Another Friday is upon us and now it’s time for a new issue of FAnime Friday. As much as I love the series Bleach and Naruto Shippuuden I feel that they are doing fans the world over a bit of a disservice. Because of the popularity of these shows they get a large amount of airtime, publicity and promotion which makes it harder for other anime to be taken notice of. In an attempt to correct this mistake I thought I might bring Kaze no Stigma, an anime series currently airing in Japan on Wednesdays, to your attention.

Kaze no Stigma (風の聖痕)

Kaze no Stigma is the anime adaptation of the wasei-eigo (Japanese light novel) of the same name that was written by Takahiro Yamato and illustrated by Hanamaru Nanto. The series is directed by Junichi Sakata and produced by Gonzo. The series began airing on April 11th, 2007 and is still being aired on Wednesdays in Japan. As of this post there are twenty-three episodes in the series with more to come.

It is important to note that Kaze no Stigma is not a manga that was made into an anime series but rather a light novel. Light novels, whose main audience are generally teens and young adults, are just like a young adult novel with the exception that they contain some manga or anime style illustrations that accompany the story but certainly do not tell the entirety of a story. It has become a popular trend recently to adapt light novels into an anime series so keep your eyes peeled for more.

To the point, Kaze no Stigma revolves around three main characters, Yagami Kazuma (formerly Kannagi Kazuma), Kannagi Ayano, and Kannagi Ren. Four years prior to where the story starts off, Kannagi Kazuma was banished from the Kannagi family after his humiliating loss to his younger cousin Ayano in the right of succession. You see, in this world that looks much like our own modern one, spellcasters are prominent and revered. The most powerful, and subsequently influential, family of spellcasters is the prestigious Kannagi family who are all En-Jutsushi (fire arts users). The family member who will one day become the head of the family must prove their strength and abilities in a duel for succession, the winner of that duel gains not only the responsibilities and duties of the future head of family, but also the Enraiha, a sword that was given to the Kannagi family by the Fire Lord and passed down through the generations.

Kazuma however, despite being from the main family, never had any talent for En-Jutsu (fire art/spells). An En-Jutsushi cannot be burned by the flames of En-Jutsu as they have a natural protection against them. Kazuma lacked not only the ability to properly cast fire spells but also the defense against them making him a prime target for torment by his peers. During his battle with Ayano, Kazuma was completely unable to put up any sort of defense and subsequently lost to the twelve year old girl after she cast one simple spell against him.

Kazuma was banished by his father immediately after the defeat. Kannagi Genma claimed that Kazuma brought shame to the family and that he [Kazuma] did not belong there. In reality though, Genma, a very strict and tough man, had come to the sad conclusion that Kazuma did not have the makings of an En-Jutsushi and had to find his own path. Genma knew of no other way to make sure that Kazuma found it and was not crushed by his peers and trapped by his inabilities than to cast him out. Whether Kazuma understands this remains to be seen.

Fast forward four years to where the series starts and Kazuma has returned, but not as Kannagi Kazuma the En-Jutsuhi failure but as Yagami Kazuma Fuu-Jutsushi (wind arts user) Master. Kazuma’s mastery of Fuu-Justu, especially considering how little time he spent learning it (under four years), is scarily-impressive. Upon his return however several Kannagi clan members are killed and it’s by the hand of a skilled Fuu-Jutsushi. There is only one known Fuu-Jutsushi strong enough to take on some of the most powerful members of the family and who also has a grudge against the family – Kazuma.

Kazuma’s powers are extensive. Not only does Kazuma possess the ability to fly and manipulate his wind into a barrier to protect or blades that can cut, Kazuma can also alter the particles in the air to create an explosion, when attacked by En-Jutsu, that rebounds upon his opponent and wounds them. Because, although En-Jutsushi are protected from fire’s flames, they are not protected against the affects, like explosions, caused by their flames. Kazuma can also reflect light to camouflage himself and can use the air and wind to track anyone down. On top of this he is also a Contractor, a person who has entered into a contract with one of the spirit lords. In Kazuma’s case he has entered into a contract with the Kaze no Seirei-Ou (Wind Spirit Lord) this ability not only amplifies his already impressive abilities, but allows him to heal his wounds, and call upon the spirits to aid him. When using this power his eyes become an clear blue color, this power comes with a price however and puts a heavy strain on his body.

Kazuma has a very cavalier, womanizing, and money-hungry attitude that he uses to hide his desire to use his immense strength and abilities to protect those that he loves, such as his younger brother Ren who absolutely adores and worships him, and his younger cousin Ayano whom he has admitted to someday being able to love. On the surface he is the complete opposite of what you expect in a hero and that is what gives this series so much life. Add to that an adorable younger kid who has both boys and girls chasing after him and a hot-tempered fire user with a crush and you’ve got one action packed series with non-stop laughs.

For the unconvinced, I invite you to watch the first episode and judge for yourself:

Kaze No Stigma 1

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Last 5 issues of FAnime Friday:

• Issue #11, September 7, 2007: Give it up for the Minor Characters
• Issue #10, August 24, 2007: Claymore
• Issue #9, August 10, 2007: Haruno Sakura
• Issue #8, July 27, 2007: Looking Back on Old Favorites
• Issue #7, July 20, 2007: Envy

Read the rest of the FAnime Friday issues on the FAnime Friday page! ^_^