Aogiri Tree
A ruthless sanctuary where ghouls wage open war against humanity to seize their destiny.
The Aogiri Tree is a notorious and ruthless ghoul organization operating in the shadows of Tokyo, serving as one of the primary antagonistic forces throughout the early saga. Unlike the more secretive groups that hide among humans, Aogiri Tree embraces open warfare against the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG), believing that ghouls must rise up to claim their place as a dominant species rather than living in fear. Founded by the enigmatic One-Eyed Owl (Eto Yoshimura), the group acts as a brutal training ground and a haven for ghouls who reject coexistence. They are infamous for their systematic use of human experimentation, particularly through the Bin Brothers and Kanou's experiments, and for hoarding rare, high-quality kagune cells for their own use, making them a central pillar in the dark underworld's power dynamics.
Quick Facts
- Founder
- One-Eyed Owl (Eto Yoshimura)
- Primary base
- The Aogiri Tree (Abandoned Building)
- Affiliation
- Ghoul Resistance; Anti-Human
- Key division
- Bin Brothers; Kanou's Experiments
- Status
- Disbanded/Scattered after major conflict
Lore & Background
Emerging from the ashes of a desire for ghoul supremacy, the Aogiri Tree represents the radical extreme of ghoul ideology. While some groups seek peace or survival through stealth, this organization believes that only through direct confrontation and the total subjugation of humans can ghouls truly survive. Their philosophy is born from the belief that the CCG's extermination policies are existential threats that require a militarized response. The group's reputation is built on fear and brutality.
They operate with a military-like structure, utilizing specialized squads to conduct raids, gather intelligence, and execute high-profile attacks. Most infamously, they established a division dedicated to the creation of artificial ghouls using human subjects, a practice that blurs the line between monster and mad scientist. This division became a source of immense horror for both humans and traditionalist ghouls alike.
Reader's Guide
The Aogiri Tree operates under a strict hierarchy led by its founder, Jason, who serves as the supreme commander and ideological figurehead. Below him are elite leaders known as the 'Elders' or high-ranking captains who manage specific divisions, including the notorious Wamuu squad responsible for human experimentation. Their philosophy is uncompromising: ghouls must dominate humans to ensure their survival. They view coexistence as a weakness and believe that only through force can they secure a future free from persecution.
This belief drives them to recruit aggressively, often targeting those who have lost everything to the CCG or those with powerful kagune. Key members include Jason, the mysterious leader; Arima's former subordinate who defects; and various elite fighters like Yoshimura's rivals. The group acts as a catalyst for the story by forcing other factions, including the Anteiku café and the CCG, into direct conflict, ultimately revealing the depths of ghoul desperation and the lengths they will go to survive.
Did You Know?
- Many prominent characters in the series started their journey as members or were directly affected by Aogiri Tree's actions.
- Their base of operations is located in a secluded, abandoned building complex that serves as both a fortress and a training ground.
- The group's name symbolizes a tree where ghouls can find shelter, but the branches are often stained with blood.
More in Factions & Groups
Elsewhere in Tokyo Ghoul
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