Ofuda
ItemAn ofuda is a paper charm from Japanese tradition, the kind of blessed ward or scripture sold at Shinto shrines to invite good fortune. Within Sailor Moon these slips become Sailor Mars's spiritual weapon, used to bind and drive back the evil she faces.
Overview
Rooted in real Japanese custom, ofuda are talismans and sacred writings believed to carry luck, ordinarily obtained at shrines or temples. In the various tellings of Sailor Moon they turn up as the tools of Rei Hino, whether in her civilian identity or as Sailor Mars. The slip that features most often bears the characters read as Akuryo Taisan, which render roughly as an order for an evil spirit to scatter, printed in red in the live-action production.
Function
Sailor Mars flings the charm to lock her foes in place through her Akuryo Taisan technique, and the paper also forms a central component of her Fire Soul Bird attack. Its debut comes in the third chapter of the manga and the live-action series and in the tenth episode of the anime. Sailor Venus takes a rare turn with one in a manga side story, needing an ofuda to bring down Ghost Cistern. The item extends into games as well: on the Super Famicom, Mars raises four charms to build a protective barrier and hit several enemies at once with the move dubbed Ofuda Hurricane.
Notable Users
Rei Hino, as Sailor Mars, is the charm's foremost handler across the franchise, with Queen Serenity and Princess Serenity also linked to it and Sailor Chibi Moon employing it in the stage musicals. Minako Aino picks one up for her lone outing with the item in a printed side story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of an ofuda?
In real Japanese tradition, an ofuda is a blessed paper talisman or scripture sold at shrines or temples to invite good fortune. In Sailor Moon, these slips become Sailor Mars's spiritual weapon, used to bind and drive back the evil she faces.
What does Sailor Mars's ofuda say?
The ofuda Sailor Mars throws most often bears the characters read as Akuryo Taisan, which render roughly as an order for an evil spirit to scatter.
What attacks does Sailor Mars perform with the ofuda?
Sailor Mars flings the ofuda to lock her foes in place through her Akuryo Taisan technique, and the paper charm also forms a central component of her Fire Soul Bird attack.
Does anyone besides Sailor Mars use an ofuda?
Yes, Minako Aino as Sailor Venus uses one in a manga side story to bring down Ghost Cistern, and Queen Serenity and Princess Serenity are also linked to the item.
When does the ofuda first appear in Sailor Moon?
The ofuda debuts in the third chapter of the manga and of the live-action series, and in the tenth episode of the 1990s anime.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Ofuda? The Sailor Moon Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Sailor Moon anime series, manga, and official materials. Sailor Moon was created by Naoko Takeuchi, published by Kodansha, and animated by Toei Animation. All rights to Sailor Moon and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byNaoko Takeuchi
- Published byKodansha
- Animated byToei Animation
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