We won't find freedom if we simply run.We must fight from inside the cage.If we don't smash through this cage,we'll never obtain true freedom.
Hinowa (日輪), also known as The Sun of Yoshiwara (吉原の太陽), and Yoshiwara Paradise's (吉原桃源郷) ist he highest ranking courtesan and de facto leader of Yoshiwara.
Background
She was sold by her parents to Housen when she was a child. Much to Housen's surprise, she kept persisting Housen to enjoy the sun more. Because of her personality, she was popular with clients and other courtesans.
She tried to escape from Yoshiwara with Seita but was caught by Housen and the Hyakka while she was on the surface. Before being captured she handed Seita to an old man who Housen threatened to kill if Hinowa did not go back. After Hinowa's submission, Housen cut her Achilles' tendons making it impossible for Hinowa to walk or even stand, and stop her from leaving Yoshiwara ever again.
Appearance
She has black hair and blue eyes. They say her eyes are so sharp that it reminds one of sunlight. Her face is extremely beautiful.
Personality
She is the sun of the eternal night of Yoshiwara, where the women are treated as inmates in a prison, but only her eyes show no signs of weariness, vulgarity or worry. Even though she's stuck underground, her soul remains unbroken. She will never lose her true beauty. All the women of Yoshiwara have great respect for her, and all the men love her, even though she's beyond their reach, as stated by Night King Hosen in Episode 139.
Relationships
Family
- Seita: She is the mother of Seita, even though they are not related by blood, because she cared for him and protected him after he was born.
Friends & Allies
- Tsukuyo: Having grown up under Hinowa for years, Tsukuyo had become attached and loyal to her. Tsukuyo also seems to look up to Hinowa for hope in the dark, & underground world of Yoshiwara, to a point where she refered to Hinowa as "The Sun of Yoshiwara".
Story
Yoshiwara in Flames Arc
After the Yoshiwara arc, she is alive and well, living with Seita and Tsukuyo in Yoshiwara.
Red Spider Arc
Kintama Arc
Courtesan of a Nation Arc
Trivia
- Tsukuyo, whose name contains tsuki, meaning "Moon", is referred to as Yoshiwara's Moon, just as Hinowa is referred to as its Sun.
- Much as she is a very dignified character, she is not immune to Sakata Gintoki's scatological innuendos.