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Gingitsune
Gingitsune
Gingitsune
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Gingitsune
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Makoto Saeki and the white fox, Gintarou
ぎんぎつね
Genre
Manga
Written bySayori Ochiai [ja]
Published byShueisha
MagazineUltra Jump
Original runMay 19, 2009 – October 19, 2022
Volumes18
Anime television series
Directed byShin Misawa
Written byHiroshi Yamaguchi
Music byTatsuya Kato
StudioDiomedéa
Licensed by
Original networkTV Tokyo, TVO, TVA, AT-X
Original run October 7, 2013 – December 23, 2013
Episodes12
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Gingitsune (ぎんぎつね; lit. 'Silver Fox') is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Sayori Ochiai [ja]. It was serialized in Shueisha's seinen manga magazine Ultra Jump from June 2009 to October 2022, with its chapters collected in 18 tankōbon volumes. It follows Makoto Saeki, the daughter of a shrine priest who can see the shrine's messenger, Gintarou, and the everyday lives of the two as a go-between for the gods and humans. A 12-episode anime television series adaptation by Diomedéa was broadcast from October to December 2013.

Plot

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Makoto Saeki is the daughter of a shrine priest in a small Inari Shinto shrine dedicated to the God Ukanomitama. When she was 4 years old, her mother died and she inherited an unusual gift called The Sight, allowing her to see the Shrine's Heralds. She met the messenger of the god Inari, an anthropomorphic fox named Gintarou, during the funeral, and he declared her as the fifteenth generation heiress. Gintarou can see a short glimpse into the future and can find lost things despite being rude and unmotivated, but still develops a good friendship with Makoto. As she is the only girl who can see the spirit, both of them decide to be a go-between for the gods and humans as they try to help those who come to the shrine.

Characters

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Saeki Shrine

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Makoto Saeki (冴木 まこと, Saeki Makoto)
Voiced by: Hisako Kanemoto[2]
A true successor of the Saeki Inari Shrine. When her mother died before Makoto turned 4 years old, she gained the ability to see heralds, who serve as messengers of the gods. Makoto lives with her father Tatsuo and Gintarou until Satoru and Haru arrive to live with them as well. She is also known in her school for telling accurate fortunes albeit through Gintarou's help.
Gintarou (銀太郎, Gintarō)
Voiced by: Shin-ichiro Miki[2]
The herald of Saeki Shrine, he appears as a huge white fox that protected the shrine for 15 generations of successors of the Saeki family. Although seemingly laid-back and uninterested in human affairs, Gintarou actually cares a lot for Makoto despite his claims that she is annoying. He has a penchant for oranges due to his past where he was saved by a young lady.
Tatsuo Saeki (冴木 達夫, Saeki Tatsuo)
Voiced by: Toshihiko Seki[3]
Makoto's father and also the Saeki Shrine's priest. He does not possess the sight to see Gintarou, unlike his daughter and deceased wife as he was married into the family. However, he knows about Gintarou and hopes to be able to see him. He was born Tatsuo Toyokura, but adopted his wife's surname when he chose to become a priest instead of a brewer.
Satoru Kamio (神尾 悟, Kamio Satoru)
Voiced by: Kenshō Ono[2]
The successor to the Kamio Shrine, he inherited the sight from his grandfather after his death since Satoru's parents died earlier due to an accident.. He was raised by some relatives who mistreated him and he was isolated from the others. He later moved away to stay at Saeki Shrine with Haru. He is popular with the girls in school and also proficient in Kendo. In the manga, he is shown to slowly take a liking to Makoto and has a rivalry with Nanami Kosugi.
Haru (ハル)
Voiced by: Ayumi Fujimura[2]
An 80-year-old fox herald. Originally one of the heralds of Kamio Shrine, she later became Gintarou's partner herald when she follows Satoru to the Saeki Shrine. She was once a young fox who had been killed by a vehicle and her spirit followed Satoru's great-grandfather to Kamio Shrine and became a herald. She is very attached to Satoru and is jealous of any girl who approaches him.

Shinto West Public High School

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Yumi Ikegami (池上 ユミ, Ikegami Yumi)
Voiced by: Chinatsu Akasaki[3]
Makoto's classmate who once seek help from her to resolve her relationship problem with Shōhei. She is laid-back but stubborn and also at odds with Hiwako's personality, but eventually she becomes close friends with Hiwako and Makoto after being invited by Makoto to stay at her shrine. She is interested to work in any jobs with animals.
Hiwako Funabashi (船橋 日輪子, Funabashi Hiwako)
Voiced by: Ami Koshimizu[3]
Makoto's classmate and also the vice-president of the student council. She is a model student who comes from a wealthy family which specialises in tea ceremonies. She used to be cold to others due to her strict upbringing but she changes after becoming close friends with Makoto and Yumi. She also seems to have a crush on Makoto's father.
Seishirou Kirishima (桐島 清志郎, Kirishima Seishirō)
Voiced by: Tomokazu Sugita
The blond-hair 3rd-year student council president. He looks like a foreigner as his grandmother was a British. He has also known Taisuke since they were in the same elementary school. He is obsessed over Hiwako.
Taisuke Kinukawa (絹川 泰介, Kinukawa Taisuke)
Voiced by: Yūki Ono
Captain of the Kendo Club with a big stature. He is bad at making tofu although his family owns a tofu shop. He recognises Satoru's efforts that he places on Kendo that he manages to stop him from quitting the Kendo Club.
Nanami Kosugi (小杉 七海, Kosugi Nanami)
Voiced by: Hiroyuki Yoshino
Member of the Kendo Club. He despises Satoru over his poor attitude. He also seems to have developed a crush on Makoto.
Kozue Ashihara (葦原 梢, Ashihara Kozue)
Voiced by: Yō Taichi
Makoto's classmate whose family owns an inn. She loves to eat and intends to be a chef or nutritionist.
Saki Suzui (鈴井 咲, Suzui Saki)
Voiced by: Ayaka Suwa
Makoto's classmate. She is working part-time to save money to go into nursing.

Heralds

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Kinjiro (金次郎, Kinjirō)
Voiced by: Kazuhiko Inoue
Another fox herald and Gintarou's partner who left to parts unknown centuries before.
Saimaru (才丸) and Utamaru (歌丸)
Voiced by: Naomi Kusumi (Saimaru) and Yōji Ueda (Utamaru)
Two old lion-dog heralds who live at a Matsunō altar behind the Shoubai Grand Shrine. Saimaru is 1500-years old and Utamaru is 1400-years old.
Kame (カメ)
Voiced by: Kanehira Yamamoto
A 300-year-old turtle herald whose shrine was destroyed and found a new home with Saimaru and Utamaru thanks to Makoto and Gintarou.
Fu (風) and Fuku (吹)
Voiced by: Sanae Fuku (Fu) and Kotori Koiwai (Fuku)
Two 60-year-old young monkey heralds from an abandoned shrine inside Amabuki Temple who like to play pranks on humans.
Otomatsu (乙松)
The other fox herald of Kamio Shrine.
Tamachiyo (珠千代)
The rabbit herald of Sumiyoshi Shrine.
Hama (波真)
The other rabbit herald of Sumiyoshi Shrine.
Mitsuki (深月)
The other rabbit herald of Sumiyoshi Shrine.
Nachi (那智)
The crow herald of Kumano Shrine.
Tetsuro (鉄郎, Tetsurō)
A wolf herald who does not live in a specific shrine and travels to various shrines with his human friend Touko.
Gunji (軍司)
The rooster herald of Kota Jingu Shrine.
Watari (亘理)
The other rooster herald of Kota Jingu Shrine.

Other characters

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Shohei Amamoto (天本 将平, Amamoto Shōhei)
Voiced by: Tomokazu Seki
Yumi's boyfriend and studies at a different school. He lives in Amabuki Temple and his father is the head priest of the temple.
Shinichi Yoshizumi (吉住 真一, Yoshizumi Shin'ichi)
Voiced by: Hirofumi Nojima
He is the assistant of Hiwako's father who takes charge in driving Hiwako to and from school. He is 10 years older than Hiwako and appears to have a crush on her.
Yoshitomo Takami (高見 義友, Takami Yoshitomo)
Voiced by: Hiroaki Hirata
Tatsuo's childhood friend and a retired priest. He currently owns an Izakaya. He helps out Tatsuo with the shrine's Purification Ceremony every year.
Etsuko Toyokura (豊倉 江津子, Toyokura Etsuko)
Voiced by: Atsuko Tanaka
Makoto's aunt and Tatsuo's older sister. Her family owns the local Toyokura brewery. She helps out Tatsuo with the shrine's Purification Ceremony every year.
Touko Tsumugi (紬 十子, Tsumugi Tōko)
A 28-year-old former editor and novelist. Like Makoto and Satoru she has the sight but she is an orphan. She was once cornered to the point of thinking of suicide but was saved by Tetsuro, a stray wolf spirit she met by chance. She has been taking care of him ever since.

Media

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Manga

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Written and illustrated by Sayori Ochiai [ja], Gingitsune was first published as a two-one-shot chapter story in Shueisha's seinen manga magazine Ultra Jump on February 19 and May 19, 2008.[4][5][6] It started as a full-fledged series in the same magazine on May 19, 2009.[7] The manga was on hiatus several times.[8] The series finished after a 14-year run on October 19, 2022.[9][10] Shueisha collected its chapters in eighteen tankōbon volumes, released from September 18, 2009.[11] to October 19, 2022.[12]

Volumes

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No. Release date ISBN
01September 18, 2009[11]978-4-08-877731-3
02March 19, 2010[13]978-4-08-877833-4
03August 19, 2010[14]978-4-08-879021-3
04January 19, 2011[15]978-4-08-879098-5
05July 19, 2011[16]978-4-08-879181-4
06December 19, 2011[17]978-4-08-879248-4
07July 19, 2012[18]978-4-08-879359-7
08January 18, 2013[19]978-4-08-879504-1
09September 19, 2013[20]978-4-08-879653-6
10October 18, 2013[21]978-4-08-879670-3
11November 19, 2014[22]978-4-08-879787-8
12June 19, 2015[23]978-4-08-890212-8
13January 19, 2017[24]978-4-08-890583-9
14April 17, 2020[25]978-4-08-891538-8
15November 19, 2020[26]978-4-08-891729-0
16October 19, 2021[27]978-4-08-892113-6
17September 16, 2022[28]978-4-08-892447-2
18October 19, 2022[12]978-4-08-892478-6

Light novel

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No. Title Release date ISBN
1Gingitsune Spring Summer Fall Winter
Gin gitsune shunkashūtō (ぎんぎつね春夏秋冬)		November 19, 2013978-4087033045

Audio drama

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An audio drama of the manga is released in collaboration with Shueisha and Pony Canyon in 2010 under the VOMIC label. The voices of the drama includes Kanae Itō as Makoto and Toshihiko Seki as Gintarou.

Anime

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An anime television series adaptation was announced in April 2013.[29] Diomedéa animated the series with Shin Misawa serving as the director, Hiroshi Yamaguchi as the series writer and both Mayuko Matsumoto and Naomi Ide as the character designers. Tatsuya Katou composed the music.[30] The series was broadcast on TV Tokyo from October 7 to December 23, 2013.[31][a] It also aired on the TV Osaka, TV Aichi, and AT-X stations.[33] The opening theme song "tiny lamp" is performed by Fhána and the ending theme song "Gekkō Story" (月光STORY, Gekkō Story; lit. Moonlight Story) is sung by Screen Mode.

Crunchyroll also announced that they would stream the series under the name Gingitsune: Messenger Fox of the Gods.[34] The anime has been licensed by Sentai Filmworks.[35]

Episodes

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No.TitleOriginal release date
1"The Fifteenth Successor and Gintarou"
Transliteration: "Juugodaime to Gintarō" (Japanese: 十五代目と銀太郎)		October 7, 2013 (2013-10-07)
Gintarou is a fox spirit that has been protecting the small Inari temple since the Edo era. Saeki Makoto's family possesses the power to see the gods' agent, but the ability is limited to one living relative at a time. When Makoto's mother died while she was still young, Makoto inherited the ability as the sole remaining family member. With the help of fox spirit's power, Makoto and Gintarou help the people of their community, in spite of their many differences.
2"Learning to Compromise"
Transliteration: "Yuzuriaou youni" (Japanese: 譲り合うように)		October 14, 2013 (2013-10-14)
Funabashi, uptight classmate being friends with Saeki and Ikegami due to opening up after bullying.
3"The Place Where the Gods are"
Transliteration: "Kamisama no Iru Tokoro" (Japanese: 神様のいる所)		October 21, 2013 (2013-10-21)
Helping a turtle herald who lost his shrine to a new one with komainu.
4"Satoru and Haru"
Transliteration: "Satoru to Haru" (Japanese: 悟とハル)		October 28, 2013 (2013-10-28)
Introvert kendo boy with the sight joins Saeki along with his young fox herald Haru, but after a fight Haru runs away.
5"Season of Warmth"
Transliteration: "Atatakai Kisetsu" (Japanese: あたたかい季節)		November 4, 2013 (2013-11-04)
While looking for Haru, we learn more about Haru and Kamio's pasts. They make up.
6"How Do I Look?"
Transliteration: "Donnakao shiteru" (Japanese: どんな顔してる?)		November 11, 2013 (2013-11-11)
Saeki, Ikegami and Funabashi throw a welcome party for Kamio. After being stubborn he opens up a bit.
7"Shrines and Temples"
Transliteration: "Jinja to Otera" (Japanese: 神社とお寺)		November 18, 2013 (2013-11-18)
The gang goes to Ikegami bf's place where two monkey heralds are making pranks.
8"Humans Are Strange"
Transliteration: "Ningen tte Hen" (Japanese: 人間って変)		November 25, 2013 (2013-11-25)
Funabashi wants to buy a present for her dad, so she her driver/father assistant Yoshizumi spends time with her.
9"I'm Sorry"
Transliteration: "Gomen'nasai" (Japanese: ごめんなさい)		December 2, 2013 (2013-12-02)
Kids from the neighbourhood break things from the Shrine, Haru gets lost but all ends well.
10"It Really Doesn't Matter"
Transliteration: "Iijan Betsuni" (Japanese: いーじゃん別に)		December 9, 2013 (2013-12-09)
Kamio spends time with the kendo club's captain Kinukawa.
11"Makoto's Future"
Transliteration: "Makoto no Mirai" (Japanese: まことの未来)		December 16, 2013 (2013-12-16)
Saeki and Kamio ponders about the future while preparing for a biannual purification ceremony. People from all around come to help.
12"Summer Cleansing"
Transliteration: "Nagoshinoharae" (Japanese: 夏越の祓)		December 23, 2013 (2013-12-23)

Reception

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Stig Høgset from THEM Anime Reviews praised the series' character designs for being "well-designed and well-animated" and for tackling serious topics outside of its lackadaisical tone, despite the conflicts being "overreactions made for dramatic purposes rather than realistic drama." He concluded by putting it alongside Natsume's Book of Friends as a good companion piece, calling it "relatively light and enjoyable entertainment with enough substance to not just be empty calories, and an appropriately sweet ending episode that leaves a possibility and a desire for more."[36] Rebecca Silverman of Anime News Network reviewed the complete anime series in 2015.[37] While finding criticism in the awkward character animations, misplaced musical score in places and lack of cultural notes about shrines, Silverman praised the series for its charming and believable characters, elegant backgrounds with distinctive shrine designs and for being informative on Shintoism, concluding that "Gingitsune is a charming gem of a show. It isn't action-packed or even particularly continuous in terms of plot, but it is warm and cozy and worth a visit to the Saeki Shrine."[37]

Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gingitsune

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Gingitsune (銀狐, lit. "Silver Fox") is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Sayori Ochiai, serialized in Shueisha's seinen magazine Ultra Jump from June 2009 to November 2022 and compiled into eighteen tankōbon volumes. The story centers on Makoto Saeki, a high school girl and the fifteenth-generation priestess of the Saeki Inari Shrine, who inherits the ability to see and interact with Gintarō, a centuries-old fox spirit serving as the shrine's divine messenger since the Edo period. Together, they mediate between the human world and the supernatural, helping shrine visitors with everyday problems while exploring themes of family, faith, and spiritual responsibility in a slice-of-life narrative infused with Japanese folklore. The series originated as a one-shot prototype in Ultra Jump in 2008 before its full serialization, gaining popularity for its gentle supernatural elements and character-driven storytelling. In 2013, Gingitsune was adapted into a twelve-episode television series titled Gingitsune (ぎんぎつね; Gingitsune: Messenger Fox of the Gods in English), produced by studio under director Shin Misawa, with series composition by Hiroshi Yamaguchi. The aired on networks including from October 6 to December 22, 2013, with original music composed by Tatsuya Kato and animation that captures the manga's serene atmosphere through detailed settings and expressive designs. It received praise for its heartfelt portrayal of intergenerational bonds and subtle humor, though it covers only a portion of the 's extensive run, leaving room for further adaptations. The series also received a light novel adaptation titled Gingitsune: Shunkashūtō in 2013 and an audio drama CD. Beyond its core narrative, Gingitsune draws on traditions, particularly the worship of , the deity of rice, prosperity, and foxes, to blend mundane high school life with yokai encounters and divine interventions. The protagonist's journey reflects broader cultural motifs of succession and harmony with the (spirits), making the series a notable entry in modern exploring spirituality without overt conflict. releases, including Blu-ray collections, became available internationally starting in 2015, broadening its audience among fans of cozy tales.

Synopsis

Plot

Makoto Saeki serves as the fifteenth-generation heiress to the Saeki , a modest in a rural town, inheriting the rare family ability to perceive divine messengers known as heralds following her mother's death in childhood. This gift allows her to interact with Gintarō, a venerable who has guarded the shrine since the , acting as Inari's herald and intermediary between the divine and human realms. Initially reluctant to embrace her priestess duties amid her high school routine, Makoto forms an essential partnership with Gintarō, who, despite his centuries-old traditions, must adapt to contemporary life, including modern technology and casual human interactions, to fulfill their shared responsibilities. The narrative unfolds in an episodic format, intertwining Makoto's ordinary teenage experiences—such as attending classes at Shinto West Public High School and socializing with friends—with interventions at the shrine. Key events include aiding lost souls seeking resolution, mediating disputes between humans and lesser spirits, and addressing disturbances caused by wandering heralds or neglected divine entities, all while Gintarō provides guidance rooted in ancient lore. These encounters often highlight the shrine's declining relevance in a modernizing world, prompting Makoto and Gintarō to collaborate on small-scale miracles, like reuniting families with heirlooms or calming restless , to restore faith among locals. As the story progresses chronologically, matures from a carefree girl evading her heritage to a committed priestess, navigating inheritance challenges. The series features interactions with other heralds from nearby shrines, such as protective spirits, revealing interconnected divine networks, while revitalization efforts rally community support through festivals and personal interventions. Gintarō's adjustment deepens their bond, evolving from initial frustrations over Makoto's modernity to mutual respect during crises like a powerful spirit's incursion threatening the town. The manga concluded in 2022, with Makoto embracing her role as priestess and the story emphasizing themes of personal growth and community ties.

Themes

Gingitsune delves into beliefs by centering on the Saeki Shrine, an Inari temple where the protagonist Saeki serves as the hereditary heiress capable of perceiving heralds, the divine messengers that facilitate communication between humans and . These heralds, often depicted as animal spirits like the fox Gintarō, embody the Shinto principle of , wherein natural elements and deceased beings possess spiritual essence, maintaining harmony between the mundane and supernatural realms. The narrative draws from authentic Inari worship practices, portraying foxes as sacred symbols of prosperity and guardianship, akin to the white revered at approximately 3,000 registered Inari shrines across as intermediaries for the Uka-no-Mitama, associated with and abundance. A prominent motif is the tension between tradition and modernity, illustrated by Gintarō's origins in the contrasting with contemporary urban encroachment on sacred spaces, such as the demolition of shrines for development projects that symbolize the fading relevance of institutions in secular society. This clash underscores the series' commentary on how ancient rituals, including seasonal festivals like those honoring Inari's rice harvest, persist amid high school routines and technological progress, highlighting the shrine's struggle to attract visitors and sustain its cultural role. Environmental undertones emerge through episodes involving nature spirits displaced by human expansion, integrating local to emphasize community over natural and spiritual heritage. Friendship, duty, and personal growth form interconnected motifs, particularly in Makoto's evolution from a hesitant teenager burdened by her lineage to a poised mediator who fulfills shrine obligations while forging bonds with heralds and peers. Her relationship with Gintarō exemplifies platonic loyalty, where mutual support fosters emotional maturity, extending family ties beyond blood to include spiritual guardians and communal networks that reinforce Shinto's emphasis on collective harmony and ancestral reverence. These elements subtly critique societal isolation by promoting empathy across worlds, as seen in Makoto's interventions that revive dormant traditions and strengthen local ties.

Characters

Saeki Shrine

The Saeki Shrine, a small Inari temple dedicated to the deity , has been maintained by the Saeki family since the , serving as a modest site for harvest rituals and local spiritual practices. The family's lineage carries a unique hereditary trait allowing only one member at a time to perceive divine messengers, a that shapes their roles in shrine operations and underscores the intimate, generational bond with the sacred. Makoto Saeki, the 15th-generation heiress, is a high school student who inherited the family's spiritual sight at age four following her mother's death, enabling her to interact with unseen entities while assisting in duties. Her personality blends cheerfulness with a sense of being overwhelmed by her responsibilities, often displaying a sweet and laid-back demeanor tempered by stubbornness and occasional frustration in balancing her duties. Over the course of the story, Makoto demonstrates growth into a more confident leader, gradually embracing her role as the 's future guardian through hands-on involvement in rituals and visitor interactions. Tatsuo Saeki, 's father, serves as the current head , having married into the and thus lacking the spiritual sight himself, which limits his direct engagement with aspects. He handles the shrine's administrative and ceremonial tasks with a supportive, traditional approach, providing steady guidance to Makoto while respecting the 's inherited legacy. The family dynamics revolve around the lingering influence of Makoto's late mother, Yūko Saeki, whose possession of the spiritual ability prior to her passing at Makoto's young age directly transferred the gift to her daughter, fostering a sense of continuity and quiet reverence in their daily life at the . Tatsuo's role complements this by offering emotional stability, often through lighthearted or practical support, helping Makoto navigate the pressures of her dual life. Among relatives, Etsuko Toyokura, Makoto's aunt and Tatsuo's older sister, occasionally connects with the family through her ownership of the local Toyokura brewery, providing indirect support and familial ties that reinforce the 's community roots, though she does not participate in daily operations. The itself operates with minimal staff beyond the Saekis, emphasizing the close-knit, self-reliant nature of their stewardship amid its historical solitude.

Shinto West Public High School

Shinto West Public High School serves as the primary setting for Saeki's interactions with her peers, providing a contrast to her responsibilities by emphasizing everyday teenage experiences and friendships. , a second-year student, navigates here while maintaining her unique ability to see spiritual entities, though her classmates remain largely unaware of this aspect of her life. These relationships highlight themes of camaraderie, personal growth, and the challenges of , such as forming bonds amid individual insecurities. Satoru Kamio is Makoto's classmate and a key figure in her school life, serving as the successor to his family's and possessing the rare ability to perceive heralds like Makoto. Reserved and introspective due to past family hardships, often keeps his emotions guarded, yet he forms a close, supportive friendship with Makoto that involves shared understanding of their spiritual burdens. His involvement in lighthearted school activities, including practice, brings moments of normalcy and loyalty to their group, helping Makoto balance her duties with peer camaraderie. Proficient in , participates in club events that foster team spirit and occasional rivalries among students. Yumi Ikegami, another of 's close classmates, offers emotional support through her laid-back yet stubborn personality, often providing in group settings. An avid animal lover aspiring to a career involving creatures, Yumi's headstrong nature makes her popular despite occasional clashes, and she becomes a steadfast friend to Makoto after initial hesitations. Her interactions help Makoto explore teenage interests like school festivals and casual outings, where Yumi's enthusiasm lightens the mood and underscores the value of uncomplicated friendships. Yumi's relationship with her boyfriend Shōhei further illustrates youthful romance dynamics within the school environment. Hiwako , the vice-president and a model from a wealthy , initially appears haughty and distant due to her strict upbringing, but she evolves into a reliable companion for . Intelligent and mature, Hiwako's reserved demeanor softens through shared experiences, offering quiet encouragement during stressful periods like exams or events. Her subtle crush on Makoto's father adds a layer of awkward teenage , while her role in school activities promotes themes of and balancing academic pressures with personal connections. Hiwako's friendship with and exemplifies how initial tensions can lead to enduring support networks. Other school figures, including teachers and club members, contribute to the oblivious normalcy of Makoto's high school routine, rarely suspecting the influences around her unless indirectly impacted, such as through resolved personal dilemmas via her fortunes. For instance, the kendo club captain Taisuke Kinukawa supports in training sessions that highlight perseverance and group loyalty, while member Kosugi introduces competitive jealousy with her unrequited affection for Makoto. Classmates like Kozue Ashihara, who dreams of becoming a chef, and Saki Suzui, saving for nursing school through part-time work, enrich the backdrop of diverse aspirations and subtle influences on Makoto's social circle. These elements collectively portray the school's role in fostering resilience, as Makoto juggles studies, festivals, and budding crushes without revealing her otherworldly responsibilities.

Heralds

Gintarou serves as the primary herald of the Saeki Shrine, an ancient silver acting as Inari's messenger and protector of the site since the era. Approximately 350 years old, he possesses abilities to foresee events a short distance into the future and locate lost objects, though he rarely employs them proactively. His personality is marked by laziness, arrogance, and a foul-mouthed demeanor, yet he demonstrates underlying loyalty and care toward the shrine's human successors. In the adaptation, Gintarou is voiced by . Other heralds include Haru, an 80-year-old white spirit originally assigned to the Kamio Shrine after her mortal form as a fox was killed by a , with her soul following Satoru Kamio's great-grandfather to become a herald there. Laid-back yet stubborn, Haru forms a deep, almost obsessive bond with , often displaying jealousy toward others who approach him; she later partners with Gintarou following events at the Saeki Shrine. Voiced by in the , her role draws from traditions of foxes as divine intermediaries. For , a 300-year-old herald whose original was destroyed by urban development, leading and Gintarou to assist him in relocating to the Shoubai Grand . As a symbol of longevity in , Kame represents enduring wisdom in his supportive role among the heralds. Voiced by Kanehira . Saimaru and Utamaru, twin lion-dog spirits () guarding the Shoubai Grand , embody traditional protectors with ages of 1500 and 1400 years, respectively. Their backstories tie to ancient mythological roles as sentinels warding off evil, and they form alliances with Gintarou during occurrences, such as aiding displaced spirits like Kame. Saimaru is voiced by Naomi Kusumi, and Utamaru by Yōji Ueda in the . The heralds' interactions often involve conflicts or collaborations during shrine-related events, with Gintarou's gruff nature leading to rivalries, such as his initial tensions with Haru, while alliances emerge to resolve divine matters. These dynamics highlight their mythological origins in lore, where animal spirits mediate between gods and humans.

Other characters

Shrine visitors in Gingitsune often appear as troubled individuals seeking aid from the , reflecting everyday human struggles intertwined with the . For example, Shohei Amamoto, the boyfriend of 's classmate Ikegami and son of the head priest at Amabuki Temple, features in an episode where and her friends visit the temple, leading to interactions that resolve interpersonal tensions through spiritual insight. Similarly, peripheral figures like and schoolgirls, such as the unnamed in the series premiere and Girl A in later episodes, approach the shrine for guidance on personal matters, with their dilemmas addressed via Gintarou's abilities. Minor spirits encompass non-fox yokai and local deities that appear in one-off arcs, adding folklore-inspired variety to the narrative. Mischievous or neutral supernatural entities include the sibling monkey heralds Fuku and Fuu, 60-year-old pranksters from an abandoned within Amabuki Temple, who playfully harass humans and are introduced during Makoto's visit there. These figures, inspired by traditional , create lighthearted conflicts resolved through Makoto's mediation without forming lasting alliances. Other episodic yokai, such as wandering ghosts or local deities like the unnamed entities in school-related hauntings, briefly disrupt daily life before being appeased.

Media

Manga

Gingitsune is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Sayori Ochiai. It was serialized in Shueisha's Ultra Jump magazine from the May 19, 2009, issue to the October 19, 2022, issue. Shueisha collected the chapters into eighteen tankōbon volumes under the Young Jump Comics Ultra imprint. The first volume was released on September 18, 2009, while the eighteenth and final volume appeared on October 19, 2022. The series originated from a one-shot published in 's March 2008 issue, which led to its full . Ochiai's artwork, rendered in black-and-white throughout, highlights intricate designs of yokai spirits—particularly anthropomorphic es—and evocative renderings of architecture and rural Japanese landscapes. The draws inspiration from Inari folklore, centering the plot around a hereditary to the rice deity Inari and its divine fox messengers.

Light novel

The light novel adaptation of Gingitsune, titled Gingitsune: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (ぎんぎつね春夏秋冬, Gingitsune Shunkashūtō), was released on November 19, 2013, by under their JUMP j BOOKS imprint. Written by Nanao with illustrations by original creator Sayori Ochiai, the single-volume work consists of four interconnected short stories, each set during a different season and adapting early arcs from the into format. These narratives focus on the Saeki and its inhabitants, blending everyday shrine life with encounters involving herald spirits. The novel expands significantly on elements less prominent in the manga's visual storytelling, such as characters' internal monologues and detailed depictions of rituals. For instance, it delves into the emotional depths of supporting characters like Kamio and Kosugi during a summer night incident at a remote , highlighting their unspoken tensions and spiritual awareness through extended inner reflections. Unique additions include enriched backstory on Saeki's family lineage as priestesses, providing context for her inherited abilities, as well as prolonged dialogues between humans and heralds that reveal subtle cultural and emotional nuances in their interactions. Other stories cover a theater involving members and a brief appearance by the herald Zankuro, a fall encounter with a mysterious , and a winter Christmas tale featuring Izuko and Tetsuro, all emphasizing seasonal and personal growth. Positioned as supplementary material, the served as a promotional during the adaptation's broadcast from October to December 2013, offering fans deeper narrative layers and character insights beyond the 's serialized format. Spanning 188 pages, it maintains the series' blend of slice-of-life warmth and subtle elements while prioritizing prose-driven emotional intimacy.

Audio drama

The VOMIC adaptation of Gingitsune, produced by under their Voice Comic (VOMIC) label, began digital delivery on the official VOMIC website in 2010. This audio drama format overlaid , sound effects, and background music onto static panels, adapting the initial chapters of the series into four episodic installments. These episodes emphasized short skits depicting pivotal early interactions, such as Makoto Saeki's initial encounters with the shrine's herald spirits. The voice cast provided previews of the characters distinct from the later television anime, with notable roles including Itō Kanae as Makoto Saeki and Seki Tomokazu as Gintarō. Other supporting voices featured Oda Yūsei as Tatsuo Saeki, among additional ensemble members. This pre-anime production played a key role in promoting the ongoing manga serialization in Ultra Jump, offering fans an auditory dramatization to build anticipation before the full animated series aired in 2013; the online episodes were subsequently discontinued following the anime's debut.

Anime

The television anime adaptation of Gingitsune was produced by the studio and directed by Shin Misawa, with series composition handled by Hiroshi Yamaguchi. It aired from October 7 to December 23, 2013, consisting of 12 episodes broadcast on networks including , , Aichi Television Broadcasting, and AT-X. The series adapts the early volumes of Sayori Ochiai's , primarily covering the first three volumes while incorporating original content to enhance pacing and develop character interactions in an episodic format. The voice cast features as the protagonist Makoto Saeki and Shin'ichirō Miki as the Gintarō, bringing distinct energy to their dynamic—Kanemoto's youthful tone contrasting Miki's gruff authority. Additional notable roles include as Hiwako Funabashi and as Yumi Ikegami, supporting the ensemble of shrine and school characters. The music was composed by Tatsuya Katō, contributing to the serene, supernatural atmosphere with subtle orchestral and ambient tracks. The opening theme, "tiny lamp" performed by fhána, sets a whimsical tone, while the ending theme, "Gekkō Story" by SCREEN mode, provides reflective closure to each episode. Episodes are organized into loose arcs emphasizing slice-of-life elements, beginning with Makoto's introduction to her role as heiress and her bond with Gintarō in the early installments. Subsequent arcs explore interactions with other heralds, such as a seeking aid and seasonal festivals, blending everyday high school challenges with consultations for pacing that builds emotional depth without rigid serialization. The narrative concludes with resolutions involving Makoto's growth in balancing her duties and friendships, incorporating original scenes to smooth transitions between manga-inspired events. For distribution, the series was simulcast with English subtitles on starting October 6, 2013, making it accessible to international audiences during its initial run. licensed the in November 2014 and released the complete collection on Blu-ray and DVD on March 31, 2015, including English subtitles and bilingual audio options where applicable. It has since been available on platforms like HIDIVE.

Reception and impact

Commercial performance

The manga series achieved moderate commercial success within the seinen demographic, with multiple s appearing on Oricon's weekly comic rankings. For instance, 9 debuted at number 25 with 35,102 copies sold in its first week in September 2013, shortly before the anime adaptation aired. 10 followed in October 2013 at number 39, selling 25,589 copies in its debut week for a cumulative total of 59,050 copies for that . Earlier s also charted notably, such as 5 at number 18 with 31,581 first-week sales in July 2011 and 8 at number 29 with 27,340 copies in January 2013. Later entries maintained visibility, including 12 at number 33 with 28,400 copies in June 2015 and 13 at number 22 with 27,657 in January 2017. The 2013 anime adaptation saw home video releases in Japan, but specific Blu-ray and DVD sales figures remain limited in public records, reflecting its niche appeal as a slice-of-life supernatural series. Internationally, Sentai Filmworks licensed the anime for North America, releasing the complete collection on Blu-ray in March 2015, which contributed to broader accessibility. The series also streamed on Crunchyroll, reaching audiences in 208 territories worldwide and supporting ongoing fan engagement without reported viewership metrics. The adaptation, Gingitsune: Shunkashuutou, published by in 2013, and the accompanying audio drama CD targeted a specialized audience within the publisher's imprints, though detailed sales data for these formats are not widely available, underscoring their supplementary role to the . Merchandise, including figures of the character Gintarou, appeared through various Japanese retailers, enhancing the series' presence in the collectibles market without disclosed sales volumes.

Critical reception

Critics have praised Gingitsune for its character designs, particularly the distinctive portrayal of the herald Gintarō, whose grumpy yet caring demeanor and unique one-sided mouth add charm to the series. The anime's cozy, slice-of-life atmosphere has been highlighted as a calming and feel-good experience, evoking warmth through everyday interactions at the Saeki Shrine. Reviewers have also commended its authentic depictions of practices, such as shrine ceremonies and prayer etiquette, which educate viewers on modern Japanese traditions without feeling didactic. Gabriella Ekens of noted the emotional depth in the bond between and Gintarō, describing it as resonant character work that builds sentimentality across episodes. However, some critiques have focused on the anime's production elements. The has been described as limited, with awkward walking cycles and basic human character designs that occasionally undermine the visual appeal, despite strong background art for shrines and temples. Pacing issues emerged in later episodes, where the lackadaisical slice-of-life structure led to slower momentum and an uncomfortable sequence in episode 11 involving an unfunny molestation gag. Music received mixed feedback, often seen as unremarkable and failing to elevate key emotional moments. Comparisons to similar series like are common, with Gingitsune praised for its lighter tone and seamless integration of , offering a more upbeat take on yokai interactions while maintaining heartfelt themes. The tone has also been likened to for its charming shojo elements and focus on a young girl's spiritual responsibilities. For the , Sayori Ochiai's artwork has been acclaimed for its detailed shrine environments and expressive herald designs, which enhance the episodic centered on relational growth and slice-of-life vignettes. The series' completion in October 2022 after a 14-year run was noted in industry reports, marking the end of its serialization in with eighteen volumes that faithfully captured the cozy essence.

References

  1. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=15282
  2. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-07-23/sayori-ochiai-gingitsune-manga-ends-in-2-chapters/.187871
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  4. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2018/2/7/explore-family-and-faith-in-gingitsune-messenger-fox-of-the-gods
  5. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/gingitsune/sub.blu-ray-complete-collection/.88731
  6. https://myanimelist.net/anime/18411/Gingitsune
  7. https://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1629
  8. https://otakuusamagazine.com/snuggle-up-to-the-big-fluffy-grumpy-protagonist-of-gingitsune/
  9. https://bokksu.com/blogs/news/kitsune-the-enigmatic-fox-of-japanese-folklore
  10. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-08-19/ami-koshimizu-toshihiko-seki-join-gingitsune-anime-cast
  11. https://gingitsune.fandom.com/wiki/Makoto_Saeki
  12. https://myanimelist.net/anime/18411/Gingitsune/characters
  13. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-07-18/hisako-kanemoto-shinichiro-miki-lead-gingitsune-anime-cast
  14. https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G649G581Y/gingitsune-messenger-fox-of-the-gods
  15. https://myanimelist.net/character/88431/Haru
  16. https://gingitsune.fandom.com/wiki/Volume_1
  17. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-01-18/sayori-ochiai-gingitsune-manga-resumes-in-february/.155507
  18. https://j-books.shueisha.co.jp/books/gingitune_shunkashuutou.html
  19. https://bookmeter.com/books/7548242
  20. https://www.ota-suke.jp/news/100534
  21. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Manga/Gingitsune
  22. https://gingitsune.fandom.com/wiki/Gingitsune_%28Anime%29
  23. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-09-25/crunchyroll-to-stream-gingitsune/messenger-fox-of-the-gods-anime
  24. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-11-14/sentai-filmworks-adds-gingitsune-anime/.81036
  25. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-06-24/japanese-comic-ranking-june-15-21/.89666
  26. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-01-25/japanese-comic-ranking-january-16-22/.111475
  27. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/shelf-life/2015-03-24/.86273
  28. https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/anime-review-gingitsune-messenger-fox-of-the-god-complete-collection-123507/
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