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GLOSSARY

chichiue: Father.

chonmage: A haircut for samurai that helps their helmets affix to their heads.

dōjō: A space designated for training.

geiko shimada: A type of haircut for noble women.

O genki desu ka: “How are you?”

Hattatori: The samurai clan entrusted with the operation of the Mahō-jō.

inari: A fox god associated with prosperity and worldly success.

Kage-Gokuri: The guardians of the natural order who must protect humanity from evil spirits.

Kage-taro: The shadow heir (another term for Ryuichi himself).

Kai-dan: A group of misfits and failures.

Kami: Japanese gods.

kamishimo, hakamashita, umanori hakama, kataginu: Traditional Japanese clothing.

kegare: A state of spiritual uncleanliness; to be shunned and avoided.

Kiai: A war cry shouted during practice and battle.

kitsune: Messengers for inari; cunning fox spirits who act as tricksters and potential guardians.

koma-inu: Lion-dogs; protectors of shrines and guardians of the gods.

kunitsukami: Japanese kami who reside on earth—unlike other kami, who reside in the heavens.

Mahō-jō: The castle of sorcery that serves as Ryuichi’s second home.

niō: Protector spirits of the Buddhist faith.

Ohayō: “Good morning.”

ōmagatoki: The hour between the setting sun and rising moon, and the time of day when the veil between the spirit world and the real world is at its weakest.

oni: The most powerful of the yōkai; red-and-blue-skinned ogres who dine on human flesh.

onna-musha: Female warriors in premodern Japan.

samurai: A Japanese warrior recognized as a noble.

sensei: A teacher and master worthy of great respect.

tengu: Birdlike yōkai who are known as master swordsmen.

ushi mairi: The specific time of day to create curses.

yōkai: A spirit.