Kobeni Higashiyama-Chainsaw Man
Introduction
Kobeni Higashiyama is a Public Safety Devil Hunter and a key supporting character in Chainsaw Man, created by Tatsuki Fujimoto. At first glance, Kobeni seems like an ill-suited, timid individual, nervous, shaky, and constantly on the verge of tears. But as the manga progresses, Kobeni proves to be one of the most unexpectedly competent and resilient characters in the entire series.
Known for her anxiety-ridden personality and sudden, shocking bursts of combat skill, Kobeni is a fascinating contradiction: fragile yet deadly, fearful yet fiercely reactive.
Himeno’s Role in the Story
Kobeni is introduced during the Eternity Devil Arc as part of the same Public Safety squad that includes Denji, Aki, Power, Himeno, and others. Initially, she appears utterly terrified of devils and almost useless in combat. She frequently breaks down, cries, or contemplates quitting her job altogether.
However, this nervous, seemingly helpless behavior hides something much more dangerous: when cornered or emotionally pushed, Kobeni can move with terrifying speed and precision, easily holding her own against devil threats and even other trained hunters.
Throughout arcs like the Katana Man Arc and Assassin Arc, Kobeni’s skills unexpectedly shine in critical moments, saving her teammates from death. Despite her unstable demeanor, Kobeni has a strangely high survival rate, making her a dark horse in the world of Chainsaw Man.
Powers and Abilities
Superhuman Reflexes and Speed
Kobeni is known for her lightning-fast reactions. During a high-stakes ambush, she dodges bullets at close range and takes down enemies effortlessly with a knife. These reflexes rival even elite devil hunters.
Exceptional Knife Combat
Armed with only a small blade, Kobeni shows incredible proficiency in close-quarters combat. Her movements are swift, accurate, and lethal, even against devil-enhanced enemies.
Devil Contract
It is stated that Kobeni has a devil contract, but the identity of the devil is never revealed. The mystery adds to her character’s intrigue. Given her reactions and power bursts, the contract may provide some kind of agility or survival-based enhancement.
Heightened Survival Instinct
More than any overt power, Kobeni’s greatest “ability” might be her unmatched survival instinct. In nearly every dangerous scenario, she manages to live, often while more capable or seemingly stronger allies fall.
Impact on Manga Fans
Kobeni is nervous, anxious, and emotionally volatile. She constantly talks about how dangerous her job is, how she hates it, and how she only became a Devil Hunter because her family forced her. Her personality is often used for comic relief, especially in contrast to more stoic characters like Aki or overconfident ones like Power.
Despite her outward fearfulness, Kobeni repeatedly acts with bravery under pressure, showing that her anxiety does not prevent her from protecting others or herself. This duality makes her one of the most realistic and oddly relatable characters in the series.
Her breakdowns, fear-driven fights, and wild reactions provide both tension and humor, keeping readers constantly guessing what she’ll do next.
Final Thoughts
Kobeni Higashiyama is the embodiment of contradiction in Chainsaw Man. She is a fearful devil hunter who can outfight elite killers, a reluctant employee who keeps showing up to work, and a side character who has become one of the most unforgettable personalities in the series.
