Abe no Seimei has always been a familiar name when it comes to the world of Onmyoji. This time, he stars in the very first anime adaptation of Baku Yumemakura’s Onmyoji novel on Netflix. Here’s the background, real name, and powers of Abe no Seimei in the Onmyoji anime to learn more about him.
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Who Is Abe no Seimei in Netflix’s Onmyoji Anime?
The Onmyoji anime is set during the fictional Heian period, where the greatest Onmyoji of all time exists.
He is none other than Abe no Seimei, who has been known as the master of yin-yang and an expert in the art of onmyodo.
Among his peers, Abe no Seimei is known as a fox child due to his background. It is said that his mother is a kitsune (fox) who fell in love with a human.
This explains why the other onmyoji at the imperial court are distant from Abe no Seimei, resulting in his indifference to humans.
They even spread rumors about Seimei, saying how a person can be cursed upon making eye contact with him.
Even so, Abe no Seimei is the best onmyoji of his time. He studied under Kamo no Yasunori, who taught him everything he knew about the art of onmyodo and even the Yin and Yang.
His knowledge of the art is unrivaled, and the emperor has complete trust in his skills and abilities despite his stubborn, cunning, whimsical, and arrogant personality.
What Is the Real Name of Abe no Seimei?
By the end of the Onmyoji anime, Abe no Seimei revealed that Seimei was not his real name, much to Hiromasa’s surprise.
He said that he hides his real name to prevent other onmyoji or demons from putting a curse or spell on him.
It is ironic that the only person who knows about Seimei’s real name is his greatest rival, Ashiya Doman, who created a sekisanko (demonic insect) of him.
Seimei never revealed his real name, but based on historical records, his actual name is Haruaki or Haruakira. He is also believed to be a descendant of the poet, Abe no Nakamaro.
Based on Baku Yumemakura’s novel, Abe no Seimei was born around the 21st year of Engi, during Emperor Daigo’s reign. Unfortunately, his birth and death dates are both unknown.
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What Are Abe no Seimei's Powers and Abilities?
As the leading onmyoji of his time, Abe no Seimei is intimately familiar with the art of onmyodo and the Yin and Yang.
He can perceive demons (oni), yokais, and mononoke (vengeful spirits), which can’t be seen by ordinary people, and low-level onmyoji.
In the Onmyoji anime, Abe no Seimei is often seen using his powers to exorcise demons, be they the Demon Princess, the flute-playing demon, or even the recently deceased Lady Kujo.
He combines his power to cast illusions and spells to ward off demons and break Ashiya Doman’s curses.
Seimei can also create Shikis from objects or living things, such as Mitsumoshi and Mitsuyo, whom he created from wisteria flowers and became his attendants at his residence.
He has no problem controlling and manipulating spirits according to his will.
As the imperial court’s onmyoji, Seimei’s duties include observing the phases of celestial spheres, phases of human lives, the movement of stars, and more.
He is also expected to tell the future, cast curses to teach lessons, and create calendars.
While Seimei can’t revive a dead person, he can extend someone’s life temporarily, just like Ashiya Doman.
Overall, the powers of Abe no Seimei in the Onmyoji anime can help those who are in need, support Hiromasa's fights, and prevent demons from wreaking havoc across the land.
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