Kaze no Stigma (風の聖痕; lit. Stigma of the Wind) is a Japanese light novel series written by Takahiro Yamato and illustrated by Hanamaru Nanto. An anime television series adaptation directed by Junichi Sakata and animated by Gonzo began airing on April 11 2007.
| Kaze no Stigma | |
| File:Kaze no stigma logo.png | |
| Genre | Action, Fantasy, Seinen, Supernatural |
|---|---|
| Manga | |
| Written by | Takahiro Yamato |
| Published by | Fujimi Shobō |
| Manga | |
| Kaze no Stigma -Kouen no Miko- | |
| Written by | Takahiro Yamato (story) Neko Miyakai (art) |
| Published by | Fujimi Shobō |
| Anime | |
| Directed by | Junichi Sakata |
| Studio | Gonzo |
Plot
Four years ago, Kazuma Kannagi was defeated by his cousin Ayano Kannagi for the right to be the successor of Enraiha, a sword passed down in the Kannagi family. His defeat, along with his lack of talent for En-Jutsu, the fire arts, the Kannagis' specialty, resulted in his banishment from the family. Now, Kazuma returns as Kazuma Yagami, a skilled master of Fū-Jutsu, the wind arts. At the same time, a number of murders at the Kannagi residence perpetrated by a powerful Fū-Jutsushi cast suspicion on him.
Characters
Main characters
- Kazuma Yagami (八神 和麻, Yagami Kazuma)
- Kazuma is a former member of the Kannagi household. He was banished from the family by his father after being defeated by Ayano during the successor ceremony for Enraiha, his family's sacred sword, due to his inability to use En-Jutsu. Four years later, at the age of twenty-two, he returns to Japan as a skilled master of Fū-Jutsu.
- As a Fū-Jutsushi, Kazuma's powers are extensive. Apart from being able to fly even while holding two people, Kazuma can manipulate wind spirits to create a barrier, protecting his body from physical harm, or reflecting light in order to become invisible.
- Kazuma is also a Contractor, having entered into a contract with the Kaze no Seirei-Ou, the Wind Spirit Lord. Thanks to that, Kazuma is able to draw upon all wind spirits in the atmosphere, which can amplify his powers, and allow him to heal his wounds. When using that power, his eyes turn azure blue. However, this ability puts a strain on his body.
- Ayano Kannagi (神凪 綾乃, Kannagi Ayano)
- Sixteen year old Ayano is a skilled En-Jutsushi and the successor to the Kannagi family's head. She is arrogant and irrational, usually taking action by herself even while going against orders. Though she seems undisciplined, she is very proud of her heritage.
- Despite claiming to hate Kazuma, Ayano develops a crush on him. Kazuma is the only person she sees as stronger in power and presence than even her own father.
- Ayano's power is the Crimson Flame, although she is not yet able to consciously control it. She also holds Enraiha, the Kannagi's sacred sword, which she won by defeating Kazuma at the successor ceremony four years before the start of the story. The sword has fire properties and can be summoned by Ayano at any time.
Kannagi family
- Ren Kannagi (神凪 煉, Kannagi Ren)
- Kazuma's younger brother. He looks up to both Kazuma and Ayano as his older siblings.
- Ren's power is the Golden Flame, said to have the largest purification effect.
- Genma Kannagi (神凪 厳馬, Kannagi Genma)
- Ren and Kazuma's strict father. Though he is responsible for banishing Kazuma from the Kannagi family, he only wanted his son to find his own path.
- Genma is the strongest En-Jutsushi of the Kannagi's, and wields the blue God Flame, Shinen, which only eleven others have wielded since the founding of the clan.
- Jūgo Kannagi (神凪 重悟, Kannagi Jūgo)
- Ayano's father and Genma's cousin. He is the current head of the Kannagi family. Jūgo worries about his headstrong daughter. Contrary to the Kannagi doctrine that is based solely on strength, Jūgo has been trying to stop discrimination against the Fūga Clan. He also regrets not being able to stop Kazuma's expulsion from the family.
Others
- Kirika Tachibana (橘 霧香, Tachibana Kirika)
- A detective working for the Tokyo MPD, in charge of investigating crimes related to jutsu.
- She occasionally works together with Kazuma. Her department aims to become the new partner of the Kannagi family, filling the gap made by the Fūga Clan's betrayal. To that end, they assisted the Ōgamis by investigating and tracking Misao.
- Yukari Shinomiya (篠宮 由香里, Shinomiya Yukari)
- One of Ayano's best friends and classmates. Yukari, along with Nanase, would often tease Ayano on her apparent crush on Kazuma.
- Nanase Kudō (久遠 七瀬, Kudō Nanase)
- One of Ayano's best friends and classmates. She and Yukari know about the existence of jutsushi.
- Takeya Ōgami
- A member of the Kannagis, Takeya is part of the party initially sent to bring in Kazuma for questioning. He is killed in the first episode by Ryūya after being knocked down by Kazuma.
- Misao Ōgami
- Sister of Takeya, who was the only person kind to her. Although a kind person at heart, having saved Kazuma from bullying ten years ago, Misao blamed Kazuma for her brother's death, and became a pawn in Michael's plan to take him down. In the end, Kazuma convinced her to atone for her sins by living on, and was later instructed by Jūgo to stay in a convent.
- Tsuo Rin
- The girl Kazuma could not protect. She was used as a sacrifice to summon Lapis, who now resides in her body.
Enemies
- Ryūya Kazamaki
- Son of Hyoue Kazamaki, leader of the Fūga Clan, which served the Kannagis for the last 300 years. In an elaborate plot to release the Fūga Clan's ancient master and take revenge on the Kannagis for the humiliation received since then, Ryūya's body became the host for a powerful yoma. He was later killed in a joint attack by Kazuma and Ayano.
- Michael Harley
- A young boy related to Kazuma's past. He used Misao's anger at Kazuma and promised to grant her wishes. In truth, he only used her as a medium, in order to obtain enough yoki to kill Kazuma. He was killed by Ayano's Shinen empowered Enraiha.
- Wernhard
- Lapis
- The yoma that has taken over Tsuo Rin's body.
Terminology
- Enraiha
- A sacred sword with fire properties, given to the successor of the Kannagi family. Ayano, who won the right to carry it when she defeated Kazuma at the succession ceremony four years ago, is able to summon Enraiha whenever she pleases. Should it be flung from her hand, it can materialize there again.
- Later in the series, Kazuma is shown to be able to use his Contractor powers on Enraiha to temporarily allow the sword to possess the blue God Flame, Shinen.
- En-Jutsu
- The fire arts, which are most effective for combat. Users of En-Jutsu are known as En-Jutsushi and can draw upon Honō no Seirei, the flame spirits. Common powers include fireballs.
- Fū-Jutsu
- The wind arts, which are most effective for reconnaissance. Users of Fū-Jutsu are known as Fū-Jutsushi and can draw upon Kaze no Seirei, the wind spirits. Fū-Jutsushi are able to conceal their own presence and are better at detecting elemental users.
- Chi-Jutsu
- The earth arts.
- Sui-Jutsu
- The water arts.
Media
Light novel
Kaze no Stigma began as a light novel series serialized in the Japanese seinen light novel magazine Gekkan Dragon Magazine, published by Fujimi Shobō, a subsidiary of Kadokawa Shoten. It began serialization in January 2002, and as of April 2007, is still running. Nine bound volumes have been published — six main volumes and three short story compilations. The latest main volume was released on October 20, 2005, and the latest short story volume went on sale in Japan in March 2007.
Anime
Gonzo's Kaze no Stigma animated TV series first premiered on Japanese broadcasting channels on April 11 2007. It is airing in a late night slot.
Episodes
Staff & cast
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Theme songs
- Opening theme
- blast of wind by Saori Kiuji
- Ending themes
- Hitorikiri no Sora by Saori Kiuji
- Matataki no Kiwota (瞬きのキヲタ) by Ayumi Fujimura, Yuka Inokuchi and Shizuka Itō
Releases
The first DVD release of Kaze no Stigma is scheduled for August 242007.[1]
References
- ^ Official announcement. Retrieved on May 19, 2007.
External links
- Official website Template:Ja icon
- Official website at Gonzo Template:Ja icon
- Kaze no Stigma ({{{type}}}) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia