Sekirei

Sekirei
Sekirei volume 1 cover.
Genre	Action, Harem, Romantic comedy
Manga
Written by	Sakurako Gokurakuin
Published by	Square Enix
Magazine	Young Gangan
Demographic	Seinen
Original run	June 2005 – ongoing
Volumes	7
Anime
Directed by	Keizō Kusakawa
Written by	Takao Yoshioka
Studio	Seven Arcs
Released	July 2 2008 – present

Sekirei (セキレイ, lit. Wagtail) is a Japanese manga series by Sakurako Gokurakuin. Originally starting serialization in the seinen magazine Young Gangan published by Square Enix in June 2005, Sekirei is an ecchi manga aimed at young men. The manga stars a male named Minato Sahashi, a typical Keitaro-grade loser, and has even failed college examinations twice. His life changes, however, when he meets Musubi. Unknown to him at the time, Musubi is a Sekirei, an artificial life form designed to fight others of her kind. An anime adaptation produced by Seven Arcs and directed by Keizō Kusakawa has begun airing in Japan as of July 2008.

Plot

Minato Sahashi has failed the college entrance exam twice, is awkward around women, and unemployed. Growing up, he could never stand up to his mother or little sister, a trend that continues to this day. In reality, Minato is extremely intelligent, yet his inability to cope under pressure results in his constant failure. As a result he has been branded an idiot and loser by many. One day, Minato meets a girl named Musubi, who literally falls from the sky. Minato soon learns that he is an 'Ashikabi', humans with special genes that allows them to partner with 'Sekirei'. The Sekirei are super-powered beings created by the mysterious MBI corporation. Made up of cute girls, buxom women, and bishōnen, the Sekirei fight in a dangerous and sometimes deadly competition called the 'Sekirei Plan'. With the entire city of Tokyo as the battlefield, the Sekirei seek out those humans who are destined to become their Ashikabi partner. Minato soon learns that being the partner of a beautiful girl is not all fun and games, especially when he discovers that an Ashikabi can have more than one Sekirei partner, and that's where the real trouble starts.

Characters

Izumo Inn

Minato Sahashi (佐橋 皆人, Sahashi Minato)

Voiced by: Shinnosuke Tachibana (drama CD, anime)

Height: 173 cm. Weight: 59 kg.

Minato Sahashi's Sekirei (from left to right): Musubi, Matsu, Homura, Kazehana, Kusano, and Tsukiumi.

The main protagonist. Minato's known family consists of his mother and younger sister. Minato is extremely intelligent, yet due to his inability to cope under pressure has failed the college entrance exam twice. As a result he has been branded an idiot and loser. He met Musubi by a stroke of luck after failing the exam the second time while Musubi was being attacked. As a consequence of their meeting, Minato discovers that he is an 'Ashikabi', a person that can "wing" (ie. form a contract with) Sekirei. This binds the Sekirei to him and allows them to use their full power in the elimination battle. By the end of the game's second stage, Minato has winged six Sekirei. He has a passive personality and is said to have gone along with what ever his mother and sister have said since childhood. Recent events in the story suggest that other Ashikabi consider Minato the strongest Ashikabi in the northern part of the city.

Musubi (結, Sekirei #88)

Voiced by: Ayako Kawasumi (drama CD), Saori Hayami (anime)

Height: 161cm Weight: 48kg BWH: 97-58-89

Minato's first Sekirei and the story's main heroine. She met Minato when she fell out of the sky. After hearing Tsukiumi say that she is Minato's wife she decides that she is going to be his wife too. She is very naive and often says things she does not understand, and is often the most 'childish' of Minato's Sekirei, even more so than Kusano. She also eats a lot (her name means rice ball). At times she has a ferocious bear appear behind her - the reason given is because she is Miya's disciple. A running gag in the story is how her clothing always end up in tatters every time she fights. Musubi abilities are based on hand-to-hand combat which utilizes her greatly enhanced strength. This is enforced by the heavy combat gloves she always wears.

Kusano (草野, Sekirei #108)

Voiced by: Yukari Tamura (drama CD), Kana Hanazawa (anime)

Height: 108cm Weight: 17kg　BWH: 57-57-57

Minato's second Sekirei. Commonly referred to as 'Kū-chan', she is also known as the "Green Girl" by other Sekirei. She calls Minato, Onii-chan (Japanese term of endearment for 'older brother'), and is the most attached to him. She does not like fighting or quarrels and she can be seen stopping them when they start. She has expressed a desire to be Minato's wife when she grows up. Kusano has the power to control plants, making them grow at accelerated rates and to unnaturally large proportions; her name literally meaning a "grass field".

Matsu (松, Sekirei #2)

Voiced by: Yuki Matsuoka (drama CD), Aya Endo (anime)

Height: 161cm Weight: 47kg　BWH: 95-59-91

Minato's third Sekirei. Matsu is a computer genius and hacker. Despite her high intellect, she is very perverse and often comes up with schemes related to 'experimenting' with Minato. Matsu uses a vast network of satellites and spying devices to gather large amounts of information and has even succeeded in hacking the MBI mainframe computer. As a result, she is being chased by MBI and lives in a secret room at the Inn. She refers to herself as the 'Wisdom' Sekirei, however, most call her the 'Shameless' Sekirei for her habit of using her resources to peep on people. Matsu serves primarily as Minato's unofficial 'strategist', never venturing outside of the Inn and using her vast network of information to aid him.

Tsukiumi (月海, Sekirei #9)

Voiced by: Rie Tanaka (drama CD), Marina Inoue (anime)

Height: 165cm Weight: 47kg　BWH: 94-57-88

Minato's fourth Sekirei. She first appears to him in a dream saying that she would kill him. This was due to her desire to be the strongest, and demonstrate that Ashikabi were not necessary to win. However, when they finally met she was persuaded into becoming his Sekirei. She refers to herself as Minato's 'legal wife' and is very possessive of him. She is the most aggressive of Minato's Sekirei and has a very short temper; she very rarely smiles. Tsukiumi has had a one-sided rivalry with Homura, whom Tsukiumi considers her rival. Tsukiumi once confided to Miya that she still wants to be the strongest, but it is so she can be with Minato forever. Tsukiumi has the ability to control and manipulate water; part of her name, "umi", means 'sea'.

Kazehana (風花, Sekirei #3)

Voiced by: Yukana (anime)

Height: 170cm Weight: 53kg　BWH: 98-60-92

Minato's fifth Sekirei. She first 'met' Minato at the "Izumo Inn" after she stumbled into his bed in a drunken stupor. It has been hinted that she knows Minato's father. Despite Minato's lack of 'manliness', his concern and love for his Sekirei caused Kazehana to develop feelings for him and she eventually become his Sekirei. Like Tsukiumi, Kazehana addresses herself as Minato's 'wife'. Normally, Kazehana displays a very relaxed personality and often becomes giddy when discussing matters of love. However, when she is serious she displays a lot of power and lets nobody, except the MBI Director and Miya, talk down to her. She knows Uzume's secret, and while she doesn't condone Uzume's actions, she understands Uzume's motives (love for her Ashikabi). Kazehana has the ability to control and manipulate wind, which also grants her a limited ability to fly; "kaze" means wind, and "hana" means flower.

Homura/Kagari (焔/篝, Sekirei #6)

Voiced by: Hiromi Hirata (drama CD), Yuki Kaida (anime)

Height: 173cm Weight: 53kg　BWH: 82-61-81

Minato's sixth Sekirei. The self-proclaimed 'Sekirei Guardian', he used to protect 'unwinged' Sekirei. Homura's power and gender are unstable; however, he continues to think and act as a man even after his body started becoming female (called 'feminization' in the manga). For a long time, he lived under the alias 'Kagari', a popular host club entertainer and only Miya, Uzume, Matsu and Kazehana knew his true identity. Homura began reacting to Minato after he came to the Inn, causing Homura great stress over his potential Ashikabi being male. Near the end of the second stage, he's revealed to be the last unwinged Sekirei. Homura left Izumo Inn to go after the MBI Director in order to bring an end to the Sekirei Plan. However, he was attacked by multiple Sekirei under orders to capture him. Refusing to be a 'trophy' in the Director's game, Homura attempted to commit suicide through self-immolation, just as Minato and his Sekirei arrived. Unwilling to let Homura sacrifice himself, Minato 'winged' him, saving his life. Minato has the power to determine Homura's gender and mentality, but chooses to let Homura remain who he is for now. Homura has the ability to control and manipulate fire; "homura" means flame.

Miya Asama (浅間 美哉, Asama Miya, Sekirei #1)

Voiced by: Sayaka Ohara (drama CD, anime)

Height: 161cm Weight: 45kg　BWH: 87-56-87

The landlady of Izumo Inn. She specializes in swordsmanship. Takehito, her husband and supposed Ashikabi, worked at MBI as a researcher, but supposedly died of reasons yet to be revealed. She states she never refuses anyone needing shelter; however, she prohibits fighting in her house. She trains both Musubi and Tsukiumi to help them win the Sekirei battle. When she becomes angry or annoyed, a demonic visage appears behind her. It is hinted that Miya is one of the two strongest Sekirei, together with #4 Karasuba. Her Sekirei 'winged mark' has not been shown as of yet. Due to her fearsome reputation, no Ashikabi or Sekirei have dared to attack Izumo Inn; she is known as the "Hannya of the North". As a result, she is seen as a pillar of strength in the northern area of the city.

Uzume (鈿女, Sekirei #10)

Voiced by: Yū Kobayashi (drama CD), Hitomi Nabatame (anime)

Height: 163cm Weight: 45kg　BWH: 95-57-90

A Sekirei living at Izumo Inn when Minato and Musubi first arrived. Uzume's Ashikabi is a young girl named Chiho, who is confined to a hospital due to an unknown illness. Uzume has a large collection of costumes at the Inn, which she used to wear to entertain Chiho. Despite her outgoing and friendly appearance, Uzume hides a dark secret. She is secretly working for Higa Izumi, who is holding Chiho hostage, using her powers to eliminate other Sekirei. Near the end of the second stage, Uzume leaves Izumo Inn, realizing she can no longer be a part of Minato's group. She develops a 'friendly' rivalry with Kazehana, who Uzume refers to as 'Onee-chan'. Uzume fights using a large veil which also serves to hide her face and identity.

MBI

Minaka Hiroto (御中 広人, Hiroto Minaka)

Voiced by: Seki Toshihiko (drama CD, anime)

The chairman and founder of MBI with complex of size and a little crazy. It is hinted by Kazehana that he might be Minato's father.

Takehito Asama (浅間 建人, Asama Takehito)

Miya's husband. A researcher with the MBI and also designed the Izumo Inn. He is supposedly dead.

Takami Sahashi (佐橋 高美, Sahashi Takami)

Voiced by: Miki Itō (anime)

Minato's mother and head researcher for MBI; she hid her true occupation from Minato for a very long time. She has a long scar over her left eye, which she received from Yomi (Sekirei #43) while trying to protect Kusano.

Natsuo Ichinomi (夏央)

Voiced by: Kousuke Toriumi (anime)

Little is known about him, but is the Ashikabi of the Disciplinary Squad members. It is also stated by Haihane that he is homosexual.

Karasuba (鴉羽, Sekirei #4)

Voiced by: Romi Paku (anime)

A member of the Disciplinary Squad, she is known as the "Black Sekirei". She is considered MBI's 'dog' and her Ashikabi is Natsuo. Her weapon of choice is a Japanese Long-Sword, and her strength and skills are on par with Miya Asami (Sekirei #1). Karasuba used to team up with Sekirei #8, Yume, in the past. It appears that Karasuba had intended be the one to defeat Yume, and as a result, resents Yume for 'disappearing' before they could settle their rivalry. This unsettled matter appears to heavily influence Karasuba's actions throughout the story. She maintains a 'friendly' relationship with Musubi (whom she calls 'Mu-chan'), and the two have made a promise to be the last two Sekirei standing.

Haihane (灰翅, Sekirei #104)

Voiced by: Mitsuki Saiga (anime)

Also known as the 'Indigo Sekirei', she is a part of the Disciplinary Squad. Her power is her gauntlets, that have scythe-like claws for the fingers. She seems to resemble the Grim Reaper, in a way.

Benitsubasa (紅翼, Sekirei #105)

Voiced by: Shizuka Itō (anime)

Also known as the 'Crimson Sekirei', she is also a part of the Disciplinary Squad. Her power is very similar to Musubi's. She sticks her tongue out while fighting.

South City

Hayato Mikogami (御子上 隼人, Mikogami Hayato)

Voiced by: Jun Fukuyama (anime)

The Ashikabi controlling the southern part of the city. He is young, and has been shown to have no qualms for failure.

Mutsu (陸奥, Sekirei #5)

Voiced by: Daisuke Matsubara (anime)

He is one of the few male Sekirei seen other than Shiina. Little is known about him except the fact that he is a swordsman and his Ashikabi is Mikogami Hayato.

Akitsu (秋津, numberless Sekirei)

Voiced by: Yū Kobayashi (anime)

One of Mikogami's 'Sekirei' that has the power of ice. Akitsu is a 'disused' Sekirei, with a crimson Sekirei mark on her forehead; Homura refers to her as 'Scrap Number'. Akitsu can't be winged as she is now, but she considers Mikogami her 'Ashikabi' because he took her in and she fears being thrown away again. Like her power, Akitsu has a very cold and melancholic personality. Despite being unwinged, Akitsu's power is very strong, allowing her to fight on par with Sekirei like Homura (Sekirei #6).

Mitsuha (蜜羽, Sekirei #38)

Voiced by: Sayuri Yahagi (anime)

One of Mikogami's Sekirei, she was assigned along with Akitsu to capture 'unwinged' Sekirei for him. She attempted to capture Shiina at one point but was blocked by Homura. She fights using a whip that is strong enough to break apart concrete. She was defeated and nearly killed by Karasuba, the Black Sekirei, after the later sliced open her chest.

Yomi (夜見, Sekirei #43)

Voiced by: Kana Ueda

She is adept with a scythe which she uses as her weapon. She was defeated by Musubi and lost her Sekirei mark. She was trying to get the "Green Girl" (Kusano) for her Ashikabi, Mikogami Ayato. She was then picked up by MBI agents. Her fate is still unknown.

East and West City

Higa Izumi (泉 比嘉, Izumi Higa)

The Ashikabi controlling the eastern part of the city. He appears to be blackmailing Uzume, forcing her to do his bidding by holding her Ashikabi, Chiho, hostage. In addition to rumors suggesting that he has a large number of personal Sekirei, Higa also has several Ashikabi (with their respective Sekirei) that serve under him. Recently, Higa has confronted Yukari and Shiina with several of his Sekirei and Ashikabi. His Sekirei incapacitate Shiina and Higa takes Yukari prisoner. When Yukari berates him for breaking the rules of the Sekirei Plan, Izumi simply remarks that he has no interest in being associated with such a 'farce'.

One of Higa Izumi's Sekirei, she speaks in a very sing-song voice. She fights using several bladed disks. Has a fear of snakes. Fought against Tsukiumi while trying to acquire Homura for Izumi.

Another of Higa Izumi's Sekirei, she wears a tight fitting leotard and speaks in a very melancholic voice. She is a hand-to-hand fighter who fought against Musubi while trying to acquire Homura for Izumi. She was defeated and lost her Sekirei crest after being hit by Musubi's 'Kuma-Ken' (Bear Fist).

Kochō (胡蝶, Sekirei #22)

Another of Higa Izumi's Sekirei. Her power is a mystery since she hasn't fought yet.

Kakizaki (柿崎)

Voiced by: Kenji Takahashi (anime)

A bespectacled man who serves as Higa Izumi's 'secretary'; he is also an Ashikabi. He attempts to claim Homura so that Higa Izumi can wing him and is accompanied by two of Izumi's Sekirei. During the battle for Homura, Kakizaki is restrained by Kusano's vines.

Sanada (真田)

The Ashikabi controlling the western part of the city. Little is known about him.

Other characters

Yukari Sahashi (佐橋 ユカリ, Sahashi Yukari)

Voiced by: Kana Asumi (anime)

Minato's younger sister. Unlike Minato, Yukari has a very strong and confident personality. She comes to Tokyo to attend university and be closer to her mother and brother. She has a strong interest in handsome men, especially bishounen. This interest, however, is mostly a result of her hidden feelings for Minato, who she cares for deeply, that she cannot openly express. She is Shiina's Ashikabi, and is helping him search for Kusano. Her forceful reputation has earned her the title, 'Demon Ashikabi'. She is currently unaware that her brother is an Ashikabi and that Kusano is one of his Sekirei; she has expressed the desire that such a pairing might occur. Yukari has recently been taken prisoner by Izumi in order to use Shiina's power for himself.

Shiina (椎菜, Sekirei #107)

Voiced by: Sayori Ishizuka (anime)

A young male Sekirei whose Ashikabi is Yukari. He is searching for Kusano who had a very close sibling-like relationship with him, despite the fact that their powers are naturally opposed to each other. He dislikes violence and has expressed extreme remorse for hurting Sekirei he's defeated. His ability is the opposite of Kusano's and it is most likely "Death" or "Decay". He can instantly disintegrate most forms of matter including metal, wood, fabric, and flesh to a limited degree. Due to the overwhelming power of his ability, he is called 'Death Sekirei' and along with Yukari, are ironically considered the "most evil pair" in Tokyo. Shiina and Yukari's reputation and power have become so feared that they have attracted the attention of Higa Izumi.

Yume (結女, Sekirei #8)

This mysterious Sekirei who used to associate with Karasuba was the first member of the punishment unit force and called herself the Sekirei of "fate"; her power is light and in the past she killed herself to save Musubi's life (she was still a kid) by giving Musubi her own "tama" (the core which let Sekirei live and use their powers). From perspective of Karasuba's memories of Yume, it seems she bears an uncanny resemblance to Musubi herself. Only possibility is that Yume could have been related to Musubi or perhaps a relative, but that is not speculated. She once temporarily took over Musubi's body after having been knocked down, because Minato's warm heart somehow woke her up.

Ikki (伊岐, Sekirei #19)

A Sekirei who wielded dual wakazashi (short swords). She was defeated and nearly killed by Karasuba, the Black Sekirei, with a sword thrust through her chest.

Yashima (八嶋, Sekirei #84)

She had an abusive Ashikabi who treated her as nothing more than a possession. She fought using a massive hammer. Despite using a norita (chant) to power up, she was defeated by Shiina and lost her sekirei crest.

Kuno (久能, Sekirei #95)

Voiced by: Satomi Akesaka (anime)

Probably the weakest Sekirei ever seen up to date. Her ability is "voice" or "song," with which she can either confuse their enemy or block (a norito is needed) their source of power. With Minato's help she and her Ashikabi manage to leave the city alive, but with Kuno injured.

Haruka Shigi (鷸 ハルカ, Shigi Haruka)

Voiced by: Nobuhiko Okamoto (anime)

A rōnin college student like Minato, he was drawn into the Sekirei Plan when he rescues Kuno. However, he decides to just leave Tokyo before MBI soldiers would capture him and Kuno. He seeks Minato and Kaoru's help to escape Tokyo. He then leaves despite being a bit injured with Kuno during an encounter with the Disciplinary Squad.

Narashino (習志野, Sekirei #74)

Voiced by: Mikako Takahashi (drama CD)

Her Ashikabi is Osamu Tsudanuma. Her power remains a mystery, since she was blown away by just one attack from Shiina.

Seo Kaoru (瀬尾 香, Kaoru Seo)

Voiced by: Nakai Kazuya (drama CD), Katsuyuki Konishi (anime)

He is the Ashikabi of Hikari and Hibiki. He works as a freelancer, whose motto is "We solve their problems" with a price. Friend of the late husband of Miya who appears to be in hostel with him.

Hikari (光, Sekirei #11)

Voiced by: Yūko Kaida (drama CD, anime)

Her Ashikabi is Seo Kaoru along with her twin sister, Hibiki. Has the power of electricity. Unlike her sister, she seems to have a short-temper.

Hibiki (響, Sekirei #12)

Voiced by: Neya Michiko (drama CD, anime)

Her Ashikabi is Seo Kaoru along with her twin sister, Hikari. Has the power of electricity. She seems more calm out of the two sisters.

Media

Manga

See also: List of Sekirei chapters

Sekirei began as a manga series which started serialization in the seinen manga magazine Young Gangan in June 2005, published by Square Enix. As of March 25 2008, six bound volumes have been released.

Drama CD

A drama CD entitled Sekirei Original Drama CD was released on July 25 2007 by Frontier Works.

Anime

See also: List of Sekirei episodes

An anime adaptation is being produced by the animation studio Seven Arcs and directed by Keizō Kusakawa. The anime premiered on July 2 2008 and is scheduled for thirteen episodes. The anime is licensed by Aniplex in Japan.

External links

• Manga official website Template:Jp icon
• Anime official website Template:Jp icon
• Tokyo MX official website Template:Jp icon
• Sekirei ({{{type}}}) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia