Inuyasha: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 03:45, 29 April 2025

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{{Short description|Japanese manga series}}

:''For the anime character, see [[Inuyasha (character)]]''

{{About|the manga series|the title character|Inuyasha (character)|other uses|Inuyasha (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox animanga/Header|

{{pp-move-indef}}

title_name=Inuyasha

{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}

|image=Inuyasha Tankōbon.jpg|200px|thumb

{{Infobox animanga/Header

|caption = ''Inuyasha'' Viz Graphic Novel, volume 1 <br />(English, 2nd edition)

|ja_name_trans=Sengoku o-togiimage zōshi = Inuyasha 1.png

| caption = First {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volume cover, featuring [[Inuyasha (character)|Inuyasha]] and Kagome Higurashi

|ja_name=戦国お伽草子ー犬夜叉

| ja_kanji = 犬夜叉

|genre=[[Adventure]], [[Comedy]], [[Drama]], [[Fantasy]], [[Historical]], [[Romance]], [[Shounen]]

| genre = {{ubl|[[Adventure fiction|Adventure]]<ref name="Viz-official">{{cite web|url=https://www.viz.com/inuyasha|title=The Official Website for Inuyasha|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 27, 2017|archive-date=May 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509065824/https://www.viz.com/inuyasha|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[Fantasy]]<ref name="Viz-official"/>|[[Romance comics|Romance]]<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:マンガ批評：「犬夜叉」 因縁の対決と恋が決着 名手が描く物語とドラマ|url=http://mainichi.jp/enta/mantan/manga/news/20081224mog00m200010000c.html|publisher=[[Mainichi Shimbun]]|access-date=December 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101102925/http://mainichi.jp/enta/mantan/manga/news/20081224mog00m200010000c.html|archive-date=January 1, 2009|language=ja|date=December 24, 2008}}</ref>}}<!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->

|creator=Rumiko Takahashi

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Manga|Print

| type = manga

title=

| author = [[Rumiko Takahashi]]

| publisher = [[Shogakukan]]

|publisher=[[Image:Flag of Japan.svg|25px|Japan]] [[Shogakukan]]<br>[[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px|Canada]] [[Image: Flag of the United States.svg|25px|United States]] [[VIZ Media]]<br>[[Image:Flag of Brazil.svg|25px|Brazil]] [[Editora JBC]]<br>[[Image:Flag of France.svg|25px|France]] [[Kana]] <br> [[Image:Flag of Finland.svg|25px|Finland]] [[Egmont Kustannus]]

| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher

|first_run=[[1996]]

| NA = [[Viz Media]]

|last_run=Still running

|serialized=Weekly [[Shonen Sunday]]

|num_volumes=43 so far

}}

| demographic = {{Transliteration|ja|[[Shōnen manga|Shōnen]]}}

{{Infobox animanga/Anime|

| imprint = Shōnen Sunday Comics

title=

| magazine = [[Weekly Shōnen Sunday]]

|director=Masashi Ikeda (eps 1 to 44)<br /> Yasunao Aoki (44 onwards)

| first = November 13, 1996

|studio=[[Sunrise (company)|Sunrise]]

| last = June 18, 2008

|network=[[Image:Flag of Japan.svg|25px|Japan]] [[Nippon Television Network|Nippon TV]]<br>[[Image: Flag of the United States.svg|25px|United States]] [[Adult Swim]]<br>[[Image:Flag of Canada.svg|25px|Canada]] [[YTV (Canadian television)|YTV]] <br>[[Image:Flag of Italy.svg|25px|Italy]][[MTV]]<br>[[Image:Flag of Argentina.svg|25px|Argentina]] [[Image:Flag of Brazil.svg|25px|Brazil]] [[Image:Flag of Mexico.svg|25px|Mexico]] [[Cartoon Network]]

| volumes = 56

|first_aired=[[16 october]] [[2000]]

| volume_list = List of Inuyasha volumes

|last_aired=[[13 september]] [[2004]]

|num_episodes=167 (series has not yet finished)

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Other|Video

| type = tv series

title=Feature Movies

| director = {{ubl|Masashi Ikeda (1–44)|Yasunao Aoki (45–167)}}

|content=<nowiki></nowiki>

| producer = {{ubl|Michihiko Suwa|Hideyuki Tomioka}}

*1. [[Inuyasha THE MOVIE: Affections Touching Across Time]]

| writer = Katsuyuki Sumisawa

*2. [[Inuyasha THE MOVIE: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass]]

| music = [[Kaoru Wada]]

*3. [[Inuyasha THE MOVIE: Swords of an Honorable Ruler]]

| studio = [[Bandai Namco Filmworks|Sunrise]]

*4. [[Inuyasha THE MOVIE: Fire on the Mystic Island]]

| licensee = {{English anime licensee

| AUS= [[Madman Entertainment]]

| BI= [[Anime Limited]]

| NA= Viz Media

}}

| network = [[Nippon Television Network System|NNS]] ([[Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation|ytv]], [[Nippon Television|NTV]])

{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}

| network_en = {{English anime network

'''''Inuyasha''''' ([[Japanese language|Japanese]]: '''犬夜叉''') is a [[shōnen]] [[manga]] and [[anime]] series created by [[Rumiko Takahashi]].

| AUS = [[Adult Swim (Australian TV programming block)|Adult Swim]]

| CA = [[YTV (Canadian TV channel)|YTV]]

| NZ = [[Four (New Zealand TV channel)|Four]]

| SEA = [[Animax (Asian TV channel)|Animax]]

| US = [[Adult Swim]] ([[Toonami]])

| NA = [[Neon Alley]]

| ZA = [[Animax#South Africa|Animax]]

}}

| first = October 16, 2000

| last = September 13, 2004

| episodes = 167

| episode_list = List of Inuyasha episodes

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Video

| type = tv series

| title = Inuyasha: The Final Act

| director = Yasunao Aoki

| producer = {{ubl|Tomoyuki Saito|Mitomu Asai|Naohiro Ogata}}

| writer = Katsuyuki Sumisawa

| music = Kaoru Wada

| studio = Sunrise

| licensee = {{English anime licensee

| AUS = Madman Entertainment

| NA = Viz Media

}}

| network = ytv, NTV

| network_en = {{English anime network

| SEA = Animax

| NA = Neon Alley

| US = Adult Swim (Toonami)

}}

| first = October 4, 2009

| last = March 30, 2010

| episodes = 26

| episode_list = Inuyasha: The Final Act

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Other

| title = Anime films

| content =

* ''[[Inuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time|Affections Touching Across Time]]'' (2001)

* ''[[Inuyasha the Movie: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass|The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass]]'' (2002)

* ''[[Inuyasha the Movie: Swords of an Honorable Ruler|Swords of an Honorable Ruler]]'' (2003)

* ''[[Inuyasha the Movie: Fire on the Mystic Island|Fire on the Mystic Island]]'' (2004)

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Other

| title = Sequel spin-off

| content =

* ''[[Yashahime]]'' (2020–2022)

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}

{{Nihongo|'''''Inuyasha'''''|犬夜叉||{{lit.}} "Dog [[Yaksha]]"}} is a Japanese [[manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Rumiko Takahashi]]. It was serialized in [[Shogakukan]]'s [[Shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Weekly Shōnen Sunday]]'' from November 1996 to June 2008, with its chapters collected in 56 {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes. The series begins with [[List of Inuyasha characters#Kagome Higurashi|Kagome Higurashi]], a fifteen-year-old middle school girl from [[Heisei|modern-day]] [[Tokyo]] who is transported to the [[Sengoku period]] after falling into a well in her family [[Shinto shrine|shrine]], where she meets the half-dog demon, half-human [[Inuyasha (character)|Inuyasha]]. After the sacred Shikon Jewel re-emerges from deep inside Kagome's body, she inadvertently shatters it into dozens of fragments that scatter across Japan. Inuyasha and Kagome set out to recover Jewel's fragments, and through their quest, they are joined by the lecherous [[Bhikkhu|monk]] [[List of Inuyasha characters#Miroku|Miroku]], the demon slayer [[List of Inuyasha characters#Sango|Sango]], and the [[Kitsune|fox demon]] [[List of Inuyasha characters#Shippo|Shippō]]. Together, they journey to restore the Shikon Jewel before it falls into the hands of the evil half-demon [[List of Inuyasha characters#Naraku|Naraku]].

The anime series first aired on [[Nippon Television|Nippon TV]] in Japan in 2000. The series is named after the main character, Inuyasha. Inuyasha was in [[Shogakukan]]'s [[Shonen Sunday]] (Shūkan Shōnen Sunday). The name "Inuyasha" literally means Dog demon". ''[[wiktionary:inu|Inu]]'' is a single kanji translating to "dog". "Demon" is a rough translation of the forced character "yasha", translating literally to 'female demon. Rumiko Takashi said during an interview that "yasha" meant "forest spirit". The full title is 戦国お伽草子ー犬夜叉 ([[Rōmaji]]: ''Sengoku o-togi zōshi Inuyasha''), which roughly translates to ''''Inuyasha, A [[feudalism|Feudal]] [[Fairy tale|Fairy Tale]]''''.

In contrast to the typically comedic nature of much of Takahashi's previous works, ''Inuyasha'' deals with a darker and more serious subject matter, using the setting of the Sengoku period to easily display the violent content while still retaining some comedic elements. The manga was adapted into two [[anime]] television series by [[Bandai Namco Filmworks|Sunrise]]. The first series ran for 167 episodes on [[Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation|Yomiuri Television]] and [[Nippon Television]] from October 2000 to September 2004. The second series, ''Inuyasha: The Final Act'', is a direct sequel that adapts the remainder of the manga. It ran for 26 episodes from October 2009 to March 2010. Four feature films and an [[original video animation]] (OVA) have also been released. Other merchandise includes video games and a [[light novel]]. An anime-original sequel [[spin-off (media)|spin-off]] television series, titled ''[[Yashahime|Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon]]'', aired for two seasons from October 2020 to March 2022.

A female junior high school student, [[Kagome Higurashi]], falls through a well ending up in the [[Sengoku Period|Warring States Period]]. There she meets a [[han'yō]]<ref name="hanyo">''Han'yō'' are called ''half-demoms'' in the English language versions of ''Inuyasha'' that are produced by [[VIZ Media|Viz]]. For more information about the difference in terminology, see [[hanyo|han'yō]].</ref> named Inuyasha. The two are trying to get the shards of the "[[Shikon no Tama]]" (Jewel of the Four Souls) before they fall into the wrong hands.

Inuyasha is intended for ages twelve and up, because it does contain mild language, and mild fantasy violence.

[[Viz Media]] licensed the manga, the two anime series, and movies for North America. Both ''Inuyasha'' and ''Inuyasha: The Final Act'' aired in the United States on [[Adult Swim]] (and later on its revived [[Toonami]] block) from 2002 to 2015.

== Overview ==

{{spoiler}}

By September 2020, ''Inuyasha'' had 50 million copies in circulation, making it one of the [[List of best-selling manga|best-selling manga series]] of all time. In 2002, the manga won the 47th [[Shogakukan Manga Award]] for the {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} category.

[[Kagome Higurashi]] is an ordinary girl who is somehow pulled into an old well at her family's [[Shinto]] shrine by a mysterious force, sending her back in time 500 years to the feudal era. (The time where Inuyasha lives). During the time slip, a yōkai<ref name="yokai">''Yōkai'' are called ''demons'' in the English language versions of ''Inuyasha'' that are produced by [[VIZ Media|Viz]]. For more information about the difference in terminology, see [[yokai|yōkai]].</ref> claims that Kagome possesses the [[Jewel of Four Souls]] and attempts to seize it. The girl fights back and when she climbs out, she finds herself in the Warring States Period of Japan, where both humans and yōkai reside.

== Plot ==

She is quickly recognized as the reincarnation of the shrine maiden (priestess) by [[Kaede]], an elderly shrine maiden who happens to be Kikyo's younger sister. Yōkai are immediately drawn to Kagome and she flees into the forest to save the villagers who have taken her in. Her presence causes a strange boy pinned to a sacred tree by an arrow to awake. He is Inuyasha, a Han'yō, and recognizes Kagome as Kikyo, the shrine maiden who sealed him to the tree. In order to combat the yōkai, despite Kaede's warnings, Kagome frees Inuyasha from the Genboku god-tree.

{{See also|List of Inuyasha characters{{!}}List of ''Inuyasha'' characters}}

In 1496 Japan, humans and demons ({{Transliteration|ja|[[yōkai]]}}) battle over the {{Nihongo|Shikon Jewel|四魂の玉|Shikon no Tama|lit. "The Jewel of Four Souls"}}, which is said to grant any wish. [[List of Inuyasha characters#Kikyo|Kikyo]], the [[miko|priestess]] who keeps the Shikon Jewel, is in love with the half-demon [[Inuyasha (character)|Inuyasha]]. However, they fall into a deceitful trap and betray each other. Inuyasha steals the Shikon Jewel, but the dying Kikyo pins Inuyasha to a tree with a sacred arrow. Per Kikyo's will, her body is cremated along with the Shikon Jewel, which disappeared from the era.

[[Image:Inu-Yasha A Feudal Fairy Tale, Vol. 1 (1st Edition).jpg|thumb|left|Inu-Yasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale, Vol. 1 (1st Edition) (Viz graphic novel).jpg]]

Five hundred years later, [[List of Inuyasha characters#Kagome Higurashi|Kagome Higurashi]] lives on the grounds of her family's [[Shinto]] shrine, with [[List of Inuyasha characters#Mrs. Higurashi|her mother]], [[List of Inuyasha characters#Grandpa|grandfather]] and [[List of Inuyasha characters#Sota Higurashi|younger brother]]. On her fifteenth birthday, Kagome is dragged into the enshrined {{Nihongo|Bone Eater's Well|骨喰いの井戸|Honekui no Ido}} by a [[Ōmukade|centipede demon]] and sent back in time to the [[Sengoku period]] in 1546. The Shikon Jewel manifests from within the body of Kagome, who is Kikyo's [[reincarnation]], and she desperately frees Inuyasha from the tree to kill the centipede demon. When Inuyasha threatens her, Kikyo's sister [[List of Inuyasha characters#Kaede|Kaede]] subdues him with a [[magatama|magical bead]] necklace to keep him under control. Later, Kagome inadvertently shatters the Shikon Jewel into many shards with an arrow, and they scatter across Japan and into the possession of various demons and humans.

However, the yōkai manages to attack Kagome and remove an object from Kagome's body, the Shikon no Tama. While the yōkai is easily destroyed, it is Kagome's duty to protect the jewel from both yōkai and corrupt humans who seek to use it to gain power - including Inuyasha, who desires to use the jewel in order to become a [[Yōkai]].

Inuyasha obtains [[List of Inuyasha characters#Toga the Great Dog-Demon|his father]]'s sword Tessaiga, which places him at odds with his older half-brother [[List of Inuyasha characters#Sesshomaru|Sesshomaru]], the wielder of Tenseiga. Inuyasha aids Kagome in collecting the shards and dealing with the threats they come across. On their journey, the presence of [[List of Inuyasha characters#Naraku|Naraku]], a spider half-demon who was responsible for manipulating Inuyasha and Kikyo, comes to light. While pursuing Naraku, Inuyasha and Kagome recruit the young fox demon [[List of Inuyasha characters#Shippo|Shippō]], the perverted [[Bhikkhu|monk]] [[List of Inuyasha characters#Miroku|Miroku]] (whose hand was cursed by Naraku), and the demon slayer [[List of Inuyasha characters#Sango|Sango]] and her two-tailed demon cat [[List of Inuyasha characters#Kirara|Kirara]]. Sango's clan was killed when they were tricked by Naraku, and her younger brother [[List of Inuyasha characters#Kohaku|Kohaku]] fell under his control. Over time, Inuyasha enhances Tessaiga into stronger forms while defeating his enemies. His team is loosely allied with Sesshomaru, whom Naraku attempted to manipulate; the resurrected Kikyo, who plans to purify the Shikon Jewel if all shards are collected; and [[List of Inuyasha characters#Koga|Kōga]], the leader of a wolf demon tribe who seeks to avenge his comrades whom Naraku killed. As Inuyasha and his friends journey together, he and Kagome begin to fall in love with one another, which is complicated by Inuyasha's lingering feelings for Kikyo.

However, when the jewel is shattered, Kagome and Inuyasha must team up to recover the shards before they get into the wrong hands. While they gain valuable allies along the way with the monk (Hōshi) [[Miroku (Inuyasha)|Miroku]], yōkai exterminator (taijiya) [[Sango (Inuyasha)|Sango]], and yōkai-fox (kitsune) [[Shippo]], they find adversaries in Inuyasha's older brother [[Sesshomaru]], a resurrected [[Kikyo]], and the malicious [[Naraku]].

Desperately hunted by his enemies, Naraku temporarily removes his heart and wounds Kikyo. Kohaku, having been previously killed but later revived by Naraku and kept alive and under his control by a Shikon Jewel shard, eventually regains his free will and memories, and attempts to escape Naraku's group. During that time, Sesshomaru settles his feud with Inuyasha to enable his brother to perfect Tessaiga to its optimal abilities. Kikyo sacrifices herself to give life to Kohaku, and Naraku collects all the shards to restore the Shikon Jewel. As he is slain by Inuyasha and his allies, Naraku reveals his true desire for Kikyo, despite his hatred towards her, and he uses his wish to trap himself and Kagome inside the Shikon Jewel before dying. Revealed to be sentient, the Shikon Jewel intends for Kagome to make a selfish wish so that she and Naraku will be trapped in an eternal conflict, thus prolonging the Jewel's existence. However, with Inuyasha by her side, Kagome wishes for the Shikon Jewel to disappear forever, allowing her to return to her time with the well sealed, and she and Inuyasha lose contact for three years.

==Title dispute==

There is a long-standing debate about the proper English spelling of the title character's name. Variant spellings include "Inuyasha", "InuYasha", "Inu Yasha", and "Inu-Yasha". Fans of the series often use "IY" (or less rarely, "Inu"), especially on fansites, although it is considered to be more of an abbreviation than an actual name. Since Japanese does not use spacing or capitalization, there is no "correct" spelling. So far, the 'official' spelling is "InuYasha", but fandom inertia (such as at fanfiction.net, where Inuyasha has a massive fanbase that grows more or less hourly) has largely held on to "Inuyasha". This may be in part to the fact that none of the other characters in the series has names with multiple capitals & the Japanese English logo used for the movies. Since 'Inuyasha' translates to 'Dogdemon' (see article head), InuYasha (DogDemon) clarifies the amalgamation of the name.

In that time, the Sengoku period changes drastically: Sango and Miroku marry and have three children together, Kohaku continues his role as a demon slayer, and Shippō trains to make his demon magic stronger. Back in the present, Kagome graduates from high school, and manages to get the Bone Eater's Well in her backyard to work again. She returns to the Sengoku period, where she reunites with Inuyasha, marries him, and continues to train with Kaede and become a topmost-level priestess.

[[Image:InuYashaVolume1.jpg|thumb|InuYasha vol. 1 (Viz graphic novel 2nd edition)]]

== Development ==

This is, again, overkill because there are no capitals in Japanese. Separating the name (Inu Yasha) is more easily readable but may confuse English speakers--Inuyasha is the character's given name, and he does not offer a family name.

Takahashi wrote ''Inuyasha'' after finishing ''[[Ranma ½]]''. In contrast to her previous comedic works such as ''[[Urusei Yatsura]]'' (1978–1987), ''[[Maison Ikkoku]]'' (1980–1987), and ''[[One Pound Gospel]]'' (1987–2006), Takahashi wanted to create a darker storyline that was thematically closer to her ''[[Mermaid Saga]]'' stories. To portray violent themes softly, the story was set in the [[Sengoku period]], when wars were common. Takahashi did no notable research on the designs of samurai or castles because she considered such topics common knowledge. By June 2001, a clear ending to the series had not been established because Takahashi still was unsure about how to end the relationship between Inuyasha and Kagome. Furthermore, Takahashi said that she did not have an ending to previous manga she wrote during the beginning, having figured them out as their serialization progressed.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Animerica|date=June 2001|issue=6|issn=1067-0831|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|title=Inuyasha Comes to America|author1=Yoshida, Toshifumi|author2=Nakatani, Andy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Horibuchi|first=Seiji|title=Rumiko Takahashi – Interview by Seiji Horibuchi|url=http://www.viz.com/products/series/inuyasha/interview.shtml|publisher=[[Animerica]]|via=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=November 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020209202447/http://www.viz.com/products/series/inuyasha/interview.shtml|archive-date=February 9, 2002}}</ref>

== Media ==

Cartoon Network, the US anime licensee, and Viz Media which publishes the English version of the manga and produces the English dub of the anime use "InuYasha" (Viz formerly used "Inu-Yasha" in the title but switched to the current "InuYasha". Viz still uses the spelling "Inu-Yasha" in the text of the graphic novels). This is an example of the disputes that often arise with romanization. In Japan though, it’s spelled Inuyasha.

=== Manga ===

{{See also|List of Inuyasha volumes{{!}}List of ''Inuyasha'' volumes}}

''Inuyasha'' is written and illustrated by [[Rumiko Takahashi]]. The series debuted in [[Shogakukan]]'s [[Shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Weekly Shōnen Sunday]]'' (issue #50, 1996) on November 13, 1996.<ref name="Ex">{{cite web|url=http://www.ex.org/1.x/14-shonen1.html|title=Shonen Sunday, 1996 Issue 50|first=Eri|last=Izawa|date=December 1996|access-date=February 9, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130112174508/http://www.ex.org/1.x/14-shonen1.html|archive-date=January 12, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Inoa|first=Christopher|title=The Fairy Tale of Inuyasha: 20 Years Later|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2020-09-28/the-fairy-tale-of-inuyasha-20-years-later/.164481|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930205710/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2020-09-28/the-fairy-tale-of-inuyasha-20-years-later/.164481|archive-date=September 30, 2020|date=September 28, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Inuyasha'' finished after an 11 year and seven month run in the magazine (issue #29, 2008) on June 18, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-10/inuyasha-confirmed-to-end-next-wednesday-in-japan|title=Inuyasha Confirmed to End Next Wednesday in Japan|date=June 10, 2008|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 14, 2010|archive-date=August 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831083907/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-10/inuyasha-confirmed-to-end-next-wednesday-in-japan|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:2008年06月18日のアーカイブ|url=http://manganohi.jp/2008/06/18/|website=manganohi.jp|access-date=November 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925012015/http://manganohi.jp/2008/06/18/|archive-date=September 25, 2008|language=ja|date=June 18, 2008|quote={{lang|ja|大長編戦国御伽草子、感動の大団円!!</p><p>『犬夜叉』　高橋留美子</p><p>四魂の玉との長き闘いが終わり、三年の月日が流れた。犬夜叉とかごめ、そして仲間たちの未来は!?　約12年間に渡って繰り広げられた犬夜叉たちの物語が、ここに堂々完結！　感動の最終回!!</p>}}}}</ref> Its 558 chapters were collected in 56 {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes by Shogakukan, released from April 18, 1997,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:犬夜叉 1|trans-title=Inuyasha 1|url=http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=409125201X|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|language=Japanese|access-date=June 13, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218142613/http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_dtl?isbn=409125201X|archive-date=February 18, 2013}}</ref> to February 18, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:犬夜叉 56|trans-title=Inuyasha 56|url=http://www.shogakukan.co.jp/comics/detail/_isbn_9784091215802|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|language=Japanese|access-date=June 13, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910053504/http://www.shogakukan.co.jp/comics/detail/_isbn_9784091215802|archive-date=September 10, 2012}}</ref> Shogakukan re-published the series in a 30-volume {{Transliteration|ja|[[Tankōbon#Wide-ban|wide-ban]]}} edition, released from January 18, 2013,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:犬夜叉 ワイド版 １|url=https://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/book?isbn=9784091241221|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201025091432/https://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/book?isbn=9784091241221|archive-date=October 25, 2020|language=ja|url-status=live|date = 28 June 2016}}</ref> to June 18, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:犬夜叉 ワイド版 ３０|url=https://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/book?isbn=9784091241658|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201025091746/https://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/book?isbn=9784091241658|archive-date=October 25, 2020|language=ja|url-status=live|date = 28 June 2016}}</ref> Takahashi published a special epilogue chapter, titled {{Nihongo|"Since Then"|あれから|Are kara}}, in ''Weekly Shōnen Sunday'' on February 6, 2013, as part of the "Heroes Come Back" anthology, which comprised short stories by manga artists to raise funds for recovery of the areas afflicted by the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Komatsu|first=Mikikazu|url=http://www.crunchyroll.ca/anime-news/2012/12/26/inuyasha-one-shot-manga-returns-in-quake-charity|title="Inuyasha" One-Shot Manga Returns in Quake Charity|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|date=December 26, 2012|access-date=March 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213002439/http://www.crunchyroll.ca/anime-news/2012/12/26/inuyasha-one-shot-manga-returns-in-quake-charity|archive-date=December 13, 2013}}</ref> The chapter was later included in the last volume of the ''wide-ban'' edition of the manga in 2015,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:「犬夜叉」最終回から半年後描いた新作がサンデーに|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/84387|website=[[Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=October 25, 2020|language=ja|date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028205551/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/84387|url-status=live}}</ref> and was published again in ''[[Shōnen Sunday S]]'' on October 24, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:少年サンデーＳ（スーパー） ２０２０年１２月号|url=https://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/magazine?cd=2066612120|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201027045534/https://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/magazine?cd=2066612120|archive-date=October 27, 2020|language=ja|date = 28 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:高橋留美子が「犬夜叉」×「半妖の夜叉姫」イラスト描き下ろし、複製原画も|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/401926|website=[[Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=October 27, 2020|language=ja|date=October 24, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026220407/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/401926|url-status=live}}</ref>

In North America, ''Inuyasha'' has been licensed for English language release by [[Viz Media]], initially titled as ''Inu-Yasha''. They began publishing the manga in April 1997 in an [[American comic book]] format, each issue containing two or three chapters from the original manga, and the last issue was released in February 2003, which covered up until the original Japanese 14th volume.<ref>{{cite web|title=Inu-Yasha|url=http://www.viz.com/inuyasha/inuf.shtml|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980613044328/http://www.viz.com/inuyasha/inuf.shtml|archive-date=June 13, 1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Inu-Yasha|url=http://www.viz.com/products/series/inuyasha/products.shtml|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011209065830/http://www.viz.com/products/series/inuyasha/products.shtml|archive-date=December 9, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Next Month's Viz-In : February 2003|url=http://www.viz.com/news/vizin/future.html|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030211023517/http://www.viz.com/news/vizin/future.html|archive-date=February 11, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|title=Viz Discontinued Comics Information|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-05-08/viz-discontinued-comics-information|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 25, 2020|date=May 8, 2003|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107075001/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-05-08/viz-discontinued-comics-information|url-status=live}}</ref> Viz Media started publishing the series in a first trade-paperback edition, with 12 volumes published from July 6, 1998, to October 6, 2002.<ref>{{cite book|title=Inu-Yasha : A Feudal Fairy Tale, Vol. 1|isbn=1569312621|last=Takahashi|first=Rumiko|year=1998|publisher=Viz Communications }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Inu-Yasha : A Feudal Fairy Tale, Vol. 12|isbn=1591160235|last=Takahashi|first=Rumiko|year=2002|publisher=Viz Communications }}</ref> A second edition began with the 13th volume, released on April 9, 2003,<ref>{{cite web|title=Inuyasha, Volume 13|url=http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-volume-13/1515|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427025615/http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-volume-13/1515|archive-date=April 27, 2014}}</ref> and the first 12 volumes, following this edition, were reprinted as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=Inuyasha, Volume 1|url=http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-volume-1/1491|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511055428/http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-volume-1/1491|archive-date=May 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Inuyasha, Volume 12|url=http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-volume-12/2220|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427025615/http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-volume-12/2220|archive-date=April 27, 2014}}</ref> Up until the 37th volume, Viz Media published the series in left-to-right orientation,<ref name="unflipped">{{cite news|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-23/viz-to-publish-inuyasha-with-unflipped-page-layout|title=Viz to Publish Inuyasha Monthly with 'Unflipped' Page Layout|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=April 29, 2009|access-date=May 2, 2014|archive-date=April 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411120751/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-23/viz-to-publish-inuyasha-with-unflipped-page-layout|url-status=live}}</ref> and with the release of the 38th volume on July 14, 2009, they published the remaining volumes in "unflipped" right-to-left page layout.<ref name="unflipped"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Inuyasha, Volume 38|url=http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-volume-38/7572|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427025615/http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-volume-38/7572|archive-date=April 27, 2014}}</ref> Viz Media published the 56th and final volume of ''Inuyasha'' on January 11, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Inuyasha, Volume 56|url=http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-volume-56/8867|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427025615/http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-volume-56/8867|archive-date=April 27, 2014}}</ref> In 2009, Viz Media began publishing the series in their 3-in-1 omnibus volume "VizBig" edition, with the original unflipped chapters. The 18 volumes were released from November 10, 2009, to February 11, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Inuyasha (VIZBIG Edition), Vol. 1|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/inuyasha-vizbig-edition-volume-1/product/2160|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 25, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028210421/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/inuyasha-vizbig-edition-volume-1/product/2160|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Inuyasha (VIZBIG Edition), Vol. 18|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/inuyasha-vizbig-edition-volume-18/product/2177|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 25, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028205544/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/inuyasha-vizbig-edition-volume-18/product/2177|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 15, 2020, Viz released the 18 volumes digitally.<ref>{{cite web|title=Inuyasha (VIZBIG Edition), Vol. 1 [Digital]|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/inuyasha-vizbig-edition-volume-1/product/2160/digital|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=December 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217170056/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/inuyasha-vizbig-edition-volume-1/product/2160/digital|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Inuyasha (VIZBIG Edition), Vol. 18 [Digital]|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/inuyasha-vizbig-edition-volume-18/product/2177/digital|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=December 16, 2020|archive-date=April 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424082035/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/inuyasha-vizbig-edition-volume-18/product/2177/digital|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Popularity==

Since its introduction on [[Cartoon Network]]'s [[Adult Swim]] block in August 2002, the ranks of ''Inuyasha'' fans have swelled to the point where most fans call the program a "cult" and its fans "rabid zealots". The show is so popular that, although it has been taken off the air many times in its run (in order to make way for shows such as ''[[Kikaider]]'', ''[[The Big O]]'', and ''[[FLCL]]''), it has always been reinstated due to the demands of viewers. After a while, Adult Swim's producers and programmers became sarcastic about this, and it became something of a running joke that they were on the side of the viewers, but were at the mercy of superior departments. Practically speaking, the hiatus are likely necessary to give [[Viz Media]] time to dub enough episodes far enough in advance to allow for a several-month-long uninterrupted run.

=== Anime ===

As time progressed, the show was moved to increasingly later viewing hours. In August 2002, it aired at 11:00 PM. In March 2004, it aired at 12:30 AM. In January 2006, Cartoon Network resumed showing new episodes Tuesday nights at 12:30 AM, although repeats are no longer shown. Presumably, the logic behind this is that the fans will not mind staying up later, and other shows can be put between them and their goal. However, the show has proven to be a slightly more mainstream hit in other countries such as on [[YTV]] in Canada, where it is one of the station's highest rated programs running on weeknights at 11:05 PM and the "newest" episode on Fridays at 9 PM. Its popularity has also spread to Latin America where it runs on weekday afternoons.

==== ''Inuyasha'' ====

{{See also|List of Inuyasha episodes{{!}}List of ''Inuyasha'' episodes}}

The first ''Inuyasha'' anime adaptation, sometimes known as {{Nihongo|''Inuyasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale''|戦国御伽草子 犬夜叉|Sengoku Otogizōshi Inuyasha}}, produced by [[Bandai Namco Filmworks|Sunrise]], was broadcast for 167 episodes on [[Yomiuri TV]] and [[Nippon TV]] from October 16, 2000, to September 13, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:■スケジュール＆スタッフ■|url=http://www.nifty.ne.jp/rstation/sunrise/yasya/yasya_st.htm|publisher=[[Bandai Namco Filmworks|Sunrise Inc.]]|access-date=August 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001027205944/http://www.nifty.ne.jp/rstation/sunrise/yasya/yasya_st.htm|archive-date=October 27, 2000|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:犬夜叉|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C10026|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]]|access-date=October 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013151457/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C10026|archive-date=October 13, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Avex Inc.|Avex]] collected the episodes in a total of seven series of DVD volumes distributed in Japan between May 30, 2001, and July 27, 2005.{{efn|First series had 9 DVDs; second series had 10 DVDs; third series had 10 DVDs; fourth series had 5 DVDs; fifth series had 8 DVDs; sixth series had 10 DVDs; seventh series had 3 DVDs.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:犬夜叉 > ディスコグラフィー|url=http://avexnet.jp/item/ainuy/disc/dvd.html|publisher=[[Avex Inc.|Avex Network]]|access-date=August 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081013163310/http://avexnet.jp/item/ainuy/disc/dvd.html|archive-date=October 13, 2008|language=ja}}</ref>}}

In North America, the series was licensed for an English dub release by [[Viz Media]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-07-07/viz-at-ax|title=Viz at AX|date=July 7, 2001|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 10, 2010|archive-date=April 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413053816/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-07-07/viz-at-ax|url-status=live}}</ref> The series was first run on [[Adult Swim]] from August 31, 2002, to October 27, 2006,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-08-08/inu-yasha-on-adult-swim-action|title=Inu-Yasha On Adult Swim Action!|date=August 8, 2002|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 10, 2010|archive-date=June 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628204632/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-08-08/inu-yasha-on-adult-swim-action|url-status=live}}</ref> with reruns from 2006 to 2014. When Toonami became a block on Adult Swim, ''Inuyasha'' aired there from November 2012 to March 2014, when the network announced that they had lost the broadcast rights to the series.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Adult Swim's Toonami Block to Show Tenchi Muyo! GXP (Updated)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-03/adult-swim-toonami-block-to-show-tenchi-muyo-gxp|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=July 18, 2023|date=November 3, 2012|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407235447/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-03/adult-swim-toonami-block-to-show-tenchi-muyo-gxp|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-03-01/adult-swim-toonami-loses-rights-to-run-inuYasha|title=Adult Swim's Toonami Loses Rights to Run Inuyasha|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2014-03-01|access-date=2015-02-21|archive-date=2015-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219123102/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-03-01/adult-swim-toonami-loses-rights-to-run-inuyasha|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 25, 2017, [[Starz]] announced that they would be offering episodes of the series for their [[video on demand]] service starting on September 1 of that same year, where they were available until November 30, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/882819-starz-app-september-2017-movies-and-tv-titles-announced|title=Starz app September 2017 Movies and TV Titles Announced|date=August 25, 2017|publisher=ComingSoon.net|access-date=July 17, 2018|archive-date=July 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724044655/http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/882819-starz-app-september-2017-movies-and-tv-titles-announced|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ingham|first=Alexandria|url=https://hiddenremote.com/2018/10/18/starz-app-november-2018/|title=Everything coming to and leaving the STARZ App in November 2018|date=October 18, 2018|website=Hidden Remote|publisher=Minute Media|access-date=June 26, 2023|archive-date=June 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230626155356/https://hiddenremote.com/2018/10/18/starz-app-november-2018/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series was also streamed on [[HBO Max]] in the United States from August 4, 2020, until August 3, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sherman|first=Jennifer|title=HBO Max Adds The Promised Neverland, Inuyasha, Mob Psycho 100, Madoka Magica, Aldnoah.Zero Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-07-20/hbo-max-adds-the-promised-neverland-inuyasha-mob-psycho-100-madoka-magica-aldnoah.zero-anime/.162047|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=July 19, 2023|date=July 20, 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926233909/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-07-20/hbo-max-adds-the-promised-neverland-inuyasha-mob-psycho-100-madoka-magica-aldnoah.zero-anime/.162047|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ridgely|first=Charlie|title=HBO Max Is Losing a Ton of Movies Next Month|url=https://comicbook.com/movies/news/hbo-max-august-2022-movies-leaving-streaming/|website=[[ComicBook.com]]|access-date=December 27, 2022|date=July 19, 2023|archive-date=December 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227204004/https://comicbook.com/movies/news/hbo-max-august-2022-movies-leaving-streaming/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series aired in Canada on [[YTV (TV channel)|YTV]]'s [[Bionix (TV programming block)|Bionix]] programming block from September 5, 2003, to December 1, 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-08-26/inu-yasha-st-seiya-on-ytv|title=Inu Yasha, St. Seiya on YTV|date=August 26, 2003|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 10, 2010|archive-date=June 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628204701/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-08-26/inu-yasha-st-seiya-on-ytv|url-status=live}}</ref> Viz collected the series in a total of 55 DVD volumes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viz.com/product?id=6573|title=Inuyasha, Vol. 55 (DVD)|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=July 7, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117022922/http://viz.com/product?id=6573|archive-date=November 17, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viz.com/product?id=1914|title=Inuyasha, Vol. 1 (DVD)|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=July 7, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117020618/http://viz.com/product?id=1914|archive-date=November 17, 2011}}</ref> while seven box sets were also released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viz.com/product?id=4663|title=Inuyasha Season 1 (DVD Box Set)|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=July 7, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117064516/http://viz.com/product?id=4663|archive-date=November 17, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viz.com/product?id=8097|title=Inuyasha Season 7 (Deluxe Edition) (DVD Box Set)|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=July 7, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117064605/http://viz.com/product?id=8097|archive-date=November 17, 2011}}</ref> In September 2020, [[Funimation]] announced that they would begin streaming the first 54 episodes of the series and the four films.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Funimation Adds Inuyasha TV Anime, 4 Films to Catalog|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-23/funimation-adds-inuyasha-tv-anime-4-films-to-catalog/.164372|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=September 23, 2020|date=September 23, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925075842/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-23/funimation-adds-inuyasha-tv-anime-4-films-to-catalog/.164372|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are many possible reasons for the popularity of the ''Inuyasha'' series. A likely one is that it is eclectic, including elements from many different genres. At first, the series mainly appears to be action-oriented, and it does indeed have a significant amount of action, with at least one confrontation with an enemy in most episodes. However, it also includes a great deal of comedy (frequently slapstick), many monsters that add notes of the horror genre, and occasional romance. Another probable reason that ''Inuyasha'' is so popular is that it has rather sympathetic characters who are varied enough that most people can relate to at least one of them.

Viz Media also released a separate series of [[Film comic|ani-manga]] volumes which are derived from full-color [[screenshot]]s of the anime episodes. 30 volumes were released from January 14, 2004 to December 9, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Inuyasha Ani-Manga, Volume 1|url=http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-ani-manga-volume-1/2118|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511001135/http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-ani-manga-volume-1/2118|archive-date=May 11, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Inuyasha Ani-Manga, Volume 30|url=http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-ani-manga-volume-30/6977|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510234630/http://www.viz.com/manga/print/inuyasha-ani-manga-volume-30/6977|archive-date=May 10, 2013}}</ref>

Other criticisms include the sheer length of the series in both anime and manga form dragging out certain story points past credibility. Similar to ''Ranma ½'', Takahashi has sometimes been accused by fans of being unable to finish a story effectively; others cite this is merely a desire of the animators and publishers to continue a still-lucrative franchise, as is the case with many other shōnen titles.

==== ''Inuyasha: The Final Act'' ====

Although not an "adult" series, the show airs in this slot due to some occasional, middle to mild violence scenes, such as the one on the first episode where Inuyasha is impaled against a tree.

{{Main|Inuyasha: The Final Act{{!}}''Inuyasha: The Final Act''}}

In July 2009, it was announced that another anime television series adaptation, covering the original 36–56 volumes of the manga, would be made by the first anime's same cast and crew.<ref>{{cite news|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-16/inuyasha-final-chapter-gets-tv-anime-green-lit|title=Inuyasha's Final Chapters Get TV Anime Green-Lit (Updated)|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=July 15, 2009|archive-date=2009-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719053221/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-16/inuyasha-final-chapter-gets-tv-anime-green-lit|url-status=live}}</ref> Titled {{Nihongo|''Inuyasha: The Final Act''|犬夜叉 完結編|Inuyasha Kanketsu-hen}}, the series was broadcast for 26 episodes on Nippon TV and Yomiuri TV from October 4, 2009, to March 30, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:犬夜叉 完結編|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C12102|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]]|access-date=August 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812132831/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C12102|archive-date=August 12, 2023|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|The series first premiered on Nippon TV and two days later on Yomiuri TV.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:TVアニメ「犬夜叉 完結編」、10月より放送開始|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/21046|website=[[Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=August 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128214754/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/21046|archive-date=November 28, 2022|language=ja|date=September 14, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Nippon TV listed the series premiere on Saturday at 26:20, which is effectively Sunday at 2:20 a.m. [[Japan Standard Time|JST]].<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:犬夜叉完結編 公式サイト|url=http://www.sunrise-inc.co.jp/yasya-kanketsu/onair/index.html|publisher=[[Bandai Namco Filmworks|Sunrise Inc.]]|access-date=August 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917224603/http://www.sunrise-inc.co.jp/yasya-kanketsu/onair/index.html|archive-date=September 17, 2009|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the series first premiering on Nippon TV, it completed its first premiere run on Yomiuri TV on March 30, 2010,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:「犬夜叉 完結編」|url=http://www.ytv.co.jp/inuyasha/oaarea/index.html|publisher=[[Yomiuri TV]]|access-date=August 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329074935/http://www.ytv.co.jp/inuyasha/oaarea/index.html|archive-date=March 29, 2010|language=ja}}</ref> days ahead of Nippon TV on April 4,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:犬夜叉 完結編 #26「明日へ」[終]|url=http://www.ntv.co.jp/program/detail/122232331.html|publisher=[[Nippon TV]]|access-date=August 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404014259/http://www.ntv.co.jp/program/detail/122232331.html|archive-date=April 4, 2010|language=ja}}</ref> due to the latter network suspending series broadcast for one week back on January 3.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:12月26日（土）の番組表|url=http://www.ntv.co.jp/program/20091226.html|publisher=[[Nippon TV]]|access-date=August 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091226053108/http://www.ntv.co.jp/program/20091226.html|archive-date=December 26, 2009|language=ja|quote={{lang|ja|犬夜叉　完結編　#13「完全な冥道」}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:01月09日（土）の番組表|url=http://www.ntv.co.jp/program/20100109.html|publisher=[[Nippon TV]]|access-date=August 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110203346/http://www.ntv.co.jp/program/20100109.html|archive-date=January 10, 2010|language=ja|quote={{lang|ja|犬夜叉　～完結編～　#14「奈落の追撃」}}}}</ref>}} In other parts of Asia, the series was broadcast in the same week as its broadcast in Japan on [[Animax (Asian TV channel)|Animax Asia]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/7/26/lifebookshelf/4380809&sec=lifebookshelf|title=Sayonara, Inuyasha|last=Tai|first=Elizabeth|date=July 26, 2009|work=Star Publications|publisher=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]|access-date=February 10, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110621234807/http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F7%2F26%2Flifebookshelf%2F4380809&sec=lifebookshelf|archive-date=June 21, 2011}}</ref> [[Aniplex]] collected the episodes on seven DVDs, released between December 23, 2009, and June 23, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ANSB-9501|title=Inuyasha The Final Act 1|publisher=Neowing|access-date=June 28, 2011|archive-date=January 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119173731/http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ANSB-9501|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ANSB-9507|title=Inuyasha The Final Act 7|publisher=Neowing|access-date=June 28, 2011|archive-date=October 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021062822/http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=ANSB-9507|url-status=live}}</ref>

In North America, the series was licensed by [[Viz Media]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-24/viz-adds-inuyasha-final-act-kekkaishi-anime|title=Viz Adds Inuyasha Final Act, Kekkaishi Anime (Updated)|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=July 24, 2009|archive-date=July 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726001020/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-24/viz-adds-inuyasha-final-act-kekkaishi-anime|url-status=live}}</ref> and the episodes were simulcast via [[Hulu]] and Viz Media's ''Shonen Sunday'' site in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-09-28/viz-media-announces-inuyasha-the-final-act-scheduled-to-stream-in-the-u.s-simultaneous-to-airing-in-japan|title=Viz Media Announces Inuyasha The Final Act Scheduled to Stream in the U.S. Simultaneous to Airing in Japan|date=September 28, 2009|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 10, 2010|archive-date=October 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006065337/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-09-28/viz-media-announces-inuyasha-the-final-act-scheduled-to-stream-in-the-u.s-simultaneous-to-airing-in-japan|url-status=live}}</ref> Viz Media released the series in two DVD or Blu-ray sets, which included an English dub.<ref>{{cite news|last=Santos|first=Carlo|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2012/anime-expo/22|title=Anime Expo 2012 - Viz Media|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=July 1, 2012|archive-date=August 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807180443/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2012/anime-expo/22|url-status=live}}</ref> The first thirteen episodes, constituting the first set, were released on November 20, 2012,<ref>{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases, November 18–24|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-20/north-american-anime-manga-releases-november-18-24|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=August 12, 2023|date=November 20, 2012|archive-date=June 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605064706/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-20/north-american-anime-manga-releases-november-18-24|url-status=live}}</ref> and the last thirteen episodes, constituting the second set, were released on February 12, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases, February 10–16|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-02-12/north-american-anime-manga-releases-february-10-16|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=August 12, 2023|date=February 12, 2013|archive-date=February 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216054954/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-02-12/north-american-anime-manga-releases-february-10-16|url-status=live}}</ref> The series began broadcasting in the United States and Canada on Viz Media's online network, [[Neon Alley]], on October 2, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-09-22/neon-alley-streams-of-english-dubs-to-debut-on-october-2|title=Neon Alley Streams of English Dubs to Debut on October 2|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=September 22, 2012|access-date=September 16, 2013|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921031114/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-09-22/neon-alley-streams-of-english-dubs-to-debut-on-october-2|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 24, 2014, it was announced that [[Adult Swim]] would air ''The Final Act'' on the [[Toonami]] block, beginning on November 15, at 2:00&nbsp;a.m. EST.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ressler|first=Karen|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-10-24/inuyasha-the-final-act-to-run-on-toonami/.80305|title=Inuyasha: The Final Act to Run on Toonami|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=October 24, 2014|access-date=March 22, 2015|archive-date=March 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325213622/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-10-24/inuyasha-the-final-act-to-run-on-toonami/.80305|url-status=live}}</ref>

The series will end its run in Cartoon Network in 2006. However, as no conclusion were included in its plot, and the manga's story is still not finished, there is belief that someday the series's production can be resumed, a fact not uncommon in long running anime series like this one.

==== ''Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon'' ====

== Yōkai in ''Inuyasha'' ==

{{Main|Yashahime{{!}}''Yashahime''}}

While the presence of [[yōkai]] (妖怪, "bewitching apparitions") in Inuyasha is undoubtedly one of the main factors in its popularity, there has been an unfortunate side-effect to their presence in this show: namely, yōkai as mythical creatures from traditional Japanese culture have largely been misunderstood. They are portrayed, in the series, with a few exceptions, as either romantically noble, or vicious and outright evil.

In May 2020, an anime original sequel spin-off television series was announced, titled {{Nihongo|''[[Yashahime|Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon]]''|半妖の夜叉姫|Han'yō no Yashahime}}, which follows the journey of Towa Higurashi and Setsuna, Sesshomaru and Rin's fraternal twin daughters, and Moroha, Inuyasha and Kagome's daughter. It premiered on October 3, 2020.<ref name="yashahime">{{cite web|title=Inuyasha Anime Gets Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon TV Spinoff This Fall|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-05-08/inuyasha-anime-gets-yashahime-princess-half-demon-tv-spinoff-this-fall/.159360|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|date=May 8, 2020|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=May 9, 2020|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513104831/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-05-08/inuyasha-anime-gets-yashahime-princess-half-demon-tv-spinoff-this-fall/.159360|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Inuyasha Anime Spinoff Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon Airs on Saturdays This Fall|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2020-06-21/inuyasha-anime-spinoff-yashahime-princess-half-demon-airs-on-saturdays-this-fall/.160897|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 22, 2020|date=June 21, 2020|archive-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624022958/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2020-06-21/inuyasha-anime-spinoff-yashahime-princess-half-demon-airs-on-saturdays-this-fall/.160897|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Octoberdebut">{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Inuyasha Spinoff Anime Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon's 1st Trailer Reveals Cast, October 3 Debut|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-08-06/inuyasha-spinoff-anime-yashahime-princess-half-demon-1st-trailer-reveals-cast-october-3-debut/.162670|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=August 7, 2020|date=August 6, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807032936/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-08-06/inuyasha-spinoff-anime-yashahime-princess-half-demon-1st-trailer-reveals-cast-october-3-debut/.162670|url-status=live}}</ref>

The series is produced by [[Bandai Namco Filmworks|Sunrise]], with direction by Teruo Sato for the first season and Masakazu Hishida for the second, and main character designs by ''Inuyasha'' author [[Rumiko Takahashi]].<ref name="yashahime"/><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:「半妖の夜叉姫」弐の章|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/anime/227|website=[[Natalie (website)|Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=November 23, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123173852/https://natalie.mu/comic/anime/227|url-status=live}}</ref> Staff from the ''Inuyasha'' anime returned, with Katsuyuki Sumisawa in charge of the scripts, Yoshihito Hishinuma in charge of the anime character designs and [[Kaoru Wada]] as composer.<ref name="yashahime"/> The cast includes [[Sara Matsumoto]] as Towa Higurashi, [[Mikako Komatsu]] as Setsuna, and [[Azusa Tadokoro]] as Moroha.<ref name="Octoberdebut"/>

In traditional Japan, yōkai (or [[obake|obakemono]]) are portrayed as grotesque transformations of objects, animals, or humans found in everyday life; some examples are [[hitotsumekouzo]], a young boy dressed in the clothes of a [[Buddhist]] [[monk]], but with only one eye; or the [[tengu]], a mountain goblin with the body of a man, but with wings and bird feet, and either a beak or a long nose. Then there are [[kitsune]], [[tanuki]] and [[mujina]]: actual animals that exist in the real world, but were thought to have the power to shapeshift.

Viz Media announced the rights to digital streaming, EST, and home video release of the series for North and Latin American territories.<ref name="yashahime"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Frater|first=Patrick|title=Iconic 'Inuyasha' Anime Rebooted as 'Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon'|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/asia/inuyasha-anime-series-yashahime-princess-half-demon-1234603228/|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=May 17, 2020|date=May 11, 2020|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922202807/https://variety.com/2020/tv/asia/inuyasha-anime-series-yashahime-princess-half-demon-1234603228/|url-status=live}}</ref>

While there are some truly vicious yōkai (such as the [[ushioni]], a giant, cow-headed spider living in the ocean, attacking those who wade into its beaches) most are of the mischievous, prankster sort who love nothing more than to scare humans and play practical jokes on them. Most are not downright evil, as portrayed in Inuyasha.

=== Films ===

Nor, on the other hand, are they entirely good. Most encounters of humans with yōkai have negative results, even if those results consist only of running away frightened from a harmless scare. Yōkai are always portrayed as grotesque and bizarre in traditional art and story, and the world of yōkai is completely apart from that of humans.

There are four animated films with original storylines written by Katsuyuki Sumisawa, the writer for the ''Inuyasha'' anime series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_p.php?num_p=132438|title=隅沢克之 のプロフィール|trans-title=Katsuyuki Sumisawa's Profile|publisher=All Cinema|access-date=2010-02-10|archive-date=2011-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723011227/http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_p.php?num_p=132438|url-status=live}}</ref> The films were released with English subtitles and dubbed audio tracks on [[Region 1 DVD]] by [[Viz Media]]. Together, the four films have earned over US$20 million in Japanese box offices.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-09-14/inuyasha-the-final-act-unleashed-same-week-as-japan-across-asia-on-animax|title=Inuyasha – The Final Act Unleashed Same Week as Japan Across Asia on Animax|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=September 14, 2009|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107131229/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-09-14/inuyasha-the-final-act-unleashed-same-week-as-japan-across-asia-on-animax|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first film, ''[[Inuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time]]'', was released in 2001. In the film, Inuyasha and his friends confront Menomaru, a demonic moth warrior brought to life by one of the shards.

There are many stories of [[kitsune]] ([[foxes]]), for example, who try to pass as human and enter the world of men; but these attempts, while sometimes partially successful, are always uncovered at last, resulting in the kitsune fleeing the scene, leaving things mostly the way they were beforehand.

In the second film, ''[[Inuyasha the Movie: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass]]'', released in 2002, the group seemingly kills Naraku for good and returns to their normal lives, only to encounter a new enemy named Kaguya, a character based on the literature ''[[The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter]]''.

== Characters ==

<!--Keep this section short and sweet.-->

===Inuyasha's group===

<!--These names are NOT to be macronized!-->

;'''[[Inuyasha (character)|Inuyasha]]''' (犬夜叉)

:The male [[protagonist]], a hybrid of a yōkai-dog and a human (called a "han'yō" in Japanese). He has a tendency for massive regeneration after fights from injuries which would kill most people. It is probably a common effect from yōkai powers. Example: Episode 4, when Kagome brings medicine from her time.

;'''[[Kagome Higurashi]]''' (日暮かごめ ''Higurashi Kagome'')

:The female protagonist and a third year middle school student. In the tradition of many Rumiko Takahashi heroines ([[Akane Tendo]], [[Maison Ikkoku|Kyoko Otonashi]]), Kagome can be extremely sweet.

:Inuyasha wears a special bead necklace (known as the Beads of Subjugation) which only responds to Kagome's command: when she yells "Sit!" ("Osuwari!") (Often "Sit, boy!" in the dub) Inuyasha is thrown to the ground. Kagome is known to abuse this power sometimes.

;'''[[Miroku (Inuyasha)|Miroku]]''' (弥勒)

:A Buddhist monk who suffers from an inherited curse that was first visited on his grandfather by Naraku when he was fighting him. This curse created a gaping hole in the palm of his hand (''kazāna'' or "wind tunnel"). While Kazāna is a powerful weapon against yōkai, if the Kazāna absorbs Naraku's large poisonous bees, the Saimyōshō, he becomes poisoned. If the Kazāna is not removed by defeating Naraku, then the Kazāna will one day absorb Miroku himself - this was how his father and grandfather died.

:He has questionable morals asking every pretty woman he meets to bear his child. He falls in love with Sango. But cannot control himself to ask girls to carry his children.

;'''[[Sango (Inuyasha)|Sango]]''' (珊瑚)

:A yōkai slayer ("yōkai taijiya") who hails from a village of professional yōkai slayers. She wields the Hiraikotsu, which is a heavy 7-foot-tall tan-colored boomerang-like weapon made by Sango's father of yōkai bones. Sango is also a tragic victim of Naraku's evil: her entire village was destroyed by Naraku's yōkai. Eventualy falls in love with Miroku as well.

;'''[[Kirara]]''' (雲母)

:Sango's faithful, yōkai-[[nekomata]]; light-tan colored fur, with black stripes on each of her bushy tails (she has two) near the tip, and black-tipped paws. Also called Kilala (pronounced "Kee-Lah-Lah") in the English dub, but spelled Kirara (r's and l's are interchangeable). Kirara can change between two forms, a ferocious yōkai the size of a huge tiger with the ability to fly, and a cute little kitten. Sango often uses Kirara's flying ability in her large transformed form as transportation to keep up with Inuyasha's running and leaping ability (often with Kagome holding onto his back). As well, Miroku and Shippō also use Kirara's large transformed flying ability for transportation.

;'''[[Shippo]]''' (七宝 ''Shippō'')

:An orphaned young yōkai-fox (kitsune) whose father was killed by the Thunder Brothers, and the first character in the story to join Inuyasha and Kagome in their travels as a group. Shippo can shapeshift, but most of his forms look ridiculous and when he does assume a good form, he retains his tail. His other noteworthy abilities are turning into a wooden horse that can fly, leaving a trail of crying mushrooms and acorns, illusionary tricks with toys like his giant spinning top attack, using his race's patented fox fire magic, and making things like leaves or himself multiply. He tends to get into people's business a lot and he often makes cheeky comments which annoy Inuyasha. Shippo and Inuyasha have a kind of brotherly relationship, and Inuyasha often bonks him on the head so Shippo goes crying to Kagome.

The third film, ''[[Inuyasha the Movie: Swords of an Honorable Ruler]]'', was released in 2003. In it, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru forcefully work together to seal the evil Sō'unga, their father's third sword, when it is awakened from its sheath.

=== Supporting characters ===

;'''[[Kaede (Inuyasha)|Kaede]]''' (楓)

:A shrine maiden and sister of Kikyo who protected the village for fifty years after her sister's death. She is the first to recognize Kagome as the reincarnation of her sister.

;'''[[Myoga (Inuyasha)|Myoga]]''' (冥加 ''Myōga'')

:A yōkai-flea who is Inuyasha's source of information. He usually runs away from dangerous situations. He was inintially charged with protecting the remains/gravesight of Inuyasha's father which held the [[Tessaiga]].<ref name="Tessaiga">''Tessaiga'' is called ''Tetsusaiga'' in the English language versions of ''Inuyasha'' that are produced by [[VIZ Media|Viz]]. For more information about the difference in terminology, see [[Tessaiga]].</ref> The Grave was hidden inside the black pearl in Inuyasha's right eye. Myoga also enjoys drinking yōkai blood, and actually saves Inuyasha's life at one point by drinking the poison out of his blood.

;'''[[Totosai]]''' (刀々斎 ''Tōtōsai'')

:An elderly blacksmith who forged the Tessaiga ([[Tetsusaiga]] in the English dub) and the [[Tenseiga]]. He rarely appears unless to repair the damage swords or instruct Inuyasha in hidden powers within the Tessaiga. Tōtōsai can breathe Fire and wields a giant forging hammer. He also is transported by a three eyed ox which can fly.

;'''[[Hachiemon]]''' (八衛門)

:A congenial shape-shifting yōkai who has befriended Miroku. Hachi's natural appearance is a yōkai-[[tanuki]] (Raccoon-Dog). Hachi is short for Hachiemon. Once took the form of Miroku to sell fake seals and get away with the ladies. But when Miroku catches him, he is being assaulted by a spirit haunting a cave.

The fourth and final film, ''[[Inuyasha the Movie: Fire on the Mystic Island]]'', was released in 2004. It follows Inuyasha and his friends protecting a group of half-demon children from four evil demons on an ancient mystical island.

=== Kikyo's group ===

;'''[[Kikyo]]''' (桔梗 ''Kikyō'')

:A shrine maiden who loved Inuyasha and was killed by Naraku fifty years prior (in Inuyasha's time) to the story's start. She is brought back to life by the ogress Urasue. Although she looks alive, her body is still "dead," and she must ingest the souls of the dead to move.

:After a short while, Kikyo's jealousy for Kagome fades and she often appears before the group to help Inuyasha and Kagome during their adventures.

;'''[[Kohaku]]''' (琥珀)

:Sango's younger brother who was once under the control of Naraku. Naraku duisgised himself as a prince, and he called on Sango and the demon slayers to slay a fake demon. Naraku then possessed Kohaku, and Kohaku killed his companions, all but Sango. The castle guards then shot Kohaku and Sango. Sango survived, and Naraku brought Kohaku back form the dead, erased his memory, and used him as a tool. Occasionally, Kohaku would run into Sango and her friends. This is all part of Naraku's sick scheme. He would get Sango and them to trust Kohaku and then he would re-posses Kohaku, once trying to kill Kagome. But Kohaku resisted Naraku, and did not kill Kagome. Kohaku now follows Kikyo in an attempt to fufill Midoriko's will of using the Shikon Jewel to destroy Naraku.

;'''[[Shinidamachu]]''' (死魂虫 ''Shinidamachū'')

:Kikyo's lesser yōkai that collect souls of the dead to sustain her life. Commonly just called "Soul Collectors" by fans.

=== Sesshomaru'sOriginal groupvideo animation ===

A 30-minute [[original video animation]] titled {{Nihongo|''Black Tessaiga''|黒い鉄砕牙|Kuroi Tessaiga}}, was presented on July 30, 2008, at an "It's a Rumic World" exhibit at the [[Matsuya (department store)|Matsuya Ginza department store]] in [[Tokyo]]'s [[Ginza]] shopping district. The episode uses the original voice cast from the anime series.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-09/new-inuyasha-short-to-debut-at-tokyo-takahashi-event|title=New Inuyasha Short to Debut at Tokyo's Takahashi Event|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=July 9, 2008|access-date=September 4, 2008|archive-date=September 4, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904015658/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-09/new-inuyasha-short-to-debut-at-tokyo-takahashi-event|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released in Japan on October 20, 2010, in both DVD and Blu-ray formats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=PCXE-50077|title=It's a Rumic World Inuyasha - Kuroi Tessaiga (Blu-ray)|publisher=Neowing|access-date=July 7, 2011|archive-date=October 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021063042/http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=PCXE-50077|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=PCBE-53732|title=It's a Rumic World Inuyasha - Kuroi Tessaiga|publisher=Neowing|access-date=July 7, 2011|archive-date=October 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021063103/http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=PCBE-53732|url-status=live}}</ref>

;'''[[Sesshomaru]]''' (殺生丸 ''Sesshōmaru'')

:Inuyasha's callous and tenebrous older brother. Unlike Inuyasha, Sesshomaru is a yōkai, an extremely powerful one, who detests humans. Sesshomaru is contemptuous of Inuyasha for being han'yō, and becomes infuriated that Inuyasha inherited the sword called [[Tessaiga]] which has the power to kill a hundred yōkai at once. Instead, Sesshomaru inherited the [[Tenseiga]], a sword which cannot kill the living, but can bring the dead back to life. Inuyasha manages to sever Sesshōmaru's left arm when first the Tessaiga transformed for him.

;'''[[Jaken]]''' (邪見)

:A yōkai who is Sesshōmaru's loyal but weak [[kappa]] servant, a comical character. Sesshōmaru usually treats Jaken badly, often abusing him. But Jaken willingly takes the abuse and continues to fawn over Sesshōmaru. It has been hinted throughout the anime that Jaken's affection for Sesshōmaru may be physical as well, beyond the realm of their master-servant relationship. It is, however, more than apparent that any such feelings are not returned by Sesshomaru.

;'''[[Rin (Inuyasha)|Rin]]''' (りん)

:A mute (for a little while) orphan girl who discovers Sesshomaru in the woods after he is recuperating from a battle with Inuyasha. She brings him whatever scraps of food she can scrounge up. She is later killed by a pack of wolves, and brought back to life by Sesshomaru's Tenseiga.

;'''[[Ah-Un]]''' (阿吽)

:A two-headed yōkai that is Rin's means for protection and transportation. Ah-Un can exhale lightning bolts and fly.

=== Naraku'sSoundtrack groupCDs ===

Multiple [[soundtrack]]s and [[character song]]s were released for the series by [[Avex Group|Avex Mode]]. Three character singles were released August 3, 2005 – {{Nihongo|"Aoki Yasei o Daite"|蒼き野生を抱いて||Embrace the Untamed Wilderness}} by [[Kappei Yamaguchi|Inuyasha]] featuring [[Satsuki Yukino|Kagome]], {{Nihongo|"Kaze no Naka e"|風のなかへ||Into the Wind}} by [[Kōji Tsujitani|Miroku]] featuring [[Hōko Kuwashima|Sango]] and [[Kumiko Watanabe|Shippō]], and {{Nihongo|"Gō"|業||Fate}} by [[Ken Narita|Sesshomaru]] featuring [[Yuichi Nagashima|Jaken]] and [[Mamiko Noto|Rin]]. The singles charted at number 63, 76, and 79 respectively on the [[Oricon]] chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/607115/1/|title=Aoki Yasei o Daite Oricon Profile|work=Oricon Style|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=February 8, 2010|archive-date=July 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094301/http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/607115/1/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/607115/1/|title=Kaze no Naka e Oricon Profile|work=Oricon Style|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=February 8, 2010|archive-date=July 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094301/http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/607115/1/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/607116/1/|title=Gō Oricon Profile|work=Oricon Style|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=February 8, 2010|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604091443/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/607116/1/|url-status=live}}</ref> Three more character songs were released on January 25, 2006 – {{Nihongo|"Rakujitsu"|落日||Setting Sun}} by [[Toshiyuki Morikawa|Naraku]], {{Nihongo|"Tatta Hitotsu no Yakusoku"|たったひとつの約束||That's One Promise}} by Kagome Higurashi, and {{Nihongo|"Abarero!!"|暴れろ!!||Go On A Rampage!!}} by [[Takeshi Kusao|Bankotsu]] and [[Ai Orikasa|Jakotsu]]. The singles charted at number 130, 131, and 112 respectively on the [[Oricon]] chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/631209/1/|title=Rakujitsu Oricon Profile|work=Oricon Style|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=February 8, 2010|archive-date=July 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094308/http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/631209/1/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/631219/1/|title=Tatta Hitotsu no Yakusoku Oricon Profile|work=Oricon Style|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=February 8, 2010|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604091514/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/631219/1/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/631224/1/|title=Abarero!! Oricon Profile|work=Oricon Style|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=February 8, 2010|archive-date=July 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722094315/http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/631224/1/|url-status=live}}</ref>

;'''[[Naraku]]''' (奈落)

:The main antagonist, Naraku (literally means "underworld") is a han'yō that originated from a bandit named Onigumo ("Demon Spider").

;'''[[Kagura (Inuyasha)|Kagura]]''' (神楽)

:A wind sorceress, created as the second detachment from Naraku. Although Naraku's servant, Kagura has an independent mind, and wants to be free of Naraku.

;'''[[Kanna]]''' (神無 ''Kan'na'')

:The manga reveals Kan'na to be the first detachment of Naraku; she appeared later than Kagura and is often (mistakenly) thought to have been created second. She is a yōkai who appears to be a pale little girl with white hair and clothing. She has the power to steal souls with her mirror. Her mirror also has the power to deflect weapons and can be used as a means of [[scrying]].

;'''[[Akago]]''' (赤子)

:Naraku's heart and seventh detachment, he is a baby that can possess anyone with darkness in their heart. His main goal is to control Kagome's mind by finding pain, anger, or jealousy within her heart, and use her abilities to find the remaining shards of the Shikon no Tama.

;'''[[Hakudoshi]]''' (白童子 ''Hakudōshi'')

:Created from Akago's body, he was Entei's master and looks like a 7-year-old child. Like Naraku, his heart is not inside his body, so he is able to endlessly regenerate himself. Created as the seventh detachment of Naraku.

;'''[[Byakuya]]''' (白夜)

:He is Naraku's latest detachment, meant to replace Kagura. He is loyal to Naraku unlike his last few detachments, and has an incredible power of creating illusions. He travels around on a giant origami paper crane.

;'''[[Goshinki]]''' (悟心鬼)

:The third detachment from Naraku who was slain by Inuyasha's yōkai form. Before his death, his fangs broke Inuyasha's Tessaiga and released Inuyasha's yōkai state. Therefore, his fangs were used to make Sesshomaru's second sword, the Tokijin.

;'''[[Saimyosho]]''' (最猛勝 ''Saimyōshō'')

:The Saimyosho are used as spies to see what others are doing from somewhere safe. Naraku also uses them to poison Miroku if he uses his Kazāna.

;'''[[Moryomaru]]''' (魍魎丸 ''Mōryōmaru'')

:One of Naraku's enemies. Due to his telepathic powers, both Kagura and Kohaku suspect he is Akago. He is a 100-foot monster with a human shape, and can shoot blasts of energy from his arm. He was originally a soulless puppet created by Hakudoshi. He is killed in the most recent chapter in the Inuyasha manga when he devoured Naraku. Naraku absorbs his power on the inside and uses it to be reborn.

;'''[[Juromaru]]''' & '''[[Kageromaru]]''' (獣郎丸 ''Jūrōmaru'' & 影郎丸 ''Kagerōmaru'')

:The fourth & fifth detachments of Naraku. Both were slain soon after they were released. Juromaru is a mindless killing machine that obeys only Kageromaru, a snake-like creature with scythes for arms.

;'''[[Muso]]''' (''Musō'')

:The reincarnation of the soul of Onigumo that was expunged from Naraku's body. He's the sixth detachment of Naraku. He was absorbed back into Naraku because it was too early for Naraku to become a full-flegged demon.

;'''[[Utsugi]]'''

:A mysterious demon that has the powers of Shikigami and appears as a female or male counting on which gender of the main character of "InuYasha: secret of the cursed mask" you are playing.

On March 24, 2010, Avex released {{Nihongo|''Inuyasha Best Song History''|犬夜叉 ベストソング ヒストリー|Inuyasha Besuto Songu Hisutorī}}, a [[Greatest hits album|best album]] that contains all the opening and ending theme songs used in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/72704/full/|script-title=ja:あゆ・V6ら完全収録! ｢犬夜叉｣テーマソング集が発売決定|trans-title=Ayu, V6 Complete Collection! "Inuyasha" Theme Song Collection Sale Decided|date=January 23, 2010|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=February 10, 2010|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604092329/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/72704/full/|url-status=live}}</ref> The album peaked at number 20 on the Oricon album chart and charted for seven weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/859020/1/|script-title=ja:犬夜叉 ベストソング ヒストリー|work=Oricon Style|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=2010-06-26|archive-date=2011-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628202734/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/859020/1/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Yōkai-Wolf tribe ===

'''[[Kōga (Inuyasha)|Kōga]] (鋼牙)

:The young leader of a yōrōzoku (yōkai-wolf tribe), Kōga wishes to avenge his fallen comrades who were slaughtered by Kagura, one of Naraku's minions. While brash and arrogant, he is shrewd enough to run from a fight if he thinks he can't win. He has a shikon shard in each of his legs which make him stronger. Although he bickers with Inuyasha constantly, when one of them is in danger, the other will lend a hand.

;'''Ginta''' (銀太)

: Ginta is one of Kōga's followers. His hair is gray with a dark blue piece in the center. He has mostly fur for his armor.

;'''Hakkaku''' (白角)

: Hakkaku is the other of Kōga's followers. He has a white mohawk, chain armor, and a fur hide.

===Characters fromVideo moderngames day===

Three video games based on the series were released for the [[WonderSwan]]: {{Nihongo|''Inuyasha: Kagome no Sengoku Nikki''|犬夜叉 〜かごめの戦国日記|Inuyasha: Kagome's Warring States Diary}}, {{Nihongo|''Inuyasha: Fūun Emaki''|犬夜叉 風雲絵巻|Inuyasha: The Sealed Scroll Picture}}, and {{Nihongo|''Inuyasha: Kagome no Yume Nikki''|犬夜叉 かごめの夢日記|Inuyasha: Kagome's Dream Diary}}.

;'''Kagome's family''': '''[[Sōta Higurashi]] (日暮草太 ''Higurashi Sōta'')''', '''[[Mama (Inuyasha)|Kagome's Mother]] (かごめの母 ''Kagome no Haha'')''', & '''[[Grandpa (Inuyasha)|Kagome's Grandfather]] (かごめの祖父 ''Kagome no Sofu'')'''

:They are the only ones aware of Kagome's double life and often cover for her while she's in Inuyasha's world. Her mother takes Kagome's time travel adventures in stride and makes sure her daughter gets all the supplies she needs (first aid stuff, food); Sōta collects Kagome's homework from school and admires Inuyasha who he calls "Inu no nīchan" ("big brother" in the dub); Grandpa is a shrine keeper and comes up with all sorts of bizarre excuses as to why Kagome is not in school.

;'''[[Hōjō (Inuyasha)|Hōjō]]''' (北条)

:A boy in love with Kagome in the modern era, he is oblivious to the fact that Kagome doesn't seem to be in love with him. He often gives her unusual health-related gifts because of her many "sicknesses" from his family's health food store. Kagome later meets Hōjō's ancestor, Hōjō Akitoki, in Inuyasha's time; both descendant and ancestor are very alike in personality. In real life, the [[Hojo clan|Hōjō clan]] were virtually annihilated during the [[Sengoku]] Era by [[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]].

;'''[[Yuka, Eri, Ayumi]]

: Kagome's three friends from modern day. They are constantly trying to get Kagome to date Hōjō and tries to solve the problems with her love life. They know Inuyasha as "the jealous possessive boyfriend".

A single title, {{Nihongo|''Inuyasha: Naraku no Wana! Mayoi no Mori no Shōtaijō''|犬夜叉〜奈落の罠!迷いの森の招待状|Inuyasha: Naraku's Trap! Invitation to the Forest of Illusion}}, was released for the [[Game Boy Advance]] on January 23, 2003, in Japan.

=== [[Shichi'nintai]] === (七人隊) (Seven-Man Band) ("Band of Seven" in the dub)

:Seven executed mercenaries who were resurrected by Naraku to do his bidding.

;'''Bankotsu''' (蛮骨)

:The leader of the Shichi'nintai; he carries the huge Banryū halberd, but is often confused as a sword.

;'''Renkotsu''' (煉骨)

:Spits fire; resentful of Bankotsu's power and dares to betray him. After Ginkotsu self-destructed to save Renkotsu from Koga, Renkotsu took Ginkotsu's shard and stuck it in his wounded shoulder. Later he killed the injured Jakotsu after his battle with Inuyasha and took his jewel shard. Later Bankotsu gets mad at Renkotsu for hiding the shards and killing Jakotsu. Bankotsu then finishes off Renkotsu and takes his three shards. Ren's final resting place is at the base of Mt. Hakurei.

;'''Jakotsu''' (蛇骨)

:Carries a very powerful sword, the Jakotsutō, which has sneaky retractable blades that make it difficult for an opponent to calculate Jakotsu's next move. Jakotsu is quite openly homosexual, and many fans support a relationship between him and Bankotsu.

;'''Ginkotsu''' (銀骨)

:At first a cyborg that listens to Renkotsu's orders, has robot metal parts on his body, and various amounts of weaponry within (sort of like a feudal era version of a cyborg). He often seems to say what sounds like "gesh" or "yes" from time to time. Later on he is made into somewhat of a mobile vehicle, particularly a tank, when a majority of his original body is destroyed.

;'''Suikotsu''' (睡骨)

:Uses metal claws as weapon, a man with a split personality: one is a nice, caring doctor, and one is an evil murderer; the evil side awoke when he was traumatized by seeing a child being killed in front of him; the only originally good person in the shichi'nintai, he is back to his good self at the moment of his "final" death (after resurrection). He can't live with himself for all the bad things that his bad self did so he asked Kikyo to remove his jewel shard. However, Jakotsu seeing that he is no longer valuable to the Band of seven, uses his sword to remove the shard and present it to Bankotsu.

;'''Kyōkotsu''' (凶骨)

:A giant; large and stupid, his size is his weapon, and proves to be a formidable foe. Even though he looks like a demon, he is actually a human and the weakest of the Band of Seven. He's the first of the Band to make an appearance and is defeated by Koga after he terroizes the western territory of the wolf tribe. It is possible that he could be a [[jikininki]].

;'''Mukotsu'''

:Poison master. He tried to force Kagome into marrying him, but when she tried to get the Jewel shard from his neck, he turned on her and tried to kill her. Sesshoumaru appears moments later, looking for Naraku, and kills Mukotsu after he disrespects Sesshoumaru.

''Inuyasha'' has been adapted into a mobile game released for [[Java (programming language)|Java]] and [[Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless|Brew]] handsets on June 21, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311024227/http://www.glu.com/games/game.php?game=inuyasha|archive-date=March 11, 2007|url=http://www.glu.com/games/game.php?game=inuyasha|title=Inuyasha (Game)|publisher=www.glu.com|access-date=January 2, 2016}}</ref>

=== Other characters ===

;'''[[Midoriko]]''' (翠子)

:A shrine maiden of great spiritual power from many centuries before the Sengoku period. Her soul was locked in battle with a yōkai's soul inside the Shikon no Tama, and the jewel came out of her body.

;'''[[Tsubaki (Inuyasha)|Tsubaki]]''' (椿)

:A dark shrine maiden who made a deal with a yōkai to retain her youth and beauty. In her youth, she was Kikyō's rival and sees her chance at revenge when she encounters Kagome. She met her end when Naraku lured her to do his bidding with the almost complete Shikon no Tama and her underestimation of Kagome's abilities.

;'''[[Onigumo]]''' (鬼蜘蛛)

:The human bandit whose lust and greed was the catalyst for the creation of Naraku. Taken from the legendary [[tsuchigumo]].

;'''[[Entei (Inuyasha)|Entei]]''' (炎蹄)

:A yōkai horse who serves only the most powerful yōkai.

;'''Kocho and Asuka'''

:Kikyō's shikigami that summoned Kagome when Kikyō needed to be purified of Naraku's shōki and act as messengers to Inuyasha when Kikyō wants to speak to him. Both are powerful and capable of erecting barriers all by themselves.

Two titles were released for the [[PlayStation]]: an RPG simply titled ''[[Inuyasha (video game)|Inuyasha]]'', and the fighting game ''[[Inuyasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale]]'', the latter of which was released in North America. For the [[PlayStation 2]], the two released games were the RPG ''[[Inuyasha: The Secret of the Cursed Mask]]'' and the fighting game ''[[Inuyasha: Feudal Combat]]'', which also received an English version. An English-only RPG, ''[[Inuyasha: Secret of the Divine Jewel]]'', was released for the [[Nintendo DS]] on January 23, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/objects/855/855302.html|title=Inuyasha: Secret of the Divine Jewel - Nintendo DS - IGN|publisher=Ds.ign.com|date=2007-01-23|access-date=2015-02-21|archive-date=2011-12-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203090055/http://ds.ign.com/objects/855/855302.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Cameo appearances ===

[[Shin'ichi Kudo]] (''Jimmy Kudo'') and [[Ran Mori]] (''[[Rachel Moore]]'') of [[Detective Conan]] (''Case Closed'') make a cameo appearance in episode 128. ''Detective Conan'' is published on Shonen Sunday along with ''Inuyasha''.

Inuyasha appeared in the crossover video game ''[[Sunday vs Magazine: Shūketsu! Chōjō Daikessen]]'' as a playable character.<ref name="Sunday vs Magazine's Characters">{{cite web|url=http://www.konami.jp/sunmaga/vs/character/index.html|title=サンデー VS マガジン 集結！ 頂上大決戦:Sunday VS Magazine: Shūketsu! Chōjō Daikessen|publisher=[[Konami]]|language=ja|access-date=2012-01-22|archive-date=2012-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221025603/http://www.konami.jp/sunmaga/vs/character/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Game Characters ===

;'''[[Michiru Kururugi (Inuyasha)]]'''

:The male version of the main character in the game "InuYasha: secret of the cursed mask", he has the mysterious and powerful powers of Shikigami that comes down to some elements like fire, water, wind and light...there are animals symbols for his elemental attacks.

Inuyasha's sword, Tessaiga, has appeared in ''[[Monster Hunter]]'' as a craftable weapon using items gained from a special event.<ref>{{cite magazine|script-title=ja:イベントクエスト“犬夜叉・大妖の牙を求めて”でコラボ武器の素材を入手！ 『モンスターハンター3（トライ）』|url=https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1227392_1124.html|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090912075624/https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1227392_1124.html|archive-date=September 12, 2009|language=ja|date=September 9, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

;'''[[Kaname Kururugi (Inuyasha)]]'''

:The female version of the main character in the game "InuYasha: secret of the cursed mask", he has the mysterious and powerful powers of Shikigami that comes down to some elements like fire, water, wind and light...there are animals symbols for his elemental attacks.

An English-language original [[collectible card game]] created by [[Score Entertainment]] was released on October 20, 2004.<ref name="DUMMIES">{{cite book|title=Trading Card Games For Dummies|url=https://archive.org/details/tradingcardgames00kauf|url-access=registration|last1=Kaufeld|first1=John|last2=Smith|first2=Jeremy|publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]]|year=2006|isbn=0470044071}}</ref>

;'''[[Kakuju]]'''

:An mysterious old man or woman that appears in "InuYasha: secret of the cursed mask", he/she helps out the main character by teaching he/she about Shikigami and more...including he/she has some past connection with Utsugi.

=== AnimeLight novel ===

A light novel, written by Tomoko Komparu and illustrated by [[Rumiko Takahashi]], was published by [[Shogakukan]] on December 10, 2004.<ref>{{cite book|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001014237/http://www.shogakukan.co.jp/comics/detail/_isbn_4091278116|archive-date=October 1, 2013|url=http://www.shogakukan.co.jp/comics/detail/_isbn_4091278116|script-title=ja:小説 犬夜叉|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|date=December 10, 2004|access-date=January 2, 2016}}</ref>

=== Theme songs ===

*OP (Opening Theme)

*# "CHANGE THE WORLD" <u>(1~2: Eps 1~34)</u>

*#* Written by: ''Rie Matsumoto'', Composed by: ''Miki Watanabe'', Arranged by: ''Keiichi Ueno'', Performed by '''[[V6 (band)|V6]]'''

*# "I am" <u>(2~3: Eps 35~64)</u>

*#* words: ''hitomi'', music: ''Masato Kitano'', arrangement: ''Zentaro Watanabe'', Performed by: '''[[hitomi]]'''

*# "Owarinai Yume"; <u>終わりない夢</u> (''Unending Dream'') <u>(3~4: Eps 65~95)</u>

*#* Written by: ''Nanase Aikawa'', Composed by: ''Hiroshi Shibazaki'', Arranged by: ''KANAME'', Performed by: '''[[Nanase Aikawa]]'''

*# "Grip!" <u>(4~5~6: Eps 96~127)</u>

*#* words: ''Kaori Mochida'', music: ''Kazuhiro Kara'', arrangement: ''HAL'', Performed by: '''[[Every Little Thing]]'''

*# "One Day, One Dream" <u>(6: Eps 128~153)</u>

*#* Written by: ''Hideyuki Kohata'', Composed by: ''Kei Yoshikawa'', Arranged by: ''CHOKKAKU'', Performed by: '''[[Tackey & Tsubasa]]'''

*# "ANGELUS - ANJERASU"; <u>ANGELUS-アンジェラス-</u> <u>(6~7: Eps 154~167)</u>

*#* Written by: ''BOUNCEBACK'', Composed by: ''BULGE'', Arranged by: ''Yasuaki Maejima'', Performed by: '''[[Hitomi Shimatani]]'''

=== Stage plays ===

*ED (Ending Theme)

In 2000, a Japanese live-action [[Play (theatre)|stage play]] ran from April through May in the [[Akasaka ACT Theater]] in [[Tokyo]], around the same time the anime series began production. The play's script followed the general plot line of the original manga, with a few minor changes to save time. A second run of the play ran from January through February 2001 at the Akasaka ACT Theater in Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020208103824/http://ks14.tripod.com/yomiuri.html|archive-date=February 8, 2002|url=http://ks14.tripod.com/yomiuri.html|title=*Anime and News!**The Yomiruri review*|publisher=tripod.com|date=March 2, 2001|access-date=January 2, 2016}}</ref>

*# "My will" <u>(1: Eps 1~20)</u>

*#* words: ''MAI MATSUMURO'', music: ''Y@SUO OHTANI'', arrangement: ''KEISUKE KIKUCHI'', chorus arrangement: ''YAS KITAJIMA'', Performed by: '''[[Dream (Japanese band)|dream]]'''

*# "FUKAI MORI"; <u>深い森</u> (''Deep Forest'') <u>(1~2: Eps 21~41)</u>

*#* words: ''D-A-I'', music: ''D-A-I'', arrangement: ''D-A-I/Seiji Kameda'', Performed by: '''[[Do As Infinity]]'''

*# "Dearest" <u>(2~3: Eps 41~60)</u>

*#* words: ''ayumi hamasaki'', music: ''CREA + D-A-I'', arrangement: ''Naoto Suzuki'', Performed by: '''[[Ayumi Hamasaki|ayumi hamasaki]]'''

*# "Every Heart - MINNANO KIMOCHI"; <u>Every Heart-ミンナノキモチ-</u> <u>(3~4: Eps 61~85)</u>

*#* Lyrics written: ''Natsumi Watanabe'', Composed: ''BOUNCEBACK'', Arranged: ''h-wonder'', Performed by: '''[[BoA]]'''

*# "Shinjitsu no Uta"; <u>真実の詩</u> (''True Song'') <u>(Sn: Eps 86~108)</u>

*#* words: ''D-A-I'', music: ''D-A-I'', arrangement: ''D-A-I / Seiji Kameda'', Performed by: '''Do As Infinity'''

*# "Itazura na KISS"; <u>イタズラなKISS</u> (''Mischievous KISS'') <u>(5~6: Eps 109~127)</u>

*#* words: ''misono'', music: ''北野正人'', arrangement: ''五十嵐充'' & day after tomorrow, Performed by: '''[[day after tomorrow]]'''

*# "Come" <u>(Sn: Eps 128~146)</u>

*#* Music: ''Kask/Mansson/Cunnah'', Lyrics: ''Kask/Mansson/Cunnah'', Japanese Lyrics: ''Yuriko Mori'', Arrangement: ''Cobra Endo'', Performed by: '''[[Namie Amuro]]'''

* "CHANGE THE WORLD" <u>(6: Eps 147 & 148)</u>

*#* Written by: ''Rie Matsumoto'', Composed by: ''Miki Watanabe'', Arranged by: ''Keiichi Ueno'', Performed by '''V6'''

8. "Brand-New World" <u>(Sn: Eps 149~165)</u>

*#* Written by: ''MIZUE'', Composed by: ''Ōyagihirō'', Arranged by: ''家原正樹'', Performed by '''V6'''

* "My will" <u>(7: Eps 166 & 167)</u>

*#* words: ''MAI MATSUMURO'', music: ''Y@SUO OHTANI'', arrangement: ''KEISUKE KIKUCHI'', chorus arrangement: ''YAS KITAJIMA'', Performed by: '''dream'''

In February 2017, it was announced that a stage play adaptation of ''Inuyasha'' would be performed at Tennozu Galaxy Theater in Tokyo from April 6–15 of the same year, featuring Yutaka Kyan from [[Golden Bomber]] as Inuyasha and [[Nogizaka46]]'s Yumi Wakatsuki as Kagome.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-02-04/inuyasha-gets-stage-play-starring-golden-bomber-yutaka-kyan/.111837|title=Inuyasha Gets Stage Play Starring Golden Bomber's Yutaka Kyan|date=February 4, 2017|access-date=February 9, 2021|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125032227/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-02-04/inuyasha-gets-stage-play-starring-golden-bomber-yutaka-kyan/.111837|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/02/06/yutaka-kyan-golden-bomber-yumi-wakatsuki-nogizaka-46-to-star-in-inuyasha-stage-play-in-april|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|title=Yutaka Kyan (Golden Bomber), Yumi Wakatsuki (Nogizaka 46) to Star in "Inuyasha" Stage Play in April|date=February 6, 2017|author=Komatsu, Mikikazu|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-date=February 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207112817/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/02/06/yutaka-kyan-golden-bomber-yumi-wakatsuki-nogizaka-46-to-star-in-inuyasha-stage-play-in-april|url-status=live}}</ref>

*IN (Insertion Songs)

*# "Sotsugyō~Sayonara ha Ashita no Tame ni One Version~"; <u>卒業～さよならは明日のために One Version～</u> (''Graduation~Good Bye's are for Tomorrow One Version~'') <u>(5: Ep 124)</u>

*#* Written by: ''Kenn Kato'', Composed by: ''松本良喜'', Arranged by: ''和田　薫'', Performed by: '''Tackey & Tsubasa'''

== Reception ==

*Movies

=== Manga ===

*# "''Toki wo Koeru Omoi''"; <u>時代を越える想い</u> (''Affections Touching Across Time'')

''Inuyasha'' was one of the Manga Division's Jury Recommended Works at the fifth and 12th installments of the [[Japan Media Arts Festival]] in 2001 and 2008, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=INUYASHA {{!}} Jury Selections {{!}} Manga Division {{!}} 2001 [5th] Japan Media Arts Festival Archive|url=http://archive.j-mediaarts.jp/en/festival/2001/manga/works/05mj_INUYASHA/|access-date=July 25, 2022|website=[[Japan Media Arts Festival]]|language=en|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203095822/http://archive.j-mediaarts.jp/en/festival/2001/manga/works/05mj_INUYASHA/|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=Inu Yasha {{!}} Jury Selections {{!}} Manga Division {{!}} 2008 [12th] Japan Media Arts Festival Archive|url=http://archive.j-mediaarts.jp/en/festival/2008/manga/works/12mj_Inu_Yasha/|access-date=July 25, 2022|website=[[Japan Media Arts Festival]]|language=en|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204122726/http://archive.j-mediaarts.jp/en/festival/2008/manga/works/12mj_Inu_Yasha/|url-status=live }}</ref> In 2002, the manga won the 47th [[Shogakukan Manga Award]] in the {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} category.<ref name="ShogakukanAward">{{cite web|url=http://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/mangasho/rist.html|script-title=ja:小学館漫画賞: 歴代受賞者|trans-title=Shogakukan Manga Award: Successive Winner|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|language=ja|access-date=August 19, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805112042/http://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/mangasho/rist.html|archive-date=August 5, 2015}}</ref> On [[TV Asahi]]'s Manga Sōsenkyo 2021 poll, in which 150,000 people voted for their top 100 manga series, ''Inuyasha'' ranked 28th.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:テレビ朝日『国民15万人がガチで投票!漫画総選挙』ランキング結果まとめ！ 栄えある1位に輝く漫画は!?|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1609599746&p=2|website=animate Times|publisher=[[Animate (retailer)|Animate]]|access-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210103111919/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1609599746&p=2|archive-date=January 3, 2021|language=ja|date=January 3, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

*#* Theme Song: "no more words"

*#** words: ''ayumi hamasaki'', music: ''CREA+D-A-I'', arrangement: ''Naoto Suzuki, tasuku'', Performed by '''ayumi hamasaki'''

*# "''Kagami no Naka no Mugenjō''"; <u>鏡の中の夢幻城</u> (''The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass'')

*#* Theme Song: "Yura Yura"; <u>ゆらゆら</u> (''Rock'')

*#** Lyrics by: ''Kaori Mochida'', Composed by: ''Kunio Tako'', Arranged by: ''Yasuo Otani & Masafumi Nakao & Ichiro Ito'', Performed by: '''Every Little Thing'''

*#* IN (Insertion Song): "Ai no Uta"; <u>愛の謳</u> (''Song of Love'')

*#** Lyrics by: ''Kaori Mochida'', Composed by: ''Kunio Tako'', Arranged by: ''Akira Murata'', Performed by: '''Every Little Thing]'''

*# "''Tenka Hadō no Ken''"; <u>天下覇道の剣</u> (''Swords of an Honorable Ruler'')

*#* Theme Song: "Four Seasons"

*#** Lyrics: ''JUSME'', Music: ''MONK'', Arrangement: ''MONK'', Performed by: '''Namie Amuro'''

*# "''Guren no Hōraijima''"; <u>紅蓮の蓬莱島</u> (''Fire on the Mystic Island'')

*#* Theme Song: "Rakuen"; <u>楽園</u> (''Paradise'')

*#** Lyrics by: ''Ryo Owatari'', Composed by: ''D-A-I'', Arranged by: ''Do As Infinity/Seiji Kameda'', Performed by: '''Do As Infinity'''

*#* IN (Insertion Song): "?"; <u>?</u> (''?'')

By February 2010, ''Inuyasha'' had over 45 million copies in circulation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://license-new.shopro.co.jp/products/detail/43|script-title=ja:犬夜叉|work=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=November 28, 2013|language=ja|archive-date=February 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209085157/http://license-new.shopro.co.jp/products/detail/43}}</ref> By September 2020, the manga had over 50 million copies in circulation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000018.000056322.html|script-title=ja:大人気作品とのコラボレーション！「Tカード（犬夜叉）」10月2日（金）より店頭発行受付スタート!!|publisher=Shogakukan Production|access-date=September 25, 2020|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922052615/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000018.000056322.html|archive-date=September 22, 2020|date=September 15, 2020 }}</ref> Individual volumes from ''Inuyasha'' have been popular in Japan, taking high places in rankings listing sales.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-22/japanese-comic-ranking-october-14-20a|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, October 14–20|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=October 22, 2008|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=June 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612134443/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-22/japanese-comic-ranking-october-14-20a|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-29/japanese-comic-ranking-october-21-27|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, October 21–27|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=October 29, 2008|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=November 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101063842/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-29/japanese-comic-ranking-october-21-27|url-status=live}}</ref> In North America, the manga volumes have appeared various times in ''[[The New York Times]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-11-19/new-york-times-manga-best-seller-list-november-8-14|title=New York Times Manga Best Seller List, November 8–14|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=November 19, 2010|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=January 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123130237/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-11-19/new-york-times-manga-best-seller-list-november-8-14|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-05-21/new-york-times-manga-best-seller-list-may-9-15|title=New York Times Manga Best Seller List, May 9–16|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=May 21, 2010|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=April 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430201713/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-05-21/new-york-times-manga-best-seller-list-may-9-15|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Diamond Comic Distributors]] top selling lists.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-12-03/top-manga-sales|title=Top Manga Sales|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=December 3, 2001|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=March 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307033549/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-12-03/top-manga-sales|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-10-29/top-selling-manga|title=Top selling Manga|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=October 29, 2001|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=September 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917183021/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-10-29/top-selling-manga|url-status=live}}</ref> Moreover, in 2005 ''Inuyasha'' was one of the most researched series according to Lycos.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-12-22/anime-top-searches|title=Anime Top Searches|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=December 22, 2005|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=March 5, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305062727/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-12-22/anime-top-searches|url-status=live}}</ref>

*IM (Image Songs)

*# "Aoki Yasei wo Daite"; <u>蒼き野生を抱いて</u> (''Embrace the Utamed Wilderness'')

*#* Written by: ''Riko Moriyoshi'', Composed by: ''YUPA'', Arranged by: ''YUPA'', Performed by: '''[[Inuyasha (character)|Inuyasha]] ~feat. [[Kagome Higurashi|Kagome]]~ ([[Kappei Yamaguchi]] ~feat. [[Satsuki Yukino]]~)'''

*# "Kaze no Naka E"; <u>風のなかへ</u> (''Into the Wind'')

*#* Written by: ''Gorō Matsui'', Composed by: ''YUPA'', Arranged by: ''YUPA'', Performed by: '''[[Miroku]] ~feat. [[Sango]] & [[Shippō]]~ ([[Koji Tsujitani]] ~feat. [[Houko Kuwashima]] & [[Kumiko Watanabe]]~)'''

*# "Gō"; <u>業</u> (''Karma'')

*#* Written by: ''Gorō Matsui'', Composed by: ''Hideki Satō'', Arranged by: ''Hideki Satō'', Performed by: '''[[Sesshōmaru]] ~feat. [[Jaken]] & [[Rin]]~ ([[Ken Narita]] ~feat. [[Yūichi Nagashima]] & [[Mamiko Noto]])'''

*# "Rakujitsu"; <u>落日</u> (''Sunset'')

*#* Performed by: '''[[Naraku]] ([[Toshiyuki Morikawa]])'''

*# "Tatta Hitotsu no Yakusoku"; <u>たったひとつの約束</u> (''Just One Promise'')

*#* Performed by: '''Kagome Higurashi ([[Satsuki Yukino]])'''

*# "Abarero!!"; <u>暴れろ!!</u> (''Struggle!!'')

*#* Performed by: '''[[Bankotsu]] & [[Jakotsu]] ([[Takeshi Kusao]] & [[Ai Orikasa]])'''

Reviewing volume two for Ex.org, Eri Izawa wrote that ''Inuyasha'' combines many of Rumiko Takahashi's best elements; "fast-paced action, interesting characters, deep doses of imaginative fantasy, a bit of horror, and those famous touches of Takahashi humor." She also praised the "undeniably intelligent and observant" Kagome as refreshing. Izawa described the faults of the series as subtle and minor; feeling that the action sometimes seems to drag a little and that some of the characters are too familiar to those from Takahashi's previous works.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ex.org/2.5/28-manga_inuyasha2.html|title=Inuyasha Vol 2|work=Ex.org|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010808044241/http://www.ex.org/2.5/28-manga_inuyasha2.html|archive-date=August 8, 2001}}</ref> Rebecca Bundy began her review of volume 23 of ''Inuyasha'' for ''[[Anime News Network]]'' by claiming; "Twenty three volumes in and this series still packs a serious punch." She called its balance of action, conversation, and "reflection" perfect, and noted it had plenty of character development for the main cast, sans Koga. Bundy's sole complaint was that she felt the character designs had changed a modest amount since the beginning of the series.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/inuyasha-gn-23|title=Inuyasha GN 23 - Review|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=April 11, 2006|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117214152/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/inuyasha-gn-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Even though they had not read ''Inuyasha'' since around volume six, Manga Life's Penny Kenny said they were able to jump right in with volume 52 thanks in part to the sense of familiarity provided by Takahashi "riffing on the same themes." Kenny stated that Takahashi's genius lies in her "endless improvisations on the standard elements" by adding new enemies and monsters she forces the heroes to up their game and grow as individuals. The reviewer described the art as having little background detail, with Takahashi instead focusing on the characters and their actions. Kenny also noted that, like all of the manga artist's works, the drama is heightened by levity, with each character having their own style of humor.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/INUYASHAv52Review.htm|title=INUYASHA v52 Review|work=Manga Life|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103123214/http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/INUYASHAv52Review.htm|archive-date=November 3, 2010}}</ref>

=== Seasons ===

;'''Original Seasons'''

*Season 1: 1~26

*Season 2: 27~56

*Season 3: 57~86

*Season 4: 87~101

*Season 5: 102~125

*Season 6: 126~159

*Season 7: 160-167

;'''Viz Media Seasons'''

*Season 1: 1~27

*Season 2: 28~54

*Season 3: 55~81

*Season 4: 82~99

*Season 5: 100~126

*Season 6: 127~159

*Season 7: 160-167

=== MoviesAnime ===

The ''Inuyasha'' anime was ranked twenty by [[TV Asahi]] of the 100 best anime series in 2006 based on an online survey in Japan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-13/japan's-favorite-tv-anime|title=Japan's Favorite TV Anime|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=October 13, 2006|access-date=May 3, 2009|archive-date=July 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724155143/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-13/japan%27s-favorite-tv-anime|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[ICv2]]'s Anime Awards from both 2004 and 2005, the series was the winner in the category of Property of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/8047.html|title=ICv2 2005 Anime Awards Part 1|publisher=[[ICv2]]|date=October 1, 2006|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=October 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005071603/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/8047.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/6266.html|title=ICv2 2004 Anime Awards Part 1|publisher=ICv2|date=January 13, 2005|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=June 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611055706/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/6266.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[Anime Grand Prix]] polls by ''[[Animage]]'', ''Inuyasha'' has appeared various times in the category of Best Anime, taking third place in 2003.<ref name="2002 rank">{{cite magazine|script-title=ja:＞＞第25回アニメグランプリ ［2003年6月号］|url=http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2003.html|date=June 2003|language=ja|magazine=[[Animage]]|access-date=August 11, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523151929/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2003.html|archive-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|script-title=ja:第23回アニメグランプリ ［2001年6月号］|url=http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2001.html|date=June 2003|language=ja|magazine=[[Animage]]|access-date=August 11, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213081230/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_2001.html|archive-date=December 13, 2010}}</ref> In the [[American Anime Awards]] from 2007, ''Inuyasha'' was a nominee in the categories of Best Cast, Best Long Series, and Best Anime Feature, but lost to ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist (TV series)|Fullmetal Alchemist]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children]]'', respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/10043.html|title=Finalists for the American Anime Awards|publisher=ICv2|date=August 2, 2007|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=July 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707033210/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/10043.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A 2019 [[NHK]] poll of 210,061 people saw ''Inuyasha'' named Takahashi's best animated work. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were voted first and third place respectively in her characters category.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-11-19/the-results-are-in-for-nhk-ultimate-rumiko-takahashi-poll/.153413|title=The Results are in for NHK's Ultimate Rumiko Takahashi Poll|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=November 19, 2019|access-date=February 7, 2021|archive-date=December 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215231548/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-11-19/the-results-are-in-for-nhk-ultimate-rumiko-takahashi-poll/.153413|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Image:Logo inuyasha movie.gif|thumb|The English movie logo used in Japan]]

*'''1.''' "[[Eiga Inuyasha: Toki wo Koeru Omoi]]"; <u>映画犬夜叉　時代を越える想い</u> (''Inuyasha The Movie: Affections Touching Across Time'')

** Original release date: [[December 16th]], [[2001]]

*'''2.''' "[[Eiga Inuyasha: Kagami no Naka no Mugenjō]]"; <u>映画犬夜叉　鏡の中の夢幻城</u> (''Inuyasha The Movie: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass'')

** Original release date: [[December 21st]], [[2002]]

*'''3.''' "[[Eiga Inuyasha: Tenka Hadō no Ken]]"; <u>映画犬夜叉　天下覇道の剣</u> (''Inuyasha The Movie: Swords of an Honorable Ruler'')

** Original release date: [[December 20th]], [[2003]]

*'''4.''' "[[Eiga Inuyasha: Guren no Hōraijima]]"; <u>映画犬夜叉　紅蓮の蓬莱島</u> (''Inuyasha The Movie: Fire on the Mystic Island'')

** Original release date: [[December 23rd]], [[2004]]

== Distributors ==

[[Sunrise (company)|Sunrise Ltd.]] and [[Columbia TriStar Television]] own the Japanese copyrights. [[VIZ Media]] holds the English copyrights.

== Games ==

;'''Games in [[Japanese]]'''

* "Inuyasha: Kagome no Sengoku Nikki"; <u>犬夜叉 ～かごめの戦国日記～</u> (''Inuyasha: Kagome's Warring States Diary'') <u>([[Wonderswan|Wanderswan (WS)]])</u>

** Release date: [[November 2nd]], [[2001]]

* "Inuyasha"; <u>犬夜叉</u> (''Inuyasha'') <u>([[PlayStation|PlayStation (PS)]])</u>

** Release date: [[December 27th]], 2001

* "Inuyasha: Fūun Emaki"; <u>犬夜叉 風雲絵巻</u> (''?'') <u>(WS)</u>

** Release date: [[July 27th]], [[2002]]

* "Inuyasha: Kagome no Yume Nikki"; <u>犬夜叉 かごめの夢日記</u> (''Inuyasha: Kagome's Dream Diary'') <u>(WS)</u>

** Release date: [[November 16th]], 2002

* "Inuyasha: Sengoku Otogi Kassen"; <u>犬夜叉-戦国お伽合戦- </u> (''Inuyasha: Warring States Fairy Tale Battles'') <u>(PS)</u>

** Release date: [[December 5th]], 2002

* "Inuyasha: Naraku no Wana! Mayoi no Mori no Shōtaijō"; <u>犬夜叉～奈落の罠！迷いの森の招待状～</u> (''Inuyasha: Naraku's Trap! Invitation to the Forest of Illusion'') <u>([[Game Boy Advance|Game Boy Advance (GBA)]])</u>

** Release date: [[January 23rd]], [[2003]]

* "[[Inuyasha: Juso no Kamen]]"; <u>犬夜叉 呪詛の仮面</u> (''Inuyasha: The Cursed Mask'') <u>([[PlayStation 2|PlayStation 2 (PS2)]])</u>

** Release date: [[March 18th]], [[2004]]

* "[[Inuyasha: Ōgi-Ranbu]]"; <u>犬夜叉 奥義乱舞</u> (''Inuyasha: Feudal Combat'') <u>(PS2)</u>

** Release date: [[June 16th]], [[2005]]

* Inuyasha: Trading Card Game ([[TCG]])

;'''Games in [[English language|English]]'''

* "Inuyasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale" (English version of ''Inuyasha: Sengoku Otogi Kassen'') <u>(PS)</u>

** Release date: [[April 9th]], 2003

* "[[Inuyasha: The Secret of the Cursed Mask]]" (English version of ''Inuyasha: Juso no Kamen'') <u>(PS2)</u>

** Release date: [[November 1st]], 2004

* Inuyasha: The Mobile Game - Java and Brew handsets [[http://inuyasha.glu.com/ Mobile Phones]

** [[June 21]] [[2005]]

* "[[Inuyasha: Feudal Combat]]" (English version of ''Inuyasha: Ōgi-Ranbu'') <u>(PS2)</u>

** Release date: [[August 23rd]], 2005

* Inuyasha: Trading Card Game (TCG) - [http://www.inuyashatcg.com/ Main Site]

The English DVDs from the series had sold over one million copies between March 2003 and November 2004, with the first film's DVD topping the [[Nielsen VideoScan]] anime bestseller list for three weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/5859.html|title=Inuyasha Movie a DVD Bestseller|publisher=ICv2|date=October 15, 2004|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=October 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005071615/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/5859.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-11-18/1-million-inu-yasha-dvds-sold|title=1 Million Inu Yasha DVDs Sold|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=November 18, 2004|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107130636/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-11-18/1-million-inu-yasha-dvds-sold|url-status=live}}</ref> By 2016, Viz Media had sold more than {{nowrap|2 million}} ''Inuyasha'' home video units.<ref>{{cite news|title=Viz Media Turns 30|url=https://www.licenseglobal.com/magazine-article/viz-media-turns-30|access-date=31 August 2020|work=License Global|date=3 October 2016|archive-date=31 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831204422/https://www.licenseglobal.com/magazine-article/viz-media-turns-30|url-status=live}}</ref> Mania Entertainment listed the series in an article ranking anime series that required a reboot, criticizing the series' repetitiveness.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/10-anime-series-need-reboot_article_120621.html|title=10 Anime Series That Need a Reboot|last=Lawerence|first=Briana|date=February 16, 2010|publisher=Mania Entertainment|access-date=February 16, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810132840/http://www.mania.com/10-anime-series-need-reboot_article_120621.html|archive-date=August 10, 2011}}</ref>

== See also ==

* ''[[The Holy Pearl]]'', a 2011 Chinese TV series partially inspired by ''Inuyasha''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnhubei.com/news/ctjb/ctjbsgk/ctjb12/201103/t1645851.shtml|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730143835/http://www.cnhubei.com/news/ctjb/ctjbsgk/ctjb12/201103/t1645851.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 30, 2012|title=页面未找到 - 荆楚网|publisher=www.cnhubei.com|access-date=January 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gb.cri.cn/27564/2011/03/22/4945s3193966.htm|script-title=zh:阿娇《灵珠》被质疑抄袭《犬夜叉》 编剧回应|publisher=新京报|author=刘欣|date=2011-03-22|access-date=2015-02-21|language=zh|archive-date=2014-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018162203/http://gb.cri.cn/27564/2011/03/22/4945s3193966.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

* [[Inuyasha media and release information]]

* ''[[Nansō Satomi Hakkenden]]'', a 19th-century novel from which ''Inuyasha'' draws some of its motifs<ref>{{cite book|last=Papp|first=Zília|title=Anime and Its Roots in Early Japanese Monster Art|date=2010|publisher=[[Global Oriental]]|isbn=978-90-04-20287-0|page=38|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AfV5DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA38}}</ref>

* [[Inuyasha Yōkai List]]

* {{Portal inline|1990s}}

* [[Inuyasha special items and attacks]]

* [[Inuyasha voice actors]]

* [[Yōkai]]

* [[Obake]]

== Notes ==

{{Notelist}}

<!--See [[Wikipedia:Footnotes]] for an explanation of how to generate footnotes using the <ref(erences/)> tags-->

<references/>

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

{{Commons category|InuYasha}}

{{wikiquote}}

{{Wikiquote}}

;'''Japanese sites'''

<!-- Please refrain from flooding with image galleries or any fan sites, and instead link out to information sites. -->

*[http://www.sunrise-inc.co.jp/yasya/ ''Inuyasha'' official website] (anime)

*[http {{Official website|https://www.ytvviz.co.jpcom/inuyasha/ Yomiuri Television|Viz's official ''Inuyasha'' page] (anime)website}}

* {{Official website|https://www.sunrise-inc.co.jp/yasya/|Sunrise's official ''Inuyasha'' anime website}} {{in lang|ja}}

*[http://websunday.net/Inuyasha/index.html Web Sunday's Official ''Inuyasha'' Site] (manga)

* {{Official website|https://www.ytv.co.jp/inuyasha/|Yomiuri Television's official ''Inuyasha'' anime website}} {{in lang|ja}}

*[http://avexmode.jp/animation/inuyasya/ Inuyasha: Avex Mode]

* {{Official website|https://www.sunrise-inc.co.jp/yasya-kanketsu/story/index.html|Official Sunrise ''Inuyasha: The Final Act'' anime website}} {{in lang|ja}}

* {{Anime News Network|manga|76}}

{{Inuyasha}}

{{Navboxes|list1=

{{Rumiko Takahashi}}

{{Weekly Shōnen Sunday - 1990–1999}}

{{Shogakukan Manga Award - Shōnen}}

{{Sunrise}}

}}

<!--Discuss in talk page before adding or removing genre-related categories, however, keep in mind [[WP:MOS-AM#Content]]. Thank you.-->

;'''English sites'''

[[Category:Inuyasha| ]]<!-- Please leave the space as per [[WP:EPONYMOUS]]. -->

*{{wikicities|Inuyasha|The Inuyasha Wiki}}

[[Category:Adventure anime and manga]]

*{{imdb title|id=0290223|title=Inuyasha}}

[[Category:Anime and manga about time travel]]

*[http://www.ear-tweak.com/iy_manga/archives_current.htm Ear Tweak.com] - Manga archives (translated into English) of the recently released ''Inuyasha'' chapters, from [[Shōnen Sunday]] (only the recent 8 will be retained by the website)

[[Category:Anime series based on manga]]

*[http://inuyasha.yoll.net ''Inuyasha'' Scripts & Episode Capsules] - Detailed scripts of the English subtitles, trivia, and notes.

[[Category:Aniplex]]

*[http://www.chibiexplosion.com/inuyasha +Lush: the Inuyasha Shrine] - Features minor/major character biographies, episode summaries, voice actors, and various media

[[Category:Bandai Namco franchises]]

*[http://inuyasha.arabuusimiehet.com/ ''Inuyasha'' stuff] - Large InuYasha online merchandise gallery site through manga, dvds, and various cards.

[[Category:Demons in anime and manga]]

[[Category:Exorcism in anime and manga]]

;'''Community and Media English sites'''

[[Category:Fiction about shapeshifting]]

*[http://inuyasha.nu/ Fukai Mori] - Features minor/major character biographies, episode summaries, voice actors, and various media, as well as a community forum.

[[Category:Fiction about Shinto]]

[[Category:Fiction set in 15th-century Sengoku period]]

[[Category:InuYasha|*Fiction set in 16th-century Sengoku period]]

[[Category:ShowsFiction onset Adultin Swimthe 1490s]]

[[Category:Fiction set in the 1540s]]

[[Category:Isekai anime and manga]]<!--https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2017-08-19/.120298-->

[[ja:犬夜叉]]

[[Category:Japanese mythology in anime and manga]]

[[ar:إنوياشا]]

[[Category:Japanese time travel television series]]

[[ca:Inuyasha]]

[[Category:Madman Entertainment anime]]

[[de:Inuyasha]]

[[Category:Manga adapted into films]]

[[eo:Inuyasha]]

[[Category:Nippon Television original programming]]

[[es:Inuyasha]]

[[frCategory:Inu-YashaOdex]]

[[Category:Paranormal romance anime and manga]]

[[gl:Inuyasha]]

[[Category:Romance anime and manga]]

[[he:אינויאשה]]

[[Category:Shogakukan manga]]

[[hr:Inuyasha]]

[[Category:Shōnen manga]]

[[id:Inuyasha]]

[[Category:Sunrise (company)]]

[[it:Inuyasha]]

[[Category:Television shows about reincarnation]]

[[ko:이누야샤]]

[[Category:Television shows about time travel]]

[[no:Inuyasha]]

[[Category:Viz Media anime]]

[[pt:Inuyasha]]

[[Category:Viz Media manga]]

[[ru:Inuyasha]]

[[Category:Winners of the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen manga]]

[[th:เทพอสูรจิ้งจอกเงิน]]

[[Category:Works by Rumiko Takahashi]]

[[uk:Inuyasha]]

[[zhCategory:犬夜叉Yakshas]]

[[Category:Yōkai in anime and manga]]

[[Category:Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation original programming]]