OVA
Description
"3×3 Eyes" is a supernatural adventure manga series written and illustrated by Yuzo Takada, serialized from 1987 to 2002. The story revolves around the immortal Sanjiyan Unkara, a three-eyed being from a race known as the Sanjiyan, who possess immense power and longevity. The narrative begins with Yakumo Fujii, a young man living in Tokyo, who encounters Pai, a mysterious girl with a third eye on her forehead. Pai is the last surviving member of the Sanjiyan race and seeks to become human by collecting the scattered pieces of a powerful artifact known as the "Eye of the Beast."

Pai's quest is driven by her desire to shed her immortality and experience human emotions, a goal tied to her tragic past. Yakumo becomes entangled in her journey after being accidentally transformed into an immortal zombie-like creature called a Wu. As a Wu, Yakumo is bound to Pai, sharing her immortality and serving as her protector. Together, they travel across the world, facing supernatural threats, ancient conspiracies, and powerful adversaries who seek the Eye of the Beast for their own purposes.

The series explores themes of immortality, identity, and the human condition, as Yakumo grapples with his new existence and Pai struggles with her dual nature as both a powerful Sanjiyan and a vulnerable girl yearning for humanity. Their relationship evolves from one of necessity to a deep bond, as they confront their shared destiny and the consequences of their actions.

Key characters include Pai, whose innocence and determination drive the narrative; Yakumo, whose resilience and loyalty make him a compelling protagonist; and various antagonists, such as the demonic Kaiyanwang, who seeks to use the Eye of the Beast to dominate the world. The story is marked by its intricate world-building, blending elements of mythology, horror, and action, as well as its exploration of the moral and emotional complexities of immortality.

The manga's episodic structure allows for a mix of standalone adventures and overarching plotlines, culminating in a climactic battle that resolves the central conflict while leaving room for reflection on the characters' journeys. "3×3 Eyes" is notable for its blend of dark fantasy and emotional depth, making it a standout work in the supernatural genre.
Information
3x3 Eyes
サザンアイズ
3x3 Augen
Type: OVA
Anime Episodes: 4
Movie/Episode length: 30 min.
Date: 06/01/1991 – 02/01/1992
Categories
Genre
AdventureDramaGhost StoriesHorror
Tags
Demons
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Episodes
Staffel 1
1Transmigration
Yakumo Fujii, a high school student supporting himself by working at a drag bar, encounters a young girl named Pai who possesses his late father's skull and a letter requesting his aid. Pai is revealed to be a Sanjiyan Unkara, a three-eyed immortal being, who has come to Tokyo searching for a way to become human. The conflict escalates when a thief steals Pai's staff and inadvertently releases Takuhi, a massive bird-like monster, which wreaks havoc across the city. Mistaking the creature's approach toward Pai as an attack, Yakumo pushes her aside and is fatally wounded by Takuhi. In response to his impending death, Pai's third eye opens, transforming her personality into the powerful Sanjiyan, who absorbs Yakumo's soul and converts him into a Wu—an immortal undead servant bound to her. This turning point establishes the central dynamic: Yakumo now regenerates from any injury but remains forever linked to Pai's existence. Following the incident, Pai explains that her goal is to locate the Ningen no Zou, the Statue of Humanity, which can grant her mortality and subsequently restore Yakumo's humanity. The episode concludes with the pair traveling to Hong Kong to meet Ling Ling Lee, a colleague of Yakumo's father, to pursue the statue, only to discover that agents of the dark lord Kaiyan Wang are already active in the region.
2Yakumo
Following the events in Hong Kong, Yakumo and Pai return to Japan after the Statue of Humanity disappears from the possession of Mrs. Huang. Yakumo attempts to resume his ordinary life by going back to school and reuniting with his friends, motivated by a desire for normalcy despite his recent transformation. The episode establishes that the Statue was last in the hands of Mrs. Huang, a wealthy widow who is revealed to be a member of the Yo Kuai race. Her objective is to manipulate the powerful demon Ryoko in a ritual that would grant her immortality. The central conflict escalates when demons under the command of those seeking Pai's power begin attacking Yakumo's schoolmates, directly involving innocent bystanders in their supernatural conflict. These assaults demonstrate that the forces aligned with the late Kaiyanwang continue to pursue Pai, viewing her as a means to achieve their own immortal ambitions. The attacks force Yakumo to confront the reality that his connection to Pai has irrevocably altered his existence, making a normal life impossible. Pai remains focused on locating the Statue of Humanity, as it represents the only known method for her to become human and subsequently restore Yakumo's mortality. The episode positions the Yo Kuai and their scheme involving Ryoko as a significant new threat to their quest. The immediate consequence is that Yakumo and Pai must now contend with this fresh danger while continuing their search for the missing artifact.
3Sacrifice
The episode opens with Yakumo and Pai returning to Hong Kong after learning that the Statue of Humanity has resurfaced in the possession of Steve Long, a colleague from Monster Buster, Inc.. Before they can retrieve it, Steve and the statue are abducted, prompting Yakumo, Pai, Ling Ling, and Steve's sister Meixing to mount a rescue operation. The group's attempt to save Steve is revealed to be an elaborate trap designed by the antagonists to capture Pai, the Statue of Humanity, and Meixing. The villains' overarching plan is to use the three of them in a human sacrifice ritual intended to release the dark spirit of Kaiyan Wang. As the rescue mission turns into a desperate fight for survival, the episode centers on a sustained action sequence. During the conflict, Yakumo's nature as Pai's Wu becomes a central element, as his immortal abilities are tested and ultimately unleashed to protect her. The episode highlights the vulnerability of the group when confronted by forces dedicated to the resurrection of Kaiyan Wang. It also reinforces the immediate physical threat to Pai, as her power is the key to the antagonists' dark ritual. The abduction of Steve and the failed rescue attempt leave the protagonists in a precarious position, with the antagonists having successfully secured the necessary components for their sacrificial rite.
4Straying
Following the recovery of the Statue of Humanity, the episode opens with Yakumo, Pai, and their associates celebrating their success at Madame Huang's estate. The festivities are abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a challenge from Benares, a powerful Wu (immortal servant) loyal to the demon god Kaiyan Wang. This antagonist directly threatens the group, forcing a confrontation. Pai accepts the challenge, leading to a decisive showdown at Aberdeen Harbor. In her attempt to protect her companions and retain the statue, Pai is compelled to manifest her Sanjiyan persona, opening her third eye to access her full magical capabilities. The ensuing battle results in massive collateral damage, with a significant portion of the harbor being destroyed by the released magical forces. The immediate consequence of the conflict is a severe depletion of Pai's energy, a known limitation of her powerful form which requires rest after using significant magic. The episode concludes with the apparent separation of the main characters, leaving Yakumo isolated and forced to confront a reality without Pai's direct presence as an "anchor" in his life. As her Wu, Yakumo's existence is inextricably linked to Pai, and her absence creates a profound sense of uncertainty and immediate peril for him, setting the stage for the next phase of their quest.
Cast
Comment(s)
Staff
  • Director
    Daisuke Nishio
    Kazuhisa Takenouchi
  • Music
    Kaoru Wada
  • Character Design
    Kōichi Arai
  • Animation Director
    Kōichi Arai
  • Director of Photography
    Fumio Hirokawa
    Takeshi Fukuda
  • Producer
    Yoshimasa Mizuo
    Shigeru Watanabe
    Minoru Takanashi
    Katsunori Haruta
    Toshimichi Ōtsuki
    Hidetoshi Shigematsu
    Ryōhei Suzuki
  • Screenplay
    Akinori Endō
  • Original Manga
    Yuzo Takada
  • Art Director
    Junichi Taniguchi
    Toshikatsu Sanuki
  • Art design
    Tomoko Yoshida
  • Executive producer
    Shigeru Watanabe
    Hidetoshi Shigematsu
    Ryōhei Suzuki
Production
  • Production
    King Records
    Toei Animation
    Kodansha
    Bandai Visual
    Toei Audio Visual Art Center
  • Animation Production
    Toei Animation