Episode 1 – START: Those Who Hunt

Overview

Tokyo Ghoul:re Episode 1, titled “START: Those Who Hunt,” begins a new chapter set two years after the events of Tokyo Ghoul √A. The Japanese title is “Karu Mono-tachi START.” The episode introduces the Quinx Squad, an experimental CCG unit made up of investigators who can use limited ghoul abilities. Their mentor, Haise Sasaki, leads the young team while hiding a mysterious past. The episode also starts an investigation involving the dangerous A-rated ghoul known as Torso.

Episode Summary

Tokyo Ghoul:re Episode 1 opens with Kuki Urie and Ginshi Shirazu investigating a suspected ghoul. The two Quinx members quickly show how different they are. Urie is serious, ambitious, and focused on earning recognition, while Shirazu is loud, confident, and more interested in receiving credit for his work. During the encounter, they use their unusual ghoul-like abilities to defeat the target.

The story then introduces Haise Sasaki, the Quinx Squad’s mentor. Haise works under Akira Mado and is responsible for training the young investigators. Although he appears calm and dependable, he has no memories of his life before two years ago. His unexplained past is already treated as an important mystery within the CCG.

Soon, the Quinx Squad receives information about a dangerous ghoul called Torso. The criminal targets women and is connected to a series of disturbing cases. Urie decides to investigate independently, believing that solving the case could improve his standing within the CCG. Shirazu follows him, hoping to gain credit and rewards.

During their search, the pair meets a freelance photographer named Chie Hori, who claims to have useful information. However, she asks for an unusual reward in exchange. The episode ends with the Torso investigation moving forward while introducing the Quinx Squad’s abilities, internal conflicts, and lack of teamwork.

Major Events

• The Quinx Squad makes its first appearance as a special CCG investigation unit.
• Kuki Urie and Ginshi Shirazu investigate and defeat a suspected ghoul.
• The episode reveals that Quinx members can use limited ghoul abilities because of special medical procedures.
• Haise Sasaki is introduced as the mentor responsible for training and guiding the Quinx Squad.
• Haise’s missing memories become an important mystery.
• Akira Mado supervises Haise and the Quinx Squad as part of the CCG.
• The CCG investigates a series of crimes connected to the A-rated ghoul Torso.
• Urie begins an independent investigation because he wants to prove his value.
• Shirazu joins Urie and hopes to receive credit for the mission.
• Chie Hori approaches the two investigators and offers information about the case.
• The episode establishes the rivalry, personality differences, and weak cooperation within the Quinx Squad.

Characters Appearing

Haise Sasaki – Haise is the first-class investigator and mentor of the Quinx Squad. He acts like a patient teacher and tries to guide the young members, but his missing memories create questions about his true identity.

Kuki Urie – Urie is the Quinx Squad’s leader and one of its most ambitious members. He wants recognition within the CCG and often puts personal success ahead of teamwork.

Ginshi Shirazu – Shirazu is energetic, competitive, and eager to receive rewards for his work. His personality creates frequent arguments with Urie, but he also shows strong fighting ability.

Akira Mado – Akira is a senior CCG investigator who supervises Haise and the Quinx Squad. She expects the experimental team to prove that it can become a useful part of the organization.

Chie Hori – Chie is a freelance photographer who provides information during Urie and Shirazu’s investigation. Her unusual request creates an unexpected situation for the two Quinx members.

Nobu Shimoguchi – Shimoguchi is an experienced CCG investigator who appears during the investigation and helps show how other officers view the Quinx project.

Torso – Torso is the dangerous A-rated ghoul connected to the episode’s main case. Although the investigation has only begun, his crimes make him an important threat.

Episode Highlights

The strongest part of Tokyo Ghoul:re Episode 1 is its introduction to the Quinx Squad. The group immediately feels different from the investigators seen in earlier parts of the series. Their ability to use kagune-like powers gives them an advantage in battle, but their experimental nature also makes other CCG members question whether they can be trusted.

The opening fight between Urie and Shirazu provides the episode’s main action. Their combat abilities are interesting, but their constant arguments make it clear that the team lacks discipline. The scene also introduces the competitive relationship that will shape many of their early interactions.

Haise Sasaki’s introduction creates the episode’s biggest mystery. He appears to be an ordinary CCG investigator, yet his missing memories and unusual position suggest that there is more to his story. The episode carefully presents this mystery without explaining everything immediately.

The animation uses dark city environments, sharp action effects, and unsettling crime scenes to maintain the horror atmosphere associated with the Tokyo Ghoul franchise. The episode also balances serious investigation scenes with lighter moments between the Quinx members.

Another highlight is the introduction of Torso. The episode does not reveal everything about the ghoul, but the details of the crimes create a dangerous and unsettling threat. This gives the new team an important case while allowing viewers to learn about the Quinx system.

Why This Episode Matters

Tokyo Ghoul:re Episode 1 establishes the new setting, introduces the Quinx Squad, and begins the mystery surrounding Haise Sasaki. It shows that the CCG is now using experimental investigators with ghoul abilities, creating a new type of conflict. The episode also develops Urie and Shirazu’s rivalry while starting the Torso investigation. These events provide the foundation for the squad’s growth and the larger story that follows.

FAQ

What is the title of Tokyo Ghoul:re Episode 1?
The official English title is “START: Those Who Hunt.” The Japanese title is “Karu Mono-tachi START.”

Who are the Quinx Squad members introduced in Episode 1?
The episode mainly introduces Kuki Urie and Ginshi Shirazu. Haise Sasaki also appears as the squad’s mentor and instructor.

Who is Haise Sasaki in Tokyo Ghoul:re Episode 1?
Haise Sasaki is a first-class CCG investigator who leads and trains the Quinx Squad. He has lost his memories of the time before joining the CCG.

Who is Torso in Tokyo Ghoul:re Episode 1?
Torso is an A-rated ghoul connected to a series of violent crimes. The Quinx Squad begins investigating him during the episode.