Tomoe

Tomoe is a wild fox yōkai (yako) who was once a cruel, bloodthirsty, and ruthless killer. After Mikage disappeared, he waited for him at the temple for 20 years until Nanami appeared. Having bound himself to her by a guardian contract, he became grumpy, strict, but incredibly caring: he cooks perfectly, cleans the temple, and is ready to destroy anyone who dares to offend Nanami. He possesses powerful blue fox fire (kitsunebi) and can transform into anyone.

Nanami Momozono is an ordinary high school girl who faces a ton of problems because her gambling addict father ran away and left her homeless. Becoming the Goddess of Earth, she initially lacked skills, but thanks to her pure heart and stubbornness, she learned to use divine incantations (shinshi) and purifying talismans. She truly loves both humans and yokai, and strives to save and reconcile them.

Kumimi Momozono - Nanami's deceased mother, brokenhearted by her gambler husband; she passed on to her daughter the message of not trusting men and the Dragon's Eye, being a direct descendant of Yukiji.

A gambler who lost all his money, got into debt and cowardly ran away, leaving his daughter homeless.

Mizuki is a white serpent yōkai who became Nanami's second guardian. He formerly served a goddess named Yonomori, but when people forgot her and the temple disappeared, Mizuki was left completely alone and suffered from loneliness. He even tried to kidnap Nanami to make her his goddess, but ultimately willingly formed a contract with her by kissing her while she slept. He appears sweet, capricious, and childishly naive, but is actually very wise, able to manipulate water, travel through time using a special smoker, and brew divine sake. He despises Tomoe and is constantly in competition with him.

Kurama (Shinjiro) is a crow tengu from Mount Kurama who betrayed his clan and fled to the human world due to difficult relationships with his father and other crows. In the human world, he became an insanely popular rock idol, portraying himself as a "fallen angel." At the beginning of the story, he attempted to eat Nanami's heart to become the God of the Land himself, but Tomoe quickly brought him down to earth. Kurama eventually became a trusted friend to Nanami and Tomoe, though he still enjoys showing off his good looks.

Yonomori Mitsuha, the gentle Goddess of Water and former master of Mizuki, vanished and dissolved when people stopped believing in her, leaving behind the illusion of cherry blossoms.

Ami Nekota is Nanami's classmate and best friend. She is a very kind, gentle, and slightly timid girl. Ami was the first to recognize the good in Nanami when the entire school had turned its back on her. She is madly and unrequitedly in love with Kurama, and although she knows he is not quite human, it doesn't faze her.

Kei Ueshimaya is Nanami's second best friend at school. She's lively, pragmatic, stylish, and sharp-tongued. Unlike the naive Ami, Kei immediately notices any odd behavior in Tomoe and Nanami and often gives Nanami mature advice about boys and relationships.

Kayako Hiiragi was a wealthy psychic who believed herself to be the chosen one of the goddesses and rivaled Nanami.

Mikage is the former God of the Land, who saved Tomoe from a deadly curse 500 years ago and made him his guardian. He is very gentle, mysterious, and wise, but is terrified of dogs, which is why he once ran away from the temple for 20 years. In reality, his departure was a cunning plan: he deliberately met Nanami in the park and gave her his god's token so that she would save Tomoe from loneliness and help him break the old curse.

Otohiko is the God of Wind and a close friend of Mikage. He looks and acts like a stereotypical, highly affected "diva," adoring makeup and wearing women's clothing, yet is incredibly strong. He enjoys challenging Nanami with destructive hurricanes, but at heart, he's kind.

Onikiri and Kotetsu are the devoted spirits of the Mikage Shrine (kodomu), appearing as small creatures wearing traditional masks. They cannot fight, but they maintain order, know all the laws of the divine world, are madly in love with Nanami, and always support her in difficult situations, reminding Tomoe of his duties.

Suiro is an older tengu who became Kurama's father figure on the mountain. He lost his wings during a terrible storm while saving young Kurama. Because of this, Suiro will never be able to fly again, but he has never regretted it. He is very kind, calm, and plays the flute. Kurama still feels apologetic towards him.

Jiro is the fourth and most stern leader of the tengu clan on Mount Kurama. He is an unrivaled fighter, holding the entire mountain in utter fear and despising weakness. Initially, he hated Kurama for running away and was hostile to Nanami. However, when Nanami saved the mountain's dying sacred tree and him, Jiro fell head over heels in love with her, becoming more mellow.

Sojobo is the wise third chief of the tengu; he was poisoned by the demon Yatori and fell into a coma, sparking a power struggle on the mountain until he was healed by Nanami.

Akura-Oh (Kirihito) is the Bloody Demon King. In the past, he was an immortal, ruthless monster and Tomoe's best friend. Together, they carried out bloody massacres across Japan. His original body was torn apart and locked away by the gods in the underworld (Yomi-no-kuni). To escape to the human world, his spirit inhabited the body of a recently deceased human boy named Kirihito. Residing in a weak human body and communicating with his "new" human mother, Akura-Oh unexpectedly begins to understand human warmth and love, though he remains obsessed with reclaiming his true body and exacting revenge.

Sujiro is a loyal, cowardly, yet courageous little tengu; he is a fan of Kurama and secretly led Nanami and Tomoe up Mount Kurama without the guards.

Yatori (Kumemi) is Akura-Oh's cunning, slippery, and fiercely loyal servant. In the past, he was a puny, weak yokai, a lump of dirt that everyone mocked, but Akura-Oh eventually showed some semblance of interest in him. To make himself useful to his master, Yatori began devouring other yokai and humans, gaining a powerful humanoid body. He schemes behind the gods' backs and is willing to commit any betrayal for the Demon King.

Yukiji is a beautiful human girl from the distant past (500 years ago). She hated youkai because they destroyed her village.

Mamoru is Nanami's shikigami (helper spirit), whom she accidentally hatched from a protective egg. In his normal form, he appears as a tiny, incredibly cute white monkey, but can transform into a small boy in traditional clothing. Mamoru can create powerful protective barriers and instantly purify evil spirits.

Ookuninushi is the Supreme God of Governance, presiding over all affairs in Izumo (the abode of the gods). He enjoys holding annual meetings of the gods, judging their actions, and assigning them challenging tasks. He appears to be a frivolous and eccentric handsome man who loves women, but in reality, he is very perceptive and strictly maintains the balance of power in the world.

Ryuu Sukuna is the Dragon Lord and the fearsome God of the Sea. He is incredibly powerful, but deeply unhappy in his marriage, as his wife, Kamehime, is extremely strict. Sukuna has harbored a 520-year-old hatred for Tomoe, who once attacked him and stole his right eye (which Tomoe needed to save his dying lover, Yukiji).

Kamehime (Princess Sukuna) is the strict and nagging wife of Dragon Lord Ryuu Sukuna. She constantly nags her husband, controls his every move, and keeps him under a tight rein, making the powerful dragon terrified of her.

Princess Narukami is a capricious and selfish Goddess of Thunder who lives in a luxurious palace in the heavens. She is madly in love with Tomoe and, at the beginning of the story, tried to take him by force, taking Nanami's Earth God's mark and turning Tomoe into a small, defenseless fox. She is loud, jealous, and often throws tantrums.

Nanuma no Himemiko is a swamp princess and the rightful mistress of Lake Tatara. Her true form is that of a huge swamp catfish, but to humans she appears as an incredibly beautiful and richly dressed woman. She turned to Nanami for help because she had fallen in love with an ordinary human boy named Kotaro, whom she had seen on the shore ten years earlier. Thanks to Nanami, they were able to be together, despite the differences between humans and youkai.

Izanami is the majestic Goddess of the Underworld (Yomi-no-Kuni). She rules the underworld, never allowing the living to leave her realm, and wears a mask that conceals her face. She is cold and stern, but respects Nanami for her courage.

Yuki-onna is the spirit of the Snow Maiden, the ruler of the icy wastelands.

Isohime is a devious sea witch who pretends to be a kind old woman but steals youth and strength, tricking Nanami into giving her 30 years of life for her own longevity.

Ikusagami is a fearsome, stern God of War who despises youkai and has long denied Nanami's status as a goddess.

For a wild spirit (yokai) to become a faithful servant (shikigami) of the God of the Land, the God must kiss it. This ritual binds them with magical bonds.

Once a contract is entered into, a Guardian is obligated to obey the direct orders of their God without question. The God's word is absolute law, physically compelling the yokai's body to obey.

Gods are powerful only as long as people believe in them and come to pray. If a god is forgotten, their temple sinks into the water or collapses, and the god himself disappears forever.

Tokyo, schools, karaoke, and shops. Most people don't even realize they share their streets with spirits and gods.

The place where Nanami, Ami, Kei, and Kurama study. It's a typical Japanese school with a strict uniform, classes, clubs (tennis, art, cooking), and school festivals.

A cozy Shinto shrine on a hill, hidden behind a sacred barrier. The Earth God, his guardians, and small spirit helpers reside here. It is the main refuge from evil forces.

Mount Kurama is the impenetrable highland abode of the tengu. A world of jagged cliffs, century-old cedars, icy winds, and perpetual dense fog. The main rule is strict discipline and peace.
How to get there: Pass through the torii at the foot of the mountain and climb the path, not turning around at the frightening sounds in the fog.

The Underwater Palace (Ryugujo) is the luxurious domain of the Swamp Goddess Nanuma beneath the emerald waters. Crystal halls of white coral, shells, and pearls. The main rule is the power of water. Fox fire is extinguished and useless here; the Goddess will gladly shelter any fugitive.
How to get there: Go to a deep body of water, light underwater incense and jump into the water.

A pure, eternally sunny dimension of traditional temples and blooming cherry blossoms, centered in the sacred city of Izumo. Absolute order reigns here, and the space itself is imbued with holy energy, instantly destroyed by any impurity, blood, or dirt.

A wild, misty dimension of eternal crimson twilight, gloomy forests, deep seas, and bustling night markets. There are no laws here, and the entire space is filled with a heavy demonic aura, dangerous to humans and alien to the gods.

The Youkai Night Market (Hyakuyagyo) is a hidden spatial pocket between the human and spirit worlds. An endless labyrinth of wooden stalls beneath thousands of red lanterns. Here, people trade magic, listen to gossip, and drink sake. The main rule is the power of magic and illusions. Tomoe hates this place for its noise.
How to get there: Take 7 steps back into the shadows at the crossroads in the city at dusk, or use the maple leaf transformation.

The Hidden Village (Kakuriyo) is a secret settlement of animal spirits, hidden deep in the forest. A cozy village where golden autumn reigns year-round, the scent of persimmons fills the air, and berry wine is brewed. The main rule is freedom and peace. Here you can completely remove your disguise, let your tails out, and take a break from both humans and gods.
How to get there: Find an ancient tree in a deep forest, walk around it three times counterclockwise and close your eyes.

The Underworld / Land of Darkness (Yomi no Kuni) is a gloomy underground kingdom of the dead, ruled by the goddess Izanami. It's a world of gray, ash-filled wastelands, rivers of boiling tar, and life-sucking fog. The main rule is the law of decay. People descend here only in dire straits: living magic weakens here, and escape is insanely difficult.
How to get there: Find a hidden passage in the deep caves of Izumo or fall through a spatial breach.

The Heavenly Palace (Takamagahara / Izumo) is a majestic upper world of the gods, consisting of islands floating in the golden sky and jade palaces. The annual Great Gatherings of the Gods are held here. The main rules are absolute purity and strict etiquette. Wild yokai are not allowed to enter without a pass or a patron god.
How to get there: Ride a sacred flying chariot or receive an official invitation (pass) from the supreme deity.

The Ice Wastes—frozen northern mountains and crystal castles carved into the depths of Yuki-onna's (Snow Maiden's) glaciers. A world of endless blizzards, sparkling snow, and diamond canyons. The main rule is the power of permafrost. The fierce magical cold instantly extinguishes any flame.
How to get there: Go to the far north through a snowstorm using a frost amulet.

Ordinary mortals. Rarely, mediums, witches, or sorcerers, capable of seeing spirits and casting curses for personal gain.

Immortal creatures (foxes, snakes, spiders). They possess immense combat power and dark magic, but fear divine purification.

They possess pure spiritual power, can cleanse impurity, bless, and use sacred talismans. They are vulnerable if left without Guardians.

Proud warriors with wings. They fly superbly, wield wind magic, and obey the strict military hierarchy of their clan.

A special divine drink that can instantly heal even the most severe demonic taint or poison.

A legendary pearl that grants mortals incredible health and longevity. It is the most coveted and dangerous artifact, hunted by demons.

The God's primary weapon. They can be used to shapeshift, create barriers, summon objects, or bind enemies.

Demons may attend school, but they must conceal their ears, tails, and wings with magic or talismans (ofuda). If the magic wears off in the middle of class, chaos ensues!

Transformation Leaves (Hengge) are enchanted maple or cherry blossom leaves. Yokai place one on their head to temporarily assume a flawless human form or hide their ears and tails. Powerful Yokai (like Tomoe) perform their magic without them, but for long walks through human Tokyo, they are indispensable, ensuring the illusion's magic doesn't wear off at the wrong moment.

Sacred Scrolls and Fans are artifacts for rapid travel. Powerful spirits can fly at incredible speeds, riding summoned clouds or wind currents, and also use space-compressing teleport scrolls.

The school is going crazy over Kurama (Shinjiro), who pretends to be a "fallen angel." He has hordes of fangirls who wait for him at the gates.

Gods and guardians are forbidden from using their powers in public view. Violation can result in a reprimand from the Higher Gods.

After school, the characters might go to karaoke, eat ramen, shop for shrine supplies, or stroll around Tokyo. Yokai often get confused by human technology, money, and smartphones, which always comes off as comical.

Ryo (Magic Coins) are ancient gold and copper coins with a square hole in the center. They are used for payment at the Night Market and in the werewolf village. Unlike human money, real ryo ring with a special magical echo. The deities in the Heavenly Palace disdain coins and exchange divine favors or favors.

Guardian spirits and noble yokai are characterized by their distinctively elegant traditional clothing:
Base: Traditional loose-fitting kimono or yukata with long, wide sleeves (furisode).
Top layer: Haori cloaks, which are often worn draped over the shoulders without the arms being pulled through the sleeves.
Belt: A wide obi belt that secures the kimono tightly around the waist.
Footwear: Wooden geta sandals or classic zori, worn with white tabi socks.
Color scheme and fabrics: Light, flowing, and luxurious fabrics (silk). Light, pure tones (white, light green, pastel) or deep, dark tones (purple, blue) predominate for contrast.
Details: Minimalism without variegation - elegant patterns along the bottom of the kimono (waves, branches, bamboo), fans in hands or behind the belt.

Tengu (Werecrows)
The style of this race depends entirely on their clan and habitat.
Mountain tengu: They wear the strict, closed robes of Buddhist hermit monks (yamabushi). These include thick, dark kimonos, wide trousers, thick ropes instead of belts, and protective forehead protectors.
Urban tengu: Those who have gone mainstream adopt extreme subcultural styles. They wear gothic and rock clothing: leather, chains, tight pants, and chokers.

Sea creatures (Mermaids and sea yokai)
The inhabitants of the underwater kingdom (the Dragon Clan) wear clothes inspired by traditional Eastern luxury, but adapted for life in the water.
Court style: The underwater nobility wear multi-layered translucent silks in watery shades (blue, turquoise, pearl) that flutter beautifully under the water.
Scales and Armor: The Sea Lord's warriors and guards are equipped with light armor stylized as fish scales or shells, complemented by light cloth bandages.

Shikigami (Helper Spirits)
These are artificial spirits created by gods or powerful magicians. Their clothing directly depends on the form they take.
Transforming Clothing: If a shikigami is animal-shaped (such as Mamoru in monkey form), they may only wear a tiny decorative vest, breastplate, or cap.
Human Form: When the shikigami takes the form of a child or adult, it will wear a replica of traditional Japanese children's clothing (simple cotton yukata, shorts, and sweaters) with protective kanji or amulet patterns.

Temple spirit guides (Kojin)
Minor spirits (like Onikiri and Kotetsu) who are attached to shrines and assist the kami.
Ritual masks: Their main attribute of clothing is the invariable white theatrical masks (expressing different emotions), which they never take off.
Children's festive attire: They wear identical traditional short kimonos, belted with wide ribbons, and loose trousers. The clothing is usually decorated with the symbols of their particular temple.

Inhabitants of Yomi (the Underworld)
Creatures and guardians who obey Izanami in the underworld of the dead.
Funeral Palette: Their clothing is devoid of color. They wear kimonos exclusively in dull, gray, ash, or deathly white colors.
Ritual Smell: Their attire often appears to be burial robes (white, unpatterned kimonos), and the fabric appears heavy and still, emphasizing the atmosphere of decay.

Deities (Kami) - Eccentric Luxury
Their clothing is inspired by the formal aristocratic style of ancient Japan (the Heian period). The fabrics are expensive, heavy, stiff, and shapely, and the silhouettes are voluminous and monumental.
Top (Kariginu or Sokutai): Ceremonial robes with incredibly wide, rectangular sleeves are worn. The sleeves are often not sewn all the way to the shoulders, allowing the contrasting fabric underneath to be visible. The fabric is thick silk or brocade with embossed patterns (clouds, flowers, waves).
Hakama (Bottoms): Large, very wide, pleated pants resembling a skirt. They are so long that they completely cover the shoes and trail along the floor in a train.
Headgear (Eboshi): Tall, patent leather black caps of round or pointed shape, which are fastened with ribbons under the chin.
Shoes: High wooden shoes with thick soles, covered with leather or fabric.
Elements of eccentricity: Narikami wears scarlet silks with gold lightning bolts and numerous layers. Otohiko wears a feminine kimono, light, flowing ribbons, bold makeup, and feathers woven into her hair. Mikage disguises herself among humans: she wears a formal light coat, round glasses, and a felt fedora hat, beneath which she conceals the white robes of a god.

Dragon Clan (Sea Rulers) - The Aquatic Aristocracy
The style combines imperial Chinese-Japanese chic with oceanic elements. The clothes are meant to appear to flutter dramatically in the water.
Fabrics and cut: Light, translucent, flowing silks are used, reminiscent of sea foam, water, or the fins of exotic fish. The main colors are deep blue, sea green, turquoise, pearl white, and black.
Armor: Over their robes, rulers (like Ryuo Sukuna) wear thick leather or scale pauldrons and wide belts, stylized to resemble cuirass or large dragon scales. Their clothing often features metal plates of gold or silver.
Accessories: Massive crowns and expensive kanzashi hairpins made of coral and pearls for women (like Kamehime). Male warriors often wear silk eye patches decorated with embroidery.

Greater Demons (Wild Youkai) - Primal Outrageousness
Characters at the Akura-o level disdain all rules, so their clothing is flashy, wild, expensive, and aggressive. Cut: Deliberately casual and daring. Kimonos and robes are worn open, completely exposing the chest and torso. Obi sashes are tied low on the hips.
Materials: An abundance of heavy natural fur and wild animal skins. Fur skins are slung over one shoulder, serving as huge collars or hem trim. The colors are contrasting and predatory—blood red, deep black, and poisonous purple.
Attributes: A huge amount of heavy jewelry made of gold, bone, and iron. These include massive hoop earrings, heavy bracelets on the wrists and ankles, and large beads made of fangs or ornamental stones.