While Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku may seem far more advanced in its approach to gender inclusivity, the weight of the reality is presented through the apparent sexism that exists even within certain characters. Although not many, Hell’s Paradise boasts a good range of female characters who have a profession, are independent in thought and can make their own choices, and are skilled fighters just like their male counterparts. In fact, viewers even see some of the female characters sharing the same space as the men in their journey to Shinsenkyo.
Kunoichi, or female ninjas, are a familiar term that has been made popular through several anime productions such as Naruto. Aside from that, historical women having higher authority can also be seen in films like Princess Mononoke. However, it is not the kunoichi but the female executioner Yamada Asaemon Sagiri that stands out like an odd thumb in a male-dominated space. While she comes from an influential family, she hasn’t faced a life of ease in her growing years. And casual sexism became an extension of her – a fact that becomes more justified when one thinks about the time period. However, among the men she has to see on regular basis, not all are welcoming of her status as a female samurai. One among them is Yamada Asaemon Genji.
Sagiri’s role as a samurai and executioner of the Yamada clan is a bitter pill to swallow for some of her male peers
The 12th ranking Asaemon of the Yamada, Sagiri is the daughter of the former head of the clan, Kichiji. In the manga, while defining herself during a battle against Rien, she says:
“Strength…weakness…and doubt. They make me what I am.”
This comment is enough proof that she does not hold herself in the highest regards, as being an executioner like her immediate peers means she has to let go of certain womanly standards that are generally and socially expected of her.
From a young age, she has been subjected to gender-based discrimination from her clan members, including her father. When faced with bullying, she had cried, but that only strengthened her resolve to become a samurai. This casual discrimination may have become an appendage of her being, but it also made her incredibly honest and true to herself. So, when other Asaemons remind Sagiri of her gender-based roles, she isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She thinks that one should not be restricted to the belief that they should succumb to societal expectations and let go of what they want in life, further asserting that one’s social identity should not be restrictive to one’s gender.
Upon criticism, Sagiri faces them with a polite attitude, maintaining the respect that she believes her colleagues deserve. However, she is still a human who has her own set of doubts and insecurities that are often associated with being a woman. However, her entertaining of these thoughts and doubts have also aided her in accepting herself and her role as a samurai over the years. Strength and weakness are part of one’s life, one cannot continue to live in a continuum with either of the adjectives. Hence, a woman’s strength is not equated to her occasional show of assertiveness in certain social situations or child-rearing and housemaking, as Saigiri has often been reminded. It can also come through determination, control over one’s emotional being, or acceptance of oneself – fact that was noted by Gabimaru himself when they were facing off against each other in Shinsenkyo.
😬 Oof that’s rough, feeling worried for Sagiri. Genji advises her to leave the island since she’s too weak to stay, but of course she doesn’t want to leave. Still he’s not wrong, this place is dangerous and she needs real battle experience to survive. #HellsParadise pic.twitter.com/dDOe3HXtMK
— 🔥 𝐋𝐮𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 🔥 (@SeaBreezeNerd) May 1, 2023
Recently, an instance of this gender-based discrimination was seen in episode 5 when Yamada Asaemon Genji argued with Sagiri on letting go of her “responsibilities” as an inspector/monitor to Gabimaru the Hollow in Shinsenkyo. He even offers to resume her position since the convict he was monitoring is dead. According to him, as a lady with a good background, Sagiri should be more invested in continuing her heritage through marriage and raising children.
“You’re a daughter of the Yamada clan first and a samurai second. As a woman, it’s your duty to marry the next head of the clan. The shogunate wouldn’t object to me taking over your role. In your current condition, you’ll die. Go home, Sagiri.”
Here, Genji just naturally assumes that despite Sagiri’s skills as a swordsman, her physical body (of a woman) would hinder her way to victory on the battlefield, eventually leading to her death. However, Sagiri politely contradicts his statement by reminding him of her personal beliefs, which are in alignment with the way of a samurai.
“This is my job. A warrior’s duty is to complete their job.”
Genji isn’t impressed, and he denies that Sagiri is capable enough to survive the battlefield because “this job is too much for a woman.” He continues:
“Your intentions are admirable, but facts are facts. And your sword…I don’t know where you found that. It just happened to be available, didn’t it? A sword is a warrior’s heart. You’ve already lost the heart of the Yamada clan. I suppose it’s not uncommon on the battlefield. During battle, warriors use and discard their weapons. After all, you can procure new ones right there. Your sword skills are exceptional, but that’s as a sword-tester and executioner. This situation calls for skills in battle. Exceptional sword skills aren’t the same as exceptional skill in battle. You’re clearly not strong enough for this island.”
Yamada Asaemon Senta half-agrees with Genji, as he also thinks Sagiri, as a woman, is unsuitable for tough situations and must be protected. However, he also acknowledges her skills because Senta believes that “in case Gabimaru-san needs to be stopped,” only she would be able to do it. He further alleges that it might be due to the change in Gabimaru’s behavior or that he needs to “return with a partner,” but her presence on the island guarantees that the death row convict will be in check.
Next morning, when Genji offers to escort Sagiri back to the shop, she politely declines, but Genji assumes that she must be “worried about the rules of the job.” To this, Sagiri says:
“No, this concerns how I choose to live.”
Evidently, this doesn’t settle well with Genji, who argues that it’s “ridiculous” because she’s “a woman.” He continues:
“You should return safely and bear children for the Yamada-clan.”
Sagiri retorts by saying that she used this statement because her position as a woman with a weapon is either seen with surprise or mockery. Comments like “A woman can’t take over the Yamada clan” or “You don’t have to push yourself. Live as a woman” often becomes derogatory in the sense that they deny one’s capability based on their gender.
“People regard a woman who wields a sword with astonishment and ridicule…And more than anything, my father sometimes looked at me with disappointment.”
She also acknowledges her liminal position as a woman in a society full of gendered expectations, saying:
“If I live as a daughter of Neck-Chopper Asa, I’m scorned by outsiders. If I live as a warrior of the Yamada clan, I’m shunned by my family. If I leave now, it’ll follow me for the rest of my life.”
Genji replies that he doesn’t understand what she’s saying because to him, it’s natural for women to have responsibilities. In a sign of respect, Saigiri kowtows in front of him as she asserts:
“I can’t stand to be looked at like that…Please see me as a samurai. Please. Forgive me for defying a senior student and allow me to live my way. I know I’m weak and inexperienced, but I at least want to decide how I’ll live for myself. I’m certain both men and women, or perhaps all the people, regardless of status, feel this way. Please understand.”
But Genji dismisses her beliefs because he thinks that’s not “how a samurai lives. This island is like a battlefield. It’s no place for women and children.” However, as he unsheathes his sword to deliver the blow on Sagiri, she takes the blade from him and reminds him of his earlier statement that “weapons can be procured on the battlefield.” In a foolish attempt to cover up being insulted, he boldly says that “A warrior’s sword is his soul” and that he condemns the fact he took the sword from him. However, the scene doesn’t stretch as another death row convict attacks him, fatally wounding his right side. This is where the episode ends, but it is far from being considered an incomplete sub-plot.
Hell’s Paradise Episode 5: 11/10🙏. Gabimaru and Sagiri’s dialogue was done perfectly, I’ve always loved that scene in the manga. Tenza and Nurugai goated, the sceneries are BEAUTIFUL, and THAT GENJI PACK IS BLISSFUL🚬😹. ROKUROTA FIGHT NEXT WEEK. #HellsParadise #Jigokuraku pic.twitter.com/bBiLcOnAMt
— PLAT5K (@PLAT5K) April 29, 2023
Episode 5’s commentary on gender-based discrimination and Sagiri’s renewed acceptance in her skills and self is a fresh change. Oftentimes, such heavy topics are dealt with either through subtleties or in a grand fashion, but Hell’s Paradise doesn’t resort to extremities and balances the tone of the debate without changing the tone. Sagiri has a long way to go and a longer journey to take in the world of Hell’s Paradise to navigate through the male-dominated space. As is evident, it won’t be an easy feat, but perhaps her being a more stickler of rules than her male colleagues is a way to prove that she wants to uphold the ways of the samurai just as them. This is because beliefs are subjective, but they are not gendered. Whoever follows them inserts their individuality so that it resonates with them.
Genji and Senta’s mindsets are products of social conditioning, which may or may not change with time. On the other hand, Sagiri’s thinking developed as a sign of defiance of gendered expectations. As is believed, Hell’s Paradise will throw more light on this as the series continues, but for now, it’s assuring to see a deuteragonist who can stand her ground even if she has no support by her side.
