Nuriko

Ryuuen Chou, also known as Nuriko and Kourin, is one of the main characters from the Fuushigi Yuugi series.
== Charactah Account ==
Nuriko first appears disguised as "Kourin" in Emperor Hotohori's harem, which Hotohori never visits except to welcome new maidens. "Kourin" was in fact Nuriko's younger sister, who died at a young age; he began behaving and dressing like her to keep her memory alive. Born in Eiyou, the capital of Konan, Nuriko possesses superhuman strength and is later granted a pair of bracelets that transform into strength-increasing armbands by Taiitsukun. He is 18 years old. His true name is Ryuuen Chou, based on the star Willow.
While prone to jealousy, quick to anger, and possessing a calculating tendency, Nuriko is very level-headed and compassionate and shows the most concern regarding Miaka and Tamahome's relationship. As a "woman," Nuriko is infatuated with his fellow warrior, Hotohori, but as a man, he also loves Miaka Yuuki.
While initially jealous of Hotohori's love for Miaka, Nuriko and Miaka become close friends. After Nuriko comes to terms with the fact that his cross-dressing resulted from the unyielding pain of losing his sister Kourin, he concludes that he had been trying to live his life as Kourin would have, not as he would have. This revelation allows him to finally allow himself to experience life as a man. He cuts his hair, which once hung down to his waist in a braid, and admits to Tamahome that he loves Miaka as more than a friend. While he maintains his feelings for Hotohori, Nuriko eventually chooses to stop dressing as a woman in order to better protect Miaka. 
== Appearance ==
=== Anime ===
* Fushigi Yuugi
* Fushigi Yuugi OVA
* Fushigi Yuugi OVA 2
* Fushigi Yuugi OVA 3
=== Light Novels ===
* Fushigi Yuugi Gaiden
=== Manga ===
* Fushigi Yuugi
== Trivia ==
* Next to Chiriko, Nuriko is the second smallest Suzaku warrior, standing only at 5'5.
* Although the subject of Nuriko's gender is widely contested by fans, the character has been interpreted as gender-fluid, a transgender woman, and non-binary, to name a few, making Nuriko one of the first characters in anime/manga to push the conversation around gender and identity.
** An updated confirmation of Nuriko's identity from Yuu Watase has not been announced as of the publishing of this article.
* Nuriko's famous "Shhh" gesture is a notable recurrence; it was shown on a manga back cover, on the cover of Suzaku Ibun, and on numerous trading game cards.
* Nuriko is one of the three male celestial warriors to be voiced by a female voice actor, the other being Chiriko and Miboshi.
* The "Nuriko Special" is the character's signature drink.
* Nuriko's hobbies include fashion and singing.
* Hotohori's comment upon meeting Nuriko for the first time was that he was "almost as beautiful as me."
* For Valentine's Day in 1996, fans of the manga sent gifts to their favorite characters. Nuriko received 62 items, coming in second overall.
== Gallery ==
File:Nuriko Render 01.png
File:Nuriko Render 02.png
File:Nuriko 01.png
File:Nuriko 02.png
File:Nuriko 03.png
File:Nuriko Fan Art 01.png
== External Links ==
* Nuriko at Fushigi Yuugi Wiki
Category:Characters
Category:Males
Category:Fushigi Yuugi