Tokyo Ravens

The author, Kouhei Azano, was inspired to write a teenage story set within the world of modern Onmyoji.

After refining the core premise, the series fused the mythology of Onmyodo (the way of Yin and Yang) with the accessible drama of youth and friendship.

The goal was to create an energetic, magical academy adventure where modern problems meet ancient powers.

Tokyo is plagued by mysterious spiritual disasters, a direct result of a failed forbidden ritual by the legendary Onmyoji, Yakou Tsuchimikado, 50 years ago.

To manage these threats, Onmyoji are systemized and licensed through a government agency, the Bureau of Onmyo Affairs.

Students aspiring to become Onmyoji are trained at Onmyo Prep School, while both the Bureau and a secretive cult, the Twin Horn Syndicate, vie for power behind the scenes.

The story features rival Onmyoji families, spiritual creatures like fox spirits and dragons, and a society where magical technology blends seamlessly with everyday life.

Powerful artifacts, family traditions, reincarnation mysteries, and political scheming all shape this thrilling magical world.

First Arc (Volumes 1–9)

Harutora Tsuchimikado, born into a famous magical family, is a laid-back teen without spiritual abilities—making him an outsider in his own clan.

After a fateful accident ends in tragedy for his best friend, Harutora pledges to walk the path of an Onmyoji, becoming the familiar of his childhood friend Natsume Tsuchimikado, who is rumored to be the reincarnation of the great Yakou.

Together with a colorful cast—such as the mischievous fox spirit Kon, the mysterious Touji Ato, and prodigy Suzuka Dairenji—they enroll at Onmyo Prep School in Tokyo.

As they navigate school and the complex politics of the Onmyoji world, they face deadly plots by the Twin Horn Syndicate, which seeks to revive forbidden magic and plunge Tokyo into chaos.

The group must deal with secrets such as Natsume’s true gender, Harutora’s hidden powers, and the twisted machinations of Onmyoji elite.

A shocking climax reveals Harutora is, in fact, Yakou’s true reincarnation, and the price to save those he loves is steep.

Second Arc (Volumes 10 and up)

A year after the first arc’s tragic events, Tokyo is in turmoil.

Harutora, now awakened as Yakou and a wanted fugitive, leads a rebellion against the Bureau.

Natsume, resurrected but metaphysically unstable, journeys with new and old allies—including the shy but determined Akino Souma and the steadfast Kon.

Intricate plots by the Bureau, the Twin Horn Syndicate, and ancient spirits unravel, leading to a full-blown magical conflict that will determine Tokyo’s fate and the future of Onmyodo.

The series features a memorable roster:

• Harutora Tsuchimikado: Cheerful, unlucky, and secretly one of the most powerful reincarnated sorcerers.
• Kon: The adorable, fox-tailed spirit fiercely loyal to Harutora, hiding a tragic, multi-layered past.
• Natsume Tsuchimikado: The stoic, talented Onmyoji who conceals her true gender and harbors deep feelings for Harutora.
• Touji Ato: The tough yet caring friend with a demon fused within, offering both muscle and comic relief.
• Suzuka Dairenji: Brash genius girl, paradoxically both a government idol and a social trainwreck.
• Kyouko Kurahashi: The spirited heiress and mood-maker with a penchant for romance and drama.
• Tenma Momoe: Shy, dependable, and the group’s stealth specialist and heart.

The story is filled with vibrant supporting characters, including teachers, legendary Onmyoji, rival families, and enigmatic spirits.

• Onmyoji: Licensed exorcists dealing with spiritual disasters using ritual magic.
• Spiritual Calamities: Disastrous supernatural events plaguing Tokyo, caused by imbalances in spiritual energy.
• Bureau of Onmyo Affairs: The government agency overseeing Onmyoji, managing disasters and policing magical crimes.
• Onmyo Prep School: A specialized academy where students undergo rigorous training to become Onmyoji.
• Twin Horn Syndicate: A secret society of fanatical Yakou believers, orchestrating terrorist events and magical upheaval.
• Reincarnation: The central mystery; various characters are revealed to be the reborn souls of key historical figures.
• Familiars & Shikigami: Magical beings or spirits bound into service by Onmyoji, ranging from animal spirits to artificial constructs.
• Imperial Onmyodo: The dark, militarized magic system created by Yakou, full of risky forbidden arts.
• Dragon Veins and Artifacts: Central to major magical conflicts; spiritual energy flows and unique items grant great power or act as catalysts for plot-changing rituals.

Tokyo Ravens began as a light novel series published by Fujimi Fantasia Bunko from 2010, written by Kouhei Azano and illustrated by Sumihei.

It has inspired several manga adaptations, each with unique story focuses—from daily life slice-of-life episodes, to spin-offs about the Onmyo Prep School’s miko class, and even manga starring new characters.

The anime adaptation aired from October 2013 to March 2014, produced by 8bit, covering the core story arcs and exhibiting a blend of drama, action, and supernatural flair.

Several drama CDs, web radio shows, and both pachinko and pachislot adaptations have been released, further expanding the Tokyo Ravens universe.

Kouhei Azano wanted to revisit youth-focused storytelling within a unique Japanese magical setting.

Pulling from real-world Onmyoji legends, he created a system where ancient heritage clashes with modern society and personal growth.

Care was taken in weaving the historical roots of Onmyodo with relatable, contemporary characters, romantic subplots, and high-stakes magical intrigue.

The manga and anime teams worked closely to ensure the core themes—friendship, destiny, and choice—came through regardless of the medium.

The anime’s music features energetic and emotional tracks:

• Opening Theme: "X-encounter" by Maon Kurosaki
• Ending Theme: "Kimi ga Warau Yuugure" by Yoshino Nanjo

Additional songs include “Break a spell” by Mami Kawada and several action-packed insert songs, all contributing to the show’s exciting atmosphere.

Tokyo Ravens ranked seventh in the 2014 “This Light Novel Is Amazing!” poll for series.

It was also placed tenth in the 2014 Digital Book Awards for light novels, recognizing its popularity in both printed and digital formats.

The series achieved a combined total of over one million copies in circulation by 2013, solidifying its status as a leading modern fantasy work among light novels.

Its blend of school life, intense magical action, and heartfelt relationships has won loyal fans.

Tokyo Ravens stands out for its intricate worldbuilding, well-developed cast, and ability to balance humor, emotion, and thrills.

Tokyo Ravens has participated in crossover RPG events, such as in “Fantasia Re:Build,” bringing characters like Harutora, Kon, and Natsume into new collaborative adventures.

It continues to inspire fanworks, discussions, and new explorations into magical fiction set in modern worlds.