Yato
Yato
| Kanji | 夜やト |
|---|---|
| Rōmaji | Yato |
| Also Known As |
|
| Profile | |
| Race | God |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | ~1,050 |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Status | |
| Status | Alive |
| Occupation | Delivery God
God of Calamity (formerly) |
| Relationships | |
| Relatives | Father(father)
The Stray(adopted sister) |
| Debut | |
| Manga | Chapter 1 |
| Anime | Episode 1 |
| Voice Actors | |
| Japanese | Hiroshi Kamiya |
| English | Jason Liebrecht |
“Even If Life Is Painful And Tough, People Should Still Appreciate What It Means To Be Alive At All.”
— Yato.
Appearance
Yato envisioning himself as the wealthiest God.
Yato is portrayed as a young man, appearing to be in his late teens to early twenties, standing at a height of 173 cm (5’7″). He has chin-length dark black hair that falls in bangs over his forehead, framing his face, and his striking bright blue eyes feature small, round pupils that narrow when he is serious or angry, reminiscent of a cat’s gaze.
Typically, Yato dons a black tracksuit adorned with a small golden crown on the right side, paired with brown boots. Around his neck, he sports a faded blue scarf that shows signs of wear with frayed edges.
In flashbacks, Yato is depicted with a ponytail and dressed in a dark-colored men’s kimono, showcasing a different aspect of his character. When envisioning himself as the wealthiest deity, he imagines himself draped in a large red cape, crowned, and holding a pink hand fan, highlighting his whimsical aspirations.
Personality
Yato crying.
Yato is characterized by his mischievous and unpredictable demeanor, often displaying a playful and sometimes childish nature. He frequently indulges in fantasies of becoming an immensely successful god, envisioning a grand shrine adorned with admirers, including many miko who would worship him.
Despite his lofty dreams, Yato is notably frugal, eager to complete all of his jobs to avoid refunding clients. He even contemplates selling his shinki for a tempting price. Interestingly, he charges only 5 yen per job, which aligns with the customary offerings at shrines. However, he often squanders his earnings on vices like drinking, gambling, and good luck charms. According to his shinki, Yukine, it’s rare for Yato to spend money on making others happy.
Beneath his seemingly carefree exterior, Yato can adopt a serious demeanor when the situation calls for it, guided by a complex moral compass. He employs harsh and risky teaching methods, as seen in his approach to Manabu’s bullying situation and Yukine’s initial ablution. Yato believes that gods are inherently incapable of wrongdoing and has little patience for those he perceives as weak or contemplating suicide. Yet, he also harbors a compassionate side, empathizing with Yukine’s struggles and wanting to uplift him, as well as preventing shinki from witnessing humans give up on life.
Yato’s happy expression.
Driven by determination and perseverance, Yato has spent centuries striving to become a more revered deity, seeking to escape his tumultuous past involving his father and The Stray. This desire makes him secretive about his history, although he does not shy away from discussing it when confronted.
Yato’s upbringing under his father’s influence taught him to view killing as a game, yet he has consistently shown concern for the well-being of others. Even before realizing the horror of his actions through Sakura’s eyes, he felt a sense of regret over his involvement in assassination jobs. Under Sakura’s gentle guidance, he has become increasingly hesitant about taking lives, though he shows less reluctance when dealing with those he deems deserving of punishment, such as criminals. Nonetheless, Yato is fiercely loyal to those he cares about. His anger boils over when Hiyori is kidnapped, leading him to confront Bishamon, whom he initially believes to be responsible. He is also deeply affected when Yukine sacrifices himself to save him during their battle.
History
Yato, like all gods, was born from a wish. However, unlike most deities created to assist humanity, he emerged from Father’s dark desire to annihilate every god in existence. Originally named Yaboku, Yato devoted himself to fulfilling Father’s expectations, striving to make him proud.
Eventually, Yato encountered The Stray, whom he named, thus designating her as his shinki. Under Father’s orders, they embarked on missions together, often leading to the deaths of humans.
Yato’s life took a significant turn when he met Sakura. She approached him beneath a cherry blossom tree, seeking a name after being harshly dismissed by Tenjin. In a moment of misguided enthusiasm, Yato jumped on her, groping her inappropriately, which led to an awkward first impression. After rescuing her from a worsening blight by throwing her into a spring, she asked for his name. He wrote it down, but she mistakenly read it as “Yato.” Thus, Sakura inadvertently gave him the name he would be known by, replacing the name Yaboku that Father had given him. Eventually, Sakura became Yato’s first shinki after Nora.
Yato’s relationship with Sakura was rocky from the start. Overwhelmed by the flood of memories he received from her—something he had not experienced with Nora—he impulsively threw her back into the spring and left her there for three days. Upon his return, he and Sakura ventured to a market where she reprimanded him for stealing. In an attempt to appease her, he presented her with flowers, and they later enjoyed a night observing fireflies together. However, the bond between them strained again when Yato called upon her to assist him in killing a man, causing Sakura deep despair, which resonated painfully within Yato.
It wasn’t until some time later that Yato was able to reconcile with Sakura. She introduced him to the concept of shrines, igniting his dream of having one of his own. His experiences with Sakura helped him begin to discern the fine line between good and evil, sparking doubt in his mind about the morality of his actions.
One day, Nora approached Yato, expressing that Father was punishing her. Concerned, Yato brought her to the spring to heal her, where Sakura and Nora finally met. During their encounter, Sakura tended to Nora and inquired about her history with Yato, eager to learn more about her master. Nora encouraged Sakura to ask Yato about her own past, but Yato hesitated, aware that revealing such secrets would breach a god’s greatest taboo. However, Nora insisted that Father had given permission to share the truth.
Reluctantly, Yato disclosed Sakura’s past, leading to her transformation into an ayakashi. This change brought blight upon both Yato and Sakura, resulting in a tragic confrontation where Sakura ultimately attacked him. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Yato was compelled to finish her off alongside Nora, marking a painful chapter in his tumultuous history.
Skills & Abilities
- Limited Immortality: Yato possesses a form of immortality, rendering him immune to fatal injuries inflicted by Near Shore entities.
- Teleportation: He can teleport between locations on the Near Shore by making a phone call. Once he establishes a shrine and gains official recognition as a god, Yato can also teleport to and from Takamagahara.
- Divine Possession (神かみ憑がかり,Kami gakari): Yato has the ability to possess humans with whom he has formed a significant connection.
- Weapon Usage: Proficient in armed combat, Yato can quickly adapt to new weapons and wield them effectively. Notably, all of his previous shinki have been weapons, underscoring his combat expertise.
- Rend (斬ざん,Zan): When wielding a shinki, Yato can unleash this ability to destroy ayakashi. While this technique is mentioned in the manga, it is specifically named in the anime.
- Sunder (絶ぜつ,Zetsu): While using a shinki, Yato can sever the bonds between two or more individuals. It is suggested by Tenjin that this ability may be unique to Yato. Like Rend, this technique appears in the manga but is named in the anime.
- Cloudburst (驟しゅう雨う,Shūu): When wielding Rekki, Yato can create a scattershot of arrowheads, providing a versatile attack option.
- Crimson Bloom (赤せっ華か,Sekka): Also using Rekki, Yato can generate a series of delayed explosions that inflict damage over a wide area, showcasing his destructive potential in combat.
Known Shinki
| Given Name | Alternate Name | Human Name | Vessel Name | Status | Vessel Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiiro (緋) | Hi | Hiiro | Hiki (緋) | Released | Tachi with a wooden hilt and liquefying blade |
| Sakura (桜) | Ou | Sakura | Ouki (桜) | Deceased | Koshigatana |
| Tomo (巴) | Han | Tomone | Hanki (半) | Released | Dagger |
| Yuki (雪) | Setsu | Yukine | Sekki (雪) | Current | Bare blade with hilt bandaged with white… (continued in notes) |
| Momo (百) | Hyaku | Momo | Hyakki (百) | Released | ¥100 Scissors |
| Kazu (恭) | Reki | Kazune | Rekki (恭) | Current | A divine garment shaped as a tracksuit… |
| Shiro (白) | Haku | Unconfirmed | Hakki (白) | Former | Short blade |
* Unnamed male shinki (status unclear), seen in a flashback in Aragoto Episode 8
* Unnamed shinki (status unclear)
Relationships
Hiyori Iki
Throughout the series, Hiyori and Yato grow closer. Although Yato is supposed to help Hiyori with her soul leaking issue, she often aids him instead. Their contrasting personalities—Hiyori being more serious and Yato more quirky—create a unique bond as they pursue their dreams, no matter how childish or difficult. Yato deeply cares for Hiyori, and when told that severing his ties with her could resolve her problems, he is initially reluctant but considers the sacrifice. However, Hiyori refuses to let him go.
Yato provides guidance to Hiyori when she is uncertain about her academic future and her desire to inherit her family’s hospital. After receiving a small shrine from Hiyori, Yato, inebriated, vows to make her the happiest girl in the world, placing faith in her just as she does in him. Hiyori saves Yato fromIzanamiby calling him by his “real” name. When Hiyori faces the threat of turning into an Ayakashi during the Hospital Arc, she asks Yato to kill her to protect others, but he refuses, valuing her life and the people who care for her.
Hints of romantic feelings between the two are present, primarily from Yato, who exhibits stalker-like behavior and knows intimate details about her, such as her bra size and where she hides her martial arts book and yaoi manga. He even declares himself her future husband. During his encounter with Izanami, Yato sees her as Hiyori, indicating the depth of his feelings. Kofuku playfully ties Yato’s and Hiyori’s plaques together during a matchmaking ceremony, suggesting a potential romantic relationship, though Kofuku’s matches often lead to misfortune, hinting at possible future hardships. By Chapter 78, it is confirmed that Hiyori has feelings for Yato, and by Chapter 79, it is reciprocated.
Yukine
Upon his introduction, Yukine is cold and often puts Yato down. Yato views their relationship as that of a father and son, referring to Yukine as “my child,” “atonement,” and “my joy and pride,” frequently bragging about him to other gods. Despite Yukine’s constant teasing, Yato refuses to abandon him, enduring the pain until Daikoku intervenes. Hiyori notes that Yato has done much for Yukine, significantly impacting him as he had his own issues with his father. After Yukine’s Ablution, he becomes more loyal and caring toward Yato, sacrificing himself to save him from Bishamon, resulting in Yukine becoming a Blessed Vessel.
Though they still experience minor conflicts, particularly concerning the true names of Nora or Yato, Yukine vows to help Yato avoid killing and strives to become the God of Fortune by thwarting disasters. He implements strict training regimens to ensure Yato’s safety, suggesting a willingness to protect him at all costs, even if it means sacrificing Bishamon.
Father
Father, who acted as Yato’s creator, views him as a mere tool, ordering him and Nora to commit acts of violence and bring back trophies. Despite Yato’s desire for approval, he often faces abuse from Father. Yato’s struggles with his identity stem from Father’s manipulative nature; he is forced to keep secrets from others to maintain his own existence. While Yato longs to be free of Father’s control, he fears that killing him would lead to his own demise. Father delights in teasing Yato and manipulating him, often putting him through tests to measure his rebellion, disregarding his feelings and using threats against Hiyori to exert control.
The Stray (Nora)
Yato shares a long history with Nora, who was one of his earliest Shinki. Though they once killed together under Father’s orders, Yato’s feelings for her have soured over time. Nora frequently undermines Yato’s human connections, suggesting he sever ties with Yukine and Hiyori, whom she considers weak links. Despite acknowledging Nora’s past support in saving his life, Yato prefers Yukine as his partner and eventually releases Nora from being his Shinki.
Sakura
Sakura was Yato’s first true Shinki, whom he met under a cherry blossom tree. Their brief yet impactful relationship showed Yato a different path from the one dictated by Father. Sakura’s transformation into a Karma Ayakashi was a turning point for Yato, shaping his goals and identity. He mourns her loss each spring when the cherry blossoms bloom, signifying the lasting impact she had on his life.
Bishamon
Bishamon harbors a deep hatred for Yato, blaming him for the deaths of her Shinki. Her vendetta drives her to reckless actions as she seeks revenge. However, upon learning the truth behind the Ma clan’s slaughter, she begins to let go of her grudge. The two share a complex relationship characterized by mutual respect and occasional tension, often engaging in banter while working towards common goals. Yato refers to her as “psycho bitch” (or “crazy chick” in the anime) but also considers her a friend, showcasing the complexity of their dynamic.
Kazuma
Kazuma sees Yato as his benefactor, feeling indebted to him for the events surrounding the Ma clan’s fate. He supports Yato, attending Yukine’s purification ceremony and helping behind Bishamon’s back. Their shared experiences have forged a strong bond, and Yato refers to Kazuma as a friend who has taken care of him over the years.
Kofuku
Kofuku is a mischievous and trusted friend of Yato. He relies on her support throughout the series, whether in battle or personal matters. Kofuku’s abilities often aid Yato, and her lightheartedness provides comic relief amidst the tension.
Daikoku
Daikoku initially meets Yato when asking him to sever ties with Daigo. Their friendship is marked by playful banter, with Yato calling him “Mom” in jest. Despite Daikoku’s rough exterior, their bond is strong, and he supports Yato during critical moments, including Yukine’s purification ceremony.
Tenjin
Tenjin is a famous God of Fortune who often teases Yato about his struggles. Despite their playful rivalry, Tenjin provides Yato with jobs, assisting him in earning money and offering support when needed.
Mayu
Mayu, formerly known as Tomone, served as Yato’s Shinki before Yukine. Although she often complained about her time with him, she remains a valuable ally, risking her life to aid Yukine in his purification.
Ebisu
Yato and Ebisu share a friendship rooted in mutual inspiration. Yato protects Ebisu and offers guidance, reflecting his growth as a character. Their bond strengthens as they navigate challenges together, with Yato confiding in Ebisu about his insecurities.
Takemikazuchi
Takemikazuchi’s animosity toward Yato stems from the latter’s involvement in Ebisu’s death. He frequently ridicules Yato but is also jealous of his success as a god. Their relationship is tense, and Yato remains wary of him as a potential future enemy.
Kiun
Kiun shares a contentious relationship with Yato, primarily due to their mutual connection to Ebisu’s death. Yato remains cautious around Kiun, reflecting their lack of trust and the possibility of future conflict.