Yusuke Urameshi: the origins of his name, Cobra’s inspiration for the spirit gun and more.
Q: About the character A (Togashi): The surname comes from "Urameshi-ya"¹. The name connects with the surname², and it came to mind without thinking too deep, from a variety of combinations. He's a character who was influenced by my mood and how I felt back then, therefore it was easy for me. When I was feeling sick, I would just beat him. So, in the end, I think I chose the most normal path for a protagonist whose development is based on gradually getting stronger.
¹According to Japanese legends, "urameshi-ya” (うらめしや) is a phrase said by ghosts to curse the livings.
²Yūsuke is a combination of the kanjis 幽 (yuu: ghost) and 助 (suke: the kanji means “assistant”, and is also a common suffix to form a boy's name). It could be translated as “ghost assistant”, so when connecting his first name and surname, we get something like: Yusuke Urameshi - a ghost assistant/boy cursing you.
Q: When did Yusuke's creation as a descendant of the demon tribe (mazoku) come about? A (Togashi): He was a candidate from the beginning.
Q: What’s the reason and origin behind the name of Yusuke’s “reigan”? A (Togashi): I wanted the name to sound like a combination of a ray gun and paranormal powers¹. I like Buichi Terasawa's "Cobra"². The “Psychogun” is cool, isn’t it?
¹Reigan is formed by the kanji 霊 “rei” (spirit) and 丸 “maru” (circle, sphere). The reading indicated for the kanji “maru” is ガン “gan” (on’yomi/chinese reading). It's a pun on the English word “raygun”.
²Cobra is a Japanese series written and illustrated by Buichi Terasawa. Cobra, the main protagonist, has a signature weapon called the Psychogun which drains Cobra's mental energy.
Source: Yu Yu Hakusho Official Characters Book Reikai Shinshiroku. Reikai Records Part 2 - Main Characters Setting Comments, p.188, 2005.
