Series & First Appearance
Harutora Tsuchimikado is the protagonist of the light novel series Tokyo Ravens, created by Kōhei Azano. The series debuted on January 29, 2010, and has since been adapted into an anime by Studio Archive, which aired starting October 2013.
Profile at a Glance
Harutora, born on June 17, appears to be 16 years old during the series’ events. He operates primarily as a high school student at Onmyo Prep School, part of the distinguished Tsuchimikado clan’s branch family. Despite his lineage, he initially possesses no magical abilities, which leads him to live a regular and seemingly uneventful life. However, Harutora is later revealed to be the reincarnation of Yakou Tsuchimikado and has a profound connection to his lost powers.
Personality & Motivations
Harutora is depicted as easygoing, cheerful, and somewhat carefree, tending to take life lightly. However, beneath this cheerful demeanor lies a strong sense of loyalty and duty, particularly toward his childhood friend Natsume, to whom he made a promise to protect. His journey is marked by a desire to prove his worth and step out from his family’s shadow, pushing him to embrace his destiny as a powerful onmyouji. Throughout the series, he exhibits a deep sense of responsibility, particularly towards those he cares about.
Abilities / Powers
Initially, Harutora has no magical powers, which serves as a significant hurdle as he navigates the onmyouji world. His combat abilities primarily involve traditional martial arts and basic onmyou techniques. However, as the series progresses, he discovers his true identity as the reincarnation of Yakou Tsuchimikado. This revelation unlocks vast powers, including proficiency in shikigami summoning, talisman crafting, and advanced onmyou techniques. Harutora’s growth culminates in the ability to wield formidable techniques that resonate with his past life, significantly expanding his combat capabilities.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Harutora’s journey begins with a laid-back existence that rapidly shifts following encounters with Natsume and the revelation of his true heritage. Major arcs include the accidental involvement in a ritual gone wrong, which introduces him to the broader conflicts between onmyouji factions and supernatural threats. A turning point occurs when he confronts his own identity and the burdens of his past, leading him on a mission to protect Natsume and rediscover his powers. His evolution is rooted in a struggle to accept his responsibilities and embrace his lineage, melding his former life with that of his reincarnated self.
Notable Relationships
Harutora’s most significant relationship is with Natsume Hyūga, his childhood friend and the main heir of the Hyūga clan. Their bond drives much of the narrative, as he is determined to protect her, often acting as her shikigami. Other key relationships include his rival and friend, Kyouko, who helps him understand the complexities of onmyouji society, and his mentor, Touji, who guides him in honing his abilities and navigating his new life as an onmyouji. Additionally, interactions with various side characters highlight different facets of his personality and growth.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable scene occurs in episode 12 of the anime, where Harutora, after overcoming significant challenges, confidently declares his commitment to protect Natsume, symbolizing both his growth and the enduring power of their bond. Another pivotal moment is in the light novel (Volume 3, Chapter 5), where he embraces his identity as Yakou through powerful techniques, showcasing his character transformation and acceptance of his responsibilities. These moments resonate with fans, encapsulating themes of loyalty, identity, and courage.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Harutora Tsuchimikado is often juxtaposed with memorial figures in Japanese folklore and mythology, accentuating the cultural significance of his character. In popularity polls, he consistently ranks among the top characters from Tokyo Ravens, garnering a devoted fanbase. The Japanese voice of Harutora is provided by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, known for roles like Kirito from Sword Art Online, while the English dub features Ryan Bartley. His design reflects traditional onmyouji aesthetics, layered with modern influences, helping bridge the historic themes of the story with contemporary character art. Harutora also appears in various cross-media adaptations, which further emphasizes his popularity and narrative significance within the franchise.
Harutora Tsuchimikado serves as a cornerstone for Tokyo Ravens, balancing traditional onmyouji elements with the coming-of-age journey in an anime that intertwines supernatural intrigue and rich character dynamics.
