Hokazono Pulled Another John Wick Reference in Kagurabachi Chapter 65

Takeru Hokazono’s manga Kagurabachi has made quite a name in a few chapter releases. While most people may think it to be a revenge manga from the description, it is more than that. The compelling plot, character building, narrative, etc., make it one of the most sought-after manga. Apart from all these, the mangaka is clearly a Hollywood lover, especially the John Wick franchise.

In the past, Takeru Hokazono has showcased his love for the action-packed Hollywood movie series through his magnum opus. In Kagurabachi chapter 65, he subtly added a John Wick reference. The fans quickly noticed it and were excited to see how much it resembled the original franchise.

John Wick’s The Continental in Kagurabachi

Kagurabachi chapter 65 got the fans excited with the Iai White Purity Style technique used by Chihiro. However, the introduction of John Wick’s The Continental-esque hotel, Kyoto Bloodshed Hotel, became the highlight of the chapter. After getting away from Kuguri, Masumi took Seiichi Samura’s daughter, Iori Samura, to the Kyoto Bloodshed Hotel.

The general manager, Yojiro Sengoku, mentioned that the hotel ensures the ultimate rest to the guests, and there is no scope for any danger. There is also a barrier around the hotel that ensures privacy in its entirety. In John Wick, the assassins often stay in The Continental.

There are no fights allowed inside The Continental or properties under its name. So, even if two individuals are enemies, they will have to abide by the rules of the enemy. A somewhat similar concept is uplifted in Kagurabachi chapter 65.

Past John Wick Reference in Kagurabachi

The Kyoto Bloodshed Hotel is not the only John Wick reference in Kagurabachi. Previously, there have been other references to the famous Hollywood film franchise. In one of the previous chapter covers, Chihiro was standing in the middle with swords pointed towards him from every direction. It is a clear reference to John Wick‘s poster with the protagonist standing in the middle with guns pointed towards him.

Takeru Hokazono is not the only mangaka who got inspired by Hollywood, other popular mangakas are inspired as well. While others try to add the inspirations subtly, Hokazono is quite vibrant with his portrayals.

Takeru Hokazono is a John Wick fan

During an interview with Kagurabachi’s editor, Takura Imamura, by Manga Plus, he confirmed that Hokazono sensei is a fan of movies like John Wick. When asked to tell the reason behind Hokazono sensei’s revenge story, Imamura said,

I think it’s simply his favorite genre. Hokazono likes Western movies, especially Tarantino films. Lately, he seems to be a fan of movies like “John Wick” as well. I believe he wanted to draw the kind of revenge story often featured in those types of films. Rather than trying to draw a “Jump-like” story, he’s adopting a stance of drawing what he personally likes.

Even Takeru Hokazono confirmed his liking for John Wick. During an interview with Asahi Digital, he said,

Kagurabachi was probably more influenced by films like John Wick, which I watched after creating Enten. I watch mostly Western movies and my favorite directors are Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, and Christopher Nolan. I think my use of slow-mo and frame division to emphasize speed is probably Tarantino’s influence.

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