Main Page Editorial Column Anime 101 Features [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] Fanworks [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Reviews [ 1 ] [ 2 ] ___________ Home    Email		Introduction to Fushigi Yuugi by Mia Marci If you are interested in Fushigi Yuugi and do not want to spoil the series, it is safe to read this article.      What is it like to be trapped in a storybook?      Fushigi Yuugi takes on that, starring two girls named Yui Hongo and Miaka Yuuki, who stumble upon a book entitled ‘The Four Gods of Heaven and Earth’ and are transported into the story. They are greeted by an attack of a group of ruffians, later on rescued by Tamahome.      Shortly afterwards, Yui vanishes, pulled back in the library. Without Miaka. Then Miaka turns out to be Suzaku no Miko, Yui returns, finds out she’s Seiryuu no Miko. What’s of them now? To gather the seven seishi for three wishes, one of which for them to return home.      Yet complications arise, which doesn’t make it as simple as it seems. Friendships and love placed at stake, betrayal, manipulation and other controversies surrounding the other miko of other countries, Miaka and Yui, the seishi, and the ritual of calling upon the respective gods.      Fushigi Yuugi translates to ‘Mysterious Play’. The brainchild of Watase Yu, covering eighteen manga volumes, later adapted into an anime in 1995. The story is based off elements of Chinese mythology belief of all four territories (North, South, East and West) have an assigned animal God.      In the series, the ‘god’ is called upon by the gathering of ‘Shichi Seishi’ (constellation warriors) lead by a ‘Miko’ (guardian) of designated location and god, as listed below. Suzaku — The god takes the form of a red peacock, protector of Konan Country in the South. Miaka is their miko, with seishi Tamahome, Hotohori, Nuriko, Chichiri, Tasuki, Mitsukake and Chiriko. Seiryuu — The god in the form of a blue dragon, protector of the East Kuto Country. Yui is their miko, backed by Nakago, Amiboshi, Suboshi, Soi, Tomo, Ashitaire and Miboshi. Genbu — The tortoise. Guarded by Takiko Okuda, protector of Hokan Country with seven seishi Hikitsu, Inami, Uruku, Tomite, Uramiya, Hatsui, Namame. Byakko — With seishi Tokaki, Tatara, Kokie, Subaru, Amefuri, Karasuki and Toroki, guarded by Suzuno Oosugi. Their god takes form of a white tiger.      The imprints on the Seishi are similar to that of constellations over their respective areas, even in real-life China. The settings of the Fushigi Yuugi countries are based off the general atmosphere and pinches of their culture in their direction (like Hokan Country’s based off Mongolia).      There are current international distributions of Fushigi Yuugi.      The manga is translated in English by Viz Communications, the English dub of the anime under Pioneer. GMA7 in the Philippines, as of writing, has announced Fushigi Yuugi to be added to their anime line-up.      Promotion has started, with commercial teasers for its debut.      What is it like to be trapped in a storybook? Highly unlikely to happen, and the risks may not be what you want. Well at least in Fushigi Yuugi, you can safely see such a legendary occurrence unfold. Loan items to the person you are interested in so that you always have a perfect excuse to see that person. The same can be said when it comes to borrowing items (be sure to return it though). [ prev article ] [ top ] [ next article ]
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