Series & First Appearance
Kazuma is featured in the manga and anime series Noragami, created by Adachitoka. He first appears in Chapter 46 of the manga and makes his anime debut in Episode 10 of the second season, Noragami Aragoto.
Profile at a Glance
Kazuma is a Divine Instrument (shinki) and the last surviving member of Bishamonten’s original shinki. He is affiliated with Bishamonten, the goddess of war and fortune, and possesses the unique weapon Chouki, which is represented as a flower-shaped earring. His abilities include tracking enemies and engaging in combat to protect Bishamonten and uphold her ideals.
Personality & Motivations
Kazuma embodies loyalty and self-sacrifice, often putting the needs of others before his own. He harbors a deep attachment to Bishamonten and is motivated by a desire to protect her from the truths of her past, particularly concerning her former shinki who fell prey to demonic possession. His demeanor is generally serious and stoic, but he displays a more vulnerable side, particularly when his loyalties are tested or when addressing his past traumas. Kazuma’s quirk lies in his willingness to orchestrate intricate plans to navigate complex situations, which sometimes leads to morally ambiguous decisions.
Abilities / Powers
Kazuma wields Chouki, a weapon capable of tracking enemies, effectively enabling him to act as a scout and strategist in battles. His combat style combines agility and strategy, focusing on defensive maneuvers rather than outright aggression. As a Divine Instrument, he possesses enhanced durability and combat skills, though these abilities adjust according to his emotional state and connection to Bishamonten. After becoming a Nora and receiving a new name from Yaboku—Kazune—his powers evolve, allowing him to tap into a broader range of abilities while grappling with the implications of his new identity.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Kazuma’s narrative is significantly shaped by his tumultuous relationship with Yato, who was once a threat to Bishamonten’s former shinki. Early in the series, Kazuma covertly requests Yato to eliminate Bishamonten’s old shinki to protect her, a decision that haunts him throughout the story. His confrontation with Yato signifies a turning point where he must reconcile his protective instincts for Bishamonten with the reality of Yato’s past. In later arcs, Kazuma’s development is evident as he navigates his identity as a Nora, facing moral dilemmas and emotional conflicts that cause him to reevaluate his relationships and purposes.
Notable Relationships
- Bishamonten: Kazuma’s unwavering loyalty to Bishamonten defines his character arc. He is deeply protective of her yet grapples with the shadows of their past.
- Yato: Initially an adversarial figure, Kazuma’s complicated relationship with Yato evolves from animosity to reluctant respect, given their shared experiences and challenges.
- Yaboku: The character who gives Kazuma the name Kazune, Yaboku represents the complex world of gods and shinki, pushing Kazuma to embrace his identity as a Nora while adding layers to Kazuma’s own evolution.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Kazuma’s most defining moments occurs when he confronts Yato about the past and the fate of Bishamonten’s old shinki, underscoring the theme of sacrifice in Chapter 61. A memorable quote reflecting his protective nature is, “I will do anything to save her, even if it means becoming a monster myself.” This line encapsulates his conflicted nature and the lengths he is willing to go to protect those he loves.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Kazuma is a fan-favorite character, ranking 794 in member favorites, which speaks to his depth and the complexities of his character. In the Japanese version of Noragami, Kazuma is voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya, known for his roles in other prominent anime, while the English adaptation sees him voiced by Kyle McCarley. His design and backstory reflect themes from Japanese mythology, particularly around the concepts of loyalty and the burdens of past deeds, which resonate with many fans, making him a compelling figure in the series.
This character spotlight on Kazuma provides a comprehensive overview of his role and significance in Noragami, encapsulating vital aspects of his personality, abilities, and relationships that shape his story.
