Inuyasha

The basic premise of "Inuyasha" follows the story of Kagome Higurashi, a modern-day high school student from Tokyo, who is mysteriously transported to feudal Japan through an ancient well. There, she encounters Inuyasha, a dog half-demon who had been imprisoned for fifty years. When Kagome accidentally shatters the Shikon Jewel (Jewel of Four Souls), a powerful artifact she had hidden within her, its fragments scatter across the land. Inuyasha and Kagome are forced to cooperate, embarking on a perilous quest to collect all the fragments of the jewel before they fall into the wrong hands, battling demons and other adversaries along the way.

Throughout their journey to collect the Shikon Jewel fragments, Inuyasha and Kagome are accompanied by a diverse group of characters, each with their own unique abilities and motivations. Miroku is a lecherous monk afflicted by a hereditary curse, the "Wind Tunnel" in his hand, which he seeks to eliminate. Sango is a highly skilled demon slayer, who seeks revenge against Naraku, the series' main antagonist, for destroying her village and family. Joining them is Shippo, a small, orphaned fox-demon who provides comedic relief and occasional assistance with his illusions, completing the main party of adventurers.

The main and most malevolent antagonist throughout the entire "Inuyasha" series is Naraku. Naraku is a demon born from the fusion of a wicked human, Onigumo, with countless demons, and he is responsible for many of the tragedies experienced by the main characters. His existence is intertwined with the Shikon Jewel, as he seeks to corrupt it completely to gain absolute power and finalize his own being. His machinations and ability to manipulate other characters make him a constant and insidious threat to Inuyasha's group, as they strive to stop him and restore peace.

"Inuyasha" has maintained its immense popularity for many years due to its unique combination of various elements that appeal to a broad audience. It blends adventure, action, fantasy, romance, and humor, offering a well-balanced experience. The series features complex and endearing characters, whose relationships and personal growth are as significant as their battles with demons. The rich Japanese mythology and historical references add depth to the series' world. Furthermore, the epic scale of the story, with its continuous twists and the suspense surrounding the fate of the Shikon Jewel, keeps viewers engaged, making it a timeless classic in the anime and manga genres.

To watch or read "Inuyasha", several platforms are available. All seasons of the anime are widely accessible on streaming services such as Crunchyroll, which hosts the entire series, including the movies and the sequel, "Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon." Additionally, parts of the anime may also be found on other platforms like Hulu or Netflix, depending on regional licensing agreements. As for the manga, the official English version has been fully released by Viz Media.