Genshin Impact Yumemizuki Mizuki Characters and Yumekui-baku Research

Speaking of the Mikawa Flower Festival, it was already two years ago. Now we usher in a new Mikawa Flower Festival. However, this is not the focus of Genshin Impact Version 5.4. The true highlight is the addition of this new character-Yumemizuki Mizuki. As a character belonging to Inazuma, what cultural background is hidden within her? Let's explore together.

1. Basic Information of Yumemizuki Mizuki

Japanese has three Latin alphabet romanization systems:

Japanese has three Latin alphabet romanization systems:

1. Nihon-shiki romanization

2. Hepburn romanization (Hyōjun-shiki)

3. Kunrei-shiki romanization

Their differences mainly lie in certain kana (as shown in the figure below):

Returning to the name "Yumemizuki Mizuki," the pun here lies in the substitution of「ず」(zu) and「づ」(dzu):

見月 {みづき, Mizuki}

瑞希 {みずき, Mizuki}

The surname "夢見月" (ゆめみづき，Yumemizuki) is derived from the old Japanese lunar calendar's alternative name for the "third month"-Yumemizuki (夢見月).

On the old lunar calendar, the "third month" corresponds to April in the modern calendar, a season of spring blossoms. The Japanese described it as Kusaya ya Oi-zuki (木草弥や生ひ月), abbreviated to Iyaoi (いやおい).

Over time, Iyaoi (いやおい) underwent phonetic changes, evolving into the current term Yayoi (やよい).

In Japan, April is also the season when Yumemigusa (夢見草)-cherry blossoms-bloom. Therefore, the "third month of the old calendar" is also called Sakura-zuki (桜月) or Yumemizuki (夢見月).

Birthday of Yumemizuki Mizuki (March 16th)

Peeling back the layers of Mizuki's name, the meaning behind her birthday becomes clear:

"(Old Calendar) March": The third month of the old calendar is also called Yumemizuki (夢見月).

"(Old Calendar) 16th Day": The full moon usually occurs on the 15th or 16th day, symbolizing an auspicious sign.

Mizuki Constel­lation: Tapirus Somniator

Tapirus: "Tapir genus" / "Tapir"

Somniator: The root is the first-person singular "Somnĭo" (meaning "I dream"); "-tor" is the Latin agent noun suffix.

"Somniator" should literally translate to "one who dreams," but here it is rendered as "the dreaming tapir."

2. Yumekui-Baku

In the ancient legends of Inazuma, Yumekui-Baku are mystical creatures skilled at entering dreams and consuming nightmares. They bring peace of mind to people while absorbing spiritual energy and vitality in the process. Over time, some Yumekui Baku chose to integrate into human society by taking on human forms, becoming psychological therapists who use their unique abilities to help others overcome mental distress.

Yumemizuki Mizuki, a distinguished member of the Yumekui Baku clan, has earned widespread acclaim for their exceptional therapeutic skills and warm demeanor. Genshin Impact has officially released a Mizuki Baku plush,  allowing this gentle presence from dreams to accompany every traveler, welcoming each sweet night together.

Yumekui Baku have appeared in many games—let’s take a closer look at them!

A brief mention of the Japanese 貘 {ばく, Baku} and its association with the "dream-eating beast."

The Baku (貘) was originally unrelated to the concept of a "dream-eating beast." The idea of a dream-devouring creature traces back to Chinese Nuo culture (傩文化), where Boqi (伯奇), one of the "Twelve Divine Beasts of the Great Nuo" (大傩十二兽), possessed the power to consume dreams.

However, when the nightmare-eating Boqi and the iron-eating Baku spread to Japan, they appear to have been conflated.

Where did the confusion arise? A potential cause may be Bai Juyi's (白居易) Ode to the Baku Screen (貘屏赞).

Thus, the Baku (貘) in Japan was endowed with the ability to devour nightmares and misfortune.

Practices such as chanting "Baku yo kue" (貘よ食え, "Baku, come and eat!") when startled by nightmares or embroidering tapir patterns on pillows all illustrate how the Baku transformed into a phantom beast that wards off nightmares. (It seems folk beliefs about the Baku eating dreams exist here too, as if we've adopted the same idea.)

The Kaiki Chōjū Gakan (怪奇鳥獣図巻, Illustrated Scroll of Strange Birds and Beasts) depicts the Baku as follows:

3. Yumemizuki Mizuki's Costume Design

As the psychological therapist of "Akisā Sentō," Yumemizuki Mizuki specializes in bringing mental tranquility to people by devouring nightmares.

This sense of serenity is partly derived from her costume design:

An unexpected twist of combining maid-style attire with a furisode: a frilled apron printed with small Baku patterns, layered over a pencil skirt, and a self-looping tail acting as an ankle ring.

The purple hue (#a282e7) of her attire carries a distinctive elegance, evoking the aura of an "oiran" (high-ranking courtesan).

Regarding the "oiran" reference, Mizuki's hairstyle adopts a classic "Tayū-mage"-a type of courtesan's topknot seen in Edo-period Japan.

Combining "Date Hyōgo-mage" (伊達兵庫髷)/"Yoko Hyōgo-mage" (横兵庫髷)-one of the four iconic Edo-period hairstyles-with a "Agemaki-musubi" (揚巻結び) resembling a three-leaf knot.

Though purple is the Shogun's signature color (e.g., Raiden Shogun's attire), it does not inherently evoke associations with Electro.

The secret lies in the cloud patterns-symbolizing auspiciousness-adorning her furisode sleeves, bow, hairpin, Katyusha hairband, irises, and even the tail serving as a leg ring. Combined with her pale aqua-blue hair, these elements subtly signal her identity as an Anemo character.

Of course, this shade of purple in kimono color palettes can also be referred to as "Murasaki-kon" (deep violet-blue).

The "Murasaki-kon" is not baseless-it explicitly appears in the Apparel section of the character interface:

"ぬばたまの 夜霧の夢に 春の風 目覚めて聴くは 獏の声 夜の衣に 君想い 紫紺の簪 袖払う 月の顔 朝寝髪"

This concludes all background stories and cultural research on Yumemizuki Mizuki's basic information and appearance! We hope that after reading this, you will better understand this unique Inazuma character. Of course, Genshin Impact's storyline continues to progress-stay tuned for other articles, related updates, and brand-new official merchandise!