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Who is Keiko?
English Version
| Name: | Kayko Ukimura |
| Race: | Human |
| Gender: | Female |
| Age: | 14 |
| Birthday: | January 31st |
| Hair: | Brown |
| Eyes: |
Brown |
| Height: | 5'4" |
| Status: | Yusuke's Girlfriend |
| Parents: | Mother and Father |
| Siblings: | None |
| Voice Actor: | Laura Bailey |
| Anime: | Yu Yu Hakusho |
Japanese Version
| Name: | Yukimura Keiko |
| Race: | Human |
| Gender: | Female |
| Age: | 14 |
| Birthday: | January 31st |
| Hair: | Brown |
| Eyes: | Brown |
| Height: | About 163 cm |
| Status: | Yusuke's Girlfriend |
| Parents: | Mother and Father |
| Siblings: | None |
| Voice Actor: | Amano Yuri |
| Anime: | Yuu Yuu Hakusho |
Character Analysis
Keiko is one of the main girls in Yu Yu Hakusho. She is a childhood friend of Yusuke's, whom she cares for deeply since their past years. She lives with her parents who own a ramen shop in which she helps out with. She attends Sarayashiki Jr. High along with Yusuke, and like him has earned quite a reputation, though in a good way instead. She has an adorable pet named Puu, who is actually a reflection of Yusuke. Even though he isn’t always there, at least Puu is!
Keiko is admired by many in her school for her friendly nature and intelligence. She is a smart girl who receives grades that are near perfect, and dedicates herself to school. To the people around her she is always warm and open. Her manners are impeccable and she is fair in terms of judgment. She is honest and reliable, but does not like it when others depend on her too often, as she believes that they can do well for themselves. It is shown that she is rather athletic and good at sports, but she dislikes fighting because of her pleasant nature.
Though kind and assertive to no end, she is by no means a pushover. While generous by aiding others when they are in need, she won't simply be used. For example, when someone asks for help on a confusing question, Keiko would gladly oblige. However, when someone turns to Keiko for answers and cheating, she'd blatantly refuse. She believes in the rules and stays well within the boundaries, making sure the ones she cares about do as well. She protects herself well with her infamous super slap, which can slam the most powerful of beings (a.k.a. Yusuke Urameshi) to the ground, causing craters by the sheer force of her signature 'attack'. She uses her slaps and punches to drive away bullies, but most often she uses them against Yusuke for doing something indecent and uncalled for. The overall first impression of Keiko is no doubt a 'goody-two-shoes', but she goes far beyond that exterior.
Now even though Keiko abides by the rules, she could give a rat's tail about them if someone's life was at stake. When it's necessary, she is more than willing to bend and even break the codes of the proper. Being a very spirited individual, she can be very stubborn, determined, and steadfast. Whatever she believes is right, she will pursue it until she is persuaded otherwise. She supports her friends and always believes they'll come through in the end, but when hope begins to fade, she is the last one standing. Her trust, faith, and patience can hold out forever, but like most, there's always something that will cause her to snap from within. Her soul is made of fire and she is not the type of person who will step down with ease. When angered, she doesn't let it go quickly and isn't afraid to lose the good girl act. Regardless of how she is perceived, she definitely holds more spunk than some give her credit for.
And of course, there are more layers to this character. Keiko seems to give out a simplistic and plain sense, but sometimes many sides of her are overlooked. While she can be a gentle and modest person, she can also be very feisty and energetic. Her maturity exceeds her age, to be sure, but at the same time, she is playful in her own way. Even as a responsible girl who is devoted to studying and schoolwork, she likes to have fun. Spending time with her friends and most definitely Yusuke allows her to be content and free, rather than uptight or studious most of the time. Her smiles are always genuine and radiate the child that peers out every so often, but sometimes her maturity hides that part of her. She expresses her concern through lecturing and occasionally yelling, though that is only to Yusuke; the only way for a brash teenager like him is to get tough. But even though she acts that way she really does care for him, and to others she is sincerely worried for their well-being. When she is upset or depressed, she becomes detached and distant. While she holds deep concern for her loved ones, she does not want to let her own distress bother them. Being quite motherly, she has a compassionate relationship with all of her friends. Also being very faithful and honest, she is a valuable friend indeed.
Keiko is brave and pushes aside her fears to do what she thinks is right, something few people can do. She is a unique individual who is human in the mass of demons and various other creatures. And as a human she has the ability to hurt, feel, and love. Around the people she is not familiar with, she is polite and slightly shy, making her a likeable person to all who meet her. Around friends and family she is herself and a lovely, special young woman. To us, she is purely, simply, entirely, and wonderfully Keiko.