Hubbry Logo
SymphogearSymphogearMain
Open search
Symphogear
Community hub
Symphogear
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Symphogear
Symphogear
Symphogear
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Symphogear
Key visual for Symphogear AXZ, featuring protagonist Hibiki Tachibana (center) and other lead characters
戦姫絶唱シンフォギア
(Senki Zesshō Shinfogia)
Genre
Created by
Manga
Written by
  • Akifumi Kaneko
  • Noriyasu Agematsu
Illustrated byDan Yoshii
Published byKadokawa Shoten
MagazineNewtype Ace
Original runDecember 10, 2011 – March 9, 2013
Volumes3
Anime television series
Directed byTatsufumi Itou
Produced by
  • Tsuyoshi Oda
  • Keisuke Hori
  • Yuusuke Morii
  • Atsushi Shimada
  • Masama Saijou
Written byAkifumi Kaneko
Music byElements Garden
StudioSatelight[a]
Encourage Films[b]
Studio Pastoral (#3)[c]
Licensed by
Original networkTokyo MX, tvk, TVA, CTC, MBS
Original run January 6, 2012 – March 30, 2012
Episodes13 (List of episodes)
Further information
Anime television series
Symphogear G
Directed byKatsumi Ono
Produced byYuusuke Morii
Written byAkifumi Kaneko
Music byElements Garden
  • Noriyasu Agematsu
  • Junpei Fujita
  • Hitoshi Fujima
  • Evan Call
StudioSatelight
Licensed by
  • Crunchyroll (streaming)
    • NA: Discotek Media
Original networkMBS, TVA, BS11, Tokyo MX
Original run July 4, 2013 – September 26, 2013
Episodes13 + 2 OVA (List of episodes)
Anime television series
Symphogear GX
Directed byKatsumi Ono
Produced byYuusuke Morii
Written byAkifumi Kaneko
Music byElements Garden
  • Junpei Fujita
  • Hitoshi Fujima
  • Evan Call
StudioSatelight
Licensed by
  • Crunchyroll (streaming)
    • NA: Discotek Media
Original networkMBS, Tokyo MX, TVA, BS11
Original run July 4, 2015 – September 25, 2015
Episodes13 + 4 OVA (List of episodes)
Anime television series
Symphogear AXZ
Directed byKatsumi Ono
Produced byYuusuke Morii
Written byAkifumi Kaneko
Music byElements Garden
  • Junpei Fujita
  • Hitoshi Fujima
StudioSatelight
Licensed by
  • Crunchyroll (streaming)
    • NA: Discotek Media
Original networkTokyo MX, BS11, TVA, MBS
Original run July 1, 2017 – September 30, 2017
Episodes13 + 4 OVA (List of episodes)
Anime television series
Symphogear XV
Directed byKatsumi Ono
Produced byYuusuke Morii
Written byAkifumi Kaneko
Music byElements Garden
  • Junpei Fujita
  • Hitoshi Fujima
StudioSatelight
Licensed by
Original networkTokyo MX, BS11, MBS, TVA, AT-X
Original run July 6, 2019 – September 28, 2019
Episodes13 + 4 OVA (List of episodes)
Manga
Senki Kanshoku Symphogear: Shirabe Meshi
Written byTsutanoha
Published byTakeshobo
MagazineStoria Dash
Original runJune 11, 2021 – present
Volumes7
icon Anime and manga portal

Senki Zesshō Symphogear (Japanese: 戦姫絶唱シンフォギア, Hepburn: Senki Zesshō Shinfogia; lit. 'Superb Song of the Valkyries: Symphogear'), also known as simply Symphogear, is a Japanese anime television series produced by Satelight. The original season aired on Tokyo MX between January and March 2012.[2] The second season entitled Symphogear G aired between July and September 2013, The third season, Symphogear GX, aired between July and September 2015, and the fourth season, Symphogear AXZ, aired between July and September 2017. The fifth and final season, Symphogear XV, aired between July and September 2019. A manga adaptation was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Newtype Ace magazine between December 2011 and March 2013. A mobile game titled Symphogear XD Unlimited was released in June 2017 in Japan.

Plot

[edit]

Two idols, Tsubasa Kazanari and Kanade Amō, collectively known as Zwei Wing, battle against an alien race known as Noise using armor known as Symphogear, which uses the power of music to counteract the Noise's destructive capability. However, Kanade sacrifices herself to protect a girl named Hibiki Tachibana, who ends up with a piece of Kanade's Symphogear relic, Gungnir, embedded in her chest. Two years later, Hibiki awakens the power of the Gungnir relic inside her body, gaining the same Symphogear armor that Kanade had. Using the power of song, Hibiki and her fellow Symphogear wielders must fight to protect the innocent and defeat those who would use the Noise for evil.[4][5]

Characters

[edit]

Symphogear Users

[edit]

Symphogear Adaptors are individuals capable of wielding a Symphogear (シンフォギア, Shinfogia), an powered armament system created by converting an ancient mythological artifact into a gem-like relic crystal,[6] where each Candidate (適合者, Tekigōsha; lit. 'suitable person')[6] bonds with a ruby-like relic (聖遺物, Seiibutsu)[6] shard that generates their unique Symphogear through Phonic Gain (フォニックゲイン, Fonikku Gein), an energy source in the form of song;[7] these Gears (ギア, Gia) manifest a personalized weapon called an Armed Gear (アームドギア, Āmudo Gia)[6] and can assume multiple forms by overcoming system locks, with the strongest form, the X-Drive (エクスドライブ, Ekusu-Doraibu),[7] requiring immense Phonic Gain and excess energy to activate. Users may also unleash a Superb Song (絶唱, Zesshō),[d] a devastating attack that risks fatal backlash,;[7] multiple users can combine their individual Superb Songs via S2CA (Superb Song Combination Arts) to create a more powerful version where the harmonization prevents backlash by either transmuting the excess power into usable energy for counterattacks[6] or enhancing into X-Drive.[8] Although each relic is typically restricted to Candidates with high link coefficiencies (適合係数, tekigō keisū) with the relic, some bypass this restriction via the experimental drug "Linker" (リンカ, Rinka)[6] or by fusing with the relic.[6]

Hibiki Tachibana (立花 響, Tachibana Hibiki)
Voiced by: Aoi Yūki
Hibiki Tachibana is the protagonist of the franchise. She is a clumsy schoolgirl with an positive attitude, fueled by her catchphrase "It's alright. Everything is just fine." (へいきへっちゃら, Heiki hecchara). At the start of the series, she survives a Noise attack at a Zwei Wing concert due to Kanade's sacrifice, which influences her to help others no matter the cost to herself.[6] Two years later, when cornered by another Noise attack, she unconsciously activates a Symphogear by singing Kanade's song, empowered by a fragment of Kanade's relic embedded within her. In battle, she sometimes enters a frenzied state.[9] Though initially wielding only a partial relic, she compensates with martial arts prowess, using piston-enhanced gauntlets to deliver powerful strikes. Her Symphogear, SG-r03 Gungnir (ガングニール, Gangunīru), later evolves after merging with energy from Maria's relic, granting her drill or jet-powered gauntlets.[10] Exposure to the Shénshòujìng's laser removes the Curse of Balal from her, enabling her to harness divine power as a "God Slayer" (神殺し, Kami koroshi).[11] Her battle songs are characterized by the violin.
Tsubasa Kazanari (風鳴 翼, Kazanari Tsubasa)
Voiced by: Nana Mizuki
Tsubasa Kazanari is a Symphogear Adaptor who fights the Noise using armor powered by song. She was once part of the idol duo Zwei Wing (ツヴァイウィング, Tsuvai Wingu), but after her partner Kanade sacrifices herself against the Noise, Tsubasa becomes cold and distant, refusing to accept Hibiki as a replacement at first. Despite being a popular idol, she initially rejects international performances, viewing herself solely as a weapon. In a battle against Chris Yukine, Tsubasa suffers a near-death experience from the recoil of her own Superb Song. While comatose, she converses with Kanade's memory, catalyzing a gradual process of self-reflection as she recovers from her injuries and opens up to others.[12] Her Symphogear, SG-r01 Ame no Habakiri (天羽々斬), specializes in close combat, generating blades across her body. Her primary weapon is a katana, adjustable in size to match her opponent's strength. As the granddaughter and heir of Fudō Kazanari, she is biologically his daughter and half-sister to Yatsuhiro and Genjūrō Kazanari, tying her to the influential Kazanari family. Her songs feature traditional Japanese musical instruments.
Chris Yukine (雪音 クリス, Yukine Kurisu)
Voiced by: Ayahi Takagaki
Chris Yukine is a half-Japanese Symphogear Adaptor initially working under Finé. She wields the stolen Nehushtan Armor (ネフシュタンの鎧, Nefushutan no Yoroi) and can summon Noise using "Solomon's Cane". Despite possessing a Symphogear, she refuses to sing due to past trauma. Eight years prior, her parents, Masanori Yukine (雪音 雅律, Yukine Masanori) and Sonnet M. Yukine (ソネット・M・ユキネ), used music to aid war refugees in South America before being killed in a terrorist attack.[13] Chris was subsequently kidnapped and sold into slavery. After being rescued by the UN, she was taken in by Section Two—only to be abducted by Finé, who sought to exploit her abilities. When Finé abandons her for failing expectations, Chris allies with Hibiki and Tsubasa. Her initial hostility towards others evolves into fierce protectiveness over her teammates, especially Kirika and Shirabe, the younger members of Section Two. Her Symphogear, SG-r02 Ichaival (イチイバル), specializes in long-range combat, manifesting as a crossbow that shifts into firearms or missiles. Chris' battle songs involve elements of hard rock.[14]
Maria Cadenzavna Eve (マリア・カデンツァヴナ・イヴ, Maria Kadentsavuna Ivu; Марія Кадензавна Єва)
Voiced by: Yōko Hikasa
First appearing in Symphogear G, Maria Cadenzavna Eve is a singer who rapidly achieved international fame after her debut. According to series co-creator Akifumi Kaneko, Maria and her sister Serena are Ukrainian.[15] Along with Kirika and Shirabe, she initially fights Section Two while wielding an unauthorized Gungnir Symphogear featuring a spear-cannon hybrid weapon. Despite being led to believe she is Finé's reincarnation, this later proves false.[10] Like Kanade, she requires Linker for synchronization, imposing battle time limits and making her Superb Song potentially lethal. After temporarily using Hibiki's Gungnir to protect their allies, she later adopts SG-x00 Airgetlam (アガートラーム, Agātorāmu), whose versatile whip-sword Armed Gear transforms between melee weapons and a Divine Weapon-crippling railgun. While initially seeing her emotional weakness as a fatal flaw, she grows to accept it as a source of personal strength by following Elfnein's example.[16] Her battle songs have orchestral rock motifs with country rock influences.
Shirabe Tsukuyomi (月読 調, Tsukuyomi Shirabe)
Voiced by: Yoshino Nanjō
Shirabe Tsukuyomi is a Symphogear user introduced in Symphogear G who works with Maria and Kirika. Despite her quiet demeanor, she employs ruthless tactics and initially distrusts Hibiki, frequently criticizing her as a "hypocrite". During a confrontation with Kirika, she is revealed to be Finé's true vessel; Finé's soul later sacrifices herself to save Shirabe.[10] She later redeems herself in GX, apologizing to Hibiki for her actions. Her backstory reveals she suffered amnesia from a car accident that killed her parents before being forced to join FIS. The name "Shirabe Tsukuyomi" was assigned based on recovered personal items.[17] Her SG-i01 Shul Shagana (シュルシャガナ, Shuru Shagana) Symphogear specializes in high mobility, with disc blade Armed Gears stored throughout her body that can be launched as projectiles or used for rapid Noise elimination. Her electronic rock-influenced songs harmonize with Kirika in battle.
Kirika Akatsuki (暁 切歌, Akatsuki Kirika)
Voiced by: Ai Kayano
Kirika Akatsuki is a Symphogear user introduced in Symphogear G. As one of the "Receptor Children" raised in a research facility alongside Maria, Serena and Shirabe, she maintains a cheerful demeanor despite her traumatic past. Her strong bonds with comrades give her fearless determination in battle. Initially believed to be Finé's vessel after unconsciously using her powers, this is later disproven when Shirabe is revealed as the true host. This revelation leads to a tragic accident where her scythe Armed Gear fatally wounds Shirabe during a suicide attempt. Kirika's past remains largely unknown; like Shirabe, she lacks any memories of her family or origins. She frequently ends sentences with "Death" (デス, Desu) as a speech mannerism. Her SG-i02 Igalima (イガリマ, Igarima) Symphogear specializes in mass Noise combat, wielding a transforming scythe Armed Gear. She has excellent combat synergy with Shirabe, and has a symphonic rock motif for her battle songs.
Miku Kohinata (小日向 未来, Kohinata Miku)
Voiced by: Yuka Iguchi
Miku Kohinata is Hibiki's closest friend and dormmate. After discovering Hibiki's secret identity, she joins Section Two to support her. In Symphogear G, Dr. Ver corrupts her into wielding the relic SG-i03 Shénshòujìng (神獣鏡, Shenshōjin; lit. 'God Beast Mirror'), using its mirror Armed Gear to fire relic-negating lasers. Hibiki eventually frees her from this control. The AXZ epilogue reveals the Shénshòujìng's laser purged both girls from the Curse of Balal.[11] This backfires in XV when Shem-Ha exploits this vulnerability to possess Miku, forcing Hibiki to rescue her again. In XD Unlimited, Miku voluntarily wields a parallel timeline's Shénshòujìng to aid allies in battle.[18] Her dark wave techno motif reflects both her combat style and complex relationship with Hibiki.

Supporting characters

[edit]
Kanade Amō (天羽 奏, Amō Kanade)
Voiced by: Minami Takayama
Kanade Amou was Tsubasa's partner in the vocal duo Zwei Wing. After losing her family to a Noise attack, she underwent experimental procedures to wield the SG-r03 Gungnir Symphogear, gaining a lance Armed Gear with full armor coverage. She sacrificed herself during a concert two years later, using her Superb Song to protect Hibiki while embedding a relic fragment in her body. She continues to support Tsubasa in her times of need through her spirit and Tsubasa's dreams. In XD Unlimited, a parallel timeline reveals an alternate outcome where Kanade survived instead of Tsubasa. With a fiery personality that complements Tsubasa's reserved demeanor, her musical motif is Japanese pop.
Genjūrō Kazanari (風鳴 弦十郎, Kazanari Genjūrō)
Voiced by: Hideo Ishikawa
The commander of Special Disaster Response Team Section Two, Genjūrō is Section Two's mentor figure and a fan of action movies. He is Tsubasa's uncle and her biological older half-brother. His physical strength is strong enough to deflect Tsubasa's Symphogear and her Armed Gear alone. After the first attack by Chris, he becomes Hibiki's teacher in martial arts at her request. He blames himself for his agents not being able to find Chris when she was kidnapped by Finé two years ago, but Genjūrō and Chris make up and she willingly cooperates with Tsubasa and Hibiki under Genjūrō's supervision only.[19]
Ryōko Sakurai (櫻井 了子, Sakurai Ryōko)
Voiced by: Miyuki Sawashiro
Head scientist of Special Disaster Response Team Section Two and creator of the Symphogear. She has the ability to form powerful force-fields. She tends to sexually harass Hibiki and shows inappropriate interest in her. Her loyalties are somehow questionable, as she concerns herself more over the Symphogears and related relic experiments. Ryōko is revealed to be in actuality the main antagonist, Finé, who had possessed Ryōko's body and erased her consciousness long ago, for Finé's ultimate goal of using the power of Kadingir (Sumerian name of Babylon) to destroy the moon and exploit the subsequent chaos on Earth.
Shinji Ogawa (緒川 慎次, Ogawa Shinji)
Voiced by: Sōichirō Hoshi
Shinji is one of the agents of Special Disaster Response Team Section Two and Tsubasa's manager during her shows. He is an experienced veteran fighter, who can fight without having a gear. This allows him to help the girls in some parts, but his role is mostly supportive rather than taking direct combat.
Aoi Tomosato (友里 あおい, Tomosato Aoi)
Voiced by: Asami Seto
Aoi is a member of Special Disaster Response Team Section Two who is always in the underground part of the school.
Sakuya Fujitaka (藤尭 朔也, Fujitaka Sakuya)
Voiced by: Kenji Akabane
Sakuya is a member of Special Disaster Response Team Section Two who is always in the underground part of the school.
Serena Cadenzavna Eve (セレナ・カデンツァヴナ・イヴ, Serena Kadentsavuna Ivu)
Voiced by: Yui Horie
Maria's younger sister. Wanting to protect Maria and the other receptor children, she dies from a fatal performance of her Superb Song to disable the rampaging artifact Nephilim.[9] An alternate timeline version of Serena appears in XD Unlimited, who in her reality took on more of Maria's role in the series as the circumstances of the two's respective survivals had been reversed.[20] She wields the SG-x00 Airgetlam (アガートラーム, Agātorāmu), whose shortsword Armed Gear transforms into throwing knives. Serena shares her sister Maria's musical genre motif of Orchestral Rock, albeit with an added angelic-sounding church choir melody.
Nastassja Sergeyevna Tolstaya (ナスターシャ・セルゲイヴナ・トルスタヤ, Nasutāsha Serugeivuna Torusutaya; Настасья Сергеевна Толстая)
Voiced by: Kikuko Inoue
A heretical engineer introduced in Symphogear G, known as "Professor Nastassja" (ナスターシャ教授, Nasutāsha-kyouju) or "Mom" (マム, Mamu) by Maria's team. She serves as their technical advisor, possessing extensive classified knowledge about sacred relics beyond what was released after the Lunar Attack. Though genuinely caring for the team, she maintains strict discipline to prepare them for their missions. During the disaster that killed Serena, Nastassja saved Maria and was paralyzed from the waist down. Subsequently, she uses a wheelchair.[6]
Elfnein (エルフナイン, Erufunain)
Voiced by: Misaki Kuno
Debuting in Symphogear GX. A girl from the world of alchemy who bears a resemblance to Carol. She comes before the other Symphogear users to provide them with a means of combating the Alca-Noise. From the end of GX onwards, she works with S.O.N.G as their mechanic.

Minor characters

[edit]
Yumi Itaba (板場 弓美, Itaba Yumi)
Voiced by: Chinatsu Akasaki
Yumi is Hibiki and Miku's classmate. An anime lover, a running gag involves her proclaiming how life is similar to an anime.
Kuriyo Andō (安藤 創世, Andō Kuriyo)
Voiced by: Mikako Komatsu
Kuriyo is one of Hibiki and Miku's classmates and friends. Calls Hibiki, Miku, and Chris by the nicknames "Bikki", "Hina", and "Kinechri", respectively.
Shiori Terashima (寺島 詩織, Terashima Shiori)
Voiced by: Nao Tōyama
Shiori is one of Hibiki and Miku's classmates and friends. Calls her friends by their last names.
Komichi Ayano (綾野 小路, Ayano Komichi), Yuki Godai (五代 由貴, Godai Yuki), Otome Kaburagi (鏑木 乙女, Kaburagi Otome)
Voiced by: Akari Harashima, Mana Shimizu, and Harumi Sakurai
Debuting in Symphogear G, they are Chris' classmates who attempt to befriend her despite her attempts at avoiding them.
Ayumu Takasaka (高坂 歩, Takasaka Ayumu), Tōko Sabe (佐部 瞳子, Sabe Tōko), Ako Ōki (大木 杏胡, Ōki Ako)
Voiced by: Saori Ōnishi, Minami Takahashi, and Harumi Sakurai
Debuting in Symphogear G, they are Tsubasa's classmates.
Owner of Flower
Voiced by: Ai Orikasa
A woman who runs the okonomiyaki shop named "Flower", which Hibiki, Miku, and other classmates from Lydian visit frequently.
Tony Glazer (トニー・グレイザー, Tonī Gureizā)
Voiced by: Hidetoshi Nakamura (season 1), Masashi Ogawa (season 3)
Tony Glazer is the head of the music company "Metro Music", who supports Tsubasa and her music performances.
Taketsugu Hiroki (広木 威椎, Hiroki Taketsugu)
Voiced by: Yasunori Masutani
Hiroki is Minister of Defence who supports Special Disaster Response Team Section Two. He is assassinated by the American government on the order of Finé so that she, as Ryoko in disguise, can get a new Minister of Defence elected who will unintentionally further the construction of Kadingir, as Hiroki was against Finé's plans to do so.
Masahito Shibata (斯波田 賢仁, Shibata Masahito)
Voiced by: Hidekatsu Shibata
Debuting in Symphogear G, Shibata is Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is often caught up in dealing with the complexities of current world affairs, but his main duty is to protect the Japanese government's national interest and the black art crystallized technology of the Symphogear system. Although Shibata is often seen as having a rude personality, he is the only man that understands Genjūrō, and is generally a person who cooperates with the Special Disaster Response Team Section Two's operations.
Akira Tachibana (立花 洸, Tachibana Akira)
Voiced by: Toshihiko Seki
Debuting in Symphogear GX, Akira is Hibiki's father who abandoned the family following the Zwei Wing concert tragedy. He reappears during Carol's attack to attempt to make amends with Hibiki and become part of the family again.
Yatsuhiro Kazanari (風鳴 八紘, Kazanari Yatsuhiro)
Voiced by: Kazuhiro Yamaji
Debuting in Symphogear GX, Yatsuhiro is Tsubasa's father and Genjūrō's brother. A government agent who carries out actions on the line between legal and illegal, he is the one who allowed Maria to transfer to SONG upon her request. Although Yatsuhiro treats his daughter, Tsubasa, coldly and calls her a "stained tool of the Kazanari clan", he cares about Tsubasa and only pushes her away in an attempt to allow her to follow her dreams as an idol. He dies in XV after shielding Tsubasa from a bullet fired by Fudō.
Fudō Kazanari (風鳴 訃堂, Kazanari Fudō)
Voiced by: Mugihito
Debuting in Symphogear AXZ, Fudō is Tsubasa's grandfather as well as the father of Genjūrō and Yatsuhiro. Wishing for a pure-blooded heir to the Kazanari clan, Fudō impregnated Yatsuhiro's wife to give birth to Tsubasa.
Sonia Virena (ソーニャ・ビレーナ, Sōnya Birēna)
Voiced by: Natsumi Fujiwara
Debuting in Symphogear AXZ, Sonia is woman from Val Verde who was a friend of Chris' parents, helping the Yukine family to realize their dream of bringing peace to the world with songs. Chris looked up to Sonia and thought of her as an older sister. However, due to Sonia's carelessness, terrorists were able to sneak a bomb into the camp the Yukine family resided in, killing both Chris' parents. Chris and Sonia were separated in the confusion. However, after Sonia eventually survived harm, Chris was captured by the terrorists and sold into slavery. Chris and Sonia meet again nine years later when SONG intervenes in Val Verde due to reports of Alca-Noise.
Stephan Virena (ステファン・ビレーナ, Sutefan Birēna)
Voiced by: Asuna Tomari
Debuting in Symphogear AXZ, Stephan is Sonia's little brother who played soccer. Stephan and his village were enslaved, but after he is rescued by Hibiki during a conflict with the Alca-Noise, he request the help of Hibiki, Tsubasa, and Chris to rescue his village. However, Stephan's leg is grabbed by an Alca-Noise, and Chris is forced to shoot it off to stop Stephan from disintegrating entirely.

Antagonists

[edit]
Finé (フィーネ, Fīne)
Voiced by: Miyuki Sawashiro
Finé is an immortal priestess whose consciousness reincarnates through descendants. She orchestrates attacks to acquire relics and weaponize Hibiki's Gungnir fusion, having caused the Zwei Wing incident and stolen the Nehushtan Armor.
John Wayne Vercingetorix (ジョン・ウェイン・ウェルキンゲトリクス, Jon Wein Uerukingetorikusu)
Voiced by: Tomokazu Sugita
Dr. John Wayne Vercingetorix, commonly called Dr. Ver (ウェル博士, Weru-hakase), is a rogue researcher introduced in Symphogear G. A brilliant but unstable biochemist specializing in relic-human fusion, he develops enhanced Linker drugs while exhibiting erratic behavior.
His surname was named after the legendary Gaul chieftain who led a failed anti-Roman uprising, Vercingetorix.
Carol Malus Dienheim (キャロル・マールス・ディーンハイム, Kyaroru Mārusu Dīnhaimu)
Voiced by: Inori Minase
Carol Malus Dienheim is an alchemist introduced in Symphogear GX seeking to destroy the world to avenge her father's death. She was designed by series co-creator Kaneko as a foil to Hibiki. Both Carol and Hibiki experienced similar tragedies in their past, but Carol was left orphaned without any friends to rely on.[21] She can transform into an adult form by sacrificing memories and commands powerful relics.
Phara Suyuf (ファラ・スユーフ, Fara Suyūfu)
Voiced by: Masumi Tazawa
Debuting in Symphogear GX, Phara is of the four Autoscorers Carol has under her command. She has incredible flexibility and wields swords.
Leiur Darahim (レイア・ダラーヒム, Reia Darāhimu)
Voiced by: Shizuka Ishigami
Debuting in Symphogear GX, Leiur is an Autoscorer who uses coins to perform high speed projectile attacks. She also has a "little sister" Autoscorer who is capable of incredible destruction.[22]
Garie Tuman (ガリィ・トゥーマーン, Garyi Tūmān)
Voiced by: Michiyo Murase
Debuting in Symphogear GX, Garie is an Autoscorer who can manipulate water to create illusions or form ice attacks.
Micha Jawkan (ミカ・ジャウカーン, Mika Jaukān)
Voiced by: Shiori Izawa
Debuting in Symphogear GX, Micha is a combat-type Autoscorer who has a violent and psychotic personality, possessing claws and rocket-powered hair.
Saint-Germain (サンジェルマン, San-Jeruman)
Voiced by: Minako Kotobuki
Saint-Germain is an immortal alchemist introduced in Symphogear AXZ as a leader of the Bavarian Illuminati. Having perfected her body through alchemy, she seeks divine power to liberate humanity from oppression. Her mother was a sex slave who died of illness after being abandoned by Saint-Germain's father.[23] In the climax, she and her allies sacrifice themselves by transforming a nuclear missile into Divine Power through alchemical purification, dissolving their physical forms in the process.[24] She returns in XV as a spirit who aids Hibiki in the battle against Noble Red.[25]
Cagliostro (カリオストロ, Kariosutoro)
Voiced by: Shōta Aoi
Debuting in Symphogear AXZ, Cagliostro is an alchemist from the Bavarian Illuminati. She used to be a man who was a swindler known for his endless lies, before being granted a perfect body by Saint-Germain.[8]
Prelati (プレラーティ, Purerāti)
Voiced by: Rina Hidaka
Debuting in Symphogear AXZ, Prelati is an alchemist from the Bavarian Illuminati. She used to be a man who indulged in luxury and pleasure, before being granted a perfect body by Saint-Germain, following his defeat at her hands.[8] Prelati has since sworn to become an earnest researcher, but sometimes lets her preference for fun get in the way of her work.[citation needed]
Tiki (ティキ)
Voiced by: Hina Kino
Debuting in Symphogear AXZ, Tiki is an Autoscorer from the Bavarian Illuminati. She was created by Adam to observe the motions of the planets and record them as star maps.
Adam Weishaupt (アダム・ヴァイスハウプト, Adamu Vaisuhauputo)
Voiced by: Shinichiro Miki
Debuting in Symphogear AXZ, Adam is a alchemist who is the founder of the Bavarian Illuminati. He is destroyed when Hibiki uses the power of Chrysopoeia, with the help of the spirits of the alchemists.[11]
Vanessa Diodati (ヴァネッサ・ディオダティ, Vanessa Diodati)
Voiced by: Mao Ichimichi
Debuting in Symphogear XV, Vanessa is the leader of the Bavarian Illuminati remnants known as Noble Red after Adam's death in AXZ.
Millaarc Cranstoun (ミラアルク・クランシュトウン, Miraaruku Kuranshuton)
Voiced by: Aimi
Debuting in Symphogear XV, Millaarc is a failed experiment by the Bavarian Illuminati to produce a vampire of legend.
Elsa Bête (エルザ・ベート, Eruza Bēto)
Voiced by: Kana Ichinose
Debuting in Symphogear XV, Elsa was an experimental subject of the Bavarian Illuminati implanted with bestial DNA.
Shem-Ha Mephorash (シェム・ハ・メフォラス, Shemu Ha Meforasu)
Voiced by: Noriko Hidaka
Debuting in Symphogear XV, Shem-Ha Mephorash was awakened from her slumber by Fudo Kazanari and Noble Red, and reborn into the body of Miku Kohinata.

Media

[edit]

On November 20, 2022, it was announced at the end of the "Symphogear Live 2020→2022" concert that a new project in the Symphogear franchise was being developed and would be released at an unannounced date.[26][27]

Manga

[edit]

A manga series illustrated by Dan Yoshii was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Newtype Ace magazine from December 10, 2011,[28][29] to March 9, 2013.[30][31] Its chapters were collected in three tankōbon volumes, released from May 10, 2012, to July 10, 2013.[32][33]

A spin-off manga by Tsutanoha, titled Senki Kanshoku Symphogear: Shirabe Meshi (戦姫完食シンフォギア〜調めし〜; lit. 'Feast of the Valkyries: Symphogear – Cooking with Shirabe'), began serialization in Takeshobo's Storia Dash website on June 11, 2021.[34][35] The series is set in an alternate universe where the characters who died during the events of the main series have come back to life. Its chapters have been collected into individual tankōbon volumes, with the first one released on March 30, 2022.[36] As of December 17, 2025, seven volumes have been released.[37]

Anime

[edit]
See also: List of Symphogear episodes

The anime, produced by Satelight and Encourage Films, began airing in Japan on Tokyo MX between January 6, 2012, and March 30, 2012. Nico Nico simulcast the series in Japan.[38] The opening theme was "Synchrogazer" performed by Nana Mizuki, and the ending theme was "Meteor Light" performed by Ayahi Takagaki, with multiple character and insert songs performed by Aoi Yūki, Nana Mizuki, Ayahi Takagaki, Minami Takayama, and Yuka Iguchi used throughout the season. Discotek Media released this season on subtitled Blu-ray Disc in North America on October 27, 2020.[39]

On September 5, 2012, Thomas Romain – an animator on the series – wrote on Twitter "for the ones who liked Symphogear, there will be good news soon!",[40] later revealing on October 6, 2012, that production on a second season has begun. The second season, titled Senki Zesshō Symphogear G, aired between July 4 and September 26, 2013.[41][42][43] The opening theme for the second season was "Vitalization" performed by Nana Mizuki, and the ending theme was "Next Destination" performed by Ayahi Takagaki, with multiple new character and insert songs performed by Aoi Yūki, Nana Mizuki, Ayahi Takagaki, Yōko Hikasa, Yoshino Nanjō, Ai Kayano, and Yuka Iguchi used throughout the season. Discotek Media released this season on subtitled Blu-ray Disc in North America on January 26, 2021.[44]

A third season,[45] titled Senki Zessho Symphogear GX, aired in Japan between July 4, 2015, and September 25, 2015, and was simulcast by Chernin-owned Crunchyroll.[46][47] Crunchyroll also began streaming the first season on September 2, 2015,[48] followed by Symphogear G on September 18 of that same year.[49]

The fourth and fifth seasons were announced on February 28, 2016, at the Symphogear Live 2016 event in Japan.[50] The former, titled Symphogear AXZ (pronounced "axis"), began airing between July 1, 2017, and September 30, 2017.[51]

The fifth and final season, titled Symphogear XV, was originally scheduled to premiere in April 2019,[52] but the air-date was pushed back to July 2019 in order to further refine the anime before its release.[53] The fifth season aired between July 6, 2019, and September 28, 2019. Its opening theme is "Metanoia" performed by Nana Mizuki while the ending theme is "Lasting Song" performed by Ayahi Takagaki.[54] Medialink licensed the fifth and final season in South and Southeast Asia and streamed the anime in their YouTube channel.[55]

Video games

[edit]

Characters from Symphogear appear in Super Heroine Chronicle, a role-playing game developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita and released in Japan on February 6, 2014.[56]

A smartphone game developed by Bushiroad, titled Symphogear XD Unlimited, was released in Japan on June 26, 2017.[57] An English version of the smartphone game was released by Pokelabo on February 14, 2020. However, due to mismanagement and lack of a large playerbase needed to maintain the game in the long run, the English version was shut down on July 31 of the same year, with all information about it purged from all official sites. The Japanese version of the game ended service on January 31, 2024.[58]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

The first season of Symphogear received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its delivery of extravagant battle scenes and melodrama, but objected to the lack of originality in the narrative.[59][60] While recognizing shortcomings in the production value of the original season, Ryan Thomson of SakugaBlog showed a steady increase in animation quality across subsequent seasons, stemming in the "conceptually exciting" and well-executed action sequences of Symphogear XV.[61]

Awards

[edit]

In the 2019 Anime UK News Readers' Choice Awards, Symphogear XV won the category for Best TV Anime. Symphogear won the category for "Most Wanted Anime License", and was runner-up for the category of "Most Wanted Manga License". Hibiki and Miku were runner-up for the category of "Best Couple".[62]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Symphogear

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Symphogear (Japanese: Senki Zesshō Symphogear, lit. "Superb Song of : Symphogear") is a Japanese franchise centered on a series produced by , featuring teenage girls who wield ancient relics known as Symphogears—transforming armor and weapons powered by their singing voices—to battle otherworldly creatures called the . The story revolves around protagonists like Hibiki Tachibana, who inherits a Symphogear after the sacrifice of idol Kanade Amō, partnering with Tsubasa Kazanari of Zwei Wing to defend humanity from these eldritch threats. The consists of five television seasons: the original Symphogear (2012), Symphogear G (2013), Symphogear GX (2015), Symphogear AXZ (2017), and Symphogear XV (2019), each expanding the lore with escalating conflicts involving divine relics, alchemical conspiracies, and interdimensional foes while emphasizing themes of , loss, and the redemptive power of music. Music plays a pivotal role, with original songs performed by voice actresses integrated into battles, composed primarily by Noriyasu Agematsu of , blending , rock, and orchestral elements to fuel the Symphogears' abilities. Created by Noriyasu Agematsu and series composer Akifumi , the franchise extends beyond into live concerts, video games like Symphogear XD Unlimited (2017–2024), adaptations, and merchandise, fostering a dedicated fanbase through its high-energy action sequences and emotional character arcs. As of 2025, Symphogear remains active with events such as all-night screenings of the first season and online lotteries, alongside ongoing music releases and collaborations.

Overview

Premise

The Symphogear franchise centers on a secret technological system that equips select individuals—primarily young women—with powered armor derived from ancient relics, activated exclusively through song to combat otherworldly threats known as . These are mysterious entities that materialize without warning and disintegrate human bodies on contact, posing an existential danger to humanity since their first appearance thirteen years prior to the series' events at the . The Symphogear armor, such as the relic fragment, amplifies the wearer's physical abilities and generates anti- weaponry when the user sings, drawing power from the emotional and phonic resonance of their voice. The story introduces Hibiki Tachibana, an ordinary high school girl who becomes the protagonist and initial Symphogear wielder through a tragic accident. Two years before the series begins, during a Noise attack at a Zwei Wing concert, Hibiki bonds with a fragment of the Gungnir relic after Kanade Amō's sacrifice to save her. This accidental bonding marks her entry into a world of covert battles, where, following a Noise attack on her school, she activates her powers and must train under the guidance of the government-affiliated organization S.O.N.G. (Squad of Nexus Guardians). At its core, the conflict revolves around Symphogear users defending from escalating supernatural adversaries, beginning with the and expanding to include advanced variants like Alca-Noise and ancient deities awakened from relics. The franchise uniquely blends mecha-style action with idol music performances, where battle sequences are synchronized to original songs whose lyrics reflect the characters' personal struggles and growth, emphasizing themes of emotional bonds forged through music. This fusion creates a dynamic , portraying song not merely as a tool but as a manifestation of the wielders' resolve and humanity's will to connect and persevere.

Setting and themes

The Symphogear series is set in a near-future version of , where humanity faces existential threats from otherworldly entities known as , mysterious beings that appear without warning, multiply rapidly, and disintegrate humans into carbon upon contact. These are classified as special disasters, prompting the formation of the Special Disaster Countermeasures Division, with its Second Section—commonly referred to as S.O.N.G. (Squad of Nexus Guardians)—headquartered in to coordinate global defenses. Threats often originate from extraterrestrial or divine sources, such as lunar anomalies or ancient mythological forces, escalating the scale of conflicts beyond initial terrestrial incursions. Central to the world's lore are ancient relics drawn from diverse mythologies, including Norse artifacts like and Japanese ones such as Ame no Habakiri, which serve as the foundational components for the Symphogear system—a specialized powered armor developed under the classified "Sakurai Theory" to counter the . These relics, fragments of legendary holy objects, are harmonized with a wearer's to generate phonic gain, a energy derived from vocal resonance that powers the armor and neutralizes the 's invulnerability to . Over the course of the series, threats evolve from the primal swarms to more sophisticated adversaries, including manipulations by divine entities and alchemical experiments rooted in . A persistent shadowy is the Bavarian Illuminati, an ancient depicted as a historical pursuing esoteric goals through and relic exploitation, influencing global events from the shadows. The narrative weaves recurring themes centered on the transformative power of human emotion channeled through song, portraying music not merely as a but as a catalyst for overcoming despair and fostering . Motifs of and unbreakable bonds highlight how collective amplifies strength, contrasting with themes of profound loss that test characters' resolve and drive paths toward redemption. Underpinning these is a subtle critique of blind faith in institutions or ideologies, advocating instead for personal growth through and emotional authenticity, as emotional directly correlates with the of phonic gain in battle.

Production

Development history

The Symphogear franchise originated from a collaboration between composer Noriyasu Agematsu, founder of the music production group , and writer , who conceived it in 2011 as an original project emphasizing music-integrated action sequences that fused tropes with mecha-style battles. Agematsu, known for his work on idol soundtracks, aimed to create his first original series, leveraging 's expertise to make songs central to the narrative and combat mechanics. The concept was pitched to production committees, resulting in a full television series rather than a limited OVA, with the debut season airing from January to March 2012 on . The initial season was produced by Satelight, with production assistance from Encourage Films, under the direction of Tatsufumi Itō, who handled key animation and episode direction. Production faced typical constraints for a mid-tier anime, including limited budgets that influenced the stylized, dynamic animation focusing on fluid transformation sequences and concert-like fight scenes rather than photorealistic details. Success of the pilot, driven by its unique song-battle format and voice performances, prompted quick expansion; a second season, Symphogear G, was greenlit and aired in 2013, shifting primary production to Satelight under new director Katsumi Ono, who helmed subsequent installments. Agematsu and Kaneko continued as core creatives, with Agematsu also credited as chief director for later seasons to oversee music synchronization. The series evolved through announcements at live events, a hallmark of the franchise's approach: Symphogear GX followed in 2015, AXZ in 2017, and XV in 2019, the latter produced by to incorporate more elaborate unison mechanics and thematic depth on justice and bonds. By XV's conclusion, the core storyline wrapped, but the franchise's popularity sustained tie-in OVAs, games, and . Post-2019, Symphogear entered a hiatus with no new TV seasons, though merchandise revivals persisted, including 2025 collaborations at like the Kyoto International Anime Fair. In 2022, Project Symphogear -next- was announced at a , encompassing a new cinematic production (with production confirmed underway by 2023) and additional music releases, signaling potential spin-offs without committing to a full revival. As of November 2025, no release date for the cinematic production has been announced.

Music and voice acting

The music for the Symphogear franchise is primarily composed and produced by the Japanese music collective , founded in 2004 and known for its contributions to soundtracks. This group, led by members such as Noriyasu Agematsu and Daisuke Kikuta, has crafted the series' signature blend of high-energy rock, pop, and orchestral elements, with insert songs serving as a core mechanic where vocal performances generate "phonic gain"—an in-universe energy source derived from song resonance that powers the Symphogear armors during battles. Across the five main seasons, Elements Garden produced over 100 insert songs, each tailored to reflect character emotions and growth, such as the battle theme "Vivid Strike!" which emphasizes triumphant resolve in combat sequences. Key performers include prominent seiyū who double as vocalists, with (voicing Tsubasa Kazanari) and (voicing Hibiki Tachibana) serving as lead singers for many tracks, including opening themes like "Synchrogazer" and insert songs such as "First Love Song." Yōko Hikasa, who voices Maria Cadenzavna Eve, also contributes significantly to song performances, blending her acting role with powerful vocals in pieces like "Apple," highlighting the dual demands on the cast to convey emotional depth through both dialogue and melody. These seiyū often perform their characters' songs live, reinforcing the franchise's theme of music as an emotional conduit. The sound design integrates phonic gain as an auditory motif, where escalating vocal harmonies provide feedback loops of intensifying soundscapes during fights, evolving from raw rock anthems in the first season—characterized by gritty guitar riffs and driving rhythms—to more expansive orchestral epics in Symphogear XV, incorporating symphonic swells and choral layers for climactic ensemble battles. This progression mirrors the series' narrative escalation, with later seasons featuring hybrid arrangements that layer electronic elements over traditional . Live adaptations began with the Symphogear Live concert series in 2013 at Makuhari Messe, where the cast performed insert songs alongside visual projections, and continued into the 2020s with events like the 2025 film concert "SymphoNare" on September 6 at Tachikawa Stage Garden, featuring live orchestra by Heartbeat Symphony, guest appearances by Mizuki and Ayahi Takagaki, and collaborations with real-world artists for enhanced arrangements. Soundtrack releases encompass over 50 albums, including character song collections and original soundtracks; notable compilations are the 2022 Character Song Complete Box (9 discs, 104 tracks) and the 2025 Original Soundtrack Complete Box series (7 discs across multiple volumes, compiling 160+ background tracks from all seasons).

Characters

Symphogear wielders

Hibiki Tachibana is the central protagonist and a Symphogear wielder who activates the relic, transforming into a balanced fighter capable of delivering powerful melee punches enhanced by phonic gain from her singing. Her backstory involves surviving a devastating attack at a Zwei Wing concert two years prior, where she was the sole survivor among concertgoers, instilling deep survival guilt that drives her initial reluctance to fight but evolves into a protective resolve throughout her arcs. Hibiki's growth includes mastering upgrades like the X-Drive mode, which amplifies her relic's synchronization with her fighting spirit, allowing for heightened strength and combination attacks with teammates. Tsubasa Kazanari serves as a veteran Symphogear user wielding the Ame no Habakiri relic, specializing in swift sword-based combat with techniques like aerial slashes and blade summons derived from her relic's ancient Japanese origins. Traumatized by the loss of her mentor and duo partner Kanade Amō during a mission, Tsubasa initially isolates herself in duty but gradually opens up, confronting her emotional barriers in later arcs. Her development features the adoption of X-Drive enhancements, boosting her agility and enabling multi-sword formations for defensive and offensive versatility. Chris Yukine operates as a ranged attacker with the Ichaival , deploying an arsenal of crossbows, missiles, and energy blasts that emphasize precision firepower and area control in battles. Her arc stems from a troubled past involving abandonment and recruitment into antagonistic forces, leading to initial hostility toward other wielders before she finds redemption and camaraderie. Chris accesses X-Drive modes to intensify her ranged output, incorporating rapid-fire barrages synchronized with team harmonies for amplified impact. Maria Cadenzavna Eve functions as a versatile Symphogear wielder using the Airgetlám , which manifests as armored gauntlets for close-quarters strikes, energy whips, and defensive barriers adaptable to various combat scenarios. Burdened by her heritage as a successor to a notorious figure and early involvement in a terrorist-like group, Maria grapples with identity crises but ultimately channels her powers toward heroism. Her progression includes X-Drive activations that enhance her relic's adaptability, allowing for multi-limb extensions and reinforced durability in prolonged engagements. Shirabe Tsukuyomi employs the Shul Shagana relic for agile, -like weapons that function as spinning sawblades for mid-range disruption and barrier generation to shield allies. Orphaned and raised in a facility experimenting on children, Shirabe's backstory involves suppressed memories of loss, which she overcomes through bonds formed in battle, fostering her quiet determination. In her arcs, she unlocks X-Drive capabilities that accelerate her yo-yo trajectories and expand barrier fields, emphasizing supportive roles within the team. Kirika Akatsuki wields the Igalima relic, manifesting dual for sweeping melee attacks and chain extensions that enable crowd control and pursuit maneuvers. Sharing a similar experimental upbringing with Shirabe, Kirika deals with feelings of inadequacy from her relic's unstable origins, evolving from impulsive aggression to focused loyalty. Her growth incorporates X-Drive modes, sharpening her scythe edges for energy-infused slashes and improving for tandem assaults. The Symphogear wielders' group dynamics center on the formation of deep interpersonal bonds forged through synchronized songs and collaborative battles, transforming initial rivalries—such as those between the original trio and the later additions—into a unified front reliant on mutual phonic gain for amplification. This teamwork evolves across arcs, with shared traumas like survival guilt and mentor losses catalyzing empathy, enabling advanced formations like the X-Drive Ignite Module that require collective harmony to counter overwhelming threats.

Supporting characters

The supporting characters in Symphogear primarily revolve around the members of S.O.N.G. (S2CA Organization Non-Governmental), a specialized that coordinates anti-Noise operations and later expands to address global supernatural threats. Evolving from Japan's covert Special Disaster Response Team into an international alliance by the events of Symphogear GX and beyond, S.O.N.G. emphasizes logistical coordination, , and strategic oversight to enable the Symphogear wielders' frontline efforts. Genjuro Kazanari serves as the commander of S.O.N.G., a formidable martial artist whose immense physical prowess allows him to confront directly without Symphogear armor, often punching through their defenses to protect the team. As Tsubasa Kazanari's uncle, he provides paternal emotional support and motivational guidance, drawing inspiration from action films to rally the wielders during crises, while overseeing tactical decisions from the organization's mobile submarine base. Shinji Ogawa functions as S.O.N.G.'s logistics specialist and field operative, managing supply chains and serving publicly as Tsubasa's idol manager to preserve operational secrecy. His proficiency in enables covert extractions and on-site aid, such as rescuing allies in peril, thereby bridging the gap between headquarters and active battle zones. Sakuya Fujitaka and Aoi Tomosato form S.O.N.G.'s core technical support team, stationed in the command center where they perform real-time data analysis, enemy pattern recognition, and Symphogear system repairs to sustain the wielders' combat effectiveness. Their seamless partnership delivers critical intelligence feeds and post-battle maintenance, ensuring minimal downtime amid escalating conflicts. Beyond S.O.N.G.'s core staff, allies like Serena Cadenzavna Eve contribute through familial bonds and transitional support; as Maria Cadenzavna Eve's twin sister, she briefly wields a Symphogear before shifting to advisory and emotional roles, bolstering team morale during Symphogear G. Elfnein, a diminutive alchemical prodigy who defects to S.O.N.G. after surviving antagonistic experiments in the Loki-related arc, excels as a technical innovator, developing advanced upgrades like the Faust Robes and providing specialized analysis for relic-based threats in subsequent seasons. Saint-Germain, a centuries-old alchemist drawing from historical lore, reforms her allegiances to join S.O.N.G. as an expert consultant and occasional combatant, leveraging her transmutation skills and weaponry to offer intel on ancient artifacts and assist in multinational defenses during Symphogear AXZ.

Antagonists

The antagonists in Symphogear encompass a range of threats, from extradimensional creatures to human conspirators and ancient entities, each driven by ideologies centered on reshaping or transcending humanity's flaws. These villains often seek to exploit or repurpose holy relics, viewing them as tools for revenge, perfection, or divine intervention, which places them in direct ideological opposition to the Symphogear wielders' emphasis on harmony through song. The serve as the series' foundational mindless destroyers, classified as a "special disaster" by the since their emergence 13 years prior to the main events. Originating from the extradimensional , these pitch-black, humanoid creatures were originally human creations designed as weapons following the Curse of Balal, an ancient event that fragmented human languages and sparked endless conflict. Lacking or individual motivations, the exist solely to target and disintegrate humans, converting their bodies to ash upon contact while dissolving themselves afterward; they multiply rapidly, ignore physical laws, and are impervious to conventional weaponry, self-destructing only after prolonged inactivity without targets. Specialized variants, such as Alca-Noise (infused with alchemical energy to dismantle Symphogear armor) and Karma Noise (capable of multiversal incursions), escalate their threat by adapting to specific counters, but all are ultimately vulnerable to the phonic vibrations of Symphogear songs. The Bavarian Illuminati represents a primary human antagonist faction, a centuries-old founded by with the overarching goal of acquiring holy relics to attain godhood and elevate humanity beyond its imperfect state. This conspiratorial group manipulates global events to seize artifacts like the Chateau de Tiffauges, viewing relics as keys to transcendence and often allying with or creating sub-threats like the Alca-Noise. Their philosophy emphasizes perfection through alchemy and immortality, rejecting mortal limitations in favor of a new divine order, which fuels conflicts across multiple seasons as they infiltrate organizations like S.O.N.G. to repurpose relics for world-altering schemes. Finé, the sorceress antagonist of the first season, embodies ancient resentment toward humanity's divisions, originating as a prehistoric priestess who pioneered the Symphogear system itself. Her motivation stems from the Curse of Balal, which she blames for perpetual strife; to remedy it, she aims to destroy the moon using the lunar-derived , forcing a return to unified language and subjugating humanity under her rule. Possessing regenerative abilities and the power to summon independently, Finé manipulates relics like the Armor for corrosive attacks and body possession, drawing on alchemical knowledge to weave spells that erode barriers and summon cataclysmic forces. Her defeat ties to her arc's irony, as her Symphogear legacy empowers her foes against her vision of enforced unity. Carol Malus Dienheim, the alchemist villain of Symphogear GX, is driven by profound hatred for humanity's cycle of destruction, rooted in the death of her father—a pacifist inventor killed in war 400 years earlier. Seeking to "dissect" the world for analysis and reconstruction, she misuses relics to unleash Verz, a corrosive silver substance that breaks down all matter into base elements, aiming to reset civilization through alchemical annihilation. As a master alchemist, Carol commands the four Autoscorers—her "dolls" Leiur, Garie, Micha, and Phara—for combat support, inhabits a mobile dimensional fortress (the Chateau de Tiffauges), and deploys Alca-Noise to target Symphogear weaknesses; her Faust Robe enhances these with Faustian contracts for reality-warping strikes. In later arcs, her lingering influence via the Autoscorers' successor Elfnein shifts toward reluctant alliance, underscoring her philosophy's tragic isolation. The immortal alchemists Saint-Germain, Cagliostro, and Prelati form a core triad in Symphogear AXZ, united by a of achieving absolute perfection to transcend human imperfection and rival the gods. Saint-Germain, the stoic leader, pursues relics to forge a "perfect world" free of flaws, motivated by centuries of observing humanity's failures; she wields a silver sword for spatial rifts and barriers, amplified by relics like the Igalima for god-like strikes. Cagliostro, formerly a deceptive swindler, now embraces brutal honesty in her hedonistic pursuit of power, using venomous kisses and poisons via the Shulgas relic to corrode foes and summon serpentine attacks. Prelati, the enigmatic witch, channels rituals with the Dhuldhab for gravity manipulation and dimensional portals, driven by a desire for intellectual dominance over chaos. Together, they create Alca-Noise swarms and exploit S.O.N.G. from within, their immortality allowing relentless adaptation until their relics' overload leads to downfall, highlighting their hubris in defying natural order. Shem-Ha Mephorash emerges in Symphogear XV as a divine being—an ancient custodian entity akin to an AI-like "remodeling surgeon" of Earth's evolution, awakened by Noble Red's relic hunts. Her motivation is to end the Curse of Balal by restarting the Yggdrasil System, a planetary network for controlled speciation that she believes will prevent humanity's self-destructive tendencies, even if it means overwriting . Manipulating Noble Red (Eloa, , Vanessa, and Adab)—remnants of the enhanced into monstrous forms—as pawns, Shem-Ha possesses hosts like Kohinata Miku for infiltration. Her "Outer Physics" grants molecular rewriting, energy beam projection, revival of the dead, and impenetrable barriers, enabling global-scale transmutations and multiversal echoes; this power ties to her arc's theme of benevolent tyranny, ultimately challenged by the Symphogear users' rejection of imposed salvation.

Media

Anime series

The Senki Zesshō Symphogear anime series consists of five television seasons produced by , each comprising 13 episodes and airing on networks including and BS11. The first season, Senki Zesshō Symphogear, premiered on January 6, 2012, and concluded on March 30, 2012, centering on the awakening of the —mysterious alien entities that disintegrate humans on contact—and the emergence of new Symphogear wielders to combat them in urban battles. The narrative introduces protagonist Hibiki Tachibana, who accidentally bonds with a Symphogear relic during a Noise attack, leading to her reluctant partnership with veteran wielder Tsubasa Kazanari amid escalating city-wide threats and personal traumas from past losses. The second season, Senki Zesshō Symphogear G, aired from July 3, 2013, to September 25, 2013, shifting focus to a pursuit involving relic hunters and a terrorist group led by Maria Cadenzavna Eve, who seeks to dismantle global power structures using forbidden Symphogear technology. Key arcs explore alliances and betrayals as the original wielders confront Maria's allies, Kirika Akatsuki and Shirabe Tsukuyomi, culminating in a resolution that integrates former antagonists into the team while resolving a relic-fueled crisis threatening international stability. Senki Zesshō Symphogear GX, the third season, ran from July 4, 2015, to September 26, 2015, introducing alchemical threats from the revived antagonist Carol Malus Dienheim, an ancient alchemist who unleashes autonomous weapons powered by dark relics to eradicate humanity. The storyline builds on prior events with high-stakes confrontations involving experimental Symphogear upgrades, ending in a climactic battle that neutralizes Carol's apocalyptic plan but leaves lingering questions about relic origins. The fourth season, Senki Zesshō Symphogear AXZ, broadcast from July 1, 2017, to September 23, 2017, delves into a conspiracy by immortal alchemists—Saint-Germain, Francesca Lucchini (Cagliostro), and (Prelati)—who manipulate global events to achieve godhood and purge human imperfection. Narrative arcs emphasize team unity against these ageless foes, incorporating divine relics and international incidents, with a resolution that exposes the alchemists' tragic motivations and reinforces the wielders' bonds. The final season, Senki Zesshō Symphogear XV, aired from July 6, 2019, to September 28, 2019, depicting a divine invasion by Shem-Ha Mephorash, an ancient entity awakening from a relic-sealed to assimilate humanity into a . The arcs escalate to cosmic proportions, involving time manipulation and existential threats, concluding the main storyline with the wielders' ultimate sacrifice and rebirth to avert total annihilation. In December 2023, Project Symphogear -next- was announced as a new multimedia project including a theatrical film and additional music releases. As of November 2025, the film is in production with no confirmed release date. Accompanying the series are original video animations (OVAs) and specials, including the 2012 pilot short Senki Zesshō Symphogear, which previews the core concept of Symphogear battles against , and chibi-style OVAs like Senki Zesshō Shinai Symphogear released alongside seasons G (2013–2014), GX (2015), AXZ (2017), and XV (2019) for lighter episodic humor. Live-action elements appear in crossover stage plays, such as the 2015 Symphogear Live performances blending concert and theatrical reenactments of key scenes. Across the seasons, the narrative progresses from localized Noise awakenings in urban settings to cosmic-scale divine invasions, with each installment featuring cliffhangers—such as unresolved relic activations or antagonist reveals—that propel escalating stakes and character growth, ultimately resolving in seasonal finales that tie into the broader canon. As of 2025, anniversary celebrations include ongoing streaming availability on platforms such as Crunchyroll, which hosts all five seasons with English subtitles.

Manga adaptations

The Symphogear franchise features several adaptations published primarily by under the Kadokawa Comics Ace imprint, with additional anthologies from Media. The primary adaptation, titled Senki Zesshō Symphogear, consists of three volumes illustrated by Dan Yoshii, with scripting by Akifumi Kaneko based on the original concept by Noriyasu Agematsu and Kaneko. Volume 1 was released on May 8, 2012, volume 2 on February 9, 2013, and volume 3 on July 6, 2013. This series closely parallels the plot of the first season, depicting high school student Hibiki Tachibana inheriting the Symphogear relic and joining Tsubasa Kazanari in battles against the , emphasizing themes of song-powered combat and personal growth. Spin-off manga include anthology collections under the title Manga DE Zesshō Symphogear, which diverge from the main narrative by offering short stories, 4-koma comics, and character vignettes created by multiple artists. The GX edition, supervised by Project Symphogear GX and featuring contributions from 11 creators, was published as a single volume on July 7, 2017, by Media, exploring comedic and slice-of-life scenarios tied to the third season while occasionally delving into expanded character backstories, such as additional details on Chris Yukine's troubled past. Subsequent anthologies continued this format for later seasons. The AXZ volume, with 17 artists contributing stories focused on the wielders' interpersonal dynamics and lighter moments amid the fourth season's conflicts, was released on July 8, 2019. The XV anthology, featuring 17 creators and emphasizing the ensemble cast's bonds in , appeared in June 2021 as a single volume. These works incorporate shōjo-influenced aesthetics, blending expressive character designs with high-energy action panels to highlight emotional and battle sequences distinct from the anime's animated format. Overall, the manga emphasize static visual storytelling that amplifies the series' musical motifs through panel layouts mimicking song rhythms, while side stories offer fresh perspectives on character motivations not fully explored in the anime.

Video games and other media

The Symphogear franchise has been adapted into several video games, primarily focusing on mobile platforms with RPG mechanics that integrate the series' signature song-based combat. The flagship title, Senki Zesshō Symphogear XD Unlimited, is a symphonic battle RPG developed by Pokelabo and published by Bushiroad, released in Japan on June 26, 2017. Players collect cards representing Symphogear wielders, engage in real-time battles, and trigger character songs to activate powerful attacks, emphasizing the anime's musical elements alongside fan service features like alternate costumes and event-specific storylines. A global English version launched on February 20, 2020, but ended service on July 31, 2020. The Japanese version received ongoing updates, including crossover events with Godzilla in November 2019 and AVABEL ONLINE in January 2021, introducing limited-time characters and quests. Japanese online service ended on January 31, 2024, but an offline mode was implemented to allow continued access to story content and events up to that point. Earlier adaptations include crossover appearances in console titles. In Super Heroine Chronicle, a 2014 PSP action RPG by Marvelous AQL, Symphogear protagonists like Hibiki Tachibana and Tsubasa Kazanari serve as playable characters in chibi-style battles against shared enemies from multiple anime franchises. These games often localize content for international audiences, with English support in global mobile releases and fan-patched versions for older titles. Beyond games, the series has produced supplementary media such as live concerts featuring voice actors performing insert songs and battle themes. Events like Symphogear Live 2018, held March 3–4 at Musashino Forest Sports Plaza in , included full concerts with cast members , , and Yōko Hikasa, blending musical performances with skit-like recaps of anime arcs. Similar events occurred in 2013, 2016, and 2022, often released on Blu-ray for wider access. Merchandise lines encompass scale figures, apparel, and audio products, with producing detailed 1/7-scale models of characters in Symphogear armor since 2012. Soundtracks, including the 2025 Original Soundtrack Complete Box compiling 160 tracks across seven CDs, highlight the franchise's musical core. Collaborations extend to lifestyle items, such as Seiko's 10th-anniversary watches and wireless earphones released in 2023 with character engravings. Pop-up shops from 2023–2025, like the January–February 2024 tour across Japanese stores, offered exclusive apparel and accessories tied to recent events. Apps beyond the main game include rhythm-based tie-ins like Rhythm Battle Senki Zesshō Symphogear (2013 mobile release), which syncs inputs to song rhythms for battles. No official VR experiences have been produced as of 2025.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

The Symphogear series has garnered generally positive for its bold fusion of action, , and character-driven , though early installments faced scrutiny for uneven execution. Reviewers have praised the show's emotional depth, particularly in exploring themes of trauma, loss, and interpersonal bonds among its all-female cast, with fight standing out for its dynamic and high-energy sequences that integrate performances seamlessly. For instance, the first season was noted for its entertaining, if messy, narrative that builds to satisfying climaxes despite a rocky start with pacing issues and contrived plot elements. Similarly, Symphogear G improved on animation consistency and character dynamics, such as Chris's growth and Hibiki's internal conflicts, but was critiqued for contrived conflicts and exposition-heavy dialogue that occasionally undermined tension. Critics have highlighted Symphogear's innovative genre blending, merging elements of sentai team dynamics, idol performances, magical girl transformations, and mecha combat into a cohesive, absurdly exuberant spectacle. This hybrid approach draws comparisons to Macross for its use of music as a literal weapon in battles and to Sailor Moon for its emphasis on female empowerment through friendship and resilience, creating a narrative that prioritizes "rule of cool" over strict logic. The choreography in group fights, where characters harmonize songs while unleashing powered armor attacks, exemplifies this innovation, delivering visually striking sequences that elevate the show's stylistic flair. However, some reviews point to repetitive enemy encounters and underdeveloped subplots as drawbacks that occasionally dilute the genre experimentation's impact. Reception evolved across seasons, with Symphogear GX often hailed as the series' peak for its nuanced character development around familial trauma and identity, featuring standout arcs like Carol's "daddy issues" and the Autoscorers' body-horror-infused battles that add thematic weight to the action. Later seasons like AXZ and XV received acclaim for tightening ensemble dynamics and providing emotional closure, though XV drew mixed responses for its rapid pacing in resolving long-running threads, sometimes at the expense of depth. Post-2019 retrospectives have increasingly emphasized the series' feminist undertones, praising its portrayal of strong, interdependent female relationships and subtle coding as progressive elements in , particularly in how it subverts traditional idol tropes through themes of agency and . Overall, the franchise is celebrated for its unapologetic enthusiasm and growth in artistry, earning grades typically in the B range from key outlets.

Popularity and cultural impact

The Symphogear franchise has demonstrated strong commercial performance in , particularly through sales. Multiple Blu-ray volumes from the series, including those from Symphogear AXZ, ranked among the top-selling animation releases in the first half of , with AXZ averaging 14,792 copies per volume across its 6 volumes, totaling around 88,800 copies. Symphogear XV's final volume achieved the highest first-week sales in the franchise's history at 32,057 copies, reflecting sustained demand for releases. Globally, the series is available for streaming on platforms like , where it maintains a 4.6 user rating based on over 1,400 reviews, indicating enduring accessibility and viewer engagement. The fanbase has fostered a vibrant culture around Symphogear, with enthusiasts participating in at major events such as , Japan's largest convention, where fan-produced works and costumes inspired by the series are prominently featured. Online communities and fan sites further amplify this engagement, hosting discussions, artwork, and tributes that highlight the series' dedicated following. markets have seen a proliferation of Symphogear-themed publications, including staff books and fan comics, contributing to the franchise's appeal at conventions like 86. Voice actors from the series have received recognition at the Seiyū Awards, underscoring the impact of their performances. Nana Mizuki, who voices Tsubasa Kazanari, won the Best Musical Performance award at the 1st Seiyū Awards in 2007 for her song "Justice to Believe". While specific nominations for the series are limited, the franchise's voice cast, including as Hibiki Tachibana, has garnered broader acclaim in industry ceremonies from 2013 to 2019 for their contributions to anime soundscapes. Symphogear's integration of music and action has influenced subsequent in the music-action hybrid genre, paving the way for crossovers that blend singing battles with band dynamics. A notable example is the 2019 collaboration between the Symphogear XD Unlimited mobile game and , which featured shared characters, events, and cover songs, demonstrating the series' ripple effect on rhythm-action media. Merchandise and related media have also driven revenue, with the Symphogear XD Unlimited game generating approximately $122 million USD over its seven-year run ending in 2024. By 2025, renewed interest in the franchise has been evident through announcements of new projects, including a titled "SYMPHOGEAR NIGHT -GEARMANIA- Vol.1" released in May 2025 and a concert "SymphoNare" held on September 6, 2025, in , featuring live performances by key voice actors. These developments, alongside ongoing international streaming availability, have sustained global fan engagement without new dubs reported to date. In October 2025, a successor project titled "GHOST CONCERT: missing Songs" was announced, with a TV adaptation scheduled for 2026.

References

  1. https://symphogear.fandom.com/wiki/Senki_Zessh%C5%8D_Symphogear
  2. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=13659
  3. https://www.symphogear.com/
  4. https://myanimelist.net/anime/11751/Senki_Zesshou_Symphogear
  5. https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GYMGP8K4Y/symphogear
  6. https://www.gamerbraves.com/symphogear-xd-unlimited-announces-end-of-service/
  7. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2021/11/2/symphogear-creator-announces-media-mix-project-technoroid
  8. https://www.symphogear.com/key01.html
  9. https://symphogear.fandom.com/wiki/S.O.N.G.
  10. https://www.symphogear-gx.com/
  11. https://symphogear.fandom.com/wiki/Bavarian_Illuminati
  12. https://portal.symphogear.com/
  13. https://symphogear.blogspot.com/2024/12/cast-interview-with-nana-mizuki.html
  14. https://www.symphogear-g.com/
  15. https://symphogear.blogspot.com/2019/07/symphogear-axz-special-discussion.html
  16. https://blog.sakugabooru.com/2019/07/12/production-highlights-symphogear-xv-01/
  17. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=14847
  18. https://www.siliconera.com/symphogear-movie-is-in-production/
  19. https://vgmdb.net/artist/129
  20. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=99755
  21. https://vgmdb.net/album/150667
  22. https://us.oricon-group.com/news/4822/
  23. https://letterboxd.com/film/symphogear-live-2013/
  24. https://www.amazon.com/Zessho-Symphogear-Character-Complete-Limited/dp/B09QWSLXZL
  25. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=16312
  26. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=15228
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3435444/
  28. https://myanimelist.net/character/53933/Genjuurou_Kazanari
  29. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2020/6/21/youre-not-my-dad-celebrating-genjuro-kazanari-the-best-dad-in-anime
  30. https://myanimelist.net/character/53937/Shinji_Ogawa
  31. https://www.anime-planet.com/characters/shinji-ogawa
  32. https://myanimelist.net/character/53939/Sakuya_Fujitaka
  33. https://myanimelist.net/character/53941/Aoi_Tomosato
  34. https://myanimelist.net/character/91265/Serena_Cadenzavna_Eve
  35. https://myanimelist.net/character/129794/Elfnein
  36. https://myanimelist.net/character/151559/Saint-Germain
  37. https://symphogear.fandom.com/wiki/Noise
  38. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Characters/SymphogearAntagonists
  39. https://symphogear.fandom.com/wiki/Carol_Malus_Dienheim
  40. https://www.myshinytoyrobots.com/2015/10/senki-zessho-symphogear-gx-review.html
  41. https://symphogear.fandom.com/wiki/Saint-Germain
  42. https://symphogear.fandom.com/wiki/Cagliostro
  43. https://symphogear.fandom.com/wiki/Prelati
  44. https://symphogear.fandom.com/wiki/Shem-Ha_Mephorash
  45. https://symphogear.fandom.com/wiki/Noble_Red
  46. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/features/2019/9/3/why-you-just-cant-hate-symphogear-xvs-villains
  47. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=19724
  48. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=22019
  49. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-12-01/symphogear-franchise-gets-new-film/.205008
  50. https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/201271000082/
  51. https://www.symphogear.com/smartphone/comic02.html
  52. https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/321301000215/
  53. https://otakumode.com/shop/6025314b96352279a09d2196/Manga-De-Zessho-Symphogear-Vol-1-Senki-Zessho-Symphogear-GX-Comic-Anthology
  54. https://www.symphogear-gx.com/goods/GXgoods93_mangadesymphogear.php
  55. https://store.kadokawa.co.jp/shop/g/g301905000424/
  56. https://store.kadokawa.co.jp/shop/g/g302004000313/
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6076428/
  58. https://www.siliconera.com/symphogear-xd-unlimited-japanese-version-will-go-offline-in-2024/
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jhButq2Xwg
  60. https://www.siliconera.com/symphogear-xd-unlimited-will-end-service-in-july-after-four-months-mobile-store-in-the-west/
  61. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2019/11/3/godzilla-rumbles-with-symphogear-in-smart-phone-game-collaboration
  62. https://asobimo.com/en/news/detail.html?p=15070
  63. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-05-29/super-heroine-chronicle-game-unites-sd-characters-from-10-anime
  64. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/722462-2018
  65. https://www.ebay.com/itm/394166595802
  66. https://www.goodsmileus.com/collections/symphogear-series
  67. https://kinkurido.jp/shop/artist/artist.aspx?artist=43966
  68. https://www.0101.co.jp/405/info/index.html?contents_id=0703
  69. https://symphogear.blogspot.com/2013/09/symphogear-rhythm-action-game-released.html
  70. https://wrongeverytime.com/2015/08/28/symphogear-review/
  71. https://wrongeverytime.com/2015/10/13/symphogear-g-review/
  72. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/senki-zessho-symphogear-gx/.95828
  73. https://mechanicalanimereviews.com/2021/01/29/symphogear-axz-fighting-and-friendship/
  74. https://www.myshinytoyrobots.com/2019/10/symphogear-xv-review.html
  75. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2025/10/24/ghost-concert-missing-songs-anime-project-announced-symphogear-successor-2026
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.