Why Is Uta from Tokyo Ghoul Unable to Change His Ghoul Eyes to Normal Human Ones?

In the anime series Tokyo Ghoul, Uta, a ghoul with the unique ability to change his appearance, faces a peculiar limitation: he is unable to transform his ghoul eyes back to normal human eyes. This limitation is not merely a cosmetic one but a fundamental aspect of his existence, rooted in the nature of ghouls and his personal identity.

Fundamental Nature of Ghouls

Ghouls, as a species, are inherently distinct from humans. One of their most recognizable traits is their red or yellow eyes, which symbolize the divergence between themselves and human beings. Uta's inability to change his eyes to a normal human appearance is a direct consequence of this fundamental characteristic. His identity as a ghoul runs deeper than just the external appearance; it encompasses his physical traits and innate abilities.

Identity and Acceptance

Uta's acceptance of his ghoul nature is a significant factor in his inability to change his eyes. He embraces his identity and uses his appearance, including his eyes, as a form of expression and artistry. As a mask maker, Uta often reflects on the nature of identity and the acceptance of differences. His eyes, even when changed, remain a symbol of his true self. Through his work and interactions, Uta finds a sense of belonging and authenticity within the ghoul community.

Biological and Existential Aspects

The transformation of ghoul eyes is more than a simple cosmetic change; it involves deeper biological and existential dynamics. The process of changing eyes would fundamentally alter the individual's biological make-up and potentially disrupt their existence as a ghoul. Uta's apparent contentment with his ghoul identity suggests that he has come to accept and integrate these aspects of himself, recognizing them as essential components of his being.

Unique Circumstances and Tattooing

It's worth noting that Uta has one eye tattooed. This tattoo is a scleral tattoo, a technique where ink is inserted into the white part of the eye (the sclera). Scleral tattoos are complex and usually involve significant risk; they are not easily reversible and can cause vision damage. Uta's ability to change his eyes without removing the tattoo suggests that the tattoo is a permanent, albeit changed, part of his appearance.

The WGA (Gouki) Black-Glazed Eyes and Enhanced Vision

Uta's ability to change his eyes is not without purpose. His ghoul eyes enhance his vision, providing a powerful advantage in his daily life and fights. Despite this, he has not fully transformed his eyes in the recent anime, Tokyo Ghoul Re. Interestingly, in this series, he reveals an eye similar to Kaneki’s natural color, but he has a scleral tattoo over it. This tattoo, along with his high Resource Consumption (RC) level, may prevent him from turning off his WGA (Gouki) vision, known as Kakugan. His insane regeneration and powerful abilities in Tokyo Ghoul Re suggest that he is indeed one of the most powerful characters in the series.

Conclusion

Uta's ghoul eyes in Tokyo Ghoul are more than just a unique appearance; they symbolize his connection to his true self and the broader themes of identity and acceptance. His inability to fully transform his eyes reflects his deep acceptance of his ghoul identity and highlights the complex interplay between identity, transformation, and individuality within the series.