Anji Mito

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I'll tell you what I think about 'secrets'. It's best to bring them out into the sun and let everyone see them. Then no one needs to fight over them, right?
― Anji to Sol Badguy[src]

Anji Mito is a recurring character in the Guilty Gear series. A curious man of Japanese descent who strives to uncover the secrets which That Man has kept from his people. Armed with both the magic-amplifying fans known as Zessen and his indomitable charm, he fled from his Colony in order to pursue the truth. His dance is unrivaled and finely honed, and he incorporates such aspects of fluid motion into his attacks.

Design

Of a muscular yet lithe frame, Anji has deep brown eyes and always wears small round-framed pince-nez glasses. His hair is spiked, and typically lies splayed across a headband or bandana.

In his initial appearances between X and Λ CORE, Anji's design remails relatively unchanged. He is shirtless, wearing only kimono-like sleeves below the shoulders that are connected behind his back; they are dark blue with a white layer underneath, and white cuffs attaching them to his upper arm. He wears a matching hakama tied at the waist with a black belt, which bears golden cusps at each end. Anji also wears blue boots with unusual soles reminiscent of traditional Japanese footwear known as geta. In Isuka, these boots are black instead with blue soles. He wears white arm gloves with black trim as well. A white cloth is wrapped around his head, dividing his dark, spiky hair in two.

In his Rev 2 cameo, Anji is seen sporting a loose blue and white kimono resembling his previous outfit, as well his white arm gloves.

In Strive, changing his white cloth for a blue bandanna decorated with a white butterfly, Anji—still with a mostly bare torso—retains his connected kimono sleeves, though they are more shirt-like. They cover his shoulders, and are worn above a skin-tight, black garment that lays across his arms, upper back, and shoulders. He also wears divided hakama below a black outer layer, decorated with a light-blue Mount Fuji and butterflies, held together at the waist by a red cord, and a light yellowish-brown obi with the kanji (kaze?, lit. wind). His hair and arm gloves are now black, and he has replaced his boots with sneaker-like shoes bearing accents that take on the appearance of geta and white tabi.

Personality

A firm pursuer of adventure[8] and his own freedom, Anji is a man who generally acts according to intuition rather than reason.[2] Because of his impulsive nature, Anji rarely worries about consequences before acting, not because he doesn't care, but because he doesn't fully think things through.[8] Despite not being much of a thinking person, he is a curious man, pursuing knowledge for the sake of knowledge.[9] Claiming that the more he knows, the happier he gets, Anji doesn't mind risking his life to get the secrets he wants.[10] Seemingly rather straightforward at first glance, Anji does have a deceptive side, knowing more than he usually lets on,[11] and will act in a serious manner if the situation demands for it, being more cautious than Chipp.[12]

Anji often displays a cheerful and light-hearted personality,[6] and may occasionally make a fool out of[8] people he is with,[5] although he means this amicably.[7] A free spirit, Anji doesn't attempt to force his own version of justice onto others,[8] but will not hesitate to show his dissatisfaction towards dishonesty and things which he disagrees with.[5] Anji is also not opposed to more emotional and selfish inclinations, such as when Baiken's ire causes him to withdraw from their adventures together.[13] Anji does appreciate those who he is in cohorts with, though he is not above doing things which benefit his own interests for what he believes to be their sake.[14]

Story

Background

Little is known about Anji's past. A descendant of pure Japanese ancestry, Anji was raised in one of the colonies. Due to the destruction of Japan[4] by Gear commander Justice in 2074,[15] only a handful of Japanese survived[4] and are protected—or rather, are forced to live under the "protection" of the world's governments.[6] Though many accepted this,[6] Anji rejected the system, and chose the freedom of the present[2] over a sedentary life.[8] While living in the Colony, he met Baiken.[16]

Having a theory of his own regarding the origin of Gears,[6] Anji decided to conceal his own racial origins in order to search for "That Man",[4] who caused the Crusades, who supposedly appeared in many different times, places, and disguises,[17] and was responsible for the destruction of Baiken's hometown.[18] He decided to investigate not out of spite, but rather out of sheer curiosity.[3] Before leaving, Anji took Zessen—the focus of the colony's dimensional barrier, which thus began to progressively weaken every day—, and then disappeared from the colony,[19] although he would since claim to have stumbled across it accidentally.[20] Since then, Anji has been evading authorities looking to send him back to the village.[2]

Guilty Gear X

In 2181, when a bounty is issued on an independent Gear called Dizzy,[4] Anji continues his search for the cause behind the destruction of Japan, this time his target being Sol Badguy, having somehow ascertained that he is a centuries-old Gear. After meeting Dizzy, Anji finally gets ahold of Sol and asks him if Gears really are evil. Anji tries to explain his theory, but Sol attacks him. In one path, he defeats Sol, and muses that he should find That Man before drawing any conclusions. In his other path, Sol spares him, proving Anji's Gear theory to be right; despite Sol's threats, Anji is undeterred and privately vows to expose That Man's secrets.[21]

Having searched for intel together with Axl Low in the past, Anji arranges to meet in London for one of their periodic exchanges of information. Anji arrives to find Axl injured by Geena and time-slipping, and catches Mizuha as she collapses from using her abilities to attack Geena.[22] Almost immediately, Tyr is taken over by Fenrir. Anji quickly deduces Mizuha's power and helps her pacify Tyr,[23] who returns to his sealed state. Potemkin then appears and escort them to Zepp, where President Gabriel explains that Mizuha has evoked the mothership and that they need to put Mizuha to "death" to save the world, to which Anji objects.[24] Tyr wakes up just in time, however, and they join forces to destroy the approaching ship[25] and transmute Geena, defeating her for good.[26]

Guilty Gear XX

Illustration.

Weeks later, Anji is initially approached by Ky Kiske regarding the suspicious persecution of Japanese individuals, but Anji misinterprets him and runs away. Guilty Gear XX script#Truth_seeking Later on, he meets with Axl Low once more, who informs him that he has unveiled new information on That Man. Eager to get to the bottom of his new lead, he charges forth to scrape whatever information he can. In one path, Anji finds and defeats I-No to meet That Man. Anji asks if Gears are really meant to be weapons, and why everything went wrong, so That Man asks Anji if he is prepared to "defy both heaven and earth" to know more.[27] In another path, Anji is briefly approached by May who asks him what Japanese means. He explains the basics to May, namely that the Japanese are hunted and persecuted, but allows her to uncover the rest for herself.[28] Shortly thereafter and true to his discussion with May, a close run-in with the bounty hunter Bridget leads him to understand that someone is putting bounties on the heads of the Japanese. This is confirmed through a brainwashed Chipp attacking him, and Anji soon learns that the Robo-Kys are after the Japanese; he surmises that Baiken may also be in danger, and charges off to protect her.[29] In his third path, Ky catches up to Anji and informs him of the Post-War Administration Bureau, advising him to lay low and be careful.[30]

Guilty Gear Dust Strikers

Anji's path begins with an interaction between him and Ky, wherein Anji challenges him to a duel. Ky accepts, given his proclivity towards learning of his "Asian martial arts." The two are interrupted by Slayer, who wishes to participate due to the entertaining factor that comes of a duel. Potemkin also appears, wishing to fight.[31] Later on, Anji approaches Venom with intrigue; he comments on Venom's peculiar weapon, notably understanding that he is an Assassin from the get-go. Venom snaps at him, calling Anji's style bizzare. Though the two do agree to a duel, they are interrupted by Chipp Zanuff - longing to get revenge on Venom, and Testament - longing to test their sorcery on one of the Sacred Treasures.[32] Further down the line, Anji seeks out Dizzy in the hopes of finding That Man. She tells him that she does not know, and establishes that there is no longer a bounty on her head - however Jam and bridget also appear, seeking the nonexistant bounty.[33] Anji later seeks out I-No for a similar purpose as his search for Dizzy - more information on That Man. The two exchange remarks, with I-No threatening him. Thereafter, Eddie appears, seeking Anji's body for himself. Anji soon realizes that the person he has truly been seeking - Sol Badguy - has showed up. He challenges Sol to a battle for the information on That Man's whereabouts. With multiple others joining the fray, Sol attempts to leave; but he is stopped in his tracks when Anji implies that Justice feared his power.[34] After another bout, Anji comes face to face with Gig. Upon Gig's defeat, Anji ponders his knowledge - that gears were not created as a weapon. The intent of the creator of the Gears is still unknown to him.[35] Somewhere within this span of time, Anji encounters Chipp on his own - when Chipp begs him to teach him to be Japanese, Anji responds negatively, but encourages him to keep striving to become President.[36] Furthermore, Anji is seen interacting with Johnny, Slayer, and Bridget, chiming in with a joke about his interest in men. However, he quickly pushes the comment to the side, becoming excited to participate in the upcoming fight.[37]

Guilty Gear Judgment

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Guilty Gear XX Λ Core Plus

After meeting That Man, Anji begins to think it might be OK to help him with his plans. His first mission is to search for I-No, who has disappeared after escaping capture.[38] In one path, Anji stumbles across I-No. He informs her that That Man is searching for her, to which I-No gets angry, telling him to not speak as though he knows That Man. Anji insists that he does not lie, and I-No instigates a fight. Upon defeating her, I-No binds Anji’s feet to the ground and flees. After his duel with I-No, Anji succeeds in trapping her. He attempts to convince I-No to take That Man’s advice, who seems conflicted; after freezing her, Raven appears and tells him to seek out Axl. Anji questions whether this is his next job, or a personal request; Raven refuses to answer. Anji remarks that he does not like Raven, but decides to do it anyways. Once Anji finds I-No again, the two engage in combat. Anji tricks I-No into entering a trap devised by That Man, which freezes her in a temporal stasis; Anji privately remains suspicious of That Man despite his supposed allegiance.[39] In another path, during his search for I-No, Anji encounters Baiken. She tells him to take her to That Man, claiming there is something the two of them need to discuss. Anji hesitates, believing that it is not a good idea in the slightest. Baiken accuses him of taking That Man’s side, becoming horrified that Anji is somehow under his thumb; she states she will force the truth out of him if Anji doesn’t tell her himself. After their duel, Anji confesses to be working for That Man. Anji claims he will stop, stating that he doesn’t want to fight Baken anymore. All he wants is for her to stay alive. Anji then vows to stay by Baiken’s side instead, to ensure this happens. [40]

Guilty Gear Xrd

On November 9, 2187, Anji has an operator find Baiken for a collect call. Anji asks her to return to the Colony to investigate the Illyrian presence, but she refuses. Baiken then inquires about the "other case", but Anji is reluctant to speak and Baiken suspects that he has found That Man. Anji convinces her that he didn't, and so Baiken agrees to take care of the Colony and ends the phone call. Privately, Anji ponders about keeping secrets, hesitant to tell her that the Gear Maker may not be the one she wants revenge on.[11]

Guilty Gear -Strive-

At some point in the aftermath of the battle in the Illyrian capitol, Anji starts to work for Chipp Zanuff[41] and meets Delilah.[42] Anji asks Baiken to take her to police, to which she questions why he can't do it, to which he states that he's too busy making mirrors, surprising Baiken at his new job, with him adding "Umbrellas don't pay the rent these days".

After That Man surrenders himself to the U.S. government,[43] Anji intercepts President Vernon's car en route to the White House to confirm That Man's identity. He jumps over the roof, making it disappear, and sees that it is indeed the Gear Maker—or rather, Asuka R. Kreutz. He informs Chipp via comm that the "other one" is in Illyria.[41]

After I-No releases Happy Chaos from within Ariels[41] and lets herself be captured by Illyrian soldiers, Anji and Chipp manage to locate Chaos on the road near L'oro Di Illyria to take a look at him. Anji warns him not to get "funny ideas", but Chipp ignores him and attaches himself to Chaos' car, forcing Anji to follow him. With the chase involving Sol, Jack-O' Valentine and Nagoriyuki, Anji approaches Chaos from the side, but is "mesmerized" by him; Chaos points his gun at Anji but Chipp saves him, only to almost fall off the cliff, saved in turn by Jack-O'. Given Chaos' resilience, Chipp decides to let him go.[42]

While Anji remains in L'oro Di Illyria, Chipp leaves.[44] After the G4 Summit is disrupted by Chaos[45]—who activates the White House's Tír na nÓg flying mode[46]—, Chipp sneaks into the Pentagon to share their intel, and calls Anji. Anji explains to everyone that Chaos is also "That Man", or rather, a monster who wreaked havoc during the Crusades by possessing people in spirit form.[44] Presumably, like the rest of humanity, Anji witnesses I-No's ascension to godhood, but she is soon defeated by Sol, Ky and Nagoriyuki. In the aftermath, Anji reunites with Baiken under a cherry blossom tree.[47]

Relationships

Chipp Zanuff

In Guilty Gear XX, Chipp is shown to have sought out Anji on multiple occasions prior to their interactions within the game.[3] Chipp seems to approach Anji with the intent of learning more about Japanese culture. The two are well acquainted enough for Anji to understand that Chipp is not acting like himself while the man is possessed by Robo-Ky.[3] Anji is shown to have a desire to vote for Chipp, though dissuades himself due to the potential ramifications of having a man on the run voting for him.[48]

In Strive, Anji and Chipp Zanuff are shown to have a working relationship, with Anji providing sources of information to Chipp and his cohorts wherever needed.[44] Though their engagement with one another is more formal in nature, Anji still affectionately refers to Chipp as Boss(大将, Taishō?)[source needed] when issuing statements. Despite this formal nature, Anji and Chipp’s bond clearly surpasses that of mere coworkers, as Anji is shown to worry when Chipp dashes into pursuit with Happy Chaos without a second thought – contrary to the fact that he himself does this quite frequently.[8] Similarly, Chipp is shown to care about Anji during this same chase – when Happy Chaos “mesmerizes” Anji and aims his gun at him, Chipp deflects the bullet and allows himself to be flung from a cliff to save Anji,[45] indicating great trust in the other man’s ability to rescue the both of them. Despite their more formal business relationship, Anji and Chipp are also shown to be causal friends – the two of them spend time with one another chasing down Nagoriyuki, with the sole intent of befriending him. During this time, Anji repeatedly sings his praises for Chipp’s coolness as well, often alternating between playful chiding and enthralled adoration.[49]

Baiken

Both hailing from Colonies and having known each other since the destruction of Baiken’s home town,[50] Anji and Baiken have a long-standing yet tenuous pseudo-familial relationship. It is unknown whether they hailed from the same village. Anji affectionately refers to Baiken as “Sis”(姉さん, Anesan?), though this seems one sided as Baiken typically only holds ire towards him, referring to him as an idiot.[51] Anji initially comes to Baiken for information on That Man. Though they seem to be familiar with one another, the two share little more than pleasantries.[52] Given that his curious search for That Man is so closely intertwined with Baiken’s revenge, he continues to seek her out to both receive and give information. Anji is shown to hold some level of selfish care about Baiken’s wellbeing. He is almost eagerly willing to take blows from her in order to prove his loyalty,[53] and to keep her from discovering secrets about That Man which may harm her in the long run or cause her to act without thinking. This persistently one-sided care shines through all of their shared interactions, with Anji going out of his way to engage with a less than enthused Baiken. Although Baiken frequently attempts to avoid or even instigates hate when approached, Anji still entirely pledges himself to her care and support. Shockingly enough, despite this supposed care, he still winds up working for That Man regardless of how it may make Baiken feel. Anji often lies about his engagements with That Man for Baiken’s sake,[54] though she easily sees through this. He is covetous of this fact up until he learns of the true nature of the situation with That Man; he relents and admits this to Baiken, offering up his life as an apology.[55] However Baiken refuses to slay him, and as a result Anji devotes himself to tag along with her in order to keep her safe. Eventually, Anji understands that Baiken’s quest for revenge is going to wear her though before anything else; he offers up Delilah as a strategic “mirror” to Baiken’s own revenge, hoping that it will be enough to keep her from following through.[56]

Abilities

Anji's elegant[7] fighting style incorporates the movements[6] of mai(?),[2] a genre of Japanese traditional dance that is reserved and typified by circling movements where the body is kept low to the ground. Flexible and dexterous, Anji is able to use the fluidity of his dance-like moves, described as "poetry in motion",[3] as reversal moves that makes use of his enemy's attack,[6] dodging and misdirecting them to his advantage.

His weapons of choice are a pair of foldable hand fans called Zessen, one of the Sacred Treasures.[8] An instroment[57] that concentrates and amplifies Wind magic, Zessen can change size as required, and activating certain abilities alters the glyphs that appear on the fans.[58] To be carried by those adept at the use of magic,[59] Anji is able to wield them in spite of the massive mental and physical strain they put on a wielder.[60]

Furthermore, Anji is shown to have knowledge of binds, as he is able to use the technique Kimontonkou Hakkeshouou (奇門遙甲 八卦照応?) to momentarily hinder Baiken's movements.[61] He is also able to conjure glowing butterflies, birds[23], and dragons[62] made of magic energy. By summoning many at once and forming a cloud-like flock, Anji can use it to fly at high speeds above the ground.[42] He is also able to convert material objects into these butterflies, as seen when he attacks the roof of Vernon's car.[41] Due to being of Japanese origin, Anji is, presumably, blessed with the spirituality that characterizes his people, as well as the innate capacity to control Ki.[6]

Gameplay-wise, Anji is an all-around character with many moves that have an autoguard/guard point property, automatically blocking moves that make contact depending on their type, as well as unique Gatling options from an array of command normals. His playstyle is good for conditioning and punishing, but requires that the player be able to read the opponent's next moves, being quite high risk.

Music

Quotes

Allusions

  • The origin of his name is in the Japanese rock band ANGIE and their leader, Mito Hananosuke.
  • His alias may be a reference to the Japanese musician Susumu Hirasawa.
  • His theme, "Fuuga", sounds similar to the Mötley Crüe song "Live Wire".
  • When Shitsu is blocked, the butterfly spreads its wings into a shape that looks like the Aerosmith logo. This appears to have been changed in Strive as the butterfly now turns into a bird when blocked.
  • His move Sai may be a reference to the album Aja by Steely Dan, called 彩〜Aja〜? in Japan.
  • His move Kou is the same kanji as the title of the song "Kurenai" by X Japan.

Trivia

  • Anji's alias, Hirasawa, signifies the rising spirit and brilliant achievements that are in his future.[1]
    • Notably, the name Hirasawa was Anji's original name at the beginning of the development cycle for Guilty Gear X.[63]
  • Daisuke Ishiwatari has said that Anji is the closest to a certain type of character—his type of "ideal" man—from Kazuhiko Shimamoto's mangas.[63]
  • Anji's bounty in Guilty Gear XX describes him as "A wicked villain who fans his victims to death... and steals their valuables under the auspices of artistic dance." and "Known to get angry when someone guesses his identity."[64]
  • Anji could be bisexual, as he has flirted with several characters regardless of their gender. Examples of this include quotes exchanges with Jam Kuradoberi[65], and Asuka R. Kreutz[66]. In Guilty Gear Dust Strikers, he claims to be "interested in guys too"; however, he backtracks upon being met with questioning.[67]

Gallery

External links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 GG World/Brilliance
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 GuiltyGearX.com
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Guilty Gear XX script § "Report ♯4152"
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Guilty Gear X manual, pg.4,34
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 [GGWorld2 - "Anji Mito]]
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 Guilty Gear Codex, pg.20,51,61-62
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 ANJI | CHARACTER | GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- | ARC SYSTEM WORKS
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 GG World/Anji Mito
  9. Guilty Gear XX script § "Testament Path 1"
  10. Guilty Gear XX Script, Sol Badguy, Path 1
  11. 11.0 11.1 Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2 script § "Baiken"
  12. GGST ch3
  13. Baiken Arcade, Stage 2-7, Win with Assist (Normal)
  14. Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2 script#Baiken
  15. Guilty Gear Xrd -Sign- script § "Kaleidoscope A"
  16. Guilty Gear -Strive- World Anji Mito
  17. GG World/That Man
  18. GuiltyGearX.com
  19. Guilty Gear Xtra § "Barrier Distortion"
  20. GG World/Zessen
  21. Guilty Gear X Plus script § "Anji"
  22. Guilty Gear Xtra § "Butterfly Dancing in Chaotic Flowers"
  23. 23.0 23.1 Guilty Gear Xtra § "Words that Cut Through Darkness"
  24. Guilty Gear Xtra § "Ship in the Stars, Island in the Sky"
  25. Guilty Gear Xtra § "Those Worthy"
  26. Guilty Gear Xtra § "The Power to Choose"
  27. Guilty Gear XX script § "Anji Path 1"
  28. Guilty Gear XX script § "Anji Path 2"
  29. Guilty Gear XX script § "Anji Path 2"
  30. Guilty Gear XX script § "Anji Path 3"
  31. Dust Strikers, Anji Route, Stage 1
  32. Dust Strikers, Anji Route, Stage 2
  33. Dust Strikers, Anji Route, Stage 3
  34. Dust Strikers, Anji Route, Stage 5
  35. Dust Strikers, Anji Route, Boss Stage
  36. Dust Strikers, May Route, Stage 2
  37. Dust Strikers, Johnny Route, Stage 1
  38. Guilty Gear XX Λ Core Plus script § "Dubious allegiance"
  39. Guilty Gear XX Λ Core Plus script § "Trick path"
  40. Guilty Gear XX Λ Core Plus script § "Protect path"
  41. 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 Guilty Gear -Strive- script § "Prologue"
  42. 42.0 42.1 42.2 Guilty Gear -Strive- script § "Encounter"
  43. Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2 script § "After Story A"
  44. 44.0 44.1 44.2 Guilty Gear -Strive- script § "Confrontation"
  45. 45.0 45.1 Guilty Gear -Strive- script § "Intruder"
  46. Guilty Gear -Strive- script § "Myth"
  47. Guilty Gear -Strive- script § "Strive"
  48. Guilty Gear XX Λ Core Plus script#Ending_2_14
  49. Guilty Gear -Strive- script/Arcade#Anji
  50. Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2 script#Baiken
  51. Guilty Gear XX Λ Core Plus script#Intro_13
  52. Guilty Gear X Plus script#Anji
  53. Guilty Gear XX Λ Core Plus script#Baiken
  54. Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2 script#Baiken
  55. Guilty Gear XX Λ Core Plus script#Baiken
  56. Guilty Gear -STRIVE- Another Story script
  57. GG World/Components of Magic Production
  58. GG World/Zessen
  59. GG World/Sacred Treasures
  60. GG World/Fireseal
  61. Guilty Gear XX script § "Baiken Path 3"
  62. Anji Mito X Command List
  63. 63.0 63.1 Guilty Gear X Drafting Artworks, pg.78,??
  64. Guilty Gear XX script § "Innocent criminals"
  65. Anji Mito/Quotes, Jam Win Quote
  66. Anji Mito/Quotes, That Man Intro
  67. Guilty Gear Dust Strikers script#Johnny