Genkai’s death in Yu Yu Hakusho deeply moved fans and Yusuke’s VA, due to her pivotal role as Yusuke’s mentor and emotional anchor.

SUMMARY

Genkai’s death deeply impacted both the fandom and Yusuke’s VA, Nozomu Sasaki.
Genkai served as a vital mentor to Yusuke, shaping his growth and journey.
Nozomu was moved to tears despite knowing Genkai would be resurrected, highlighting her emotional significance.

Despite ending decades ago, Yoshihiro Togashi’s Yu Yu Hakusho remains one of the most iconic anime franchises ever. Yu Yu Hakusho‘s manga ran for 19 volumes, while its anime produced 112 episodes, eight OVA installments, and two movies.

Its striking aesthetics remain unforgettable, and the series has significantly influenced the supernatural shonen genre.

Yu Yu Hakusho | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Yu Yu Hakusho has definitely maintained its status as a classic anime over the decades. The story revolves around high school “bad boy” Yusuke Urameshi, who tragically sacrifices his life to save a child from being struck by a truck. He assumes the role of a Spirit Detective entrusted with safeguarding the human realm from supernatural dangers.

Though Yu Yu Hakusho is hailed as one of the most iconic anime, Yoshihiro Togashi once ignited fan outrage with the death of a beloved character, even leaving Yusuke’s voice actor utterly heartbroken.

The Heartbreaking Yu Yu Hakusho Character Demise That Left Yusuke’s VA in Tears

Yu Yu Hakusho is celebrated for its mix of action, humor, and supernatural elements, captivating audiences with its compelling characters and exhilarating battles. Not to mention, Yusuke’s Spirit Gun attack is almost as iconic as Goku’s Kamehameha.

Yu Yu Hakusho | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Indeed, Yoshihiro Togashi‘s Yu Yu Hakusho stands as one of the most iconic and highly acclaimed 90s shows, amassing a massive fanbase.

Interestingly, in an old interview with Yusuke’s VA, Nozomu Sasaki revealed that Genkai was their favorite character and expressed how profoundly her tragic passing affected them.

Genkai was the master of the Spirit Detective, Yusuke Urameshi. She was an old-fashioned woman with great strength and determination.

Genkai in her prime during the Dark Tournament arc | Credits: Studio Pierrot

As Nozomu was deeply involved in Yusuke’s journey, he grew close to his anime friends and companions, leaving him devastated by Genkai’s passing. He revealed:

When Master Genkai died. It was tough and sad. Even knowing she would resurrect later, it was impossible to not be moved. It was like my own grandma had passed away.

Amid the immense success of Yu Yu Hakusho‘s live-action, the show compressed the relationship between Genkai and Toguro into a few minutes, almost completely glossing over their past together.

A still of Genkai and Toguro | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Genkai and Toguro were revealed to have had an intimate relationship with each other in the past.

Sadly, a horrible event in Toguro’s life diverted their paths away from each other, leading to opposing outcomes. While Genkai served as Yusuke’s mentor, Toguro was the final antagonist he faced at the end of the Dark Tournament arc.

The plucky old lady went to battle with her ex-lover, knowing full well that she stood no chance against Toguro’s demon powers. Genkai is murdered by Toguro after a brief but fiery display of force, leaving several fans, including Yusuke’s VA terribly traumatized.

Genkai’s death in Yu Yu Hakusho | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Though Team Yusuke asks the Spirit Realm to resurrect their beloved Genkai as a reward for winning the Dark Tournament, Nozomu, even knowing the outcome, was moved to tears by her passing.

Naruto’s Creator took inspiration from Yu Yu Hakusho

From the beginning, Sasuke stands out from the rest of the characters in the Naruto series. Many believed it was because of his dark past and solitary attitude. However, after Kishimoto reveals the truth behind Sasuke’s inspiration, one can finally see the mangaka’s motivation and true intentions.

Sasuke from Naruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Hiei and Sasuke both shared a dark past and immense childhood trauma. Sasuke witnessed the massacre of his entire clan, whereas Hiei was a half-demon with a tragic history and was abandoned at birth.

Apart from that, another similarity between the two is their reliance on eye abilities during combat.

Masashi Kishimoto has also admitted that Yu Yu Hakusho‘s Hiei inspired the personality of Sasuke in Naruto.

Hiei with his Jagan Eye | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The similarities between Sasuke and Hiei highlight Yu Yu Hakusho‘s lasting influence on the manga and anime landscape. Furthermore, Kishimoto’s acknowledgment of Hiei’s influence on Sasuke enriches our understanding of one of anime’s most beloved characters.

Yu Yu Hakusho is available to stream on Netflix.