
Asakura Anna
Asakura Anna |
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Japanese | 恐山アンナ |
Rōmaji | Kyōyama Anna |
Statistics | |
Affiliations | Funbari Onsen Asakura Family Team Gilgames |
Occupations | Itako Innkeeper High School Student (Formerly) |
Oni Class | Zenki and Goki |
Debut | |
Anime | Episode 5 (2001 Anime) Episode 2 (2021 Anime) |
Manga | Chapter 9 |
Portrayal | |
Japanese | Megumi Hayashibara (2001, 2021, Flowers) |
English | Tara Sands (2001, 2021) |
Asakura Anna (麻倉アンナ), née Kyōyama (恐山), is a prominent character in the Shaman King manga and anime series, known for her role as the fiancée and later wife of Asakura Yoh, the series’ protagonist. A second-generation itako, Anna is renowned for her extraordinary spiritual abilities, her fierce determination, and her unwavering dedication to Yoh and his dreams of becoming Shaman King. Her training under Yoh’s grandmother, Asakura Kino, and her mastery of traditional itako techniques position her as one of the most formidable characters in the series, capable of summoning and channeling powerful spirits.
In Shaman King Flowers and the events of the Flower of Maize, Anna takes on the role of one of Phillip M. Wyden’s Helpers on Team Gilgames, contributing her extensive spiritual expertise and sharp strategic mind to their cause. Her journey reflects her evolution from a stoic and commanding young woman into a supportive partner and mentor, showcasing her enduring strength and compassion.
Personality

Anna with Amidamaru
Anna is known for her aggressive and decisive personality, often coming across as cold and harsh. She is highly pragmatic and unyielding, especially when it comes to achieving her goals and ensuring that Yoh becomes the Shaman King. Despite her stern demeanor, Anna genuinely cares for those close to her, particularly Yoh, whom she deeply loves. Her dedication to becoming “The Ultimate Shaman Queen” and supporting Yoh as his wife stems from their unique bond, as Yoh was the first person to truly accept her. She believes in pushing him to his limits, convinced that it is her duty to prepare him for the challenges ahead.
Anna’s love for Yoh is evident, though it manifests in unconventional ways, often involving tough love and possessiveness. She has openly admitted her feelings to others, including Oyamada Manta and Silva. Her trust in Yoh’s abilities allows her to remain composed, even during his battles, though her occasional displays of vulnerability, such as when she thought Yoh might be killed, reveal the depth of her emotions. Her relationship with Asakura Hao is equally complex; while she disapproves of his actions and has even slapped him, Hao’s reaction—amusement and admiration—further highlights Anna’s strength and unique character. Their interactions underscore her unwavering resolve and her vital role in Yoh’s journey.
Appearance
Anna’s appearance is distinct and iconic, reflecting her strong and resolute personality. She has medium-length blonde hair and amber eyes, though in the 2001 anime series, her eyes are depicted as black. Her signature accessory is a red bandana, which she typically wears on her head, though after departing for the Patch Village in America, she begins wearing it around her neck like a scarf and adds a pair of black sunglasses. Her usual outfit consists of a jet-black mini dress, a blue rosary necklace used for her itako rituals, wooden sandals with red straps, and a blue bead bracelet on her right wrist.
As she grows older, Anna’s style evolves while maintaining her distinctive look. Around 17 or 18 years old, she wears a long, black hooded coat with indie prints on the sleeves and bottom, along with a rosary wrapped around her wrist. Her hair grows longer, reaching mid-back. By the age of 21, Anna’s hair has grown even longer, nearly reaching her knees, and she replaces her red bandana with a white band to keep it in place. Her outfit also changes to a long dress featuring white, red, and purple rippled heart shapes, reflecting her maturity while retaining her iconic presence.
History
Asakura Anna’s history is deeply intertwined with her journey as an itako, her relationship with Asakura Yoh, and her unwavering dedication to shaping his destiny as the Shaman King. Originating from Aomori, Japan, Anna was abandoned as a child due to her ability to involuntarily read people’s minds, which exposed her to the overwhelming negativity of others. Taken in by Asakura Kino, Anna was trained as an itako despite being fully sighted and was eventually betrothed to Yoh to strengthen the Asakura family bloodline. Struggling with her Reishi abilities, Anna’s hatred for others often manifested as oni, forcing her to isolate herself until she met Yoh. Their encounter at Mt. Osore marked a turning point, as Yoh’s determination to protect her and her growing affection for him enabled her to overcome the oni’s control, setting the foundation for her role as Yoh’s trainer and fiancée.
Anna’s involvement in Yoh’s journey as a shaman began in earnest when she arrived in Tokyo to support him during the Shaman Fight. Her no-nonsense demeanor and rigorous training methods shaped Yoh into a stronger shaman, while her fierce protectiveness and unwavering belief in him became a cornerstone of their relationship. From aiding him in battles against powerful opponents like Tao Ren and Faust VIII to teaching his team advanced techniques, Anna played a critical role in Yoh’s progress. After the Shaman Fight, Anna and Yoh married, eventually having a son, Asakura Hana. Despite facing challenges, including their deaths and revival by Hao in the Great Spirit, Anna remained resolute in her commitment to her family and their shared purpose. Her journey continued in Shaman King Flowers, where she and Yoh joined Team Gilgames as helpers for the Flower of Maize, reuniting with their son and continuing their legacy.
Powers and Abilities
Asakura Anna possesses extraordinary spiritual and physical abilities, making her one of the most formidable itako in the Shaman King series. Her primary skill lies in channeling spirits, a unique ability that allows her to summon spirits from anywhere, including the afterlife, a feat beyond the capabilities of most shamans. Trained by Yoh’s grandmother, also an itako, Anna uses her 1080 beads as a medium to channel spirits, entering a trance to perform these summoning rituals. This skill, combined with her deep understanding of the spiritual realm, positions her as a masterful practitioner in her field.
Anna also inherently possesses Reishi, the ability to read minds, which she developed during her childhood. However, this ability exposed her to the negative emotions of others, which manifested as powerful oni fueled by her hatred and fear. After Yoh’s intervention and their shared battle against the Oh-Oni, Anna began to trust Yoh, eventually losing her Reishi as her emotional turmoil subsided. Beyond her spiritual prowess, Anna demonstrates remarkable physical strength, often surprising others with her slim appearance. Her infamous “phantom left hand slap” has subdued even the most stubborn individuals, including her close friends. Anna’s spiritual power is immense, enabling her to seal and control Asakura Hao’s Shikigami, Zenki and Goki, with ease. Furthermore, her ability to reflect Hao’s curses back at him made her one of the few who could stand against him in battle, showcasing her unparalleled strength and determination.
Relationships
Asakura Yoh
Anna’s relationship with Yoh is central to her character. She is both a mentor and a partner, pushing him to reach his potential while supporting him unconditionally. Their deep bond is evident in their mutual trust and shared goals.
Asakura Hana
Anna’s son, who inherits her strong will and shamanic potential. While Anna holds high expectations for Hana, her guidance reflects her belief in his potential to uphold the family’s legacy.
Kino Asakura
Yoh’s grandmother and Anna’s mentor in the itako tradition. Kino played a significant role in shaping Anna’s spiritual abilities and personality.
Phillip M. Wyden
Anna assists Phillip as a helper during the Flower of Maize, showcasing her enduring role as a guide and strategist.
Legacy
Anna is one of the most iconic and influential characters in Shaman King, embodying strength, resilience, and unwavering support. Her role as Yoh’s partner and mentor highlights her importance to both the series’ narrative and its thematic exploration of love, loyalty, and growth. In the sequel, Anna continues to shape the next generation of shamans, solidifying her legacy as a cornerstone of the Shaman King universe.