is a Japanese ''
yuri Yuri may refer to:
People and fictional characters
Given name
*Yuri (Slavic name), the Slavic masculine form of the given name George, including a list of people with the given name Yuri, Yury, etc.
*Yuri (Japanese name), also Yūri, feminine Jap ...
''
manga
Manga (Japanese: 漫画 ) are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long prehistory in earlier Japanese art. The term ''manga'' is u ...
series created by
Kaishaku
A ''kaishakunin'' ( ja, 介錯人) is a person appointed to behead an individual who has performed seppuku, Japanese ritual suicide, at the moment of agony. The role played by the ''kaishakunin'' is called ''kaishaku''.
Aside from being spared p ...
. The series, centering on the relationship between main characters Himeko and Chikane, also has elements of
mecha
In science fiction, or mechs are giant robots or machines controlled by people, typically depicted as humanoid walking vehicles. The term was first used in Japanese (language), Japanese after shortening the English loanword or , but the mean ...
themes in its plot.
The 14-chapter series was serialized by
Kadokawa Shoten
, formerly , is a Japanese publisher and division of Kadokawa Future Publishing based in Tokyo, Japan. It became an internal division of Kadokawa Corporation on October 1, 2013. Kadokawa publishes manga, light novels, manga anthology magazines su ...
in the monthly ''
Shōnen Ace'' magazine from 2004 to 2005.
The series was adapted into a 12-episode
anime
is Traditional animation, hand-drawn and computer animation, computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japane ...
by
TNK and
Geneon Entertainment
(abbreviated as NBCUEJ) is a Japanese music, anime, and home entertainment production and distribution enterprise headquartered in Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo. It is primarily involved in the production and distribution of anime within Japan.
Th ...
, which aired in Japan from October to December 2004. A
drama CD
Radio drama (or audio drama, audio play, radio play, radio theatre, or audio theatre) is a dramatized, purely acoustic performance. With no visual component, radio drama depends on dialogue, music and sound effects to help the listener imagine ...
, based on the anime version, was released on November 25, 2004 by
Geneon
(abbreviated as NBCUEJ) is a Japanese music, anime, and home entertainment production and distribution enterprise headquartered in Akasaka, Tokyo, Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, Minato, Tokyo. It is primarily involved in the production and distributi ...
. In North America the manga was licensed by
Tokyopop
Tokyopop (styled TOKYOPOP; formerly known as Mixx Entertainment) is an American distributor, licensor and publisher of anime, manga, manhwa and Western manga-style works. The German publishing division produces German translations of licensed J ...
and the anime by
Geneon USA
(abbreviated as NBCUEJ) is a Japanese music, anime, and home entertainment production and distribution enterprise headquartered in Akasaka, Tokyo, Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, Minato, Tokyo. It is primarily involved in the production and distributi ...
; the anime license was transferred to
Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks, LLC or just Sentai, is an American entertainment company owned by AMC Networks. Located in Houston, the company specializes in the dubbing and distribution of Japanese animation and Asian cinema. Its post-production arm is S ...
in 2009. In 2010, the anime aired on the
Anime Network
Anime Network is an American video on demand (VOD) network dedicated to anime owned by AMC Networks.
History
The network was launched in North America in late 2002 and is marketed to multi system operators (MSOs) as both a free and subscript ...
as ''Destiny of the Shrine Maiden''.
A spin-off manga titled started serialization on the July 2020 issue of
ASCII Media Works
ASCII ( ), abbreviated from American Standard Code for Information Interchange, is a character encoding standard for electronic communication. ASCII codes represent text in computers, telecommunications equipment, and other devices. Because of ...
' monthly ''
Dengeki Maoh
is a Japanese seinen magazine published by ASCII Media Works (formerly MediaWorks). It first went on sale on October 27, 2005, and is sold every month on the twenty-seventh. The magazine features information on video games, manga, and light nove ...
'' magazine.
Plot
Himeko Kurusugawa and Chikane Himemiya are two high-school girls at the prestigious ''Ototachibana Academy'' in the fictional Japanese town of Mahoroba. They are also the reincarnations of the solar and lunar
miko
A , or shrine maiden,Groemer, 28. is a young priestess who works at a Shinto shrine. were once likely seen as shamans,Picken, 140. but are understood in modern Japanese culture to be an institutionalized role in daily life, trained to perform ...
s. When their ancient enemy the Orochi (the eight-headed
Yamata no Orochi
, or simply , is a legendary eight-headed and eight-tailed Japanese dragon/serpent.
Mythology
Yamata no Orochi legends are originally recorded in two ancient texts about Japanese mythology and history. The 712 AD transcribes this dragon name ...
of Japanese folklore) rises once more the girls' long-sealed personas awaken to defend the world. The Orochi awakens on the first day of October (''
Kannazuki
Japanese calendar types have included a range of official and unofficial systems. At present, Japan uses the Gregorian calendar together with year designations stating the year of the reign of the current Emperor. The written form starts with t ...
'', "the godless month," in the traditional
Japanese lunar calendar), Himeko and Chikane's shared birthday. The first Orochi who tries to kill one of the mikos is Sōma Ōgami, Himeko's childhood friend (who is in love with her). However, after a blinding flash of light brings him to his senses, he rejects his fate and vows to defend Himeko against the other Orochi. The mikos must awaken ''Ame no Murakumo'' to combat the threat, while Sōma repels the Orochi's efforts to kill them.
Characters
Miko
;
:
:Himeko, the solar priestess, is a shy, innocent 16-year-old girl with long blond hair, a red ribbon on her head, and a solar symbol on her chest. She has known Chikane for many years, but was unaware of Chikane's feelings about her. At first, Himeko is romantically interested in her childhood friend Sōma Ōgami; their relationship upsets Chikane greatly to the point of where she becomes jealous and at one point she was nearly raped by Chikane. Himeko begins considering Chikane (who encourages her interest in photography) a very close friend, although they usually meet secretly. Himeko is initially timid, uncertain of her own worth; orphaned at an early age, she was initially adopted by abusive relatives before moving to a better family home. At school she seems to have only a few friends one of which is her dormmate Makoto. After the dorms are destroyed, when Himeko goes to live with Chikane she is troubled by the resentment of Chikane's school friends. Despite her timidity, Himeko gradually becomes more determined and courageous. During the last few episodes she realizes and accepts her feelings for Chikane. In both versions whether they are reincarnated as sisters in the manga or total strangers in the anime, Himeko is reunited with Chikane.
;
:
:Chikane, the lunar priestess, is an assertive 16-year-old girl with long blue hair and a lunar symbol on her back. Noble and elegant, she lives in a large mansion with servants and is doing well at school. Chikane has many friends, male and female, some of whom hero-worship her. She belongs to the prestigious
kyūdō
''Kyūdō'' ( ja, 弓道) is the Japanese martial art of archery. Kyūdō is based on '' kyūjutsu'' ("art of archery"), which originated with the samurai class of feudal Japan. In 1919, the name of kyūjutsu was officially changed to kyūdō, a ...
(Japanese archery) club, and frequently uses a bow in confrontations with the Orochi (using an Orochi sign for target practice). She is also skilled with a
tantō
A is one of the traditionally made Japanese swords ( ''nihonto'') that were worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The tantō dates to the Heian period, when it was mainly used as a weapon but evolved in design over the years to become more ...
. Chikane's combat skills resemble those taught to
samurai
were the hereditary military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan from the late 12th century until their abolition in 1876. They were the well-paid retainers of the '' daimyo'' (the great feudal landholders). They h ...
wives while her modern talents include tennis and the piano. She enjoys playing for Himeko who appreciates her music. Many at school think, incorrectly, that Chikane is in a relationship with Sōma. She has loved Himeko since they met, although (despite her jealousy of Himeko and Sōma's friendship) she does not admit it until much later. Chikane's feelings for Himeko border on obsession, and she wants to complete the ''Ame no Murakumo'' summoning ritual quickly so she alone can protect Himeko. She seems to turn evil upon joining the Orochi as the Eighth Head, vanquishing all but two of the Orochi heads (and assuming their place) after sexually assaulting Himeko and tormenting her during their final battle. It is eventually revealed that she did all of this to force Himeko to kill her to spare her from a terrible fate. However in both versions, Chikane is reincarnated and reunited with Himeko.
Orochi
The series' villain is , a god who wants to replace the world of humanity with a place of darkness and nihilism. Like its counterpart in Japanese mythology, the Orochi in ''Kannazuki no Miko'' has eight heads (its eight disciples, also known as ). Each has a
mecha
In science fiction, or mechs are giant robots or machines controlled by people, typically depicted as humanoid walking vehicles. The term was first used in Japanese (language), Japanese after shortening the English loanword or , but the mean ...
, an "other self" for the Orochi's body, with its spirit appearing as a bottomless vortex of darkness. The Orochi's powers are devastating, and only ''Ame no Murakumo'' can undo their destruction after its defeat.
Each disciple has exaggerated individual characteristics. Orochi gave its followers great physical strength and endurance, a limited capacity for
teleportation
Teleportation is the hypothetical transfer of matter or energy from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them. It is a common subject in science fiction literature and in other popular culture. Teleportation is oft ...
and
levitation
Levitation (from Latin ''levitas'' "lightness") is the process by which an object is held aloft in a stable position, without mechanical support via any physical contact.
Levitation is accomplished by providing an upward force that counteracts ...
and an individual power (or weapon). If a disciple can suppress the rage caused by Orochi, they can use their powers against it; however, Orochi severely punishes those who resist it. The god chooses its followers from those who have experienced great pain in their lives and have surrendered to despair; they include a
sociopathic
Psychopathy, sometimes considered synonymous with sociopathy, is characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy and remorse, and bold, disinhibited, and egotistical traits. Different conceptions of psychopathy have been u ...
criminal, an unintelligent brute, a former
Japanese idol
An is a type of entertainer marketed for image, attractiveness, and personality in Japanese pop culture. Idols are primarily singers with training in acting, dancing, and modeling. Idols are commercialized through merchandise and endorsements b ...
, an anti-social
manga artist
A is a comic artist who writes and/or illustrates manga. As of 2006, about 3,000 professional manga artists were working in Japan.
Most manga artists study at an art college or manga school or take on an apprenticeship with another artist be ...
, a
catgirl
A is a female kemonomimi character with feline traits, such as , a cat tail, or other feline characteristics on an otherwise human body. Catgirls are found in various fiction genres and in particular Japanese anime and manga. Catboy is a term f ...
, a seemingly traitorous friend and a disillusioned nun, with only one of them, the criminal's brother, being able to temporarily resist the god's influence completely. They are uncooperative, and do not coordinate attacks on the miko until halfway through the series. By the series' end the followers are restored, with no memory of their association with Yamata no Orochi.
;
:
:, Tsubasa, is the leader of the Orochi. A tall, teal-haired
bishōnen
(; also transliterated ) is a Japanese term literally meaning "beautiful youth (boy)" and describes an aesthetic that can be found in disparate areas in East Asia: a young man of androgynous beauty. This word originated from the Tang dynasty ...
, he is a sociopathic criminal with a long record - beginning with the murder of his abusive father, whom he killed to protect his younger brother. Tsubasa wears the mark of Orochi over his heart. He is Sōma's biological older brother, leaving him (as a young child) with the Ōgami family when he became a fugitive. Out of all the heads, Tsubasa was the one who came the closest to killing his brother. Sōma does not remember him well; Tsubasa wants to convert him to the Orochi cause instead of killing him. He saves his brother from the Orochi's curse by sacrificing himself. His mecha, , has wing-like structures and attacks with swords on its arms. Tsubasa is the only Orochi to battle the rogue Chikane to a draw; however, he temporarily destroys ''Take no Yamikazuchi'' and abandons the fight. In combat Tsubasa primarily uses a sword, although he also has knife-throwing skills; his knives cause explosions. He eventually reveals that his love for his brother surpasses his attachment to the Orochi's destructive vision.
;
:
:, Miyako, is a purple-haired nun and the first Orochi to appear. She lost her faith after surviving a terrible war (probably in
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe b ...
), and may have the mark of Orochi on her throat. Although there is little cooperation among the Orochi, she is apparently second in command; she respects Tsubasa, and is the most level-headed of the Orochi followers. She can control Girochi and evoke some cooperation among the three other female heads. Her mecha, , is a demon with tentacles instead of arms and a circle of electrodes on its back which fire deadly beams. Miyako uses mirrors to create complex illusions and to spy on others. A keen observer, through her attempt to subvert Chikane she forces her to face her feelings for Himeko. The last of the Orochi to fall in combat against Chikane, she is later purified.
;
:
:, Girochi, is one of the first Orochi to attack the miko. He is a large man, with heavy chains hanging from him which he uses as weapons, and wears the mark of Orochi on the back of his right hand. Girochi is also attracted to Himeko, which fuels Chikane's jealous protectiveness of the solar miko. Miyako's younger brother, in a flashback Girochi is shown as a young boy crying near a body crushed under a collapsed building; the war which destroyed his sister's church killed their parents and left Girochi traumatized. His mecha, , is nicknamed Gungal and is characterized by a large right arm which he uses as a weapon in his Megaton Knuckle attack. Girochi, the first to be petrified by Chikane, is later purified with Miyako.
;
:
:, Corona, is a delusional
pop icon
A pop icon is a celebrity, character, or object whose exposure in popular culture is regarded as constituting a defining characteristic of a given society or era. The usage of the term is largely subjective since there are no definitively object ...
whose dismal sales (68th, although Reiko taunts her by saying "69th") drive her to become one of the Orochi; she may wear the mark of Orochi on her left breast. Corona's behavior is near-manic; although she constantly tries to impress the other Orochi with her showmanship, her energetic exterior hides a dark past. A flashback depicts her lying on a bed next to an older man, with her clothing torn; the nature of, and reason for, the liaison are left unsaid but it is suggested that Corona was "betrayed by her dreams", probably by being either raped by an executive or forced to prostitute herself. Her mecha, (nicknamed Final Stage), is a wheel with a demonic eye in its center that can become a giant centipede with an anthropoid head and arms. In combat, Corona throws explosive lipsticks at her target. After being petrified by Chikane, she is purified.
;
:
:, Reiko, is an uncommunicative
manga artist
A is a comic artist who writes and/or illustrates manga. As of 2006, about 3,000 professional manga artists were working in Japan.
Most manga artists study at an art college or manga school or take on an apprenticeship with another artist be ...
whose manga (although successful) have darker themes since she joined the Orochi (whose mark she may wear on her back). Reiko barely interacts with the other Orochi and is stone-cold in battle, although her level-headedness is more the product of cynicism and numbness than Miyako's. She shares her last name with Hitoshi Ōta, one of ''Kannazuki no Miko's''
authors
An author is the writer of a book, article, play, mostly written work. A broader definition of the word "author" states:
"''An author is "the person who originated or gave existence to anything" and whose authorship determines responsibility f ...
. Her mecha, , is a
Jōmon-style (straw-rope pattern) fired pottery jar with an anthropoid shape. In combat, Reiko throws explosive fountain pens at her targets. Himeko loves Reiko's work, and the artist is eventually petrified (and purified) by Chikane.
;
:
: Nekoko, is a small, squeaky-voiced
catgirl
A is a female kemonomimi character with feline traits, such as , a cat tail, or other feline characteristics on an otherwise human body. Catgirls are found in various fiction genres and in particular Japanese anime and manga. Catboy is a term f ...
whose name derives from . Often seen in a nurse's outfit with a large syringe, she may wear the mark of Orochi on her buttocks. The apparently cheerful Nekoko was a victim of horrendous medical experiments (she is seen strapped to a medical seat and rodeated by scientists), which is probably what made her into what she currently is. Her syringe contains medication to heal injuries and illness, but the injection (as noted by Girochi) causes great pain. Nekoko can also launch the syringe as an explosive rocket. Her mech, (nicknamed Meow Meow), is a large mechanical ball with lasers capable of destroying whole buildings. Nekoko went on a rampage which destroyed several Japanese landmarks, acting like a cute little girl having fun. She is later petrified (and purified) by Chikane.
;
:
:, Sōma, is the only Orochi to resist becoming completely evil and the first to be purified (possibly because of his feelings for Himeko). With the mark of Orochi on his forehead, Sōma is the lone protector of Himeko and Chikane for most of the series and plays a role in the downfall of the Orochi. As popular at school as Chikane, most of their fellow students erroneously believed they were dating; in reality they're good friends, but are in love with Himeko. He is extremely protective of Himeko, he fights to keep her safe from Orochi until he is overwhelmed by the Orochi curse (and rescued by his brother, Tsubasa). Sōma's mecha, , is a humanoid robot with a variety of concealed attacks. In combat, he uses his body and his motorcycle. Sōma later adopts Tsubasa's sword and fighting style, increasing his power.
;
:
: is originally a mysterious figure, who the other Orochi think is hiding from the public. It is later revealed to be Chikane when she joins the Orochi. Although the evil Orochi may have known that Chikane would join it, it does not speak again until she defeats the other Orochi. She does not have the mark of Orochi on her body, but her lunar symbol absorbs threads of its power. Chikane uses Sōma's mecha, transforming it to look demonic and obliterating the other Orochi. As the miko of Orochi, she forces Himeko to make a drastic decision. The mecha belonging to the eighth head is , a fast-flying bird (to rescue Orochi members) with a humanoid drill (for combat) as its lower body.
Other characters
;Ame no Murakumo
:
: is the god of swords. Ame no Murakumo, who also shares its name with the legendary sword
Kusanagi
is a legendary Japanese sword and one of three Imperial Regalia of Japan. It was originally called , but its name was later changed to the more popular ("Grass-Cutting Sword"). In folklore, the sword represents the virtue of valor.
Legends
...
, rests within an ancient shrine that is on the surface of the moon until it is invoked by the Miko of Sun and Moon. Ame no Murakumo takes the shape of a giant sword or a humanoid mecha, and can be piloted like the Orochi mecha. It can defeat Orochi, and it alone can undo Orochi's damage, but doing the latter comes with a mostly unspoken high price. After its previous battle against Orochi, the god's terrestrial shrine was sealed by six swords to test the power (and determination) of the future Miko of Sun and Moon. Although the Orochi displayed their full hostility towards Ame no Murakumo, the god of swords only spoke when it addressed one (or both) of the Miko of Sun and Moon in a feminine voice.
;
:
:Sōma's adopted older brother, legal guardian, and priest of the temple of the Solar and Lunar Miko, Kazuki's duties are to maintain the miko and prepare them for battle. Calm and collected, he worries about Sōma (and what his Orochi blood will do to him), Himeko and Chikane (and what their duties will do to them) and seems to be withholding information.
;
:
:The temple assistant and Sōma's best friend, his duties are to help the priest and miko prepare the weapon to defeat the Orochi.
;
:
:Chikane's loyal and devoted
maid
A maid, or housemaid or maidservant, is a female domestic worker. In the Victorian era domestic service was the second largest category of employment in England and Wales, after agricultural work. In developed Western nations, full-time maids ...
. A supporting character, she clarifies how Chikane reserved her feelings for Himeko alone. Otoha is jealous of Himeko. When Otoha is sent away, she expresses her love and admiration for Chikane, blushing and weeping when she hugs her.
;
:
:Himeko's friend and roommate, "Mako-chan" is an athletic girl and one of the best runners on the Ototachibana track team. On the day that Sōma attacked Himeko, she was severely injured in the collapsing dormitory and became unable to compete in the Interhigh meet. Angry at Himeko (and herself) for her injuries, she disappears until the end of the series when she helps Himeko make a decision about the events surrounding her.
;
:
:The leader of a group of girls who are Chikane's admirers at school (calling her "Miya-sama"), she is jealous of Himeko. The group bullies her until they experience Chikane's quiet fury.
;
:
:A friend of Izumi's. Misaki is also jealous of Himeko.
;
:
:Another friend of Izumi's.
Media
Manga
The ''Kannazuki no Miko'' manga, written by the manga group
Kaishaku
A ''kaishakunin'' ( ja, 介錯人) is a person appointed to behead an individual who has performed seppuku, Japanese ritual suicide, at the moment of agony. The role played by the ''kaishakunin'' is called ''kaishaku''.
Aside from being spared p ...
, was first serialized in the Japanese magazine ''
Shōnen Ace'' (published by
Kadokawa Shoten
, formerly , is a Japanese publisher and division of Kadokawa Future Publishing based in Tokyo, Japan. It became an internal division of Kadokawa Corporation on October 1, 2013. Kadokawa publishes manga, light novels, manga anthology magazines su ...
) in 2004. The series' 14 chapters were bound in two ''
tankōbon
is the Japanese
Japanese may refer to:
* Something from or related to Japan, an island country in East Asia
* Japanese language, spoken mainly in Japan
* Japanese people, the ethnic group that identifies with Japan through ancestry or cultur ...
'' volumes. It was licensed in North America by
Tokyopop
Tokyopop (styled TOKYOPOP; formerly known as Mixx Entertainment) is an American distributor, licensor and publisher of anime, manga, manhwa and Western manga-style works. The German publishing division produces German translations of licensed J ...
, which published both volumes in English in 2008.
Anime
The anime adaptation was produced by
Geneon Entertainment
(abbreviated as NBCUEJ) is a Japanese music, anime, and home entertainment production and distribution enterprise headquartered in Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo. It is primarily involved in the production and distribution of anime within Japan.
Th ...
and animated by
TNK. It was directed by
Tetsuya Yanagisawa is a Japanese animator, storyboard artist, and director.
Works (as director)
*''Kannazuki no Miko'' - (TV series, 2004)
*''Shattered Angels'' - (TV series, 2007)
*'' Heaven's Lost Property the Movie: The Angeloid of Clockwork'' - (Film, 2011)
*''H ...
, with music by
Mina Kubota
(born on February 5, 1972, in Fukuoka, Japan) is a Japanese composer. Kubota has also worked on vocal music composition and arrangement for anime theme songs.
Two notable works would be and which managed to hit the chart positions in Japan ...
and character designs by Maki Fujii. The opening theme was "Re-sublimity" and the ending theme "Agony", composed and arranged by Kazuya Takase and performed with lyrics by
Kotoko. The insert song, "Suppuration -core-" (also sung by Kotoko), was used in episode five.
The 12-episode series was broadcast in Japan first on
Chiba TV , doing business as , is a Japanese commercial terrestrial television broadcasting company headquartered at 11-25 Miyako-chō 1-chōme, Chūō-ku, Chiba serving Chiba Prefecture but spill-over is received in the neighbouring prefectures. It is a mem ...
from October 1 to December 17, 2004. The episodes were released on six DVDs from December 22, 2004 to May 25, 2005. It was licensed in North America by
Geneon USA
(abbreviated as NBCUEJ) is a Japanese music, anime, and home entertainment production and distribution enterprise headquartered in Akasaka, Tokyo, Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, Minato, Tokyo. It is primarily involved in the production and distributi ...
, which released the series on three DVDs in 2006. The license was transferred from Geneon USA to
Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks, LLC or just Sentai, is an American entertainment company owned by AMC Networks. Located in Houston, the company specializes in the dubbing and distribution of Japanese animation and Asian cinema. Its post-production arm is S ...
in 2009; the latter reissued the series in a DVD box set on August 25, 2009. It is licensed in France by Dybex, in Poland by Vision Film Distribution and in Taiwan by Proware Multimedia. In 2010, the series was shown on the
Anime Network
Anime Network is an American video on demand (VOD) network dedicated to anime owned by AMC Networks.
History
The network was launched in North America in late 2002 and is marketed to multi system operators (MSOs) as both a free and subscript ...
as ''Destiny of the Shrine Maiden''.
Drama CD and radio show
On November 25, 2004, ''Kannazuki no Miko
drama CD
Radio drama (or audio drama, audio play, radio play, radio theatre, or audio theatre) is a dramatized, purely acoustic performance. With no visual component, radio drama depends on dialogue, music and sound effects to help the listener imagine ...
'' was released in Japan by
Geneon
(abbreviated as NBCUEJ) is a Japanese music, anime, and home entertainment production and distribution enterprise headquartered in Akasaka, Tokyo, Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, Minato, Tokyo. It is primarily involved in the production and distributi ...
, based on the anime version of ''Kannazuki no Miko''. The series was presented on an Internet radio program, , on i-revo TE-A room from October 2004 to March 2005. Voice actors included Noriko Shitaya (Himeko) and Junji Majima (Sōma Ōgami), who are currently hosting .
Reception
''Kannazuki no Miko'' received mixed reviews. Carlo Santos of
Anime News Network
Anime News Network (ANN) is a news website that reports on the status of anime, manga, video games, Japanese popular music and other related cultures within North America, Australia, Southeast Asia and Japan. The website offers reviews and oth ...
criticized volume one of the manga, describing it as "less than the sum of its parts," and the second volume as "overblown" and melodramatic, with too much "
gst, rage and sentimentality".
Carl Kimlinger, also of ANN, described the series as having a strong and emotional conclusion, but also called it "pure poison for the melodrama-averse." Theron Martin, another ANN writer, praised the development of relationships between characters and the musical score, but criticized the mix of genres, "logical inconsistencies,
ndweak animation." Paul Gaudette of ''Mania'' praised that the series for having "human emotion fuel the robotic battles," while Connor McCarty of
THEM Anime Reviews
THEM Anime Reviews, otherwise known as THEM or T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews, is an Anime, anime Review, review website that writes about current and past anime in any form, including Original video animation, OVAs and Original net animation, ONAs. The ...
said that for those who like lesbian romances, "lesbian-lesbian-mechademon love triangles, or unexciting lesbian fan service," the series will be enjoyable, but also said that those who like this "need to get out more."
In her review of the series, Erica Friedman (president of
Yuricon
Yuricon was an anime convention geared toward fans of yuri anime and manga. The first Yuricon event was held in 2003 in Newark, New Jersey with about 200 attending, although Yuricon has existed as an online entity since 2000. The event was org ...
) criticized the story for its rape scene and its manga ending (in which Chikane and Himeko are
reincarnated as sisters and lovers),
considering it poorly written. She asks why, "if both
ōmaand Chikane love Himeko so much, do they allow her to be bullied, outcast and victimized instead of stepping up and claiming their friendship publicly?"
Friedman wrote that Himeko "allows the whims of others to take control of her life, she indulges them by not having an opinion of her own, she naively forgives even the basest behavior, and she never once takes an interest in the truth of what is going on";
the story actually revolves around "the love triangle and Himeko's victimization by herself and the people who profess to love her".
Friedman said, "Tokyopop's team did as good a job with the material as they could. It's not a good story, nor is it well-drawn, but they made it make as much sense as possible. I applaud them for that. It's not as easy as they made it look."
In her volume two review, she said Tokyopop did a "very superior job with this series".
Chris Beveridge reviewed the anime series. He described the first episodes as having with a lot of promise which is "beautifully orchestrated" and "enticing" in terms of its animation and pacing. He described later sets of episodes as bringing interest and depth to the characters, and argued the series "comes to a strong and emotional ending." In another review, Beveridge said that while he enjoyed the series and praised its conclusion as "fantastic," he knew it wasn't "stellar."
See also
*''
Shattered Angels
is a Japanese manga created by Kaishaku which was first serialized in the Japanese shōnen manga magazine ''Monthly Dragon Age'' in May 2006. A 12-episode anime, adapted from the manga, aired in Japan from January 5 to March 23, 2007. The s ...
''
References
External links
''Kannazuki no Miko''at
Viz Media
VIZ Media LLC is an American manga publisher, anime distributor and entertainment company headquartered in San Francisco, California. It was founded in 1986 as VIZ LLC. In 2005, VIZ LLC and ShoPro Entertainment merged to form the current VIZ M ...
Manga official websiteAnime official website
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2004 manga
2004 anime television series debuts
2004 Japanese television series debuts
2004 Japanese television series endings
Fantasy anime and manga
Geneon USA
Japanese LGBT-related animated television series
Kadokawa Shoten manga
Kadokawa Dwango franchises
Mecha anime and manga
NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan
Sentai Filmworks
Shōnen manga
TNK (company)
Tokyopop titles
Yuri (genre) anime and manga
Shinto in fiction
2000s LGBT-related drama television series
2000s LGBT literature