So "Yamato is Kaido's clone" lives on.
Also, Kaido is 59? Same age as Oden then. 21 years old for GV Incident. He was 31 when Yamato was born.
So "Yamato is Kaido's clone" lives on.
Also, Kaido is 59? Same age as Oden then. 21 years old for GV Incident. He was 31 when Yamato was born.
Okay, it's clear by now that both Oda and his editorial staff see Yamato as a woman. That the name of Oden and the masculinity and the masculinity that comes with it are a role that is adopted, separate from being Yamato, without overwriting or contradicting that core self. You would call a cross-playing actor by their character's name and pronouns while they're keeping up the kayfabe but, but it would be presumptuous to say they the actor's own gender is changed by the part.
At least, that's the impression I get from the handling of the issue so far.
In that case, what I want to know is how and why Kaido, of all people, ended up accepting Yamato's acting to the point of introducing him as a son and having all his crew use the terms. How long has Yamato been in-character as Oden for it to sink in that deep? When was the last time he took the costume off before he met Luffy? Why would he introduce himself as "Kaido's son" if the role of Oden is separate from the personhood of Yamato? It would be really disappointing to have all these things swept under the rug as "just a way to build up the surprise."
Right now, no matter what your personal interpretation of the character is, there are clear contradictions between how Yamato is treated by staff and by other characters. I just want to learn the things that have the story make sense, you know?
So "Yamato is Kaido's clone" lives on.
Also, Kaido is 59? Same age as Oden then. 21 years old for GV Incident. He was 31 when Yamato was born.
It could be.
He bought the Numbers (failure clones) made by MADS, recruited one of them (Queen) and made this scientist create a better clone/son.
King is 47 years old, 613 cm, grand line.
Queen is 56 years old, 612 cm, grand line.
Kaido is 59 years old, 710 cm and born in the grand line.
Yamato is "Woman" and born place is "not clear".
All Flying Six have CoA and CoO.
Fortunately, we've seen all of them making good use of their Haki!
Jokes aside, thanks for the very interesting info. It's still weird though how Oda revealed Queen's but not King's bounty in the series itself, especially considering it's almost the same.
I'm still arguing that Yamato is biologically female and just chooses to go by male denominators like son and male pronouns to be closer to Oden, all without being trans. If some people can choose a different pronoun to go by there's no reason to gatekeep it or to make it tied exclusively to trans labels.
With that, these would have to be the highest revealed bounties so far:
Gol D. Roger - ฿5,564,800,000 - Captain; Pirate King
Edward Newgate - ฿5,046,000,000 - Captain; Emperor
Kaido - ฿4,611,100,000 - Governor-General; Emperor
Charlotte Linlin - ฿4,388,000,000 - Captain; Emperor
Shanks - ฿4,048,900,000 - Chief; Emperor
Marshall D. Teach - ฿2,247,600,000 - Commodore; Emperor; Warlord
Monkey D. Luffy - ฿1,500,000,000 - Captain; Super Rookie
King - ฿1,390,000,000 - All-Star
Marco - ฿1,374,000,000 - Commander
Queen - ฿1,320,000,000 - All-Star
Charlotte Katakuri - ฿1,057,000,000 - Commander
Jack - ฿1,000,000,000 - All-Star; Captain
Charlotte Smoothie - ฿932,000,000 - Commander
Charlotte Cracker - ฿860,000,000 - Commander
Charlotte Perospero - ฿700,000,000 - Officer
Sabo - ฿602,000,000 - Chief of Staff
Charlotte Snack - ฿600,000,000 - Commander
Little Oars Jr. - ฿550,000,000 - Captain
Portgas D. Ace - ฿550,000,000 - Captain; Commander; Super Rookie
Who's-Who - ฿546,000,000 - Captain; Flying Six
Chinjao - ฿542,000,000 - Commodore
Izou - ฿510,000,000 - Commander
Trafalgar D. Water Law - ฿500,000,000 - Captain; Super Rookie; Warlord
Black Maria - ฿480,000,000 - Flying Six
Edward Weevil - ฿480,000,000 (frozen) - Warlord
Sasaki - ฿472,000,000 - Captain; Flying Six
Eustass Kid - ฿470,000,000 - Captain; Super Rookie
Belo Betty - ฿457,000,000 - Commander
Jinbe - ฿438,000,000 - Captain; Warlord
Tamago - ฿429,000,000 - Knight-ranked Combatant
Karasu - ฿400,000,000 - Commander
Ulti - ฿400,000,000 - Flying Six
Pedro - ฿382,000,000 - Captain
Capone Bege - ฿350,000,000 - Captain; Rook-ranked Combatant; Super Rookie
Scratchmen Apoo - ฿350,000,000 - Captain; Super Rookie
Donquixote Doflamingo - ฿340,000,000 (frozen) - Captain; Warlord
Cavendish - ฿330,000,000 - Captain; Super Rookie
Pekoms - ฿330,000,000 - ? Combatant
Vinsmoke Sanji - ฿330,000,000 - ?
Basil Hawkins - ฿320,000,000 - Captain; Headliner; Super Rookie
Gecko Moria - ฿320,000,000 (frozen) - Captain; Warlord
Roronoa Zoro - ฿320,000,000 - ? Combatant; Super Rookie
Lindbergh - ฿316,000,000 - Commander
Caesar Clown - ฿300,000,000 - ?
Charlotte Daifuku - ฿300,000,000 - Officer
Charlotte Oven - ฿300,000,000 - Officer
Bartholomew Kuma - ฿296,000,000 (frozen) - Officer; Warlord
Morley - ฿293,000,000 - Commander
Page One - ฿290,000,000 - Flying Six
Okay, it's clear by now that both Oda and his editorial staff see Yamato as a woman. That the name of Oden and the masculinity and the masculinity that comes with it are a role that is adopted, separate from being Yamato, without overwriting or contradicting that core self. You would call a cross-playing actor by their character's name and pronouns while they're keeping up the kayfabe but, but it would be presumptuous to say they the actor's own gender is changed by the part.
At least, that's the impression I get from the handling of the issue so far.
In that case, what I want to know is how and why Kaido, of all people, ended up accepting Yamato's acting to the point of introducing him as a son and having all his crew use the terms. How long has Yamato been in-character as Oden for it to sink in that deep? When was the last time he took the costume off before he met Luffy? Why would he introduce himself as "Kaido's son" if the role of Oden is separate from the personhood of Yamato? It would be really disappointing to have all these things swept under the rug as "just a way to build up the surprise."
Right now, no matter what your personal interpretation of the character is, there are clear contradictions between how Yamato is treated by staff and by other characters. I just want to learn the things that have the story make sense, you know?
Wano is a Kabuki Play in… four? five? three? ... acts. The impression I have always had is that Yamato is playing the role of Oden. She even first stepped on stage wearing a Hanya mask. The Straw Hats have been using lazy pseudonyms to fit in with the citizens of Wano. Not to mention Kanjuro, Big Mom's personality split, Momo's struggle to inherit his father's legacy, Hiyori as Komurasaki, Denjiro hiding not one, but two secret identities, performance and theatricality have been recurrent motifs throughout the entire story arc.
I very much agree with your assessment of that aspect of Yamato's character.
As for the Kaido part, I think he probably just wants a son for selfish reasons. He respects nothing else about Yamato's desires or wishes, so I never would have considered him respecting gender pronouns. I think the rest of the Beast Pirates just do what Kaido says / wants.
Okay, it's clear by now that both Oda and his editorial staff see Yamato as a woman. That the name of Oden and the masculinity and the masculinity that comes with it are a role that is adopted, separate from being Yamato, without overwriting or contradicting that core self. You would call a cross-playing actor by their character's name and pronouns while they're keeping up the kayfabe but, but it would be presumptuous to say they the actor's own gender is changed by the part.
At least, that's the impression I get from the handling of the issue so far.
In that case, what I want to know is how and why Kaido, of all people, ended up accepting Yamato's acting to the point of introducing him as a son and having all his crew use the terms. How long has Yamato been in-character as Oden for it to sink in that deep? When was the last time he took the costume off before he met Luffy? Why would he introduce himself as "Kaido's son" if the role of Oden is separate from the personhood of Yamato? It would be really disappointing to have all these things swept under the rug as "just a way to build up the surprise."
Right now, no matter what your personal interpretation of the character is, there are clear contradictions between how Yamato is treated by staff and by other characters. I just want to learn the things that have the story make sense, you know?
I always saw Yamato being pretty distinct from characters like Kiku, so Yamato simply being referred to as female in her Vivre Card doesn't surprise me.
Queen is the same age as Judge.
Queen is the same age as Judge.
Queen also looked the same as he does now when he was 36, except for his shorter mustache.
X drake still same?
Drake’s card is in another booster pack, which hasn’t been leaked yet, as of now.
So we’ll have to wait a bit more, I guess.
So "Yamato is Kaido's clone" lives on.
Also, Kaido is 59? Same age as Oden then. 21 years old for GV Incident. He was 31 when Yamato was born.
Kaido was also at Wano at least 25 years ago, so perhaps Kaido was indeed somewhere else 28 years ago?
King is 47 years old, 613 cm, grand line.
Queen is 56 years old, 612 cm, grand line.
..
In worst generation
Interesting that Black Maria born in Wano Country.
WsW from North Blue.
BM was born 1 year after Oden left with WB. Mow I have to search the flashback just in case BM was planted in there like Yamato. Especially the reactions to Oden's dancing (4 years old as it starts). People were sold on the narrative and kids would throw stuff at him.
@Vongola_Boss_XI:
Wano is a Kabuki Play in… four? five? three? ... acts. The impression I have always had is that Yamato is playing the role of Oden. She even first stepped on stage wearing a Hanya mask. The Straw Hats have been using lazy pseudonyms to fit in with the citizens of Wano. Not to mention Kanjuro, Big Mom's personality split, Momo's struggle to inherit his father's legacy, Hiyori as Komurasaki, Denjiro hiding not one, but two secret identities, performance and theatricality have been recurrent motifs throughout the entire story arc.
I very much agree with your assessment of that aspect of Yamato's character.
As for the Kaido part, I think he probably just wants a son for selfish reasons. He respects nothing else about Yamato's desires or wishes, so I never would have considered him respecting gender pronouns. I think the rest of the Beast Pirates just do what Kaido says / wants.
I always saw Yamato being pretty distinct from characters like Kiku, so Yamato simply being referred to as female in her Vivre Card doesn't surprise me.
And to be clear, I very much think Oda dropped the ball in how he handled it. Am I a little disappointed by the apparent final answer? Yeah, several people close to me are trans-masc and representation is bloody hard to come by for them. But it's also fine if Oda doesn't want Yamato to be a trans/gender non-conforming character and never wrote him that way - I just think it shouldn't haven take this long for enough info to dribble out to put the writing on the wall about it. Especially with so many contradictions remaining with how they introduced themself and they're treated in-universe. It feels so messy still. Someone must have sent a letter asking about it. An SBS as far back as volume 98 was almost definitely feasible and could have gone a long way to clearing the waters.
I always saw Yamato being pretty distinct from characters like Kiku, so Yamato simply being referred to as female in her Vivre Card doesn't surprise me.
Yamato was always a female. Being labeled woman is the deciding factor. Its two different things.
Oars is slightly taller than Hatcha. Most of the other Giants are shorter than Hatcha of course. Oars Jr is 60 m to Hatcha's 66 m.
Yeti Cool Bros - 42.5 m
Dory - 22.6 m
Hajrudin - 22 m
Brogy - 21.3 m
Saul - 19.5 m
Gerd - 17 m
Morley - 12.5 m
Also, Kaido is 59? Same age as Oden then. 21 years old for GV Incident. He was 31 when Yamato was born.
Kaido was born the same year as Oden and Yamato was born the same year as Momonosuke. Neat little parallel.
And to be clear, I very much think Oda dropped the ball in how he handled it. Am I a little disappointed by the apparent final answer? Yeah, several people close to me are trans-masc and representation is bloody hard to come by for them. But it's also fine if Oda doesn't want Yamato to be a trans/gender non-conforming character and never wrote him that way - I just think it shouldn't haven take this long for enough info to dribble out to put the writing on the wall about it. Especially with so many contradictions remaining with how they introduced themself and they're treated in-universe. It feels so messy still. Someone must have sent a letter asking about it. An SBS as far back as volume 98 was almost definitely feasible and could have gone a long way to clearing the waters.
I mean, it's not like it's Oda's responsibility and obligation to create characters that are representative walking mirrors for real life people so as help them feel better about themselves, not to say that that wouldn't be a nice gesture, but also that it would probably be for the best if Oda wasn't seen as someone who owes others something and that they're entitled to be catered by him, which unfortunately is how I've seen the characters of Kiku and Yamato being treated as.
And in regards to your close ones who are trans, although I don't know them, and although I'm probably not the same as them, and although I don't know how much they're seeking out characters who resemble them as closely as possible for comfort or other reasons, I still feel compelled to say at the very least that I hope that your close ones aren't just relying on manga authors like Oda and the characters he creates in order to give them the possibility of happiness and such. I think I recall previous people attempt to revolve the lives like that and it usually didn't end well, so I hope you and your close ones take care while we keep enjoying the series!
Oars is slightly taller than Hatcha. Most of the other Giants are shorter than Hatcha of course. Oars Jr is 60 m to Hatcha's 66 m.
Yeti Cool Bros - 42.5 m
Dory - 22.6 m
Hajrudin - 22 m
Brogy - 21.3 m
Saul - 19.5 m
Gerd - 17 m
Morley - 12.5 m
So, the Numbers are actually the size of Ancient Giants, then?
And to be clear, I very much think Oda dropped the ball in how he handled it. Am I a little disappointed by the apparent final answer? Yeah, several people close to me are trans-masc and representation is bloody hard to come by for them. But it's also fine if Oda doesn't want Yamato to be a trans/gender non-conforming character and never wrote him that way - I just think it shouldn't haven take this long for enough info to dribble out to put the writing on the wall about it. Especially with so many contradictions remaining with how they introduced themself and they're treated in-universe. It feels so messy still. Someone must have sent a letter asking about it. An SBS as far back as volume 98 was almost definitely feasible and could have gone a long way to clearing the waters.
I can certainly empathize with people who want representation. I suppose it's a bit different in that, I never got the impression that was the angle Oda was going for with Yamato, so I wasn't surprised. I would have been fine if he had, like with Kiku, but just never read that intention into Yamato.
With that, these would have to be the highest revealed bounties so far:
Gol D. Roger - ฿5,564,800,000 - Captain; Pirate King
Edward Newgate - ฿5,046,000,000 - Captain; Emperor
Kaido - ฿4,611,100,000 - Governor-General; Emperor
Charlotte Linlin - ฿4,388,000,000 - Captain; Emperor
Shanks - ฿4,048,900,000 - Chief; Emperor
Marshall D. Teach - ฿2,247,600,000 - Commodore; Emperor; Warlord
Monkey D. Luffy - ฿1,500,000,000 - Captain; Super Rookie
King - ฿1,390,000,000 - All-Star
Marco - ฿1,374,000,000 - Commander
Queen - ฿1,320,000,000 - All-Star
Charlotte Katakuri - ฿1,057,000,000 - Commander
Jack - ฿1,000,000,000 - All-Star; Captain
Charlotte Smoothie - ฿932,000,000 - Commander
Charlotte Cracker - ฿860,000,000 - Commander
Charlotte Perospero - ฿700,000,000 - Officer
Sabo - ฿602,000,000 - Chief of Staff
Charlotte Snack - ฿600,000,000 - Commander
Little Oars Jr. - ฿550,000,000 - Captain
Portgas D. Ace - ฿550,000,000 - Captain; Commander; Super Rookie
Who's-Who - ฿546,000,000 - Captain; Flying Six
Chinjao - ฿542,000,000 - Commodore
Izou - ฿510,000,000 - Commander
Trafalgar D. Water Law - ฿500,000,000 - Captain; Super Rookie; Warlord
Black Maria - ฿480,000,000 - Flying Six
Edward Weevil - ฿480,000,000 (frozen) - Warlord
Sasaki - ฿472,000,000 - Captain; Flying Six
Eustass Kid - ฿470,000,000 - Captain; Super Rookie
Belo Betty - ฿457,000,000 - Commander
Jinbe - ฿438,000,000 - Captain; Warlord
Tamago - ฿429,000,000 - Knight-ranked Combatant
Karasu - ฿400,000,000 - Commander
Ulti - ฿400,000,000 - Flying Six
Pedro - ฿382,000,000 - Captain
Capone Bege - ฿350,000,000 - Captain; Rook-ranked Combatant; Super Rookie
Scratchmen Apoo - ฿350,000,000 - Captain; Super Rookie
Donquixote Doflamingo - ฿340,000,000 (frozen) - Captain; Warlord
Cavendish - ฿330,000,000 - Captain; Super Rookie
Pekoms - ฿330,000,000 - ? Combatant
Vinsmoke Sanji - ฿330,000,000 - ?
Basil Hawkins - ฿320,000,000 - Captain; Headliner; Super Rookie
Gecko Moria - ฿320,000,000 (frozen) - Captain; Warlord
Roronoa Zoro - ฿320,000,000 - ? Combatant; Super Rookie
Lindbergh - ฿316,000,000 - Commander
Caesar Clown - ฿300,000,000 - ?
Charlotte Daifuku - ฿300,000,000 - Officer
Charlotte Oven - ฿300,000,000 - Officer
Bartholomew Kuma - ฿296,000,000 (frozen) - Officer; Warlord
Morley - ฿293,000,000 - Commander
Page One - ฿290,000,000 - Flying Six
I remember when the BM card pack came out people were saying Daifuku and Oven's bounties (300m) were too low. But now that we have the Tobiroppo to compare them to, it seems better scaled than before.
Haccha and the numbers weren't lab made then
Haccha and the numbers weren't lab made then
Na, most likely they are, is just a different method than Caesar's.
I mean, it's not like it's Oda's responsibility and obligation to create characters that are representative walking mirrors for real life people so as help them feel better about themselves, not to say that that wouldn't be a nice gesture, but also that it would probably be for the best if Oda wasn't seen as someone who owes others something and that they're entitled to be catered by him, which unfortunately is how I've seen the characters of Kiku and Yamato being treated as.
And in regards to your close ones who are trans, although I don't know them, and although I'm probably not the same as them, and although I don't know how much they're seeking out characters who resemble them as closely as possible for comfort or other reasons, I still feel compelled to say at the very least that I hope that your close ones aren't just relying on manga authors like Oda and the characters he creates in order to give them the possibility of happiness and such. I think I recall previous people attempt to revolve the lives like that and it usually didn't end well, so I hope you and your close ones take care while we keep enjoying the series!
Like I said, the choice not write a trans character is totally fine. That's not why I'm saying he dropped the ball. I think introducing Yamato as Kaido's son, both through Kaido's words and his own, was a mistake that's done nothing but create confusion and upset, given what we can now deduce of the character's actual status. Even now, the mismatch between what the characters are saying and how official sources are describing Yamato remains, and it doesn't seem to be part of any great mystery or building to a future revelation. It's messy, and it would not have taken more than a few lines of explanation to clear up a long time ago.
No one here's relying on media as a sole source of happiness. That's a pretty reductive thing to assume about people you literally know only one thing about. No one's day has been ruined. We're all adults with a touch more maturity than that. Your second paragraph reads like it's well-intentioned, but it hits a sour note for me.
So much of the internet treats searches for representation so derisively, but who among us - even the most privileged - hasn't done the same? Or if we haven't sought it out, been taken off guard by an author and a story that somehow perfectly gets it when you had no idea how to put what you were feeling into words. Heartbreak, existential crises, coping with a drudgerous job. I look for things that have hurt me in struggling characters, and I seek wish fulfillment and catharsis in following characters who overcame the same woes. Sometimes writing about the things above - the relationships, the point of living, the shitty jobs - goes wrong too. The ending sucks and the character makes a choice you know wouldn't be made by someone really going through it, or learns the total opposite lesson to what you did in real life. And that sucks! It does feel like a betrayal if you were really relating to the story up to that point. But it's not the end of the world, is it? It's a rare person who hasn't looked for a reflection of themself in media. But some struggles and circumstances are rarer than others, aren't they? Often because for a long time certain subject matters were considered niche or unmarketable or outright illegal, and it's only recently that the literature that exists is starting to catch up with the number of people who actually exist in the groups that can relate.
Hell, I'm mildly autistic, and even if it's not the point of the story, finding a character that has the kinds of thought processes and strategies I use is rare enough to be extremely gratifying. Like yeah, that's me. There's someone else out there who knows what it's like, at least on some level. And by the same measure, I cringe when an attempt to write autism goes horribly wrong, especially when it starts promisingly. But that too has never been the end of the world.
So let's not assume too much fragility or immaturity over asking for representation and disappointment over representative near misses. Because who the hell hasn't been there in one way or another?
I am very glad this this nonsense with Yamato is finally and officially cleared.
Never doubt it for a second that she is a woman.
Being a trans and acting somebody else is two different things.
Kiku is a special case, born as a man, a samurai with "woman in heart" personality.
This type has some origins in the Japanese culture, so I don't have any problem with it.
I will have to call bullshit on King having bigger bounty then Marco. Must be 100% becauae he is lunaria Race.
Social media is on fire because Vivre Card says Yamato is a woman.
Anyone knows if discussion is this heated in Japan as well?
@Kaido:
I remember when the BM card pack came out people were saying Daifuku and Oven's bounties (300m) were too low. But now that we have the Tobiroppo to compare them to, it seems better scaled than before.
They never seemed as prominent as their sibling commanders, so I understand that. The Flying Six seem to be treated on par with the Revolutionary commanders in terms of bounties.
Social media is on fire because Vivre Card says Yamato is a woman.
Anyone knows if discussion is this heated in Japan as well?
Nope, I can tell you that most readers in Asian countries see Yamato as a woman from the start : )
Whatta surprise, social media setting fire to its one collective neuron over a nonissue and then demanding to see compensation from others for it.
I imagine the Yamato gender thing is also being discussed in Japan.
As far as I'm concerned, I'll stick to the gender the manga uses, which is currently still male, as that's the most accurate source. The Vivre cards aren't exactly the most accurate thing (I still remember when they claimed Corazon was almost twice the height of Doflamingo lol).
It's a shame because we didn't really need anymore confusion on this subject but there you go I guess.
Somehow I don't think people are gonna stop arguing about it ever regardless of whatever confirmations we get.
As long as people aren't dicks about it to each other. The worst people are the ones coming out of the woodwork and acting like it was obvious from the start which gender Yamato was and saying those who think he is a man are pushing an agenda or some nonsense, as if the text of the manga itself wasn't pushing in the male direction.
If it was obvious there wouldn't have been a debate in the first place.
Somehow I don't think people are gonna stop arguing about it ever regardless of whatever confirmations we get.
Up until each statement tend to a side without recognizing and negating the other one, this topic is not gonna lead anywhere. I think the only way this mess of a discussion would stop is Oda releasing a detailed claim where he actually refuse one statement and approve the other one. Like "yeah, Yamato has never been a ftm but she's only following his heart desire to be like Oden, gender included" or "yeah, Yamato is an actual trans, he identifies as a male and as such he should be addressed". Which is clearly not gonna happen as for what I understood ftm is not something Japanese culture is into.
My perspective on Yamato hasn't changed. I'm not sure what thread I said it in before, maybe more than one. Definitely the nakama thread. I don't mean it to be an 'I told you so' kind of thing. Just reiterating the same sentiment I have previously expressed.
Like most said, at the time Oda was designing Yamato, he watched Versailles. He simply wanted a girl who tried to pass herself for a man in order to appear stronger/freer. No further identity issues. Just the daughter of an oppressor fancying herself alike the oppressed's hero.
Up until each statement tend to a side without recognizing and negating the other one, this topic is not gonna lead anywhere. I think the only way this mess of a discussion would stop is Oda releasing a detailed claim where he actually refuse one statement and approve the other one. Like "yeah, Yamato has never been a ftm but she's only following his heart desire to be like Oden, gender included" or "yeah, Yamato is an actual trans, he identifies as a male and as such he should be addressed". Which is clearly not gonna happen as for what I understood ftm is not something Japanese culture is into.
If people won’t ever accept things like Vivre Cards, then they’ll have to ask themselves what they can accept, and how to reconcile what they want to see vs. how Oda and in-universe media is presenting context and such before moving on with life. There’s only so much one can expect from a series and a limit to how much they feel the author should appeal to their view of the world, as if out of entitled obligation, even with the understanding that some views are placed on a pedestal of importance depending on how they present it. Definitely quite a bit of baggage there that should be sorted out sooner or later if so much of it will be brought into discussions to the point of constantly getting really heated, and I’ll leave it at that.
For the umpteenth time. Gender and sex aren't the same thing.
Sex is the physical bits. Gender is how you perceive yourself and how society treats you.
But Japanese doesn't really have a distinction between the two.
During the televised popularity poll countdowns, everyone on set used "he" for Yamato. The stuff that was cleared through staff and editorial for television, which for many would be their first time seeing the character..
And the staff (and Oda) are well aware of what Yamato's status means to certain fans.
Whatever Yamato wants to be called, is what he gets called. If that changes, then it changes. In the meantime, go with what he wants.
If people won’t ever accept things like Vivre Cards, then they’ll have to ask themselves what they can accept, and how to reconcile what they want to see vs. how Oda and in-universe media is presenting context and such before moving on with life. There’s only so much one can expect from a series and a limit to how much they feel the author should appeal to their view of the world, as if out of entitled obligation, even with the understanding that some views are placed on a pedestal of importance depending on how they present it. Definitely quite a bit of baggage there that should be sorted out sooner or later if so much of it will be brought into discussions to the point of constantly getting really heated, and I’ll leave it at that.
There was just recently the matter of the production committee itself showing Yamato among the "strong women of One Piece'. I mean, I wasn't entirely sure about the character myself (and avoided using non neutral pronouns), but the picture is becoming clearer now, I think.
I wonder what's gonna happen, especially among the western fanbase, if Yamato joins and, free from Kaido's shackles, drops the Oden act and becomes just Yamato, the new girl of the team - because, well, most of her appeal so far seems to come from the "role" she's supposedly playing, as well as the discussions regarding the character. Of course, Oda could give us a fantastic flashback and change everyone's perceptions, but it's easy to imagine that a lot of people wouldn't be pleased.
Personally, I have just never seen the angle that Yamato is anything but female. Join or not, Yamato's desire to 'be Oden' has inspired to take on his role like putting n a costume. All of the ancillary material, the recent promo, Vivre Cards, and the Straw Hat Heroines color spread have always grouped Yamato with other female characters. Knowing the inspiration Oda took from Rose of Versailles only makes it more clear.
People are of course free to feel differently and continue to refer to Yamato with male pronouns. But I think this whole debate has been framed from a very western perspective.
I really don't think Yamato was ever intended to be a statement on gender in anyway shape or form. There was the initial surprise that Yamato is Kaido's daughter rather than his son, but Yamato cleared that up pretty immediately by equating her choice to 'be a man' to 'being Oden.' Importantly, Yamato frames this as a choice, rather than an intrinsic part of her person / identity.
The only reason I have even partaken in the 'debate' was because I want to make clear I'm not making any kind of broader statement in how I refer to Yamato. It's just genuinely the way I have seen / read her character. I'm also not trying to convince anyone else I'm right. I really have no issue with other people having a different perspective.
@Vongola_Boss_XI:
the Straw Hat Heroines color spread
Which color spread?
Which color spread?
Thank you for the info, guys
Vivre Card editor is referring to Yamato as "She" twice.
Yamato is called "Demon Princess" (鬼姫) in the text.
As far as I can see, Japanese people who have read this leaked images
of Viivre Card don't care much about Yamato being called "She".
That said, some fans made a comment, "It's understandable if foreign fans get annoyed about it"
Demon Princess and Demon Child. Yamato and Robin will be best buds.
The exact word is Oni-Hime (Oni Princess), so it's actually different from Devil (Akuma) in Robin's epithet.
But yeah, I get what you meant : )
The biggest problem with this discussion of Yamato's gender is the fact that Kaido calls him his son. At first, like many fans, I assumed that Kaido forced Yamato to be his son because no way he would go along with the "Oden thing" and just wanted to have a son because he was embarrassed or something. But now we know that Yamato was (when he was younger) an Oni-princess and everyone viewed him as a woman. So, what happened to change everyones perspective of Yamato? Why is he now a son, and not a daughter like before?
The biggest problem with this discussion of Yamato's gender is the fact that Kaido calls him his son. At first, like many fans, I assumed that Kaido forced Yamato to be his son because no way he would go along with the "Oden thing" and just wanted to have a son because he was embarrassed or something. But now we know that Yamato was (when he was younger) an Oni-princess and everyone viewed him as a woman. So, what happened to change everyones perspective of Yamato? Why is he now a son, and not a daughter like before?
That's the big question that I'm sure Oda will answer. Kaido doesn't strike me as a progressive father that respects his son's wishes and that's it. We just don't know the reason yet - heck, we barely know anything about who Yamato truly is, at all.
Kaido wants a shogun to rule over WaNo.
Shoguns can only be male, historically (which is something the WaNo people adhere to, as we've seen with Kinemon's earlier sexist comments).
Kaido gets a daughter.
Well, shit.
How to solve this?
Yamato: "From now on I'm going to be known as Oden!"
Koido: "You what?"
"Yes. I'm Oden now."
"That dancing fool?"
"The great man that you killed!"
"A man you say?"
Hm…
A week later:
"Everyone, this is my son, Yamato. Future shogun of WaNo."
Problem solved.