| Kawamatsu | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kawamatsu |
| Series | One Piece |
| First | "Act 2" (Wano Country Arc) |
| Creator | Eiichiro Oda |
| Species | human |
| Occupation | Retainer of the Nine Red Scabbards |
| Affiliation | Kozuki Oden's retainers, Kuri, later allied with Straw Hat Pirates |
Kawamatsu
Kawamatsu is a fictional samurai character in the manga and anime One Piece by Eiichiro Oda. Introduced during the Wano Country Arc, Kawamatsu is a loyal retainer of the Kozuki family and a member of the Nine Red Scabbards, whose actions and identity play a significant role in the rebellion against Kaido and the Beast Pirates. Kawamatsu's story illuminates themes of resistance, marginalization, and cultural identity within the Wano Country narrative.
Kawamatsu serves as one of the Nine Red Scabbards, the loyal samurai charged with protecting Kozuki Oden and preserving the legacy of the Kozuki clan. Operating primarily in Kuri and the wider Wano Country, Kawamatsu works alongside other retainers such as Kikunojo, Koshiro, and Raizo to restore the rightful rule of Kozuki Momonosuke and dismantle the oppressive alliance between Kaido and Kurozumi Orochi. Kawamatsu's public persona as a performer supports covert resistance activities and helps maintain morale among commoners oppressed by the shogunate and pirates.
Kawamatsu is notable for a flamboyant and theatrical appearance that includes striking kimono-style clothing and makeup fitting the kabuki-inspired aesthetics of Wano. Often presented with an androgynous, okama identity, Kawamatsu blends gender performance with samurai decorum. This duality is reflected in his speech, mannerisms, and public role as an entertainer, which masks his sharp sense of duty, martial discipline, and strategic acumen. Kawamatsu's demeanor oscillates between flamboyance and fierce loyalty, reinforcing a complex character who defies simple categorization.
Kawamatsu's known history is intertwined with the legacy of Kozuki Oden and the struggle to defend Wano from external domination. As a long-serving retainer, Kawamatsu witnessed the fall of Oden, the exile of Oden's heirs, and the rise of the Kurozumi regime allied with Beast Pirates. During Oden's voyages aboard the Whitebeard Pirates and Roger Pirates ships, Kawamatsu and his fellow scabbards faced exile and secrecy. Kawamatsu later adopted the guise of a performer to survive under Kaito rule, safeguarding memories and plans for Oden's return while aiding underground resistance networks within Wano's towns and pleasure quarters.
Kawamatsu is loyal to the Kozuki family and maintains close bonds with the other Nine Red Scabbards—notably Kin'emon, Kanjuro, Kikunojo, Ashura Doji, Raizo, Fukurokuju, Izo, and Kawamatsu's associates—forming a coalition dedicated to overthrowing Kaido. Kawamatsu develops practical alliances with the Straw Hat Pirates, especially Monkey D. Luffy and Trafalgar D. Law, whose support is crucial during the Onigashima Raid. He also interacts with Wano commoners, members of the Flower Capital's populace, and performers in Kyoto-like districts, strengthening grassroots resistance against feudal oppression.
Kawamatsu is a skilled swordsman trained in traditional Wano martial disciplines. His combat style combines powerful katana strikes with agility honed through performance arts, allowing for deceptive movements that blur stagecraft and swordsmanship. Kawamatsu demonstrates endurance and tactical patience, functioning effectively in both one-on-one duels and larger battles against members of the Beast Pirates such as King and Queen. While not a Devil Fruit user, Kawamatsu's techniques reflect the samurai ethos celebrated by the Kozuki clan and complement the superhuman abilities of allied fighters like Roronoa Zoro and Sanji during coordinated assaults.
Kawamatsu's revelation as a member of the Nine Red Scabbards is a turning point in the Wano Country Arc. His public role as performer enables him to survive under Kurozumi Orochi's surveillance and later to join the insurgency at a critical juncture. Kawamatsu participates in the liberation of multiple locales within Wano during the Onigashima Raid, contributing to the defeat of Kaido's forces and the exposure of Kurozumi conspiracies. His perseverance embodies the broader resistance narrative that culminates in the restoration of the Kozuki lineage and signals a rebuke of feudal tyranny, aligning with the arc's larger commentary on power, colonial exploitation, and communal resilience.
Kawamatsu's character intersects with themes of social justice, identity, and cultural memory. As an okama performer and samurai, Kawamatsu represents marginalized identities within Wano's rigid class and gender hierarchies, challenging norms while actively pursuing justice for oppressed residents. His loyalty to the Kozuki clan reflects commitments to historical truth and restitution, resisting erasure imposed by Kurozumi and Beast Pirates rule. The character's arc underscores collective action—how artists, peasants, and samurai combine efforts to dismantle authoritarian control—resonating with broader critiques of power imbalance, solidarity, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of domination.