Series & First Appearance
Tomoe is a significant character from the manga and anime series Kamisama Kiss (Kamisama Hajimemashita), created by Julietta Suzuki. He makes his debut in Chapter 1 of the manga, which was first published in 2008. The anime adaptation aired in 2012, bringing Tomoe to life on screen.
Profile at a Glance
Tomoe appears to be in his mid-twenties but is a fox familiar with centuries of experience under his belt. He serves primarily as the familiar and protector of Nanami Momozono, the new land god. Tomoe’s culinary skills are notable, and he primarily uses his abilities to lend aid in various situations, using powers befitting a deity and familiar. His love and loyalty towards Nanami serve as a foundation of his character.
Personality & Motivations
Tomoe is characterized by his deep loyalty, protectiveness, and nurturing nature, especially towards Nanami, for whom he shows genuine affection and care. A major part of his personality is his jealousy, which manifests when other males show interest in Nanami. Though he initially presents himself as stoic, his softer side emerges through his thoughtful actions and acts of kindness. Tomoe struggles internally with his long-buried feelings for Yukiji, a girl from his past, which complicates his relationship with Nanami.
Abilities / Powers
As a fox familiar, Tomoe possesses several supernatural abilities:
- Enhanced Strength and Speed: He can move faster and perform feats beyond that of an ordinary human.
- Transformation: Tomoe can shift between his human and fox forms, each providing different advantages in various scenarios.
- Magic Use: He can cast various spells, though his powers occasionally face limitations due to his emotional state or the presence of his dying curse.
- Healing Abilities: He’s capable of self-regeneration and healing others.
Tomoe’s powers evolve throughout the series, recounting his past, realizing his love for Nanami, and ultimately overcoming his dying curse.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Tomoe’s character development takes a significant turn due to his complicated history with Yukiji. Initially bound by a dying curse, his motivations tie closely to his past traumas. After sealing a pact with Nanami through a kiss, he grapples with feelings of love and attachment. The twist of Nanami being linked to his past love leads him to confront his emotions. Key arcs include:
- The Break of Their Contract: Where Tomoe’s frustration and feelings come to a head, revealing his internal struggles.
- Nanami’s Time Travel: This pivotal moment where Nanami journeys into the past to save Tomoe from his curse not only strengthens their bond but uncovers the truth about their intertwined fates, emphasizing the themes of love and sacrifice.
Notable Relationships
Tomoe’s primary relationship is with Nanami Momozono, with whom his bond deepens over time. The conflict between his lingering feelings for Yukiji and his love for Nanami creates emotional depth in the narrative. Other significant characters include:
- Mikage: The previous land god, instrumental in sealing Tomoe’s curse and shaping his current life.
- Yukiji: The girl from Tomoe’s past, creating a complex layer of emotion and guilt that influences his actions and views towards love.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable moment occurs when Tomoe kisses Nanami to renew their contract after it had been broken, symbolizing not just his loyalty but also his affection (Chapter 10). Another poignant moment takes place during the reveal of Nanami’s reincarnation as Yukiji, leading to Tomoe’s conflicted feelings as he states, “I thought I had forgotten you,” which encapsulates the depth of his love and loss across centuries (Chapter 100).
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Tomoe is voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki in the Japanese version and Brian Dobson in the English adaptation. This character has resonated with audiences, making him a favorite in popularity polls, with Kamisama Kiss‘s fan voting placing him among the top choices—his member favorites tallying 12,277.
- Tomoe’s character design and personality draw from traditional Japanese folklore surrounding fox spirits (kitsune), imbuing him with traits like cunning and charm while contrasting with his loyalty.
Tomoe serves as a complex figure within Kamisama Kiss, embodying themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery, merging traditional myth with a modern narrative that appeals to diverse audiences.
