A flashback traces how Amon first partnered with Mado, while the present sees Anteiku try to heal after tragedy. As Kaneki hunts for answers about Rize, a violent new ghoul organization begins circling the ward.
Summary
The episode opens on Amon's early days at the CCG, when Arima introduces him to his new partner, Mado. Their first case targets the Applehead ghoul, and Amon is stunned that the suspect appears to be a harmless elderly woman named Kie. Her medical records read as ordinary, and Mado explains such documents are easily faked, assuring his uneasy junior it all fits his plan. When Amon later helps Kie with her luggage, she reveals herself as the ghoul and attacks, and Mado arrives to save him.
In the present, Amon runs into Yukinori Shinohara on his way to visit Mado's grave. The CCG readies its operation in the neighboring ward and brings Takizawa and Houji in to cover the 20th Ward during the shift in forces.
Key Events
Life at Anteiku slowly returns to routine despite the loss. The staff welcomes a new pet, Hetare, and Hinami begins living with Touka. Chasing information about Rize, Kaneki visits Itori, who can only tell him that Rize came from the 11th Ward and advises him to look there. Kaneki mentions to Hide that he was pickpocketed on his way home, unaware the thief was Juuzou Suzuya.
News reports announce a CCG deployment to the ward in response to rising ghoul activity, and Hide shares his theory about an organized ghoul group operating locally. The Anteiku staff worry over an aggressive faction killing investigators. Meanwhile Hide, drinking coffee, overhears Yamori and Nico discussing Rize, and Banjou arrives in the ward searching for her, while Ayato prepares to join the newcomers.
Notes
The episode adapts chapters 29, 47, 48, and 70. It reframes Mado's history through Amon's memories and seeds the arrival of the Aogiri Tree organization into the ward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in episode 9 of Tokyo Ghoul?
Episode 9, "Birdcage," flashes back to Amon's first case partnered with Mado against the Applehead ghoul, then returns to the present as Anteiku slowly recovers from tragedy and Kaneki searches for clues about Rize while a new ghoul faction begins circling the ward.
How did Amon and Mado first become partners in Tokyo Ghoul?
In a flashback shown in Episode 9, Kishou Arima introduces Koutarou Amon to his new partner Kureo Mado, and their first case together targets a ghoul named Applehead who poses as a harmless elderly woman called Kie.
What does Kaneki learn about Rize in Birdcage?
Searching for information about Rize, Kaneki visits the information broker Itori, who tells him only that Rize came from the 11th Ward and advises him to look there for answers.
Who pickpockets Kaneki in Episode 9 of Tokyo Ghoul?
Kaneki mentions to Hide that he was pickpocketed on his way home, unaware at the time that the thief was Juuzou Suzuya.
What organization begins appearing in Tokyo Ghoul Episode 9?
Episode 9 seeds the arrival of the ghoul organization Aogiri Tree into the ward, as Hide theorizes about an aggressive group killing investigators and characters like Yamori, Banjou, and Ayato Kirishima converge on the area.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Episode 9: Birdcage? The Tokyo Ghoul Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Tokyo Ghoul anime series, manga, and official materials. Tokyo Ghoul was created by Sui Ishida, published by Shueisha, and animated by Studio Pierrot. All rights to Tokyo Ghoul and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
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- Created bySui Ishida
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
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