Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is filled with mysterious items, hidden meanings, and complex side quests that reward exploration and curiosity. One such item that stands out both visually and thematically is the Red and White Pinwheel. This item is more than just a curious trinket; it plays a significant role in a particular character’s story arc and reflects the game’s recurring themes of memory, loss, and redemption. Players looking to complete all storylines or achieve alternate endings will need to understand the purpose and location of the Red and White Pinwheel in Sekiro.
What Is the Red and White Pinwheel?
Symbolism and Purpose
The Red and White Pinwheel in Sekiro is an inventory item tied to the side quest involving Kotaro, a large, mentally challenged monk who can be found near the Senpou Temple, Mt. Kongo area. The pinwheel is deeply connected to his questline and is used to progress his story in one of two possible directions. The colors of the pinwheel red and white are not random; they symbolize themes of separation and reunion, reflecting Kotaro’s emotional state and longing for companionship.
Quest Relevance
You cannot use the Red and White Pinwheel for combat or crafting, but it is vital for triggering specific dialogue and progression for Kotaro. Depending on your choices, the item can lead to two possible outcomes: sending Kotaro to the Divine Child for a peaceful end or tricking him using a different item for a darker fate. Understanding this choice is key for completionists and players seeking to explore Sekiro’s darker narrative branches.
Where to Find the Red and White Pinwheel
Location Details
The Red and White Pinwheel can be found in the Senpou Temple area. Specifically, players need to travel to the Shugendo Sculptor’s Idol. From there, proceed through the cliffside paths filled with enemies and monks until you reach a narrow ledge with a tree branch leading to a hidden area. This area is known as the ‘near the white pinwheels’ location due to the presence of numerous white pinwheels scattered across the ground.
The Red and White Pinwheel itself is located at the far end of this small, solemn area. It is placed on the ground in front of a stone memorial, surrounded by white pinwheels, giving the impression that it is of special significance. It stands out due to its unique color and positioning, prompting players to investigate further.
Visual Clues
While navigating Senpou Temple, players might notice many white pinwheels lying around. These serve as subtle breadcrumbs leading you toward the Red and White Pinwheel. Following these environmental clues helps players uncover secrets without hand-holding, one of Sekiro’s signature design philosophies.
How to Use the Red and White Pinwheel
Interacting with Kotaro
Once you have the Red and White Pinwheel, return to Kotaro, who is located near the entrance of the Senpou Temple area. He is a gentle giant of a monk who speaks in a childlike manner and longs to find his friends. When you give him the Red and White Pinwheel, he will interpret it as a sign that his friends are waiting for him at the Hall of Illusions.
This choice sends Kotaro on a journey to the Divine Child, allowing him to achieve a peaceful and meaningful resolution. If you later visit the Inner Sanctum of the temple, you’ll find Kotaro peacefully resting, suggesting that he has finally found his place among his lost friends.
Alternative Outcome
Alternatively, if you give Kotaro the Taro Persimmon instead of the Red and White Pinwheel, you can trick him into entering the Abandoned Dungeon. This path results in a grim fate where Kotaro is used for unethical experiments. This outcome reinforces the darker tone of Sekiro and offers players a stark choice that affects their sense of morality and story immersion.
Red and White Pinwheel Lore Implications
The Meaning Behind the Colors
In Japanese culture, red and white are symbolic colors, often used in festivals and significant life events such as weddings and funerals. In Sekiro, the colors of the pinwheel might represent the duality of joy and sorrow, life and death, or innocence and loss. These ideas align with Kotaro’s quest, which is both heartbreaking and hopeful, depending on the path you choose.
The Significance of the Hill of Pinwheels
The location where the Red and White Pinwheel is found is covered with numerous white pinwheels, possibly left behind by other monks or children who once trained or lived there. This site could be a burial ground or memorial for lost souls, adding depth to Kotaro’s belief that his friends are waiting for him. It reinforces the theme of spiritual longing and reinforces the emotional weight behind such a seemingly simple item.
Tips for Players
Things to Keep in Mind
- Find Kotaro Early: Don’t delay meeting Kotaro, as progressing too far into the main questline can make certain interactions impossible.
- Back Up Saves (Optional): If you want to explore both outcomes of the quest, consider backing up your save before giving Kotaro any item.
- Observe the Environment: The placement of pinwheels is subtle world-building pay attention to what the game shows without saying outright.
- Talk to the Divine Child: After completing Kotaro’s peaceful quest path, visit the Inner Sanctum to witness his resolution.
Why It Matters
Completing Kotaro’s quest using the Red and White Pinwheel is not just about achieving 100% completion it’s about engaging with the game’s emotional undercurrent. The side story is short but memorable, and it demonstrates FromSoftware’s ability to tell powerful narratives using minimal dialogue and strong visual storytelling.
Impact on the Player’s Journey
A Break from Combat
In a game filled with intense boss fights and brutal difficulty, the Red and White Pinwheel offers a reflective pause. It reminds players that not all victories are won with a sword. Some are won with compassion, understanding, and the willingness to help even the most forgotten NPCs in the world.
Optional but Meaningful
Although not required for any ending, Kotaro’s quest and the Red and White Pinwheel provide a deeper look into the lives of the people inhabiting Sekiro’s world. It rewards those who slow down and pay attention, further encouraging exploration and emotional investment.
The Red and White Pinwheel in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice may appear to be a simple item, but it holds a story rich in emotion and symbolism. It gives players the opportunity to shape the fate of one of the game’s most innocent characters. Whether you choose a peaceful or tragic resolution, the item serves as a powerful reminder of the choices we make and their lasting impact. Hidden in a quiet corner of Senpou Temple, the Red and White Pinwheel reflects the game’s mastery in weaving environmental storytelling, cultural symbolism, and emotional depth into even the smallest of quests.