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Youmu (妖夢, lit., "catastrophic illusion") are strange creatures that roam the human world. They come in all sorts of shapes and forms, and their origins are currently a mystery. Youmu have been known to possess (to kill) humans and are extremely hostile. For this reason, these creatures are constantly targeted by Spirit World Warriors.[1] They are also called "dreamshades" in some translations.

Characteristics[]

Youmu crystal

A youmu stone dropped from a felled youmu.

Youmu vastly differ in appearance, with forms similar to that of animals or non-living objects. The similarity among all youmu is their tendency to manifest an ore-like stone that contains the powers of that youmu when slain. These stones are sought after due to the value appraisers give to them.

Humans normally do not possess the ability to see youmu, which can only be seen by Spirit World Warriors and other youmu. However, interactions between youmu and humans are a constant source of concern amongst Spirit World Warriors due to a youmu's tendency to possess a human and act towards them with hostility. In the light novels, the issue of discrimination against youmu extends to half-youmu and Spirit World Warriors with youmu-like abilities (an example being the Kuriyama clan, to which Mirai Kuriyama belongs).

List of Youmu[]

Known Non-Hostile Youmu[]

Name Characteristics Occupation/s Status
Ai Shindou Has a human and animal (two-tailed Scottish fold) form High school student, assistant to Ayaka Alive
Ayaka Shindou Has a human and animal (nine-tailed fox) form Spirit world warrior, appraiser, owner of a traditional sweets shop (photo studio with cafe in the anime) Alive
Akihito's Father Immortal youmu Unknown
Yakiimo Rodent-like appearance with a round body Mitsuki Nase's pet and fighting companion Alive

Known Hostile Youmu[]

Nome Debut Abilities Value (in Yen) Status
"Ogre" Ep 1 None 26,000 Killed by Shizuku Ninomiya
"Bandage Ghost" Ep 1 Bandage manipulation, phasing through solid objects 1,000 Killed by Mirai Kuriyama
Hollow Shadow Ep 2 (mentioned), Ep 4 (appearance) Space manipulation; creating illusions; body possession ??? Killed by Mirai Kuriyama
"Slit-mouthed goblin" Ep 3 Small youmu with a vertical mouth filled with pointy teeth 10,000 Killed by Mitsuki Nase
"Wolves"

Ep 4

Physical appearance and fighting style reminiscent of wolves ???

Several killed by Hiroomi Nase

"Fruit-Type Youmu" Ep 6 Spews out fluids with a repulsive odor when agitated At least 500,000 Killed by Izumi Nase
"Candy Stick" Ep 7 Possession of humans (not unique); other abilities unknown ??? Killed by

Mirai Kuriyama

Beyond the Boundary Ep 8 Space manipulation; speculated to cause disasters, etc. ??? Alive

Half-Youmu[]

Half-Youmu (半妖, han-you, where "you" refers to "youmu") is the term referring to the offspring of a human and a Youmu. Due to the rarity of Half-Youmu, they are often met with hostility by Spirit World Warriors, who know little of their true nature. The only known Half-Youmu in the present is Akihito Kanbara, who is currently being put under the surveillance of the Nase family of Spirit World Warriors, in order to know more about Half-Youmu and to eliminate him immediately when he proves to becomes a threat to others.

References[]

  1. Glossary of Terms in the Kyoukai no Kanata anime official site.
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