Takashi Shiina’s manga adaptation of Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon is set to conclude with its 10th volume this summer. This announcement marks the end of Shiina’s journey adapting the anime spin-off of Rumiko Takahashi’s beloved Inuyasha series.
A New Generation’s Tale Comes to a Close
Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon follows the adventures of Towa Higurashi, Setsuna, and Moroha, the daughters of Sesshomaru and Rin, and Inuyasha and Kagome Higurashi, respectively. The story begins with Towa getting separated from her twin sister Setsuna during a forest fire. Towa finds herself transported to modern-day Japan and is raised by Kagome’s brother, Sota, and his family.
Ten years later, Towa is reunited with Setsuna, who has become a demon slayer. However, Setsuna has lost all memories of her older sister. Joined by their cousin Moroha, the three young women embark on a journey through time, traveling between the feudal era and the present day to regain their missing past and uncover the mysteries surrounding their parents.
Takashi Shiina’s Adaptation
Takashi Shiina launched the manga adaptation in Shogakukan’s Shōnen Sunday S magazine in September 2021. Shiina is a well-known manga artist, primarily working for Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday. He debuted in 1989 with Bouken! Mahou Shoujo Mami-chan. He is best known for Ghost Sweeper Mikami, which ran from 1991 to 1999 and won the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōnen in 1993. After Ghost Sweeper Mikami, Shiina created series such as Mister Japan and Ichiban-yu no Kanata. His manga Zettai Karen Children ran for 16 years before ending in July 2021.
Shiina’s art style in Yashahime is distinct from Rumiko Takahashi’s, lending its own feel to the adaptation. While the manga generally follows the same storyline as the anime, it diverges in tone, emphasizing humor.
Manga vs. Anime
The Yashahime anime premiered in Japan in October 2020 and streamed on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. The anime series is a sequel spin-off to the Inuyasha anime, which is based on Rumiko Takahashi’s manga series. The first season of the anime aired from October 2020 to March 2021, and the second season, titled Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon – The Second Act, aired from October 2021 to March 2022.
The manga adaptation has been praised for fixing many issues present in the anime, such as character backgrounds and motivations. Some reviewers found the anime disappointing, while the manga offered a more coherent and enjoyable experience.
Final Battle Approaches
The seventh volume of the manga revealed that the series would enter its “final battle” in the eighth volume, which was released in fall 2024. The manga is set to conclude with its 10th volume this summer.
Viz Media holds the rights to the digital streaming, EST, and home video of the original anime in North and Latin American territories. They also publish the English release of the manga in North America.
A Nostalgic Return
Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon offers a nostalgic return to the world of Inuyasha, with a focus on the next generation of demon hunters. While the anime received mixed reviews, the manga adaptation by Takashi Shiina has been praised for its unique art style and improved storytelling. As the manga series approaches its conclusion, fans can look forward to the final chapter in the journey of Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha.
