OVA
Description
Daikaku Inumura, known in some adaptations as Kakutaro, serves as one of the Eight Dog Warriors. He bears the peony birthmark on his right shoulder and possesses the Gratitude Bead representing the virtue of courtesy. His "Inu" (dog) family name aligns him with his fellow warriors.
Abandoned by his birth father, Daikaku was adopted and raised by his maternal uncle, Norikiyo Inumura, a master doll maker. Under Norikiyo's tutelage, Daikaku learned the craft but initially struggled to capture emotional expression in his dolls like his adoptive father. After Norikiyo's death, his birth father attempted to reclaim him. When Daikaku refused, his birth father stabbed him and left him for dead. Daikaku survived through the intervention of his deceased cat, Noro. Noro granted him the Gratitude Bead, transformed into his guardian spirit, and bestowed spiritual powers. This included manifesting a third "evil eye" on Daikaku's forehead—Noro's eye—granting him the ability to perceive and destroy non-human entities.
Daikaku maintains a calm and reserved demeanor, often appearing cold or distant at first. He places high value on truth and principles, demonstrating a strong sense of duty and moral rigor. Beneath his aloof exterior lies deep concern for his companions, especially fellow warriors Shino Inuzuka and Sosuke Inukawa, toward whom he expresses brotherly affection. He is protective of his younger sister, Hinaginu Inumura, prioritizing her education and relocating to the Imperial City to secure doll commissions and support her schooling.
His abilities extend beyond spirit combat. As a doll maker, he successfully completed a commission begun by Norikiyo, overcoming his earlier artistic limitations with encouragement from allies like Rio Satomi. In battle, his evil eye proves crucial against supernatural threats, such as undead forces raised by antagonists like Princess Tamazusa.
Alternative narratives, particularly kabuki adaptations, portray him as Kakutaro, married to Hinaginu. In this version, a cat demon murders his father, assumes his identity, and later kills Hinaginu. Kakutaro then avenges her alongside fellow warrior Genpachi Inukai, showcasing his loyalty and combat prowess.
Throughout his journey, Daikaku evolves from a solitary artisan to a dedicated member of the Eight Dog Warriors, balancing his craft with defending the Satomi clan. His relationships and experiences underscore his underlying compassion and commitment to both familial and warrior duties.
Abandoned by his birth father, Daikaku was adopted and raised by his maternal uncle, Norikiyo Inumura, a master doll maker. Under Norikiyo's tutelage, Daikaku learned the craft but initially struggled to capture emotional expression in his dolls like his adoptive father. After Norikiyo's death, his birth father attempted to reclaim him. When Daikaku refused, his birth father stabbed him and left him for dead. Daikaku survived through the intervention of his deceased cat, Noro. Noro granted him the Gratitude Bead, transformed into his guardian spirit, and bestowed spiritual powers. This included manifesting a third "evil eye" on Daikaku's forehead—Noro's eye—granting him the ability to perceive and destroy non-human entities.
Daikaku maintains a calm and reserved demeanor, often appearing cold or distant at first. He places high value on truth and principles, demonstrating a strong sense of duty and moral rigor. Beneath his aloof exterior lies deep concern for his companions, especially fellow warriors Shino Inuzuka and Sosuke Inukawa, toward whom he expresses brotherly affection. He is protective of his younger sister, Hinaginu Inumura, prioritizing her education and relocating to the Imperial City to secure doll commissions and support her schooling.
His abilities extend beyond spirit combat. As a doll maker, he successfully completed a commission begun by Norikiyo, overcoming his earlier artistic limitations with encouragement from allies like Rio Satomi. In battle, his evil eye proves crucial against supernatural threats, such as undead forces raised by antagonists like Princess Tamazusa.
Alternative narratives, particularly kabuki adaptations, portray him as Kakutaro, married to Hinaginu. In this version, a cat demon murders his father, assumes his identity, and later kills Hinaginu. Kakutaro then avenges her alongside fellow warrior Genpachi Inukai, showcasing his loyalty and combat prowess.
Throughout his journey, Daikaku evolves from a solitary artisan to a dedicated member of the Eight Dog Warriors, balancing his craft with defending the Satomi clan. His relationships and experiences underscore his underlying compassion and commitment to both familial and warrior duties.