Ayaka: A Story of Bonds and Wounds
| Company type | Anime television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation |
| Founded | July 2, 2023 |
| Founder | GoRA |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
| Products | Anime television series, manga |
| Parent | Studio Blanc, King Records |
| Website | ayaka-anime |
is an original Japanese anime television series conceived and scripted by GoRA, with animation produced by Studio Blanc and King Records overseeing production. Nobuyoshi Nagayama served as director, while Kana Shibue composed the soundtrack and Ryō Tanaka from Bit Grooove Promotion handled sound direction. The characters were designed by Redjuice, with Misaki Kaneko adapting these designs for animation. The series was broadcast from July 2 to September 17, 2023, on Tokyo MX and BS11. Its opening track, "AYAKASHI," is performed by Angela, and the ending theme "Flashback" is by saji. International streaming rights were secured by Crunchyroll, whereas Medialink acquired licensing for the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, a spin-off manga titled Ayaka: Muzzle Flash Back, authored by GoRA and illustrated by Ryo Kuroda, began serialization in Ichijinsha's Monthly Comic Zero Sum on July 28, 2023.
Summary
Yukito Yanagi, an orphan originating from Ayakajima—a cluster of seven islands believed to be inhabited by "Mitama" and dragons—was relocated to Tokyo after his father passed away when Yukito was five years old. Following his middle school graduation, he returns to Ayakajima under the guidance of Jingi Sagawa, an eccentric disciple of his deceased father and longtime friend. There, Yukito encounters other disciples of his father who are dedicated to maintaining peace on Ayakajima by combating rogue mitama and spirits.
Characters
- Yukito is the orphaned son of Ley Master Makoto Yanagi. Born in Ayaka, he moved to mainland Japan following his father's demise and returns ten years later under Jingi’s mentorship.
- Jingi, a Ley Master trained by Makoto Yanagi, supports Yukito despite his own immaturity and tendency toward heavy drinking.
- Haruaki, formerly the senior disciple of Makoto Yanagi and currently the chief priest at Kasen Shrine, mentors both Yako Amano and Chatarō Fukawake. He deliberately avoids Aka Ibuki due to opposing spiritual beliefs.
- Aka Ibuki leads Ayaka Security, tasked with defending Ayaka from Ara-mitama threats. Once a disciple of Makoto Yanagi, he separated from Haruaki Kurama because of differing approaches to spiritual management.
- Chatarō is a disciple under Haruaki Kurama’s tutelage, close in age to Yukito, and competes with fellow disciple Yako Amano.
- Yako trains alongside Chatarō under Haruaki Kurama’s guidance, sharing both camaraderie and rivalry.
- Ibara serves within Ayaka Security under Aka Ibuki. Having been orphaned herself, she regards Ibuki as a mentor figure.
- Makoto Yanagi was the foremost Ley Master safeguarding Ayaka until he died battling a dragon spirit responsible for a volcanic eruption. He is revered as a hero.
- Taihei is part of Ayaka Security under Aka Ibuki’s command and also operates the diner situated within the same premises.
- Momoko acts as the landlady and maternal figure at Yukito’s childhood home, noted for preparing his favorite curry dish.
- Sanji Inō serves as Yukito’s guardian and mayor of Ayakashima city; he ensured Yukito’s upbringing on the mainland and facilitated his return to Ayaka after completing middle school.
See also
- K — Another anime project created by GoRA.