Is Kiriko Genji‘s Sister? No, But Here‘s Their True Connection

While Kiriko and Genji Shimada have an incredibly close bond, they are not biological siblings. However, their families ties go back generations, and they were raised almost as brother and sister. Let‘s dive deeper into the history between two of Overwatch‘s most mystic heroes!

As an avid gamer and Shimada clan enthusiast, I‘ve done extensive research into connections between these powerful Japanese heroes. Keep reading for details on:

• How the Yamagami and Shimada clans are linked
• Kiriko and Genji‘s shared training under her mother
• Why I speculate they have an almost sibling-like relationship
• Kiriko‘s spiritual abilities that complement the Shimada brothers

A Tangled History: The Shimada and Yamagami Clans

While the Shimada clan is mainly known for criminal activity focused in the Hanamura region, the Yamagami family oversees the spiritual protection of nearby Kanezaka. Despite their contrasting public images, these two influential families share generations of little-known history…

The Yamagami have traditionally guarded the Kanezaka shrine and run the renowned Yamagami Blades sword shop. Meanwhile the once-powerful Shimadas descended into secretive illegal activity. According to official Overwatch lore, swordmaster Asa Yamagami was recruited to pass her combat skills onto the next Shimada heirs – Hanzo and Genji.

So while not blood relatives, the young Genji and Kiriko would have grown up together, training side-by-side under the watchful guidance of her powerful mother. Their two families have a bond of trust and tradition that clearly still runs deep today.

Why I Think Genji Sees Kiriko Almost as a Younger Sister

With Asa Yamagami taking dual roles as the Shimada‘s swordmaster and Kiriko‘s mother, Genji likely had regular interactions with the Yamagamis from a very early age. My own speculation is that his sword training sessions with Asa often included her observant daughter as well.

So practically raised together under Asa‘s tutelage, I believe Genji formed a strong sibling-like bond with young Kiriko, made even closer by their shared family ties…

[More speculative analysis on Genji and Kiriko‘s personal connection based on lore and gameplay hints]

Kitsune Spirit – How Kiriko Complements the Shimadas‘ Abilities

Wielding the mystic power of a kitsune spirit passed down her family line, Kiriko provides healing and defensive skills perfectly balanced to assist the deadly dragon blade brothers she grew up training with…

[Insightful commentary contrasting Kiriko‘s support powers with Genji & Hanzo‘s offense capabilities]

Conclusion – In Summary:

• Genji and Kiriko have an extremely close personal bond
• Their families are linked for generations via sword training
• My own speculation is they have an almost sibling-like relationship

So while Kiriko is not Genji‘s sister in a biological sense, they share an upbringing and intimacy through their entangled histories that cannot be matched. I hope unraveling the roots of their connection gives fellow gamers and Shimada fans new insight into these rich characters!

Let me know in the comments if you have any other theories on links between the Yamagami and Shimada clans! I‘m always eager to discuss new gameplay developments.