Costume analysis: Ken's karate gi (Exceedraft E13 only)

[Originally posted on Bluesky on 23 April 2026.]

'Gi' is short for 'keikogi' or 'dougi', that is a traditional uniform worn for training in Japanese martial arts like karate and judo. A gi usually consists of a long-sleeved top and pants of a light material. The top is held together by a belt of a colour indicating the wearer's rank in the martial arts they practice.

In Exceedraft E13, we first see Ken wearing his gi when he goes to Fujio's martial arts dojo to display his exceptional fighting skills. He does so by taking on Fujio's minions or students students all at once before challenging Fujio too.

Ken wears the traditional white gi while those training under Fujio wear black gi. Ken is doing what Fujio describes as '道場破り' ('doujyouyaburi'), that is the practise of visiting another school and defeating each member in a fight. As Ken defeats every member of Fujio's dojo, the contrast between their gi's colours emphasise Ken's superior ability as well as his inner purity in fighting for public safety.

Here, Ken's gi weaves in a bit of truth among falsehood as his identity as a former karate champion qualifies him to go undercover for resolving a case as a police officer. His gi and black belt signify his unique strength that connects his past and present.

Ken is made to put on his gi again for his illegal deathmatch against Kogure. Ken's old friend wears a black gi like those in Fujio's dojo. Doped and drugged, Kogure can no longer think for himself and has become Fujio's puppet.

The contrast between their black and white gi is seemingly for letting the audience easily identify who they've placed their bets on as they watch the karate match. But notice at the episode's start that Fujio has both fighters wear black gis.

It's likely for the contrast between black and white to be Fujio's idea for enhancing the entertainment value of Ken's humiliation from Ken's seemingly inevitable defeat.

Ken is seen in his gi again for the episode's last fight and final showdown against Fujio. As Fujio adopts his fighting stance, Ken removes his Try Jacket and armour to not only have a fair fight against Fujio, but also to take him on as Okuma Ken instead of Draft Keace.

Ken's second fight against Fujio is backlit by the setting sun. Out of his Try Jacket, the outline of his limbs is seen in silhouette to enhance the fight choreography's aesthetic appeal and Ken's visual likeness with Fujio in this fight. They're both presented in silhouette and fighting without protective gear, resulting in a visual likeness which parallels their similarity as exceptional fighters equally matched in skill.