimate Detective had no idea what that was supposed to mean.

Angie eventually told everyone to meet in the gymnasium, seemingly failing in discovering anything about the conspicuous flashlight that she and Shuichi had discovered earlier. After everyone had gathered in the gymnasium, Monokuma appeared and told everyone that it was a Flashback Light and that it had the ability to restore lost memories before leaving and letting the students decide what to do with it. Although everyone was skeptical at first, they eventually gave in and used it, allowing everyone, Korekiyo included, to remember that they had been on the run from the "Ultimate Hunt". Though they could not remember the exact details and circumstances behind it, just that they had been on the run.

Danganronpa V3 CG - Commemorative Medal Set Scene

In a bonus scene in Chapter 2, Korekiyo, Miu, Shuichi, Kokichi, and Ryoma gathered in the casino in hopes of playing a secret game with the medal that Shuichi had received from the Monomono Machine. However, Monokuma shows up and denies this, never stating such a thing in the first place and that the medal Shuichi had was just some knickknack he made for the Monokuma Kubs. Afterwards, Kaito showed up as well, and everyone got roped into a gambling competition. Korekiyo watched as Kaito lost over and over again to Ryoma. When Kaito said that there's no such thing as luck, Korekiyo warned him not to relate luck to mere superstition and explained various aspects of how certain words related to good and bad luck, such as "jinx", and how it is deeply connected to the Japanese concept of "Kotodama", the power of words. He explained that having feelings of fortune or misfortune may affect one's ability to concentrate, saying that words have the power to give or rob one of confidence. When Ryoma began to win once again, Korekiyo commented on how luck alone could not possibly produce results as consistent as these.

The Motive Videos[]

During that same night, the Monokuma Kubs prepared the second motive, distributing various motive videos at random while the students slept. The next morning, Korekiyo joined everyone in the dining hall in order to discuss what to do with the motive videos. Despite Ryoma suggesting that they exchange them, wanting to see who could be the most important person in his life, everyone rejected the idea, afraid that it would cause another murder to happen, much to his annoyance. Korekiyo seemingly went along with everyone's decision, not caring if they exchanged their videos or not.

Gonta's Insect Meet and Greet[]

Danganronpa V3 CG - Gonta Gokuhara's Insect Meet and Greet (1)

The next day, unbeknownst to Korekiyo, Gonta believed that everyone hated bugs thanks to Kokichi's lies and began kidnapping various students into his Research Lab in order to get them to like bugs. In reality, Kokichi simply wanted to get everyone to watch their motive videos in order make the Killing Game "more interesting". Korekiyo would be among the first students that Gonta detained. Not long after, Shuichi, Angie, and Himiko Yumeno, the Ultimate Magician, were also brought into Gonta's Research Lab, and the Insect Meet and Greet began. Everyone panicked as insects began to buzz about and wreak havoc. In order to finally end this absurdity, K1-B0 used his recording function in order to convince Gonta that Kokichi had tricked him, much to the former's anger. With that, Korekiyo and everyone else barring Gonta and Kokichi took back their motive videos before immediately leaving Gonta's lab, then heading to bed.

The Amazing Himiko's Magic Show[]

Danganronpa V3 CG - Himiko Yumeno and Angie Yonaga's Magic Show (English) (14)

The very next morning, Korekiyo attended Angie and Himiko's magic show along with everyone else from Gonta's Insect Meet and Greet, bar Kokichi. Angie explained the details of Himiko's trick before the Ultimate Magician jumped into the tank, having only a single minute to escape the water tank before the tank would fill with piranhas. Angie closed the curtains, but everyone grew increasingly worried as the timer continued to count down and Himiko had yet to come out. Gonta couldn't take it anymore and stormed the stage, wanting to save Himiko before the piranha's would fill the tank, much to Angie's disappointment. Once the timer ran out, the piranha's dropped into the tank along with some other large object, though Himiko had yet to come out of the tank. Korekiyo merely observed, but Tenko Chabashira, the Ultimate Aikido Master, begged Angie to open the curtains, a plea that she promptly responded to by revealing the tank, however, no one was prepared for what they were about to see. Ryoma's lifeless, handcuffed body drifted within the tank, only having a couple seconds before the piranha's stripped the flesh from his bone, leaving nothing more than a skeleton, the handcuffs, and his belongings behind. With that, the second investigation had begun.

After the body discovery announcement played, and the tank was broken thanks to Gonta, Tenko, and K1-B0, the investigation began with Korekiyo remaining in the gym. When Shuichi and Kaito investigated behind the stage, Korekiyo joined them and they found some rope. The Ultimate Anthropologist was able to tell the exact length of the rope just by looking at it, telling a story of how he once visited a village well known for "using rope" and that upon leaving the village's woman didn't want to leave.

The Second Class Trial[]

As the Class Trial began, Himiko remained committed to her "magic" act, much to almost everyone else's annoyance, including Korekiyo's. Later, when Kirumi said that she had spent five minutes in the gym to prepare the magic show alone, incriminating herself, Korekiyo proudly exclaimed that her spirit of self-sacrifice was just "too beautiful'.

Later, when everyone was wondering just when Ryoma could have been killed after hearing Maki's testimony, Korekiyo was on the side saying that he was killed in the morning, asking Angie and Himiko if they simply missed the culprit. Himiko replied by saying that they were right in front of the gym and as a result, could not have missed the culprit. At one point, Korekiyo asked if standing on the pool room's windowsill is also against the rules, Monosuke said that the last time someone asked him that, it was acceptable, in which K1-B0 was able to point out that slip-up hinting that culprit asked him last time. And after Shuichi explained the ropeway plan the killer used to carry Ryoma's body, Korekiyo finds the killer thorough, and has a huge amount of respect for the killer, much to Kaito's disgust; in which Shuichi notices that respecting the culprit's intelligence to pull off a complicated crime is crucial to solving the case. As the trial progressed, Shuichi was able to pin Kirumi as the culprit of Ryoma's murder. Once she pleaded with everyone not to vote for her, and everyone speculated on whether or not she really was the culprit, Korekiyo suspected that she might have merely wanted to gain their trust in order to make it easier for her murder.

After all the evidence was pinned on Kirumi and she admitted to her crime. The Monokuma Kubs showed everyone her motive video, revealing that she was the de facto prime minister of all Japan and that her most important person was every citizen of the country. Kirumi refused to give up on life and made a mad, undignified run for it, but was executed nonetheless. Seeing just how far Kirumi was driven just by watching her own motive video, Korekiyo stated that the videos were far more dangerous than they had originally believed them to be. Hearing this, everyone seemed convinced not to watch them.

Korekiyo's Research Lab[]

The next morning, at Kokichi's request after unveiling Maki's true talent the night prior, Korekiyo along with everyone else barring Maki paid a visit to the "Ultimate Child Caregiver's Research Lab" only to discover various weapons all throughout the lab, proving that Maki was in fact the Ultimate Assassin, not a child caregiver. Korekiyo calmly stated that the talent of a killer was a threat to the survival of everyone else here, frightening everyone, but Kaito calmed everyone down and said that he would take care of Maki. Afterwards, the Monokuma Kubs showed up, usurped their father's role as headmaster, and passed out more items for the students to unlock new areas within the academy.

One of the places that became unlocked was the eerie fourth floor, which just so happened to contain Korekiyo's Research Lab. He was very interested in what his lab had to offer, more specifically, the dog statue, the golden leaf katana, and the seance book containing a legendary folklore story about the destroyed witch village named Caged Dog that specialized in various curses and dark arts. He stated that not even universities were this well stocked with artifacts and folklore. When Kokichi entered his lab and touched the katana without his permission, Korekiyo grew irritated and threatened to tear out his nerves, though Kokichi was able to confirm that the katana was genuine. Later, when Shuichi asked him about the seance book, Korekiyo asked him if he was interested in communicating with the deceased. Shuichi refused, but Korekiyo pressed further, making the Ultimate Detective think of one person whom he wouldn't mind speaking to one more time. Shuichi still refused however, thinking that the only thing he wanted to say to her is that he escaped from the school and that he was alive with everyone else. Korekiyo respected his decision, saying that the dead should only ever be called upon when the time was right.

Later on, Korekiyo would gather with everyone else in the dining hall in order to inspect the new Flashback Light that Shuichi found. Upon using it, everyone remembered what seemed to be their own funeral, much to the student's confusion. Kaito reassured everyone that there's no way the funeral could be real considering they were all still here and alive. His small speech seemed to work, as everyone perked back up, enjoyed a small meal, then headed back to their dorms.

Angie's Student Council[]

Korekiyo gathered with everyone in the gymnasium the very next morning at the Monokuma Kubs request. The participants were presented with the third motive, the Necronomicon, and were told that they would be able to bring back someone who had died already as a transfer student. While this motive baffled the students, Korekiyo didn't seem to be that shocked by it, stating that this "resurrection ceremony" stems from funeral ceremonies the world over. Despite this, he confidently stated that the dead cannot be resurrected, believing that souls exist, but cannot be brought back to life.

However, Angie seemed to embrace the motive, saying the "corpses" so far may have just been very accurate imitations to make the real people seem dead. Some of the students argued that there's no way that's possible, but Gonta said that more letters were added to the rock in the courtyard, deducing that perhaps the four people who had died are actually alive and wrote that message. Angie praised Gonta and, like Himiko before him, pulled him into a hug. She instilled hers and Atua's authority into him by reassuring him that he's not alone and that Atua is like a gentle grandmother that always keeps him safe, effectively playing off of Gonta's desire for a motherly figure.

Angie then said that Gonta should join the Student Council, wanting to make Gonta feel needed. Tsumugi, and Himiko both requited this feeling. As a result, the Ultimate Entomologist didn't hesitate for even a second if it meant he could be useful to everyone and joined Angie's group. Shuichi however, was confused as to what Angie meant by "student council", but K1-B0 replied by saying that Angie summoned himself, Himiko, Tenko, and Tsumugi last night in order to discuss how to eradicate the Killing Game. As a result, this group of students ended up forming the "Ultimate Academy Student Council" with Angie as their president. The "brainwashed" members listen to Angie completely and without question, stating that her will is Atua's will and as a result, she cannot be wrong. Korekiyo didn't seem that surprised by the Student Council, stating that their current situation possessed all the criteria in order for a cult to form. In reality, Angie was simply trying to take control of everybody and make them dependent on Atua. Angie took the Necronomicon and told everyone else to "leave it to the Student Council". Korekiyo would be one of the students that ended up opposing Angie's Student Council.

Korekiyo's Plan[]

Despite their extreme methods, Angie's student council had no malicious intent for the group as a whole, only wishing to stop another murder from happening by whatever means necessary. Despite this, it was obvious that Angie was going too far the very next morning when the two split parties came into conflict yet again after finding out that the Student Council had blocked off the manhole in the boiler room with a large rock. Angie even goes as far as to destroy a Flashback Light from the Monokuma Kubs, wanting to quell any desire to leave no matter the cost. Korekiyo stated that it was blatantly unfair that the student council members were exempt from their own rules but failed to come to an agreement.

Later on, during that same night, Korekiyo finally began to execute his murder plan, hoping to kill one random girl that met this requirement as his big sister's "friend" in the afterlife. He headed to all three vacant rooms on the fourth floor and began to saw off the cross pieces underneath one of the loose floorboards, coming up with an elaborate plan to murder someone during a seance by making use of a seesaw effect. While he was preparing his murder, Korekiyo was taken by surprise by Angie who stumbled upon him preparing a murder. All she wanted was a candle so that she could burn the Necronomicon and end the ritual, but the very fact that she saw him preparing his seesaw trick sealed her fate.

Danganronpa V3 CG - Korekiyo Shinguji's murder of Angie Yonaga (4)

Afraid that Angie might tell everyone else about his plan later, he had no choice but to hit Angie in the back of the head using a wooden floorboard he had removed from the floor, knocking her unconscious. He taped her head wound shut to ensure no blood would leak while he carried her from the empty room to her Research Lab. He grabbed the golden katana from his lab in order to finish the job, plunging the blade into the back of Angie's neck, finally killing her.

Danganronpa V3 CG - Shuichi Saihara theorizing how the culprit locked the Lab door (2)

Korekiyo then noticed the wax effigies of his deceased classmates that Angie had created and decided to make an ominous scene by hanging all four wax effigies from the ceiling around Angie's corpse. To finally finished the job and give himself an alibi, he made the murder look like a locked-room murder. Korekiyo stabbed the golden sword into Kaede's wax doll (the nearest doll to the back entrance), twisting the rope by turning the doll and left the room as fast as possible. With that, the doll of Kaede turned in the opposite direction and effectively locked the back entrance with the katana stabbed into it, all according to Korekiyo's plan. However, in his haste, he neglected to pick up the piece of duct tape that he had used earlier to stop Angie's blood from leaking and, with the room now completely locked, had no way to retrieve it. He also failed to take the bloodstain on the floorboard that he had used to knock out Angie, which would dry out and link him to Tenko's murder the next day during the trial.

The Seance[]

Korekiyo along with everyone else gathers in Angie's research lab following the body discovery announcement. All the Student Council members mourn her passing, wondering just how and why she was killed. Korekiyo suggested that they perform a seance to commune with Angie's spirit, a suggestion that Tenko, Himiko, Kokichi, and K1-B0 agreed to, completely unaware that the Ultimate Anthropologist had sinister ulterior motives. Despite already committing one murder, he considered it a waste to not use the seesaw trick he had devised and as a result, planned for a second murder.

Danganronpa V3 CG - Preparing the Ritual (2)

Shuichi would later replace K1-B0 for the seance due to the others wondering if a robot would really work for it, much to the Ultimate Robot's dismay. Korekiyo then said that they would need a spirit medium and that it would work best with a girl. Himiko offered to do it before Tenko offered instead, giving Himiko some words of encouragement before-hand, putting them on good terms once again. Korekiyo was secretly pleased with this, viewing Tenko as a perfect candidate to send to his sister thanks to her earnest and pure heart.

Danganronpa V3 CG - Preparing the Ritual (5)

Korekiyo instructed Tenko to lie in a position similar to child's pose in the center of a circle of salt inscribed with magical symbols. A cage, cloth, and statue are placed on top of her to complete the ritual. Unbeknownst to Tenko, Korekiyo hid a kama, a traditional Japanese weapon similar to a sickle, under the cloth covering the cage that would later be responsible for her death. The students then turned off the lights in the room and sang together as Tenko prayed and attempted to commune with Angie's spirit. However, Korekiyo makes use of the magic circle to find his way to the loose floorboard he had prepared the night prior and stomps on it during the ritual, triggering the seesaw effect and sending Tenko flying off the ground. Her neck is pierced by the kama above the cage, killing her right before everyone's eyes while they were unaware of it.

Danganronpa V3 Chapter 3 - Closing Argument Act 5 (3)

Korekiyo then made his way back to his corner, acting as if nothing had happened. After finishing the song, he continued to play along, asking if the "caged child" was Angie Yonaga. When no answer was given, everyone turned the lights back on in confusion. The participants took away the statue while, Korekiyo, who had placed the cloth, proceeded to remove the murder weapon along with it, only to drop it under the floorboards during the investigation when no one was looking. After everything was taken away, they saw Tenko lying in a pool of her own blood. Korekiyo acted surprised but was more than likely relieved his plan worked out. Himiko, completely shocked, ran over to her and threw the cage off of her, screaming Tenko's name, but it was too late as she had already been killed. Himiko is far too shocked to say anything and everyone else aside from Korekiyo was dumbfounded as the second body discovery announcement plays. During the investigation, Korekiyo continued to play dumb, constantly wondering how the seance could have failed because he stated it was "perfect".

The Third Class Trial[]

During the Class Trial, Korekiyo took control of the conversations more-so than before, wanting to steer everyone away from the truth. The group had to put Angie's murder to the side for a bit of time in order to discuss Tenko's murder at Himiko's request. Eventually, Shuichi was able to pin Korekiyo as Tenko's killer due to variables such as the loose floorboard and the magic circle having to be defined beforehand. After some arguing, Korekiyo acknowledged the claim, saying that Tenko's death ultimately didn't matter because the true culprit that they needed to search for was the culprit behind Angie's murder, much to Himiko's annoyance. However, Korekiyo was unaware that the clues left behind in Angie's murder, the piece of bloody duct tape and the dried blood on the loose floorboard in the seance room would be key pieces of evidence linking both murders together and as a result, pinning him as the culprit of both murders, not just Tenko's. As a result, Korekiyo became increasingly more erratic than usual, making him panic, hyperventilate, and stutter in anxiety, thus causing his other personality, his older sister, to appear, which he would use to calm himself down. Regardless of Korekiyo's crazed, constant rebuttals, however, he finally admits to his crime.

Danganronpa V3 Chapter 3 - Closing Argument Revealed

Following the trial conclusion, Korekiyo confessed that he murdered for his beloved sister. He revealed himself as a serial killer whose goal was to grant his deceased sister one-hundred female friends in the afterlife and that he was very close to that number. He claimed that every girl in the school barring Miu and Maki had the potential to become "friends" for his sister. Korekiyo stated that Tenko's earnest and pure heart made her the perfect candidate to send to his sister and wondered how Himiko couldn't have liked her. Himiko however, could not accept this explanation, angrily asking why Tenko and Angie had to die for something so unfair. Korekiyo replied that there is no such thing as a death that can be accepted and wondered how they all would live a life that faced death before being dragged to his execution.

Creation and Development[]

TRIVIA Korekiyo Shinguji Design Inspiration from the DICE song music video by hide

According to the series creator, Kazutaka Kodaka, Korekiyo's character setting is a combination of multiple sorts of imagery, including underground culture, anthropology, archaic, and visual kei. His design seems to strongly draw inspiration from a character from Japanese musician hide's music video for his song Dice. This was most likely intentional as Kodaka, is a fan of hide's music and has confirmed that Korekiyo's appearance is partially based on visual kei bands.[4] His name is also a vivid reminder of history and anthropology, and even his sprite poses were made with various things in mind, but above all, poses from visual kei bands. His mask was Rui Komatsuzaki's idea and Kodaka was the one who decided to make it relevant to the story.

The Chapter 3 of the game was meant to feel like a Japanese horror movie, so Kodaka created an Ultimate Anthropologist to fill the role of a character familiar with nursery songs. To make the character more unique, Kodaka planned to give Korekiyo gobis (Japanese ending particles) written in katakana but was unsure of it because it sounded very overblown. However, the way of speech ended up working great with his Japanese voice actor, Kenichi Suzumura's voice performance. Kodaka also prepared a plenty of creepy character moments for Korekiyo, but the staff kept telling him that he was already creepy enough with only the main story parts, and thus some of the creepiness was toned down. Kodaka thought that maybe he just loved that kind of underground story character too much, and he thought Korekiyo would be well-received among the fans of Suehiro Maruo's manga, though at the time the official art book was made he had yet to see any comment about it.

Korekiyo's character moments were centered around forbidden love, similar to Shōwa period's underground movies and stage plays. He put some meaningful lines in the first half of the script as foreshadowing. In the art book's final comments, Korekiyo is stated to be the most aesthetic boy in the cast and has a remarkable beauty that's hard to see through his creepy smile. "If only he had a more approachable personality".[5]

Name[]


His given name 是清 korekiyo can be translated as "just and pure". This meaning is likely meant to be ironic in regard to his true self. His last name 真宮寺 shingūji is composed of the characters 真 - meaning "true", 宮 - meaning "palace" and 寺 - meaning "temple".

Interestingly, the word 宮 miya, aside from its literal meaning, is also used to refer to (usually larger and/or more significant) Shinto shrines, while the word 寺 tera is reserved for Buddhist temples. Considering how Shintoism and Buddhism are practiced side by side in Japan, and how Japanese folk culture draws heavily from both faiths, Korekiyo's last name could be said to imply at his field of expertise.

Alternate Fates[]


In Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony (Demo Version), Korekiyo met Kaede and Makoto Naegi in the intersection near the school store and the cafeteria. He introduced himself as the Ultimate Anthropologist and explained a little bit about his field of expertise.

Appearance[]

Danganronpa V3 Korekiyo Shinguji Fullbody Sprite (1)
NDRV3 Art Gallery Korekiyo Shinguuji

Korekiyo is a tall, slim student with rather pale skin and long ocean green hair. His hair is stated to follow an archaic image of beauty and it "puts his female colleagues to shame". He has narrowed yellow eyes, and his mouth is covered by a sage green mask, covering his mouth and neck, with a zipper where his mouth would be, giving him a sinister and mysterious appearance. He wears the mask wherever he goes, no matter where he goes, and he even owns different masks for eating, showering, and other daily activities. When his mask is removed, it is revealed that he wears lipstick as the appearance of his tulpa that was based on his late sister. His appearance becomes more feminine where his chest gets slightly bigger, his eyebrows become thinner and he grows more eyelashes along with eyeshadow spontaneously appearing when his sister's persona is taking over.

He wears a dark green military-style uniform with knee-high black boots, a zipper lining the front and two straps over it. The uniform consists of a white button-up underneath it, a dark green button-up, a red armband around his left arm from his previous school, Sunset Hills High School, a green military regulation cap with his former school's insignia on the top, and a decorative chain with revolver chamber and bullet looking charms dangling from it. In his Free Time events, he states that his sister tailored his uniform for him while she was sick. He wears what appears to be some kind of silver locket around his neck. Both of his hands are completely covered in bandages, although it's likely he's not even injured and that this is actually related to sorcery.[5]

In the prologue, he wears the uniform of his original high school. He dons a black, unbuttoned blazer with golden cuffs and a grey knitted vest with a v-neck. He doesn't wear a hat like in his anthropologist uniform, and his hands are completely uncovered. He wears grey slacks and brown school shoes. He still wears a face mask, although lacking its zipper.[6]

Personality[]

Korekiyo is aloof and somewhat disturbing, but he is also very cool-headed and intelligent. Having met a wide variety of human beings during his experience in cultural anthropology fieldwork, he can keep himself composed even under confinement circumstances and believes in facing things with a calm and rational approach rather than an emotional one. He tends to stay calmer than the others during dire situations. As for him, it's an opportunity to observe. However, even his spirit begins to break during the Death Road of Despair, and he becomes panicky during Gonta's Insect Meet and Greet. His morals have been described as being "a bit off." At one point, he even openly states he has no problem with killing and wonders why the others do, saying that killing is perceived as wrong only because of laws made by humans and such laws do not exist in the Killing Game. He is aware that his appearance and behavior cause him to come across as a potential murderer, but he does not appear to care what other people think of him. He claims the others shouldn't fear him as a potential murderer, as he merely wishes to observe.

He is highly passionate about his talent and can get excited when talking about it. It is shown when he panics after Kokichi touches the katana in his lab without permission, fearing that it may be damaged, and threatens to tear it out his nerves. He ponders different subjects in a deep and complex manner and occasionally shares his knowledge in lengthy, unsolicited anthropology speeches. He has formed a pet theory of "humanity's unlimited beauty," believing that all human beings are beautiful, including their "ugly sides." That beauty can be created from hardship, though, as seen in how he interacts with Kokichi and Miu, he does tend to find noisy and vulgar people annoying, often asking them to be quiet. Korekiyo is extremely interested in topics he does not necessarily agree with, as he states he does not believe in any gods. Still, he finds them interesting from the point of view of studying human nature and cultures. However, he does believe in ghosts, souls, and the afterlife and shows a fascination with communication with the dead and death in general.

Korekiyo usually speaks calmly and politely, but he nevertheless comes across as somewhat off and makes others uncomfortable due to his strange and sometimes morbid thinking. During the Killing Game, he observes other students with great interest in seeing what kind of beauty they will display as humans under such circumstances, seemingly not caring about their safety. It has been stated that Korekiyo is so interested in anthropology that it sometimes seems like he is not as interested in the welfare of those around him. He can say unsettling things rather openly, like randomly mentioning that Gonta could use his immense strength to crush a child's skull easily. He also possesses several idiosyncrasies. He is very fixated on keeping his mask on, taking his mask off only in front of people his sister deems trustworthy. During his Free Time Events, he claims he has a different mask for different activities, like eating, bathing, sleeping, and exercising. However, they all look exactly the same, and while they have a zipper across the mouth, it does not appear that food passes through it when he eats or drinks. He has a unique and somewhat creepy laugh, written as "kehehehe" in the English localization. In the original Japanese, "kukuku" is his unique laugh sound.

Unlike most students in the series, he apparently has lots of experience with sexual relationships. He has described himself as very popular with local women in a village that commonly practiced bondage. He is sadomasochistic, enjoying the pain of others because he considers the raw emotions beautiful and enjoying his own suffering because he believes it makes him closely connected to his deceased sister and the beauty of humanity as a whole. In his Love Suite event, it's implied that he is willing to have physical relationships with other people "out of curiosity," even if it's not consensual. Still, he states he would never love them. Even though he is apparently willing to have strictly physical relationships with other people, during the bonus mode Love Across the Universe, he refuses to look at pornography because he has "already given his heart to someone." Indeed, he is shown to be very romantic, firmly believing in the "power of love" that can make even the impossible possible. He is very fond of romance and love stories, especially ones centered around forbidden love.

Korekiyo is obsessed with his sister and claims to be deeply in love, even saying she is the only person he cares about. His hair and clothing are directly connected to her. He is noted to wake up two hours before the morning announcement, spending a whole hour carefully dressed in no hurry, leading the other students to perceive him as very effeminate and even occasionally mocked by Kaito. He will sometimes speak on behalf of his sister, for example, by telling someone that his sister is pleased with them or that she doesn't trust them yet. The other students either do not understand what he is talking about or do not notice it. It's later revealed that his older sister is actually deceased and that he is a serial killer whose goal is to kill a hundred women he considers "pure," believing that they will become "admirable friends" for his sister in the afterlife. Korekiyo even claims that he and his sister were in an incestuous relationship, and the fact that he generally only kills women is likely related to this. After suffering from traumatic torture and a near-death experience in the past, he developed a female split personality, or tulpa, based on his sister, which serves as a coping mechanism against feelings of exceptional distress. While normally very calm, stress can cause a panic attack, rendering him hyperventilating and unable to talk properly. The sister persona acts reassuring towards him but also gives orders which Korekiyo seems to obey without any questions. The persona also seems to dislike other people in a passive-aggressive and condescending manner, referring to the other students as "ignorant children" and "such a sorry lot."

When he is revealed to be the culprit during the third trial, not only does Korekiyo appear to feel no guilt for his actions, but he also genuinely considers the other students to be his friends, likely due to his personal beliefs on death and skewed morality. During the trial, he initially panics upon being indicated as the culprit. Still, he slightly hesitantly calms down after his "sister" orders him to accept his defeat, as his death would mean he would be reunited with his sister. In his last words, he mentions that death is never acceptable for humans, and the living must find a reason to accept it whenever it happens, no matter how forced, explaining why so many cultures have funeral rituals and rumors about resurrecting the dead. He says to come to the conclusion that the way you come to terms with death also determines how you live, indicating that his actions may be a coping mechanism for his grief over his sister's death and that he is aware of this on some level. He promises to look over his "friends" as a ghost and creepily states that he'll be watching how they will face the deaths of their friends. After his execution, however, his spirit reacts with utter horror and disbelief as his sister joins Monokuma in exorcising him with purifying salt, indicating that he genuinely believed that he was acting according to her wishes.

Talent[]

Ultimate Anthropologist[]

An ancient fear was changed over many years into a creature we can identify. Culture is constantly changing. Anthropology chases those changes. Thus, I must keep the present in mind while I learn about past customs.

— Korekiyo Shinguji

Korekiyo's talent as the Ultimate Anthropologist is a fabrication made by Team Danganronpa. Due to that fact, it is unclear whether Korekiyo traveled around the world as an anthropologist in the past.

Korekiyo is an anthropologist, to be precise, a cultural anthropologist that researches customs, legends, folklore, poetry, etc. His particular field of study is culture and ethical customs whose historical origins have yet to be made clear, like shichigosan or setsubun. He tries to inspect and elucidate those kinds of traditional customs from a rational perspective and states that cultural anthropology is like a science that tries to observe humanity itself.

Korekiyo is very knowledgeable about folklore and customs across the world, as he stated that he had done a lot of field trip by traveling around the nation to study various culture, tradition, and custom in various places. As shown in his Free Time Events, he is very familiar with folklore from Indonesia (Hainuwele) and Greece (Medusa), as well as many folklores from his home country Japan. Myths, folklore, and legends are all inform anthropology, that's the reason why he extensively studies them as an anthropologist. He studies nursery rhymes, lullabies, and traditions and events expressed in song as well.

In his opinion, fieldwork is very important to anthropology. Hearing legends recounted firsthand, recording tools or lifestyles are examples why it is very important to do a fieldwork. Because culture is constantly changing, as an anthropologist, Korekiyo said that he must keep the present in mind while he learns about past customs.

He is shown to be a great teacher and storyteller. Korekiyo managed to pique Shuichi's interest in learning a lot of stuff related to anthropology after he got involved in extensive discussions with the Ultimate Anthropologist. In his Fifth Free Time Events with Shuichi, the two of them promise to do a fieldwork together someday, and Korekiyo is pleased to make the Ultimate Detective as his first disciple.

In other languages[]

Korekiyo's talent as it appears in official translations of Danganronpa material.

Language Talent Translation
日本語 Japanese 超高校級の「民俗学者」 Super High School Level Anthropologist
中文(臺灣) Chinese (Trad) 超高中級的民俗學家 Super High School Level Anthropologist *
中文 Chinese (Simp) 超高中级的民俗学家 Super High School Level Anthropologist *
français French L'Anthropologue Ultime The Ultimate Anthropologist *

Relationships[]

Family:

Older sister[]

According to Korekiyo, his sister, a sickly girl, knew him better than anyone else and she meant the world to him. As children, when she was confined to the hospital, he claims to have stayed with and read to her, sparking his initial interest in anthropology as a subject, and he consequently credits her for making him the person he is present. Since she was so lonely and never made any friends due to her state, it's implied that Korekiyo spent a lot of time with her.

Korekiyo's current uniform was handmade for him by his sister, who thought his old one was ill-suited to him. Her poor health made this a time-consuming effort, and so he treasures it, considering it truly one-of-a-kind. The mask he constantly wears might also be related to her sickly state.

He became obsessed with his sister and, according to him, their relationship eventually became incestuous. He claims he doesn't care what other people think and believed it was true love. After his sister died, he developed the idea of "sending admirable friends" to her in the afterlife. He began to target and murder girls that met his requirements as his sister's "friends", with his ultimate goal being 100 victims.

During his fieldwork, he was attacked and tortured by locals to near death, causing him to hallucinate seeing his sister. This led to him to develop a split personality or a tulpa based on her as a coping mechanism. In times of distress, he talked to himself in his sister's persona in an attempt to calm himself. The sister persona acted reassuring towards him, calling him "dear Korekiyo", but also appeared quite passive aggressive and Korekiyo obeyed any of her orders without questions. This might imply that she may have been manipulative and possibly abusive towards Korekiyo, as he was the only one who spent time with her and who she could rely on when she was alive. It's also noteworthy that she apparently decided the kind of clothing he would wear, as she didn't want him to wear clothes that didn't suit him.

Even though he claims they were very close, his sister's spirit turned against him during his execution and worked together with Monokuma to banish his spirit with salt. According to Kodaka, it's ambiguous whether she was the real deal or controlled by Monokuma. Assuming she was real, the exorcism was her way of expressing her anger for her brother who killed people for her sake and claimed things about her feelings. Regardless of whether she was real or not, summoning the person most dear to Korekiyo was Monokuma's pestering.[5]

Ultimate Academy for Gifted Juveniles:

Shuichi Saihara[]

Korekiyo considers Shuichi a good guy but does not see him as a possible friend for his sister because he is male. During the events of Korekiyo's Free Time Events, he would teach Shuichi any kind of knowledge and questions that he is curious about passionately such as differences among anthropology, history, and archaeology. The mysterious upbringing of Korekiyo intrigued Shuichi's curiosity as well, as he observed eagerly whether Korekiyo will take his mask off when he is eating and even asking him a myth that resonates with him. In Korekiyo's last Free Time Event, Shuichi who fully trusted him happily agreed with him to join on a field trip with him after they escaped the Killing Game as his first disciple.

As the Killing Game continues, Shuichi continues to find Korekiyo a bit creepy, but has more trust in him. In Chapter 3, Korekiyo offered his help to let Shuichi communicate with Kaede's spirit, but he politely turned him down as he said that the only thing he wanted to say for the fallen victims is that he and the others finally manage to survive. He was also shown to be very creeped out by the way Korekiyo was talking about the rituals and the dead and wanted to exit the conversation quickly. After Korekiyo was executed by Monokuma for his wrongdoing for killing Angie and Tenko, Shuichi has conflicted feelings about him. He still trusted him as a friend, yet he doubted Korekiyo would stop killing more victims for his sister even after they survive.

During his Love Suite fantasy event, Korekiyo has accepted to spend a night with Shuichi, though he makes it clear that there would never be love between them. In Korekiyo's fantasy, his partner requested to try BDSM with him, but Shuichi is unaware of this and he feels uncomfortable around Korekiyo, thinking that he is a bit scared of him, but is nevertheless curious about his fantasy. Korekiyo asks if Shuichi is afraid and gives him a permission to run. He claims it will be scary only for the first time and pulls out rope from under the bed, which immediately causes Shuichi to attempt escaping. However, Korekiyo catches his hand and pushes him on the bed, stating that he never said he wouldn't stop Shuichi if he ran. Korekiyo expresses interest in the beauty Shuichi will show, saying he will teach him thoroughly and make him feel the kind of pleasure he has never felt before. Shuichi is afraid of the potentially dangerous situation and can only gulp as he's unable to escape, but then his mind begins to turn blank and he starts to relax, and it's heavily implied that Korekiyo got what he wanted in the end. When Shuichi wakes up in his own bed the next morning, he wonders if it was just a dream, though he still feels quite sore.

During Korekiyo's graduation event in the bonus mode Love Across the Universe, Korekiyo says that he wants to travel with Shuichi and then introduce him to his sister because he is such a good friend, even though he doesn't normally allow any males close to her. Shuichi is confused with him talking about his "lover" and "sister", but he now has an unwavering trust in Korekiyo, unaware of the danger the other possesses.

Rantaro Amami[]

During Chapter 1, Rantaro had a good impression of Korekiyo and considers him interesting, appearing to be the only one who has a positive view on Korekiyo.

During his first Free Time Event with Kaede, Rantaro tells her that Korekiyo has a strong personality, but if she takes the time to speak with him she'll understand him. In addition, he emphasizes that Korekiyo is a calm person who seems to be a clever type.

In the bonus mode Ultimate Talent Development Plan, it's shown that Rantaro and Korekiyo are very good friends. They share a great interest in traveling and they both have a close relationship with their sister, seemingly seeing each other briefly whenever they're both in the school area and tell each other where they've been lately. However, it's also implied that Korekiyo has taken interest in meeting Rantaro's sisters in order to make them his sister's "friends", meaning murdering them.

Angie Yonaga[]

Korekiyo was among the students who understood that Angie's Student Council was based on brainwashing and had no interest in joining them regardless as he stated he does not believe in gods. Nevertheless, Korekiyo considered Angie an admirable friend for his sister and murdered her after she witnessed his other murder plans. During the trial, when he was suspected and begun to panic, he appeared annoyed and asked how long they're going to bring that up after Himiko once again mentioned Atua.

During the non-canonical bonus mode Ultimate Talent Development Plan, Angie had a very unusual reaction after Korekiyo stated that he is interested in Atua solely from critical and anthropological point of view. Angie then told him that Atua's business hours are closed for the day, clearly not wishing to have a follower who isn't actually religious. However, Angie then returned to her usual passive aggressive cheerfulness and reminded Korekiyo that he should pray in order to not face judgement.

Tenko Chabashira[]

Tenko refers to Korekiyo as a weird creep and doesn't like it whenever he tries to speak in a creepy way because of her hatred towards males.

Even though she hates males so much, Korekiyo thought that Tenko is fit to become his older sister's "friend" in the afterlife. He was touched by her willingness to protect Himiko by joining Angie's Student Council and later offering to be part of the ritual in Himiko's place.

At the end of the 3rd class trial, he admited to Himiko that he was confused as to why she wasn't interested in Tenko, saying she's a very good friend that always had her arms open for her.

It's also possible that with her wariness towards men, Korekiyo believed she would keep other men away from his sister.

Kaede Akamatsu[]

During his Free Time Events, Korekiyo tells Kaede about his sister, to the point that she more or less jokingly asks him if he has a sister complex. He seems to get slightly angered for being viewed like this. Kaede apologizes and tells him she didn't mean it in a bad way, which quickly calms him down.

Korekiyo likes Kaede and her optimistic nature very much and asks her to be his sister's friend. She agrees, and Korekiyo leaves to plan a good "method" for them to meet. He had stated to the others how he had planned to kill Kaede from the beginning but soon canceled since Kaede was executed in Chapter 1.

Kaede thinks Korekiyo is a bit creepy but assumes he is a nice person who cares about his sister. However, she is a bit unsure about it, as she doesn't know him well. She also assumes that Korekiyo is "so girly" because of his sister's influence.

Maki Harukawa[]

Maki is one of the few female students who does not meet Korekiyo's criteria as his sister's "admirable friend" and thus she is not a potential murder victim for him. Due to her being an assassin and generally very unsocial, Korekiyo thinks she doesn't believe in "the power of love".

Miu Iruma[]

Miu is one of the few female students who does not meet Korekiyo's criteria as his sister's "admirable friend" and thus she is not a potential murder victim for him.

Kokichi Oma[]

Kokichi gets on Korekiyo's nerves with his behavior. When he attempts to touch Korekiyo's katana without his permission while they're inside his Research Lab, Korekiyo disturbingly threatens to tear out all of his nerves, which seems to frighten Kokichi.

Free Time Events & Bonus Mode Guides[]

The links below are full transcripts and in-depth guides for Korekiyo Shinguji's relationship routes in Free Time Events, Love Across the Universe: Dangan Salmon Team, Ultimate Talent Development Plan, Hotel Kumasutra, and Danganronpa S Development Mode including his MonoMono Machine Present preferences and most effective dialogue options.

DRv3 Present 119 Korekiyo's Undergarments DRv3 Present 142 Date Ticket Korekiyo Shinguji Bonus Mode Pixel Icon (1) DRv3 Present 130 Key of Love DRS Development Icon
Free Time Events Love Across
the Universe
Ultimate Talent
Development Plan
Hotel Kumasutra Danganronpa S
Development Mode

Quotes[]

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony (Demo Version) (English)

  • "You wonder, "Who is this?" Yes... I shall make that clear first. My name is Korekiyo Shinguji... I am called the Ultimate Anthropologist."
  • "Anthropology... studies customs legends, folk tales, songs, and much more. There may even be customs in your daily life, the origins of which you do not know. For example... certain aspects of birthday or new year celebrations. Anthropology sheds light on traditions and customs such as these through rigorous analysis. It is a study that examines the thought behind culture, faith, and customs."
  • "I believe... that human beings are creatures who possess infinite beauty."
  • "I find all aspects of humanity, even the ugly parts, to be beautiful. Our present situation is rather... intriguing. What beauty will I be able to witness here?"
  • "Kehe... Kehehehe... People are wonderful..."
  • "As long as there is room for debate, it is rash to decide upon the culprit."
  • "You wished to protect Makoto... There is beauty in such a wish... But Kaede...your lie is far too fragile and fleeting to protect anyone."

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony (English)

Prologue:

  • "You should find the answers to such questions on your own...The moment your hopes are shattered...That, too...may be beautiful..."
  • "Kehehe...risking our lives for some silly game is absurd."

Chapter 1:

  • "Kehehe...what wonderful strength. You could likely crush a child's skull with ease."
  • "Aaah, humanity is *truly* wonderful. The way you all confront adversity is beautiful."
  • "We've no time to be indecisive. We are being urged to make a decision...To die fighting...Or die from the time limit."
  • "Hmmm...so everyone feels that killing is wrong...But why is that?. Of course I know it to be against the law. But laws are simple rules people decided upon. This is a space removed from those rules. Therefore, we've no need to follow them."
  • "We are as guinea pigs upon a lab table...We cannot be picky about our means of survival."
  • "Kehehe...I only wish to observe the beauty of humanity and witness the depths of its sins. So you've no need to fear me."
  • "A corpse is not simply a dead person. That is just an assumption made by the living. Yes! By coming face to face with the corpse, you will learn a great many things!"

Chapter 2:

  • "Our cooperation is the number one factor in our suffering, is it? Kehehe... How, I wonder, will this turn out...? I will observe with great interest..."
  • "Kehehe... Faith as intense as this can be quite terrifying."
  • "I cannot ignore that comment. Do not relegate luck to the realm of superstition."
  • "Yes...and words have the power to grant or rob someone of such confidence. Words are powerful. Truth or lies may both be fired as powerfully as a bullet from a gun."
  • "He's been reduced such that he can be carried in one hand... How fleeting and fragile life is..."
  • "Your disingenuous tears mark you as the liar right now..."
  • "Kehehe... Himiko is committed to her act. But those who deal in dreams are oft liars."
  • "Aah! Beautiful! Your spirit of self-sacrifice is just too beautiful!"
  • "Wanting to believe in someone is a beautiful act, yes... However, it is a sentiment that has no place in a Class Trial."
  • "Yes... if his lie leads us to the wrong culprit, he will join us in eternal sleep. Unless he wishes for death, we should be able to believe him."
  • "Personally, I find this culprit frighteningly thorough. Such a bold, beautiful plan! I never even imagined there was a ropeway! Aaah! Respect begins to bloom in my heart for this wonderfully cruel culprit."
  • "Kehehe... There is such absolute beauty in trying to fight against the truth."
  • "Hearing you speak of "everyone's sake" is the least believable lie I've heard yet..."

Chapter 3:

  • "Every part of every human being—even their ugly sides—is beautiful. There is no limit to beauty."
  • "Kirumi... She, too, had her own exceptional beauty. A crime that was bold, yet calculated... A battle against the truth... Brutally killing others for her beliefs... Unfeelingly sacrificing the few for the many... And her attachment to life and determination to live! Her attempt to escape was so very ugly! It was pathetic! Pitiful! Wretched! But it was beautiful! I had never before seen such beauty in a human being before!"
  • "Kehehe... Merely a jest. Yes, this world is full of jests."
  • "It's so wonderful, my face contorts with glee. Not even university labs are so well-stocked. Having all this to myself gives me some complicated feelings, as I am a researcher." (about the Ultimate Anthropologist's Research Lab)
  • "Kokichi...that is an extremely precious relic. Please do not treat it so lightly or... ...I will tear out your nerves."
  • "Now, now... You mustn't dismiss it as simply the occult... Some matters you refer to as the occult are of the utmost importance to anthropology. Dismissing things you don't understand as the occult is a defilement to all cultures, yes?"
  • "Kehehe...that determination is beautiful. Perhaps you are correct. Calling on the dead out of curiosity would only be a blasphemy. One must call on them...only at the appropriate time."
  • "Disbelief due to a lack of scientific merit...is simply the hubris of a scientific society."
  • "Dead flesh cannot be restored, just as broken glass cannot be mended..."
  • "No, I have no interest in gods. But I have great interest in their creators... Humans are the ones who created gods...and I am very interested in humanity. I wish to know the causes and reasons why human beings create gods. In that sense, this school is more interesting. Because it is during times of great crisis that human create gods... Kehehe... Maybe a god shall be created here as well."
  • "The fear of a death that cannot be avoided... Cults are born from a desire to escape that."
  • "Even so, we cannot defy her right now. Extreme faith is frightening, indeed."
  • "Kehehe... We need to use all our effort to discover the culprit, lest our lives be lost."
  • "Do not let your emotions hasten your judgment. There may be two killers."
  • "The true terror of class trials is that you shouldn't believe everything said."
  • "So this is how each blackened must have felt. What an intriguing experience this is."
  • "Kehehe... Not yet. Nothing is clear at all. It's full of doubts! Of mysteries! Of a dense, impenetrable fog! Nothing is clear at all!!!"
  • "Kehehe... No matter how loudly you protest, this is a trivial matter... I will never acknowledge your allegations. Not a single one of them. I will only acknowledge facts, true events. I won't acknowledge fiction, mystery. I won't acknowledge...your deductions or guesses."
  • "Because we're friends, I'll tell you... I never once believed in the ritual. I would never kill someone over such a silly thing as that."
  • "Yes, we vowed an endless love to each other...forever bound by fate. None can come between us. We are bound by an intense love... No matter what anyone says."
  • "If you asked I did it to escape this place, my answer would be... "No." Because I have no need to escape this place. The one I love...is inside."
  • "The fact that we were siblings...meant nothing to us. They called it "forbidden love," but none could stop the love we shared..."
  • "Her noble, earnest heart made her a perfect friend for Sister."
  • "Yes! She stood up against the darkness of school all by herself! All for her beloved friend! I was so touched by that! Wonderful! She was a perfect friend for Sister!"
  • "I wanted to kill for Sister! I cannot deny that overpowering feeling!"
  • "Death only changes a person's form. The soul lives on as a ghost."
  • "Kehehe... The nature of this killing game is yet shrouded in mystery... But my role in it is over. I have finished my explanation to you, friends."
  • "Like I said, there's no such thing as a death that can be accepted. Why do you think so many different cultures have funeral rites? Why do you think rumors of ways to resurrect the dead never cease? The living must find a reason, however forced, to accept death when it happens. How you come to terms with death also determines how you live, yes? That was the answer I reached. How about you? How will you live a life that faces death?"
  • "I will watch over you all as a ghost! As your friend, I will watch over you! Kehehe... I'll be watching to see how you face the death of your friends. I'll be watching...forever and ever..."

As his Sister's tulpa form:

  • "Sweet Korekiyo, calm yourself... Their words are all hollow. There is no meaning to any of them... You must teach these ignorant children a lesson."
  • "Calm yourself, Korekiyo. You mustn't raise your voice. You mustn't stutter. You mustn't lose composure. You mustn't become flustered. You mustn't waver. Look at their horrid faces. This sorry lot is not worth agonizing over."
  • "Come on, apologize. Apologize, apologize. Apologize apologize apologize apologize."
  • "Sweet Korekiyo, there are times when it's necessary to admit defeat."
  • "That's wonderful, Korekiyo. Your love made the impossible, possible."
  • "Hmhmhm... What a sad girl who can't even believe in the power of love..."
  • "Korekiyo, you're such a thoughtful little brother. But it was bad to get greedy."
  • "That's right. Even though I'm a ghost now, I am always by Korekiyo's side."
  • "Yes... From now on, no one will try to stop us. We can be together without having to hide our love from others..."
  • "It won't be just me and Korekiyo... All those who died will be watching."

Free Time Events:

  • "Oh? I am disappointed that you would judge something based solely on your impression of it."
  • "I see... So you've chosen to think in such a positive way. Kehehe... That, too, is beautiful."
  • "That's quite alright... That determination of yours is a bright shining light that draws others to you..."
  • "If you think of humanity at the core of anthropology, it should be clear. From people come feelings, those feelings intersect and become tradition. At least, that's my stance on the matter."
  • "With the proper knowledge, such things can help you understand a work more deeply... Without it, such clues go to waste."
  • "An ancient fear was changed over many years into a creature we can identify. Culture is constantly changing. Anthropology chases those changes. Thus, I must keep the present in mind while I learn about past customs."
  • "If you are vexed by such trivial things, then your world is still very small. I will open up your world through anthropology...if you so desire."
  • "Living things turned to stone... This clearly represent death, yes? In other words, all human beings will one day perish. So even if we overcome nature, we cannot overcome death..." (About the myth of Medusa)
  • "We merely live our lives distanced from such knowledge."
  • "Well, you may have a fear of entering unknown lands. But knowledge will cause your curiosity to overcome that fear. People are creatures of greed. At times, that inner ugliness is visible. But that, too, is just another aspect of the beauty of humanity."
  • "Field work places you among the unknown, but it is not some adventure. Being killed in some secretive mountain village is mere occult novel fiction."
  • "Shuichi... To tell you the truth... Even if it isn't for field work, I wish to travel the country with you. I want to show you the beauty of humanity as I know it."

Love Suite Event:

  • "Oh? Was all the interest you showed in me merely a lie? Well, whether it is true or false is irrelevant to me. That passion you showed me... I fell victim to its beauty. So as you wish, I will accompany you for but a single night. But as I said before, there will never be a time where I love you. You're alright with that, yes?"
  • "In any event, let's revisit the topic of your interest in me. As I said, all aspects of humanity, even the ugliest, are beautiful. You took an interest in me. Spent time with me... What sort of beauty will you show me as I toy with you...? That is what I wish to know."
  • "Well, the way you quiver with confusion is beautiful, too... Now give yourself to me... Your fear, worry, anger, and love... I will reveal all of your beauty. I will open the door to a world of pleasure you have yet to experience."

Love Across the Universe:

  • "Humanity is beautiful... A film about such a topic cannot possibly be boring. I am most curious to see how this depicts the beauty of humanity."
  • "Just as there are many different cultures, there are many forms of love."
  • "Anthropology is all about field work... Investigating in person is critical. References are important, but one's own experience is far more so."
  • "There is nothing wrong with lust. But there is one thing you should never forget. True love is not a physical connection, but a mental connection... I would appreciate if you kept that in the back of your mind at all times."
  • "Obeying desires is one way to live... but you may miss things when asleep. If you wish to pursue the path of an anthropologist, you must stay vigilant."
  • "The wisest man is he who knows he knows nothing."
  • "The more you desire knowledge, the quicker it will come."
  • "I won't speak ill of sleepiness itself. It is a basic human instinct. But living only by one's instincts will push one away from knowing culture. For this reason...it may be advisable for you to fight your drowsiness."
  • "Whether or not one's goal can be met is determined during one's warm-up. That is what I believe... There is no such thing as being too cautious or planning too far ahead."
  • "I'm not fond of vigorous exercise, but... perhaps it will be enjoyable. It is through many different experiences that one is able to understand humanity."
  • "Well, there are times when amateurs are more on the mark."
  • "Life is meant to be a series of encounters and farewells. Interacting with others is so enjoyable because it is a once-in-a-lifetime event. With that knowledge, let us fully enjoy this moment together."
  • "Humanity is beautiful... I wish for you to experience that truth firsthand. With you there, I feel I shall enjoy humanity's beauty all the more."
  • "I would be happy if you were able to spread your knowledge as I did to you. The spread of knowledge is an important aspect of the beauty of humanity."
  • "Love is something to be cultivated within, not discussed with others."
  • "No, a student's stagnation is, without a doubt, the teacher's failing."
  • "People should contemplate love by themselves. There is nothing to be gained by speaking of it with others."
  • "Being able to enjoy learning is an important talent in any study."

Ultimate Talent Development Plan:

  • "Perhaps luck is something not easily measured. Good and bad luck are woven together like rope."
  • "Perhaps whether something is good or bad luck needs to be decided after all is said and done."
  • "All aspects of humanity are beautiful. I am observing you with great interest as well."
  • "I would never direct wicked thoughts toward such wonderful pictures. These pictures capture everyone's smiles. Through them, the beauty of humanity shines brighter." (To Mahiru Koizumi)
  • "Kehehe...so cold. Why not respond to her feelings? Such earnestness is rare, you know? You may find that it makes you happier than having the entire world in your hands."
  • "I am grateful for your thoughts. Trust...expectations... The beauty of humanity can be seen even when such feelings are crushed."
  • "You're always acting bright and cheery, befitting your title as Ultimate Fashionista... However, at times, it seems as though... you are bored with everything in the world."

List of Appearances[]

Trivia[]

  • In the official art book, Korekiyo is stated to strongly dislike Cleansing Air Freshener and gets furious whenever someone uses it, because it apparently repels ghosts and paranormal entities due to the holy water mixed in. This seems to explain his dislike for air conditioning.[5]
  • His favorite myth is the Medusa, knowing her original status as a mother goddess who was later depicted as a hideous monster, and believing that this is because developed human society begun to think about overcoming nature instead of being dependent of nature goddesses. He also likes the story because it shows that people can't run away from death no matter how much they overcome the nature.
  • Korekiyo has romantic feelings exclusively for his sister and claims they were in a relationship, but this is not confirmed and could be a delusion caused by his mental state. It's also possible that all of these memories were created by Team Danganronpa and his real relationship with his sister, if he even has one, could be very different.
  • Korekiyo is the second character in the series to have a split personality, the first being Toko Fukawa. Unlike her however, his split personality is more like a tulpa than a dissociative identity disorder. He also only kills women, which is somewhat similar to Genocide Jack, who only kills men.
    • Korekiyo and Genocide Jack's similarities are acknowledged during a one scene in the non-canon bonus mode Ultimate Talent Development Plan, with neither being the other's "type", and both appearing to be vaguely aware of what the other does to the people they are interested in.
  • Korekiyo has shown some similarities to Norman Bates from Psycho, including being in love with a female family member and having a split personality based on said female family member.
  • He appears to be sadomasochistic and has a strong liking of BDSM, explaining why he likes straw rope. Even his mask resembles a bondage hood, or a Gimp mask.
  • He is the only blackened who's called out by Monokuma for his crimes and whose ghost is shown in the execution.
  • His Class Trial portrait shows fumes instead of "X", possibly referring to his execution and his background as an anthropologist.
  • Korekiyo's murders bear some similarities to Mikan Tsumiki's murders in Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair: both cases are double murders, occur during the third chapter of the game, and are conducted as a result of an obsessive romantic relationship.
    • While Mikan begs the protagonist to forgive them after being convicted, Korekiyo conversely demands the protagonist to apologize.
  • It's implied that he can have sexual feelings for a person regardless of gender. Although Danganronpa V3's Hotel Kumasutra is also not considered canonical during the events of the game, the following occurs during Korekiyo's Love Suite event:
    • Korekiyo states while he's not emotionally attracted to Shuichi, he is physically attracted to him to a degree and wishes to engage in sex with him.[7]
    • Korekiyo explains his reasoning for the attraction, "In any event, let's revisit the topic of your interest in me. As I said, all aspects of humanity, even the ugliest, are beautiful. You took an interest in me. Spent time with me... What sort of beauty will you show me as I toy with you...? That is what I wish to know." And later he suggestively comments, "Well, the way you quiver with confusion is beautiful, too... Now give yourself to me... Your fear, worry, anger, and love... I will reveal all of your beauty. I will open the door to a world of pleasure you have yet to experience.
  • Korekiyo is the only blackened that sides with the protagonist in the Scrum Debate of the trial where they are the culprit, if you count Kaede's decoy protagonist role as one of an actual protagonist and not a pure blackened.
  • Korekiyo's Japanese voice actor, Kenichi Suzumura, is married to Maki Harukawa's Japanese voice actress Maaya Sakamoto.
  • Korekiyo shares his English voice actor, Todd Haberkorn, with Teruteru Hanamura in Danganronpa series.
  • In a poll hosted by MyNavi, fans voted Korekiyo the 13th most popular Danganronpa V3 student.[8]
  • Japanese gaming magazine Dengeki from April 27th, 2017 to May 22nd, 2017 held two popularity polls, one that was voted electronically and the other via post cards. Korekiyo was voted the 7th most popular student in the electronic poll, and the least popular through post cards.[9]
  • Korekiyo is 6’2” (188 cm) tall, making him the second-tallest student in Danganronpa V3, and the fourth-tallest student in the trilogy.

References[]

  1. During the events of Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony, it is revealed the students' talents are fabricated.
  2. Translated List V3 Students' Former High Schools
  3. Twitter Icon Todd Haberkorn: "@ToxicToxsa: @ToddHaberkorn Korekiyo Shinguji DRv3?
    @ToddHaberkorn: Bam :)
    " (Image of tweet) (13 July 2017)
  4. Tumblr blog @jinjojess translated summary on May 26th, 2016 publishing of Zettai Zetsubou Kodaka.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Official Artbook Character Profile translated by @Kaibutsushidousa on tumblr.
  6. The cast's 'normie' designs.
  7. "Oh? Was all the interest you showed in me merely a lie? Well, whether it is true or false is irrelevant to me. That passion you showed me... I fell victim to its beauty. So as you wish, I will accompany you for but a single night. But as I said before, there will never be a time where I love you. You're alright with that, yes?"
  8. MyNavi Poll
  9. DengekiOnline: 【電撃PS】『ニューダンガンロンパV3』ニンキトウヒョウ(人気投票)企画開催中! (April 27th, 2017) (Japanese)


Navigation[]

v  e
GAME CHARACTERS
Monokuma Units MonokumaMonomiShirokumaKurokumaMonokuma Kubs (Monotaro, Monosuke, Monophanie, Monokid, Monodam)
Danganronpa:
Trigger Happy Havoc
Makoto NaegiAoi AsahinaAlter EgoByakuya TogamiCelestia LudenbergChihiro FujisakiGenocide JackHifumi YamadaJin KirigiriJunko EnoshimaKiyotaka IshimaruKyoko KirigiriLeon KuwataMondo OwadaMukuro IkusabaSakura OgamiSayaka MaizonoToko FukawaYasuhiro Hagakure
Danganronpa 2:
Goodbye Despair
Hajime HinataAkane OwariByakuya TogamiChiaki NanamiFour Dark Devas of DestructionFuyuhiko KuzuryuGundham TanakaHiyoko SaionjiIbuki MiodaJunko EnoshimaKazuichi SodaMahiru KoizumiMikan TsumikiMonobeastsNagito KomaedaNatsumi KuzuryuNekomaru NidaiPeko PekoyamaSonia NevermindSatoTeruteru Hanamura
Danganronpa
Another Episode:
Ultra Despair Girls
Komaru NaegiToko FukawaGenocide JackJataro KemuriKotoko UtsugiMasaru DaimonMonaca TowaNagisa ShingetsuHaiji TowaHiroko HagakureHit List TargetsIzuru KamukuraThe ServantTaichi FujisakiYuta Asahina
Danganronpa V3:
Killing Harmony
Kaede AkamatsuAngie YonagaExisalsGonta GokuharaHimiko YumenoKaito MomotaK1-B0Kirumi TojoKokichi OmaKorekiyo ShingujiMaki HarukawaMiu IrumaRantaro AmamiRyoma HoshiShuichi SaiharaTenko ChabashiraTsumugi Shirogane
For minor characters, see: Minor Characters
Advertisement