Ashitaka

Young warrior bearing the curse

The protagonist of this work, a youth from the Emishi tribe. Bearing a curse, he seeks coexistence between the forest and humans, striving to end the conflict.

Quotes

  • Live. You are beautiful.
  • Like hell I'm going to die.
  • The forest doesn't say a thing. It just stands there.
  • Nothing changes through conflict. Coexistence is the future.
  • I'm not fighting for you all. It's for the forest.

Trivia

  • The curse mark is depicted glowing red as the story progresses.
  • Ashitaka's name means 'tomorrow'.
  • Modeled after the Emishi people.
  • There are combat scenes using a sword besides bow and arrow.
  • Hayao Miyazaki himself handled voice direction.

Alternate names

Ashitaka King Emishi youth Cursed warrior

Tags

Princess Mononoke Ghibli Emishi tribe forest curse nature warrior friendship reconciliation protagonist

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
A young man with black hair and a noble face. Carries a bow and arrows, with a physique suited for hunting and combat.
Height
About 175cm
Eye color
Black
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Curse mark on left arm
  • Muscular build
  • Stern expression
Iconic items
  • Bow
  • Arrows
  • Sword
  • Curse mark
  • Deer hide outfit

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Brave
Detailed personality
Strong sense of justice, calm, wishes to avoid conflict but upholds his own beliefs. Thoughtful, strongly desires coexistence between nature and humans.
Keywords
  • Brave
  • Honest
  • Thoughtful
  • Kind
  • Strong convictions
  • Calm
  • Strong sense of responsibility
Motto
Nothing comes from conflict. Coexistence is the path to the future.
Talents
  • Exceptional marksmanship
  • Swordsmanship
  • Hunting talent
  • High physical abilities
  • Sense of harmony with nature
Skills
  • Combat leadership
  • Negotiation skills
  • Ability to communicate with animals spiritually
  • Self-healing power for wounds
Motivation
To lift the curse and end the forest-human conflict, restoring world harmony.
Habits
Remains calm and self-restrained even in difficulties, advancing straight toward his purpose.
Favorite foods
Wild mushrooms, Salty foods
Favorite places
Forest, Riverside
Favorite colors
Natural colors
Disliked situations
War, Conflict, Injustice

History

Backstory
Raised in an Emishi village, bears the curse from the boar god whose seal he broke. With death approaching due to the curse, he embarks on a journey to resolve the curse's origin and the forest's issues.
Debut date
July 12, 1997
Work title
Princess Mononoke
Media type
Movie

Encounter with Boar God

Significant event
Encounter with Boar God
Description
Battles the boar god that triggers the curse and receives the curse.

Meeting with San

Significant event
Meeting with San
Description
Meets San, the forest guardian, and together explores coexistence between nature and humans.

Infiltration of Iron Town

Significant event
Infiltration of Iron Town
Description
Infiltrates Lady Eboshi's stronghold, attempting dialogue between opposing sides.

Cure of the curse

Significant event
Cure of the curse
Description
Ultimately lifts the curse, taking a step toward peace.

Relationships

San

Best friend

A relationship seeking the future of forest and humans together.

Lady Eboshi

Rival

Through conflict and reconciliation with her, contemplates both sides' values.

Emishi tribe

Emishi tribe: unknown

Media appearances

Princess Mononoke

Movie / Protagonist

Released 1997

Princess Mononoke

Manga / Protagonist

Voice cast and creators

Yōji Matsuda

Voice actor
Yōji Matsuda
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version
Notes
Original

Billy Crudup

Voice actor
Billy Crudup
Language
English
Version or series
English dub

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Original author

Studio Ghibli

Creator name
Studio Ghibli
Role
Animation studio

Tokuma Shoten

Creator name
Tokuma Shoten
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Ashitaka Figure

Item name
Ashitaka Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Ashitaka Plush

Item name
Ashitaka Plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Limited

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