Inuyasha

Inuyasha

Rumiko Takahashi's beloved manga and anime series about a half-demon and a modern girl's quest to collect the shards of the Shikon Jewel.

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
Inuyasha
Also Known As
InuYasha, Inu-Yasha, A Feudal Fairy Tale
Format
Manga/Anime Series
Release Year
1996
Current Status
Complete (with sequel Yashahime)
Country of Origin
Japan
Region
Japan
Creator
Rumiko Takahashi
Publisher
Shogakukan (manga), Viz Media (English)
Original Work
Original manga series
Genre
Supernatural, Romance, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Inuyasha.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
When modern schoolgirl Kagome falls into an ancient well, she's transported to feudal Japan where she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon. Together they search for the scattered shards of the powerful Shikon Jewel.
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
Feudal Japan (Sengoku period) and modern Tokyo, connected by the Bone Eater's Well
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
Love transcending time, redemption, friendship, acceptance of one's heritage, good vs evil

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Inuyasha's global influence.
1996
Inuyasha manga begins serialization in Weekly Shonen Sunday
2000
Anime adaptation premieres, becomes international hit
2001
First movie released, franchise expansion begins
2004
Original anime series concludes, manga continues
2008
Manga series concludes after 12 years
2009
Inuyasha: The Final Act anime completes the story
2020
Yashahime sequel series premieres featuring next generation
Sales
Over 50 million manga copies sold worldwide
Revenue
Multi-billion yen franchise including manga, anime, movies, and merchandise
Awards
Shogakukan Manga Award, Animage Anime Grand Prix, various international anime awards

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Inuyasha.
Inuyasha
I don't want to protect you because you're a priestess. I want to protect you because you're you.
A half-demon with dog-like features who wields the legendary sword Tessaiga and searches for Shikon Jewel shards.View Profile
Kagome Higurashi
Sit, boy!
A modern high school girl who travels back in time and discovers she's the reincarnation of the priestess Kikyo.View Profile
Miroku
Will you bear my children?
A lecherous monk with a cursed wind tunnel in his hand, seeking to defeat Naraku to break his family's curse.View Profile
Sango
I will have my revenge on Naraku!
The last demon slayer from her village, wielding the giant boomerang Hiraikotsu and seeking revenge against Naraku.View Profile
Shippo
Inuyasha, you dummy!
A young fox demon who joins the group after his father is killed, providing comic relief and childlike perspective.View Profile
Sesshomaru
I have no interest in the affairs of humans.
Inuyasha's full-demon half-brother who initially seeks Tessaiga but eventually develops compassion.View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main plot of Inuyasha?
Kagome Higurashi, a modern-day high school girl, falls down an ancient well and travels to the Sengoku period (Feudal Japan). She accidentally shatters the Shikon Jewel (Jewel of Four Souls) and must team up with the half-demon Inuyasha to collect the shards before the evil Naraku does.
Who are the main characters in Inuyasha?
The core group consists of Inuyasha (half-demon), Kagome (priestess), Miroku (cursed monk), Sango (demon slayer), and Shippo (fox demon kit). They are often joined by Sango's cat demon, Kirara.
What genre is Inuyasha classified as?
It is an Isekai (before the term was common), Adventure, Fantasy, and Romance series. It blends Shonen action with Shoujo-style romance and character dynamics.
What is the relationship between Kagome and Kikyo?
Kagome is the modern-day reincarnation of Kikyo, a powerful priestess who died 50 years prior sealing Inuyasha. This creates a complex love triangle and spiritual connection between them.
How many seasons/episodes are there in Inuyasha?
The original anime ran for 167 episodes. A second series, 'Inuyasha: The Final Act' (Kanketsu-hen), ran for 26 episodes to adapt the manga's ending. There are also 4 movies.
Who is the creator of Inuyasha?
The series is created by Rumiko Takahashi, one of the most famous and wealthiest manga artists in history, also known for 'Ranma 1/2' and 'Urusei Yatsura'.
What are Inuyasha's powers?
Inuyasha wields the Tessaiga, a sword made from his father's fang that can slay 100 demons in one strike. He also uses claw attacks like 'Iron Reaver Soul Stealer' and 'Blades of Blood'. As a half-demon, he loses his powers on the night of the new moon.
Is there a sequel to Inuyasha?
Yes, 'Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon' follows the adventures of Inuyasha and Kagome's daughter (Moroha) and Sesshomaru's twin daughters (Towa and Setsuna).
Where can I watch Inuyasha?
The series is widely available on Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll. It was a staple of Adult Swim/Toonami in the 2000s.
Why is Inuyasha considered a classic?
It was a gateway anime for an entire generation in the West. It is praised for its epic world-building, memorable soundtrack, and the compelling 'will-they-won't-they' romance between Inuyasha and Kagome.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.
Official Website
Twitter
@inuyasha_anime
Facebook
Inuyasha Official
Instagram
@inuyasha_official
Youtube
Various official channels
Streaming / Watch
Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, Netflix (varies by region)
Where to Buy
Viz Media, digital manga platforms, anime retailers

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