Ushio Kofune
Ushio Kofune
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小舟潮
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| Vital Information | |
| Birthday | July 25th |
| Gender | Female |
| Astrological Sign | Pisces |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Relatives | Mio Kofune (younger sister) Alain Kofune (father) Shinpei Ajiro (childhood friend) |
| First Appearance | |
| Anime | Episode 1 |
| Japanese Voice | Anna Nagase |
| English Voice | Emi Lo Risa Mei (Child) |
Ushio Kofune (小舟潮, Kofune Ushio) is a key character in Summertime Rendering. A lively and caring 17-year-old girl, Ushio resides in the small coastal town of Hitogashima. Her tragic death during a maritime accident—while attempting to save Shiori Kobayakawa from drowning—becomes the catalyst for the story’s events. Known for her strong-willed and cheerful nature, Ushio harbors deep feelings for her childhood friend Shinpei Ajiro, though she never got the chance to confess her love during her lifetime.
Despite her death, Ushio continues to play a pivotal role in the narrative, as her actions and lingering presence become central to uncovering the mysteries of Hitogashima and the Shadows that haunt the island.
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Émile Durkheim
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| Born |
David Émile Durkheim
15 April 1858 Épinal, France
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| Died | 15 November 1917(aged 59)
Paris,France
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| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | École Normale Supérieure |
| Known for | Sacred–profane dichotomy Collective consciousness Social fact Social integration Anomie Collective effervescence |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies |
| Institutions | University of Paris, University of Bordeaux |
| Influences | Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill |
| Influenced | Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1] |
Appearance
Ushio has a radiant and youthful appearance, reflecting her energetic personality. She has long blonde hair, often tied into a ponytail, and striking blue eyes that convey her warmth and determination. Her cheerful expressions and open demeanor make her a magnetic presence, drawing others to her.
Her attire typically consists of casual summer clothes, such as tank tops and shorts, befitting her seaside lifestyle. Ushio’s relaxed and sporty fashion sense mirrors her active and fun-loving character.
Ushio Kofune with her striking red and blue eyes, radiating a mysterious yet captivating aura
Personality
Ushio is spirited, outgoing, and deeply compassionate. She is known for her unwavering loyalty to her friends and family, always putting their needs above her own. Her infectious optimism and courage make her a beloved figure among the residents of Hitogashima, and her willingness to stand up for what she believes in highlights her inner strength.
Though Ushio often appears carefree, she possesses a sharp intuition and a deep emotional sensitivity. Her love for Shinpei is a driving force in her life, and even in death, her devotion to protecting those she cares for shines through.
Role in the Story
Her Death as the Catalyst
Ushio’s death while saving Shiori Kobayakawa from drowning sets the stage for the events of Summertime Rendering. Her funeral marks Shinpei Ajiro’s return to Hitogashima, drawing him into the supernatural mysteries surrounding the Shadows. Ushio’s sacrifice and its connection to the Shadows become central to unraveling the island’s secrets.
The Shadow Ushio
Ushio’s presence persists through her Shadow, a manifestation of her essence that retains her memories and personality. Unlike the other Shadows, Shadow Ushio allies with Shinpei and the others to combat the supernatural threat on the island. Her unique perspective as both a victim and a Shadow provides critical insights into the Shadows’ nature and intentions.
Driving Force Behind Shinpei’s Resolve
Ushio’s relationship with Shinpei is a cornerstone of the story. Her love and unwavering trust in him inspire Shinpei to confront the Shadows and protect Hitogashima. Her playful yet profound interactions with him showcase the depth of their bond, blending moments of lightheartedness with emotional gravity.
Abilities
Shadow Form Abilities
As a Shadow, Ushio retains unique abilities that aid in the fight against the other Shadows. These include:
- Memory Retention: Unlike other Shadows, Shadow Ushio retains her original personality and memories, allowing her to act independently.
- Transformation: Ushio can manipulate her Shadow form to reshape her body, enabling her to fight and adapt in various scenarios.
- Data Analysis: Ushio can scan and decipher the Shadows’ mechanisms, providing crucial information to Shinpei and the group.
Relationships
Shinpei Ajiro: Ushio’s childhood friend and unspoken love interest. Her feelings for Shinpei remain a significant aspect of her character, motivating her actions both in life and as a Shadow. Their relationship is characterized by deep trust and mutual admiration, forming the emotional core of the story.
Mio Kofune: Ushio’s younger sister, whom she loves dearly. Ushio’s protective and supportive nature is evident in her relationship with Mio, often acting as a guiding and reassuring figure.
Shiori Kobayakawa: Ushio’s death stems from her selfless attempt to save Shiori, demonstrating her compassionate and courageous nature.
Haine: As the Mother of the Shadows, Haine represents the central threat to Ushio’s loved ones. Ushio’s resistance to Haine’s control makes her a key figure in the fight against the Shadows.
Legacy
Ushio Kofune’s character embodies themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Her actions, both in life and as a Shadow, drive the emotional and narrative arcs of Summertime Rendering. Her unwavering devotion to protecting her loved ones and her role in unraveling the mysteries of Hitogashima make her an enduring and central figure in the story. Ushio’s blend of courage, warmth, and humanity ensures her legacy as a beloved and unforgettable character.
Trivia
- Ushio’s name, 潮 (Ushio), translates to “tide,” symbolizing her connection to the sea and her role as a force of change in the narrative.
- Her Shadow’s alliance with Shinpei subverts the typical portrayal of Shadows as antagonists, adding depth to the series’ exploration of identity and morality.
- Ushio’s blonde hair and blue eyes set her apart visually, emphasizing her vibrant and unique personality.