TV-Series
Description
Mera Raidō is a central character in Yo-kai Gakuen Y: N to no Sōgū. He is a second-year student at Y-Academy, having enrolled under the sports criteria, and is widely recognized as the school's former bancho, or gang leader. His appearance is striking, characterized by flame-like red-orange hair that mirrors the mane of his yo-kai counterpart, Blazion, along with an X-shaped scar beneath his left eye and a rugged, tanned complexion.

At the beginning of the series, Mera is a member of the School Mafia, a delinquent group that exerts influence over the academy. His aggressive and quick-to-fight reputation paints him as a dangerous figure, but this exterior conceals a more complex personality. Beneath his rough and intimidating demeanor lies a strong sense of loyalty, honor, and a deep-seated vulnerability. He values personal bonds, often showing a protective, if clumsy, care for those he considers close, and he secretly helps people while maintaining his tough image. This dichotomy between his fearsome public face and his honorable private nature defines much of his character arc.

His primary motivation shifts from exerting control as a delinquent leader to seeking redemption and purpose. This change is triggered by a decisive confrontation with Jinpei Jiba, the protagonist. After being defeated by Jinpei, Mera is moved by his sense of justice and subsequently joins the YSP Club, an organization dedicated to battling supernatural threats like Onryo (vengeful spirits) and alien forces. This transition marks his evolution from an antagonist to a key ally and hero. His membership in the YSP Club alleviates his financial struggles as an honor student and gives him a constructive outlet for his combative skills.

Within the story, Mera serves as a deuteragonist and a powerhouse for the YSP Club. His relationship with Jinpei Jiba is foundational; he develops a deep respect for Jinpei, viewing him as his leader and older brother figure, despite Jinpei potentially being younger. Another significant relationship is his bitter rivalry with Ryusuke Kyubi, a wealthy and presumptuous student. Their constant conflicts often stem from Mera’s rejection of Ryusuke's affluent background and their shared desire to prove who is stronger, though they have been known to work together effectively when the situation demands it.

Mera’s most profound bond is with Kazuma Shishiguro, an Onryo who serves as his partner and subordinate. Their connection is rooted in a tragic past; as a child, Mera was saved from bullies by Kazuma, who taught him how to fight. After Kazuma died in a car accident while saving a girl, he later reappeared to Mera as a yo-kai formed from Mera’s own memories and image of him. Mera subsequently asked the spirit to stay with him as his subordinate, forging a lasting partnership. This relationship is central to his development, as Kazuma's teachings steer Mera away from vengeance and toward justice.

Throughout the series, Mera undergoes significant development. He sheds his delinquent persona to become a dedicated hero, earning the right to transform into more powerful yo-kai hero forms. A key moment of growth is when he overpowers Kazuma Shishiguro in a fight, proving his worth and gaining the approval of the classic yo-kai Namahage, which allows him to transform into the ancient yo-kai hero King Namahage. Later in the story, he also receives a letter appointing him as a special scholarship student. His character arc consistently highlights his struggle to balance his untamed power with his growing sense of integrity and responsibility.

Mera possesses several notable abilities, primarily revolving around his YSP Watch. By channeling his partner Onryo, Kazuma Shishiguro, he transforms into the yo-kai hero Shishi O (also known as the Lion King). In this form, he gains a lion-like mane and enhanced strength, equipped with powerful martial arts attacks such as the "Beast Knuckle" and his special move, "Heatwave Fever Weldon". When confronting malevolent Onryo, he can assume the darker form of Yami Shishi O. Later in the series, by partnering with the classic yo-kai Namahage and using the Majin Watch, he can transform into Namahage O, a form that wields two swords to close in on enemies boldly. These transformations showcase his tactical versatility and his dual nature as a hero who combines brute force with a fierce sense of integrity.