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.
Category
Anime/Manga
Release Year
1996
Origin
Japan
Tags
animemangaromanceactionsupernaturalfeudal-japan
Detailed Overview Information
Basic Information
Full Name
Inuyasha
Aliases
InuYasha, Inu-Yasha, A Feudal Fairy Tale
Type
Manga/Anime Series
Release Year
1996
Status
Complete (with sequel Yashahime)
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan
Creation Information
Creator
Rumiko Takahashi
Publisher
Shogakukan (manga), Viz Media (English)
Original Work
Original manga series
Genre
Supernatural, Romance, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Content Information
Synopsis
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.
Main Characters
Inuyasha, Kagome Higurashi, Miroku, Sango, Shippo, Sesshomaru, Kikyo
Setting
Feudal Japan (Sengoku period) and modern Tokyo, connected by the Bone Eater's Well
Themes
Love transcending time, redemption, friendship, acceptance of one's heritage, good vs evil
Target Audience
Teenagers and young adults, shounen and shoujo demographics
Characters
Inuyasha
Half-Demon ProtagonistMain GroupMaleOver 200 years old (appears teenage)
A half-demon with dog-like features who wields the legendary sword Tessaiga and searches for Shikon Jewel shards.
Abilities: Superhuman strength, Enhanced senses, Claws and fangs...
Quotes:
"I don't want to protect you because you're a priestess. I want to protect you because you're you."
""I am Inuyasha.""
"I'm not gonna run away. I never go back on my word! That's my ninja way!"
character
Kagome Higurashi
Modern Priestess/Time TravelerMain GroupFemale15-18 years old
A modern high school girl who travels back in time and discovers she's the reincarnation of the priestess Kikyo.
Abilities: Spiritual powers, Sacred arrow archery, Jewel shard detection...
Quotes:
"Sit, boy!"
""I am Kagome Higurashi.""
"I want to be with you, Inuyasha."
character
Kikyo
Undead Priestess/Tragic AntagonistIndependent/AntagonisticFemaleDied at ~18, resurrected 50 years later
The priestess who sealed Inuyasha, later resurrected with hatred in her heart, torn between love and vengeance.
Abilities: Powerful spiritual powers, Sacred arrows, Soul manipulation...
Quotes:
"Inuyasha... do you hate me for what I've done?"
""I am Kikyo.""
"I cannot live in this world, nor can I return to the next."
character
Naraku
Primary Antagonist/Half-DemonEvilMaleApproximately 50 years since creation
The main villain born from the fusion of the bandit Onigumo and demons, manipulating everyone to obtain the Shikon Jewel...
Abilities: Shape-shifting, Demon creation, Miasma poison...
Quotes:
"I am Naraku. I am the one who will possess the Shikon Jewel."
""I am Naraku.""
"Humans are such foolish creatures."
character
Kaede
Village Priestess/GuideAlliesFemale
Kikyo's younger sister, now an elderly priestess who guides and helps the main characters.
Abilities: Spiritual powers, Healing, Wisdom...
Quotes:
"Ye must be careful, Inuyasha."
""I am Kaede.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Kirara
Demon Cat CompanionMain GroupFemale
Sango's loyal demon cat companion who can transform into a large saber-toothed cat for transportation.
Abilities: Transformation, Flight, Fire abilities...
Quotes:
"Meow/Roar (depending on form)"
""I am Kirara.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Kohaku
Demon Slayer/VictimControlled then AlliedMale
Sango's younger brother, controlled by Naraku through a Shikon shard but eventually freed.
Abilities: Demon slaying skills, Weapon mastery, Agility...
Quotes:
"Sister... I remember now."
""I am Kohaku.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Media Forms
Comics
Original manga series (56 volumes), various spin-offs and related manga
Animated Series
Inuyasha (167 episodes), Inuyasha: The Final Act (26 episodes), Yashahime sequel series
Films
Four animated movies: Affections Touching Across Time, The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass, Swords of an Honorable Ruler, Fire on the Mystic Island
Merchandise
Extensive line including figures, clothing, accessories, home goods, collectibles
Video Games
Multiple games across various platforms including RPGs and fighting games
Books
Light novels, art books, character guides, official guidebooks
Digital Content
Streaming availability, digital manga, mobile games, apps
Commercial Information
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
Critical Reception
Widely praised for character development, romantic elements, and world-building
Cultural Impact
Major influence on supernatural romance genre, gateway anime for many Western fans
Market Value
One of the most successful shounen/shoujo crossover series, valuable licensing property
Licensing
Extensive international licensing for anime, manga, merchandise, and adaptations
Fan Culture
Fanbase
Global fanbase spanning multiple generations, strong in Japan, North America, and worldwide
Communities
Active online communities, forums, social media groups, fan sites
Events
Anime conventions, fan gatherings, cosplay events, anniversary celebrations
Quotes
Sit boy!, I want to protect you, Kagome!, The Shikon Jewel is mine!
Memes
Sit command, Inuyasha's dog ears, modern vs feudal culture clashes, love triangle dynamics
Cosplay
Extremely popular cosplay series, iconic character designs, elaborate costume recreations
Fan Art
Massive fan art community, romantic artwork, character studies, alternative universe stories
Fan Projects
Fan fiction, AMVs, fan games, tribute videos, character analysis
Collectibles
Highly sought-after figures, rare merchandise, limited editions, vintage items
Historical Development
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
Related Links
www.ytv.co.jp
www.shogakukan.co.jp
www.sunrise-inc.co.jp
www.enjoyip.com