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Kurama Shinjirou

Kurama (鞍馬), whose real name is Shinjirou (真寿郎), is a Tengu (Crow) Yokai who poses as a “Fallen Angel” human pop star. His act revolves around the concept of being a fallen angel, which he emphasizes through punk clothing, goth makeup, and black wings. His fans often assume these wings are merely props.

“
A man’s life is too short.
 ”
— Kurama Shinjirou Momozono

Appearance

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Kurama’s appearance.

In his Tengu form, Kurama possessed small black feathered wings, which set him apart from other Tengu Yokai. As a child, he wore a kimono.

In his current human form, Kurama sports punk clothing and traditional gothic makeup, complemented by long nails adorned with various accessories. He utilizes his black wings to enhance his “fallen angel” image, which his fans typically believe to be mere props.


Personality

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

Kurama is a highly charismatic yokai, and his popularity has made him both arrogant and selfish. He initially attempted to capture and consume Nanami Momozono’s heart in a bid to become the Land God.

As time passes, Kurama becomes increasingly friendly toward Nanami, particularly at school. While he still harbors thoughts of becoming the Land God by befriending her, these ambitions are no longer as intense as they were when they first met. Following his experiences at Kurama Mountain, his desire to become the Land God fades completely. Nevertheless, he maintains an air of arrogance around his fans while evolving into a supportive and reliable friend to Nanami.

Thanks to his career as an idol, Kurama excels at socializing with humans, especially girls. Despite his grudges against Tomoe, he reminds him that Nanami is human and warns of the potential for her to fall in love with him. However, accustomed to the adoration of numerous girls, he struggles to comprehend why some may ignore him. This has led to a pattern of heartbreak for those he encounters, making it particularly difficult for Ami Nekota, a shy friend of Nanami, to confess her feelings for him. Despite being surrounded by admirers, Kurama is, at his core, a lonely individual, frequently visiting Nanami in search of companionship beyond his fanbase.

History

In his village, Kurama is known as Shinjirou and was raised by an older tengu named Suirou, whom he considers a brother and holds in high regard.

Kurama is no ordinary tengu; he is the blood-related son of one of the tengu chiefs, specifically the only son of the Third Chief, Soujoubou. During his childhood, he faced harsh treatment from Jiro due to his inability to fly, which ultimately led him to leave Kurama Mountain 16 years ago to live in the human world. Unlike many of his kind, including Tomoe and Mizuki, Kurama exhibits a more typical human attitude.

Relationships

Nanami Momozono
Kurama first met Nanami at school, where he initially intended to kill her and eat her heart to become the new Land God. However, after Nanami saved him from being turned into an ostrich by Tomoe, he found himself drawn to her sweet, dauntless nature and the array of supernatural beings that surrounded her. Kurama frequently comes to Nanami’s aid and visits Mikage’s Shrine to spend time with her and the others. His initial ambitions regarding becoming a Land God have shifted, and he has developed into a good and reliable friend to Nanami.

Tomoe
Kurama’s first encounter with Tomoe also took place at school when he was transformed into an ostrich. Tomoe ominously remarked that Kurama would become part of Nanami’s dinner. Thankfully, Nanami intervened before Tomoe could cook him. Although Kurama and Tomoe often clash and harbor strong animosity towards each other, they occasionally unite to support Nanami.

Mizuki
Kurama first met Mizuki when he and Kotetsu got lost in Tokyo. Mizuki often acts as a peacemaker between Kurama and Tomoe during their frequent fights, typically by getting them both to drink sake.

Ami Nekota
Initially unaware of Ami’s crush on him, Kurama dismissed her as just another fan girl. Their relationship changed when he saved her from a demon in the girls’ locker room. After expressing her gratitude, Ami confessed her love, causing Kurama to warm up to her. Their relationship seems to be progressing, though it remains uncertain. Kurama later informs Ami that he plans to return home to become the next selector of the Fourth Sojobo as his father ages. While Ami is both happy and sad about this news, she asks Kurama if she can wait for him. Understanding the brevity of human life, Kurama hesitates, but in chapter 148, he assures her, “I’ll be the last one to take you away,” which makes her cheerfully agree. This exchange indicates that Kurama has developed feelings for her.

Suirou
Suirou took care of Kurama during his childhood, supporting him through bullying and harassment from other tengu due to his inability to fly. He even sacrificed his wings to save Kurama when he was forced into a hole as part of a training exercise. Years later, when they reunite, Suirou still expresses love and care for Kurama, just as he did in the past.

Trivia

    • Kurama’s name is stylized as KURAMA.
    • His stage name is inspired by the mountain he originates from, Kurama Mountain.
    • He performed his own rendition of the ending song “Kamisama Onegai.”
    • Kurama’s persona as a “fallen angel” reflects his dual identity as a Tengu yokai and a human pop star.
    • Despite his popularity, Kurama often feels lonely and seeks genuine connections outside of his fanbase.
    • He is known for his punk fashion and gothic makeup, which emphasize his unique character as a performer.
    • Kurama shares a brotherly bond with Suirou, who raised him and supported him during his struggles.
    • He initially harbored intentions of becoming the Land God but evolved into a supportive friend to Nanami Momozono over time.
    • His childhood was marked by bullying due to his inability to fly, which led him to leave Kurama Mountain and live in the human world.
    • Kurama is known for his charm and charisma, particularly with female fans, yet struggles with understanding genuine romantic feelings.