Noriaki Kakyoin first appears as a mysterious high school student in Japan. He’s tall, lean, and wears a distinct green school uniform. His hair, styled in an elegant wave, gives him a striking look. When Jotaro Kujo meets him, Kakyoin is under the influence of DIO, the series’ main villain. DIO uses a flesh bud to control him and manipulate his Stand, Hierophant Green, for evil.
After Jotaro removes the flesh bud, Kakyoin decides to join the crusaders on their mission to defeat DIO. He isn’t just tagging along; he feels a personal responsibility to help. His introduction into the group adds a sense of calm and intelligence, balancing out the more boisterous personalities like Polnareff and Joseph.
Abilities: Hierophant Green
Kakyoin’s Stand, Hierophant Green, is as graceful as it is powerful. This Stand is long and slender, resembling a humanoid figure made of emerald-colored threads. It excels at long-range combat, making Kakyoin a formidable fighter even when enemies keep their distance.
Key Abilities:
- Emerald Splash
This is Hierophant Green’s signature attack. It fires a barrage of emerald-like projectiles with incredible speed and force. While it looks straightforward, Kakyoin uses it cleverly in battle, targeting weak points or creating distractions. - Possession
Hierophant Green can infiltrate objects or even other people. This ability allows Kakyoin to spy or attack without exposing himself to danger. For example, he once possessed a nurse to attack Jotaro while under DIO’s control. - Range and Precision
One of the unique traits of Hierophant Green is its impressive range. Kakyoin can fight enemies who are far away, giving him a tactical advantage in many situations. He also controls the Stand with great accuracy, using its tendrils to restrain foes or trigger traps.
Kakyoin’s combat style isn’t about brute strength. He uses strategy and precision to outsmart his opponents. This makes his battles thrilling to watch.
How Kakyoin Joined the Crusaders
Kakyoin’s introduction to the Crusaders begins as a confrontation. DIO, seeking to eliminate any threats to his plans, implants a flesh bud into Kakyoin’s brain, bending him to his will. Under this control, Kakyoin becomes one of DIO’s agents, forced to use his Stand, Hierophant Green, to attack Jotaro Kujo. Their clash takes place at Jotaro’s school, where Kakyoin cleverly uses his Stand’s long-range abilities to ambush Jotaro and nearly defeat him.
However, Jotaro’s Stand, Star Platinum, proves superior in both power and precision. Jotaro knocks Kakyoin unconscious and takes him to his home. There, Joseph Joestar and Muhammad Avdol examine Kakyoin and discover the flesh bud controlling him. Joseph explains how DIO uses these buds to enslave strong Stand users.
Despite the dangers involved, Jotaro decides to save Kakyoin by removing the flesh bud. With Star Platinum’s precise movements, he extracts the bud without causing any harm, freeing Kakyoin from DIO’s control. Grateful for the rescue and horrified by what he had been forced to do, Kakyoin chooses to join the Crusaders.
Kakyoin’s Motivation
Kakyoin’s motivations are rooted in his past experiences and the trauma of DIO’s control. Before meeting the Crusaders, Kakyoin felt disconnected from the world. His Stand abilities, though extraordinary, isolated him from others. He couldn’t relate to his peers, and as a result, he grew up feeling lonely and misunderstood.
DIO exploited this loneliness, using the flesh bud to manipulate Kakyoin. While under DIO’s control, Kakyoin retained some awareness, making him painfully conscious of the harm he caused. This left him with a deep sense of guilt and a desire to make amends. Joining the Crusaders became his way of atoning for his actions and reclaiming his identity.
Beyond redemption, Kakyoin’s hatred for DIO fuels his determination. The idea that DIO could strip someone of their free will and humanity disgusts him. By joining the fight, Kakyoin aims to ensure no one else suffers as he did.
The camaraderie he finds with the Crusaders also becomes a driving force. For the first time, Kakyoin feels a sense of belonging. Jotaro, Joseph, Avdol, and Polnareff trust him, not as a tool but as a friend and ally. This trust inspires him to fight harder, knowing he has people who value him not just for his Stand but for who he is.
Kakyoin’s Relationships
With the Crusaders
Kakyoin’s bond with the Stardust Crusaders evolves throughout their journey. At first, he seems reserved and keeps to himself. However, as they face dangers together, Kakyoin becomes a trusted ally and close friend.
- Jotaro Kujo: Jotaro and Kakyoin share a quiet mutual respect. While Jotaro is often blunt, Kakyoin balances him out with his calm and thoughtful nature. They develop an unspoken camaraderie, especially in life-or-death battles.
- Jean-Pierre Polnareff: Polnareff’s outgoing and flamboyant personality contrasts with Kakyoin’s reserved nature. Despite their differences, they share lighter moments and show genuine concern for each other’s safety.
- Joseph Joestar: Joseph acts as a mentor figure to Kakyoin and the others. Kakyoin respects Joseph’s experience and often listens to his advice during their journey.
- Avdol and Iggy: Though they don’t share as much screen time, Kakyoin values Avdol’s wisdom and Iggy’s loyalty, even if Iggy’s antics sometimes frustrate him.
With His Family
Kakyoin’s relationship with his family is a smaller but touching part of his character. He reveals that he felt isolated as a child because of his Stand abilities. He couldn’t connect with other kids, which made him lonely. His parents, however, loved and supported him unconditionally. This foundation gave Kakyoin a sense of self-worth, even when others rejected him.
In one of the series’ most emotional moments, Kakyoin reflects on his family before his final battle. He thinks about how much he loves his parents and regrets that he won’t see them again. This brief but heartfelt moment adds depth to his character and makes his sacrifice even more poignant.
The Death of Kakyoin Noriaki
Kakyoin’s death is one of the most heart-wrenching moments in Stardust Crusaders. It happens during the group’s climactic battle against DIO. Kakyoin, at just 17 years old, gives his life in an attempt to expose DIO’s secret ability: The World’s power to stop time.
During the fight, Kakyoin uses Hierophant Green’s long-range capabilities to attack DIO from a safe distance. He creates a clever trap, surrounding DIO with his Stand’s tendrils. However, DIO’s time-stopping ability lets him escape unharmed. In one devastating strike, DIO uses The World to punch through Kakyoin’s abdomen, fatally wounding him.
Even as he lies dying, Kakyoin doesn’t give up. He uses his final moments to send a message to Joseph, smashing a clock with his Stand to hint at DIO’s ability. This act of courage and intellect saves his friends and gives them a fighting chance.
Kakyoin’s death is tragic, but it’s also heroic. He dies knowing he contributed to the group’s mission. His sacrifice cements his legacy as a true friend and warrior.
Fun Facts About Kakyoin
- Cherry Obsession: Kakyoin’s playful “cherry-licking” moment is one of the most famous (and meme-worthy) scenes in the series. It shows a rare glimpse of his silly side.
- Artistic Talent: Kakyoin has a talent for painting. This creative side adds another layer to his character.
- Stand Name Origins: Hierophant Green’s name references “The Hierophant,” a Tarot card associated with wisdom and teaching.
