Wanyuudou

Wanyuudou's human disguise is that of a friendly bald elder, smartly dressed in a bowler hat and hakama.

He carries a signature red muffler, which he wraps around his neck to transform into his straw doll form.

His straw doll form is black, matching his calm and composed demeanor among the group.

His true and original yokai form is a gigantic flaming wheel with a face at its center, radiating both intimidation and awe.

Wanyuudou exudes grandfatherly wisdom and dignity, often delivering the most authoritative lines of the trio.

He is approachable and respected, often acting with a sense of humor and occasional playfulness.

Though he sometimes acts as a narcisst—albeit less so than Ren Ichimoku—he is usually reflected and gentle, taking light-hearted jabs at himself.

He is particularly empathetic toward young women, occasionally allowing himself to be drawn into their emotional struggles.

Wanyuudou often views Ai Enma as his own granddaughter and affectionately refers to his teammates as if they were his romantic partners, though this is always tongue-in-cheek, given their great age difference.

Before becoming a yokai, Wanyuudou was the wheel of a royal carriage used to help a princess escape pursuers centuries ago.

Due to his regret at failing to protect the princess or follow her after her death, he transformed into a tormented yokai, haunting and frightening people as a burning wheel.

Meeting Ai Enma gave Wanyuudou a chance for redemption, and he pledged himself as her loyal familiar.

Wanyuudou possesses supernatural strength—he can stop a rampaging truck with ease or throw around delinquent troublemakers effortlessly.

He transforms into his powerful wheel yokai form, encased in flames, to transport Ai Enma at incredible speeds through the sky.

In various stories, his powers also include soul consumption, regeneration with fire, and the ability to inflict grisly deaths by dragging victims beneath his fiery wheel.

He holds deep respect for Ai Enma, treating her like the granddaughter he never had.

With the Straw Doll team, he maintains a playful camaraderie, sometimes jokingly suggesting romantic feelings—adding a layer of warmth to their interactions.

Kikuri, one of the notable supporting characters, teasingly calls him "baldy," but their banter is more affectionate than hostile.

Human women often feel comfortable approaching him and confiding in him thanks to his gentle, grandfatherly aura.

His main pseudonym during investigations is "Ryudo Fuwa," a name that matches his dignified appearance.

Despite his aura of wisdom, Wanyuudou sometimes finds himself as the butt of practical jokes or even physical pranks, including being nailed or thrown into manure by his teammates.

He often finds himself empathizing strongly with young women, especially schoolgirls, and offers them guidance or a sympathetic ear.

In other series and media, his character or likeness appears in famous franchises such as GeGeGe no Kitaro, Shin Megami Tensei, and more, each with their unique spin on his powers and personality.

“I will take you to Hell in my wheels of flame.”

“Even for a wheel, the path of life is full of twists—what matters is rolling forward.”

“Watching over Ai Enma is my destiny—call it an old man’s stubbornness.”

As a Familiar of Ai Enma

Wanyuudou is introduced as the first and most experienced familiar of Hell Girl Ai Enma, guiding her and the other Straw Dolls in their missions.

He is in charge of investigating targets, using his human guise and pseudonym “Ryudo Fuwa.”

He occasionally takes on school janitor roles, blending into human society to gather intelligence on Ai Enma's latest assignments.

Key Events and Contributions

Whenever Ai Enma sets out for a mission, Wanyuudou transforms into his terrifying wheel form, carrying her through the night sky surrounded by fire.

He acts as chauffeur, protector, and consigliere, offering insight, wisdom, and might as needed.

His tragic backstory is revealed, adding depth to his role as both a penitent spirit and a reluctant punisher.

In Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae

Before reuniting with Ai Enma, Wanyuudou worked at a construction site, demonstrating the simple diligence he carries even in mundane tasks.

He infiltrates Sakaigawara Fourth Middle School as a janitor, providing essential undercover support to Ai Enma and the Straw Dolls.

Wanyuudou's motif as a flaming wheel yokai is inspired by classical folklore and adapted into countless other Japanese works.

He appears in various other series, often as a boss, ally, or even a vehicle, showing his iconic status in popular culture.

His representation in modern media, especially in GeGeGe no Kitaro, Shin Megami Tensei, and even action series like Kamen Rider Hibiki, highlights his enduring appeal as both a fearsome and sometimes unexpectedly sympathetic figure.