Corpse Princess

Shikabane Hime
Company type	Manga series, Anime series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	April 2005
Founder	Yoshiichi Akahito
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Manga, Anime television series

is a Japanese manga series created by Yoshiichi Akahito. It premiered in Monthly Shōnen Gangan in April 2005 and centers on Makina Hoshimura, an undead girl tasked with eliminating 108 undead entities to gain access to heaven, supported by a covert group of Buddhist monks.

The narrative was transformed into a thirteen-episode anime by the studios Feel and Gainax. The initial season, , was broadcast from October to December 2008 on AT-X. Its follow-up, , aired from January through March 2009. Funimation secured the license for distribution in North America, offering the subtitled version across multiple streaming services and on their official website.

The series made its North American television debut on the Funimation Channel on November 15, 2010.

Premise

Following her murder, Makina Hoshimura becomes a living "Shikabane Hime" ("Corpse Princess"). Equipped with dual MAC-11 submachine guns, her mission is to eliminate 108 Shikabane to ascend to heaven. She receives assistance from Keisei Tagami, a Buddhist monk affiliated with the anti-undead Kougon Sect. Her ultimate objective is to avenge her family by destroying the Shikabane known as the Seven Stars.

Main

: Makina is a high school student dressed in a sailor-style uniform, distinguished by long purple hair tied with a red ribbon into braided pigtails ending with metal rings. As a Shikabane Hime, she must slay 108 undead beings to gain heavenly entry, with an early manga volume countdown tracking her progress. Her transformation into a Hime stems from her desire to find her family's murderer. Proficient in combat, she wields two Ingram MAC-11 submachine guns. Keisei Tagami serves as her Contracted Monk. Her family uncovered the method to create Shikabane Hime but was slain by the Seven Stars, who also turned Makina into one of the undead. She frequently warns Ouri against joining missions; however, after Keisei's death, Ouri assumes the role of her Contracted Monk.
: Ouri is a high school boy raised at Keisei Tagami's temple, regarded as a brother figure despite no biological relation. He often follows an enigmatic talking black cat to locations connected with Makina and Shikabane activity. Nicknamed Hanagami ("wimp") by other temple children, he becomes Makina's Contracted Monk following Keisei's demise. At the series' outset, he moves out to live independently and takes on part-time employment.
: Keisei Tagami is a Buddhist priest linked to the Kougon Sect, an organization opposing Shikabane. He discovered and raised Ouri at his temple orphanage. An orphan himself raised by Makina’s father, Keisei became Makina’s Contracted Monk after her family was murdered. Known for his lecherous humor, he frequently hides suggestive items among Ouri’s belongings. Near the anime’s conclusion, he sustains fatal stab wounds and sacrifices himself to defeat Akasha, transferring his contract to Ouri before passing away.

Anime and manga

: Sadahiro’s cynical Shikabane Hime has dark hair adorned with a light purple headband. She works at the bar where Ouri holds a part-time job and often prevents Sadahiro from making foolish remarks. Much of her past remains undisclosed except that she died due to a Shikabane attack. Armed with a sniper rifle, she uniquely possesses permission to kill humans. In manga Chapter 90, it is revealed that she lost her family to Shikabanes and sought Sadahiro's aid in ending their suffering. Kohaku Hoshimura highlights her strong dedication toward salvation, contrasting with most Shikabane Himes who treat it as secondary.
: Isaki’s Shikabane Hime is recognizable by green hair and a red butterfly hairclip. She fights using knuckled gauntlets. After committing suicide following the death of her abusive boyfriend, she became a Shikabane Hime and views her existence as penance despite Ouri’s differing perspective. She developed a close bond with Ouri but chose termination rather than transferring her contract post-Isaki's death. The OVA reveals that her contract was initially incomplete due to lack of bond with Isaki despite having met during childhood.
: Rika’s partner is a playful ten-year-old blonde Shikabane Hime who teases Rika about romantic feelings and frequently snacks. Childhood friends bonded by Rika’s isolated upbringing and Saki’s cheerful disposition, Saki was fatally injured in a fireworks accident; Rika preserved her body until she could become a Shikabane Hime herself. Protective of Rika, Saki wields axes in the manga and a war hammer in the anime adaptation. Her Contracted Monk hails from one of the ten great holy families, enhancing her power. In manga Chapter 63, Saki merges with Rika’s severed body parts to restore her before passing away after fulfilling her protective duty.
: Takamasa’s Shikabane Hime is identified by a large pink bow and died in a car crash burdened by regrets about not fully experiencing teenage life. She bonded with Takamasa for his perceived strength despite his lack of experience; mutual romantic feelings developed but remained unexpressed due to her undead status. She utilizes M945 Combat handguns and transfers into Ouri's class in the anime.
: Known as "The Sword Princess," Takamine’s Shikabane Hime is noted for strength fueled more by regret and determination than brute force. Typically seen wearing glasses and attire resembling office secretary clothing, she died while pursuing the world’s strongest warrior—a quest that drives her obsession as a Shikabane Hime. During the Kougon Sect’s downfall, she wields Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi to slay Sugami Maen. Despite being decapitated by the King of Shikabanes, she becomes an avatar of Chika'eshi no Ōkami and delivers the final strike before disappearing alongside Takamine to eternally seal Sugami Maen.
: Umehara's only manga-exclusive Shikabane Hime over more than ten years is dubbed the "S Monster from S Universe" due to their dynamic involving pain-inflicted discipline combined with profound trust. Primarily armed with a staff but proficient in various weapons.
: An anime-only Shikabane Hime under Umehara shares his otaku interests but often engages him in passionate debates about two-dimensional versus three-dimensional media or doujinshi versus figurines. A foreigner who perished in an airplane crash en route to Akihabara; another Shikabane Hime named Touma (manga-only) is away on vacation but instills fear in Umehara as his Contracted Monk. The Flesh Backbone character appears peeking outside Makina's cave delivering news.

Manga exclusive

: A mature Shikabane Hime appearing solely in the manga, accompanied by her younger partner, Sousetsu Kashio. She employs a whip both to attack and immobilize foes. Believed to have perished.
: A quiet Shikabane Hime featured only in the manga, partnered with Takehiko Mutou who shares the conviction that eliminating Shikabane leads to salvation. She engages enemies using a sniper rifle and is thought to have died alongside Mutou while facilitating the escape of survivors from Hizuchi and Hazama.
: The younger sibling of her Contracted Monk Jin Kisaragi. She fights wielding sais and sacrifices herself to inflict a severe injury on Hazama, dying together with Jin.
: A lively Shikabane Hime known for frequently clashing with her Contracted Monk Nagatomo Kashin. Armed with submachine guns, she was the initial casualty when Hokuto beheaded her.
: A flirtatious combatant who fights using a hand saw called "Britonian," continuing as long as her Contracted Monk Hayashita Ayamitsu permitted. Though devoured by Hizuchi after losing her legs, she managed to severely wound him beforehand.
: A youthful Shikabane Hime dressed in western-style clothing, frustrated by her Contracted Monk Hayatate Touto’s drinking habits. She uses a shield linked by chains for offense and defense. Presumed dead along with others.

Monks

: Contracted Monk to Minai Ruo, an ambitious member of the Kougon Sect aiming to surpass Keisei and assume leadership of the monks. Initially aloof, their relationship deepens due to shared history. Known for speaking disparagingly about Minai but secretly showing care.
: A Kougon Sect monk without a Shikabane Hime partner, serving as an Inspector assigned to oversee pairs during missions and ensure adherence to rules. Distinguished by a shaved head and absence of facial markings.
: Contracted Monk of Akira Tooka, working undercover to observe Ouri and Keisei. Acts as Ouri’s superior at the Parthenon bar and maintains a relaxed attitude. Formerly shared living quarters with Keisei Tagami and Akasha Shishidou.
: The only female Contracted Monk within the Kougon Sect, holding the rank of Gon Sojo and employed at the district office. A member of one of the ten Great Holy Families, she possesses expertise in both traditional and modern medicine and is often accompanied by her Shikabane Hime Saki Amase.
: Referred to as the Traitor Monk, he once commanded the Suppression Unit before its downfall. He murdered his own Shikabane Hime and stole sacred scriptures, believing that Himes are manipulated into killing each other. Utilizes sophisticated zadan techniques drawn from the blood of 108 Shikabane. Aligns with Kohaku Hoshimura’s faction following events in the manga.
: Contracted Monk of Itsuki Yamagami, an adept archer frequently fighting alongside her. Struggles with the corrupting effects that Shikabane status imposes on Himes. In the anime adaptation, serves as a health instructor and is noted as the youngest Genpaku in the Kougon Sect at 19 years old.
: Sojo leader overseeing the district and Contracted Monk of Kamika Tomoroki; previously served as mentor to Keisei Tagami. Mortally wounded during the final battle while protecting survivors of the Kougon Sect alongside Kamika.
: One among Six Sojos and mentor to Takamasa and Ouri. Contracted Monk to Touma Sawamiya and (anime exclusive) Flesh Backbone. Recognized for active participation in field combat despite his rank and notorious for his lecherous behavior. Erased from existence in the manga but later restored following Kohaku’s defeat; departs from the Kougon Sect burdened by guilt over Touma’s fate.

Ōzei no Kegare

Ōzei no Kegare is a major, well-structured faction of Shikabanes whose primary objective is to resurrect their "King" and establish the "Land of the Dead," a realm where the living cannot pass on and instead become Shikabanes themselves. This resurrection demands a ritual performed by five Hierarchs, the most formidable Shikabanes, including one from the Seven Stars. They act as the central antagonists throughout the initial 17 volumes of the manga.

: The supreme ruler ("King") and former emperor of ancient Japan. After being overthrown and dismissed by his successor, he transformed into a vengeful spirit. Later worshipped as a deity, his animosity toward the living endures. Reborn in Chapter 21, he abandons his human identity and assumes his current title. Although he initially devastates the Kougon Sect's headquarters, his ambition to create Hell on Earth is ultimately thwarted when Kamika Todoroki banishes him once more in Chapter 79.

: One of the five Hierarchs and the eldest Shikabane, with a history spanning over 800 years. A distinguished samurai devoted to Sugami Maen, he manipulates blood to craft potent arrows. After Maen's exile, Keito elects to be sealed alongside him to continue serving in the afterlife.

: The sole surviving descendant of a powerful European vampire lineage, he arrives in Japan seeking secrets of kingship to restore his family's former prestige. Accompanied by his retainer Gregorio ("Rio"), Aegis reaches peak power after draining Gregorio’s blood but is swiftly subdued and sealed for future negotiations.

: A Chinese Hierarch who employs Taoist curses fueled by ten silver rings that shield her from various fatal threats such as fire, drowning, freezing, and poisoning. Formerly enslaved by a Shikabane known as the "Chinese Immortal," she mastered his techniques and killed him, thereafter living solely for the thrill of killing. Her vulnerability lies in self-inflicted injury, exploited during the Kougon Sect's downfall when Saki Amase destroys her brain, ending her life. In her final moments, she acknowledges she never truly had anything worth living for despite her fear of death.

: An Indian Hierarch inspired by the goddess Kali who commands her own cult due to her formidable power and commanding presence. Elegant yet fearsome, she wields mind control and illusions powered by powder derived from mummified corpses that corrode flesh. She is also highly proficient with concealed scimitars.

: A loyal vassal to Aegis for over three centuries who fights using a rapier and adheres to a strict code of chivalry. He sacrificed himself shielding Aegis from a lethal blow and requested that Aegis drain his blood upon death to unlock his full potential.

Seven Stars

The Seven Stars consist of seven Shikabanes united by a shared mission targeting humans, rival Shikabanes, and the Kougon sect. Each member bears seven stars from the Big Dipper constellation engraved on their skin. They are responsible for the deaths of Makina and her family.

: The 7th star, depicted as a girl with short silver hair and a facial scar. Raised as a sacrificial offering and reborn as a Shikabane, she lacks conventional emotions but ranks among the most lethal undead. She escapes alongside Hazama but later confronts Makina and Ouri. The manga reveals her background as a sacrificed girl from a village devoted to Miroku Bosatsu, whose fixation is total devotion—a fate fulfilled through Makina’s revenge. After being defeated by Makina, she accepts her destiny.

: The 1st star, distinguished by centipede-like arms. Frequently mistaken for leader, he actually serves as Hokuto's right-hand man. Responsible for an ambush that resulted in Akasha's Shikibane Hime’s death, he flees with Hokuto after their scheme fails. In the manga, he ascends to Hierarch status to restrain Hokuto’s violent nature and establishes the Seven Stars to elevate her as the "Ultimate Shikabane." Ultimately, he seeks death beside Hokuto to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty.

: The 5th star, an androgynous youth capable of possessing others through touch and shifting between nearby corpses. Formerly an artist obsessed with beauty who murdered his models before committing suicide. Killed by Makina, he briefly reanimates corpses and manipulates Shikabane Himes’ bodies. His fixation on beauty is overcome by Makina’s determination, leading to his destruction.

: The 3rd star known for creating portals. A wealthy individual who kidnapped victims for his pet tiger before being slain by Hokuto. As an undead entity, he constructs dungeon-like structures modeled after his mansion to trap foes but is eliminated when unable to contain Makina’s strength.

: The 4th star in the manga iteration who uses cursed telephone transmissions to induce victims’ suicides and possesses their phones to create decoys. He gathers cursed blood from victims but is weakened by Keisei before being terminated by Makina.

: The 2nd star motivated by vengeance against Ouri for causing his death via Ouri’s mother’s actions. A terminal cancer patient obsessed with consuming food even as a Shikabane; his mouth serves as his weak point. He can temporarily enhance limbs but is ultimately defeated by Kohaku Hoshimura following the Seven Stars’ downfall.

: The 6th star appearing as a man with balloons replacing his head. His curse manipulates minds and causes death through overwhelming happiness via balloons. Originating from an impoverished family that committed suicide together, he views death as bliss but eventually questions this belief and dies when one of his own balloons bursts. In the manga version, he allows himself to be consumed by Hazama to replenish Hazama’s strength.

: The 4th star in the anime (substituting Izuwa), dressed in white robes with the ability to transform into purplish gas protecting his brain. He acquires the Lotus Flower technique from Akasha but is killed when Makina destroys the necklace housing his brain.

Additional Characters

: Twin sibling of Makina Hoshimura, Kohaku achieved the Sojo rank at the age of five and was anticipated to rise to Dai Sojo. Believed to have perished during the Seven Stars incident that devastated the Hoshimura Clan, he resurfaces following Sugami Maen's defeat, assuming leadership of the Kougon Sect with the objective of eradicating Shikabane Himes.
: Overseer and head of the Dai-Rin House orphanage, where both Ouri and Keisei were brought up.
: Ouri's diligent and perceptive classmate, a member of the student council aiming for its presidency; often reprimands Hiroshige Ushijima.
: A close friend of Ouri, recognized for his candid expressions of affection toward female classmates.
: A naive classmate and member of the kendo team, unaware of the existence of Shikabane.
: An enigmatic black cat spirit visible exclusively to Ouri and Makina, serving as a guide through Ouri’s interactions with Shikabane. This entity consists of eleven souls connected to the past deeds of Ouri's mother, ultimately reconciling with Ouri before transferring its power and passing away. The cat represents Ouri’s partial Shikabane nature and gradually disappears as he undergoes transformation.
: A classmate nicknamed "Breast Goddess," who was attacked by robbers turned Shikabane but rescued by Makina. She develops an obsession with death and is manipulated into violent acts by Toya in the anime adaptation, dying prior to becoming a Shikabane Hime. The manga depicts her differently, involving parasite infection and subsequent recovery without memory of Ouri.

Key Terms

Shikabane (屍): Undead entities originating from humans burdened by intense regrets or fixations, endowed with superhuman abilities known as Curses. These beings frequently devolve into monstrous forms that prey upon the living due to their obsessions. They can be neutralized by destroying their brains or inflicting overwhelming damage. Typically, their obsessions diminish over seven to eight years, leading to degeneration.
Shikabane Hime (屍姫): Shikabane who reject their lingering regrets, usually young women partnered with monks who provide them with Rune—life energy used for healing. Their duty is to hunt down rogue Shikabane; after eliminating 108 adversaries, they may ascend to Heaven. Separation from their monk partner generally results in death or turning rogue.
Contracted Monk (契約僧): Monks who supply Rune to Shikabane Hime and assist them in combat. Various districts are governed under a Guardian.
Sojo (僧正): The Kougon Sect hierarchy includes ranks such as Dai Sojo (highest), Gon Dai Sojo (second highest), Six Sojo (district leaders), Gon Sojo, Sho Sojo, Gon Sho Sojo, and Dai Sozu. Advancement depends on merit and service.
Curse: Distinct abilities linked to a Shikabane’s specific regret or obsession, often highly effective against foes.
Inspector: Non-contracted monks who support by managing funerals for deceased monks.
Shuhou and Shojou factions: Internal divisions within the Kougon Sect—Shuhou faction opposes employing Shikabane Hime, while Shohou faction supports their use.

Media

Manga

The manga was serialized in Monthly Shōnen Gangan from April 2005 until August 2014 and compiled into 23 volumes by Square Enix. Volume 17 featured a limited edition that included a drama CD. Yen Press acquired digital licensing rights for North America beginning in 2015.

Anime

Created by studios Feel and Gainax, Shikabane Hime: Aka is a 13-episode anime adaptation that debuted on AT-X in October 2008 before broadcasting on various Japanese channels. The opening and ending theme songs performed by angela were released together as a single in November 2008.

Funimation secured North American licensing rights and began streaming the series with English subtitles in October 2008 via platforms such as YouTube, Joost, Hulu, and their official website to mitigate piracy through prompt availability. Manga Entertainment announced plans for a UK DVD release in 2011.

The sequel season titled Shikabane Hime: Kuro aired from January to March 2009 in Japan. An additional episode exclusive to DVD was released in August 2009.

Notes

References

Works cited

"Ch." refers to chapters from the Corpse Princess manga.
"Ep." denotes episodes from the anime series; "S2" indicates season two (Kuro).

External links