Who is Yoh Asakura? All about Netflix's 'Shaman King' protagonist

Although a teenager, Yoh Asakura goes on to become one of the most powerful characters in the series
UPDATED AUG 9, 2021
Yoh Asakura and Amidamaru as seen in 'Shaman King' (Netflix)
Yoh Asakura and Amidamaru as seen in 'Shaman King' (Netflix)

If you've been looking for anime to binge-watch, then get ready for 'Shaman King' on Netflix. The anime follows protagonist Yoh Asakura, who is on the quest to become the next Shaman King. Along with his friend Manta Oyamada, Yoh has to go through a series of battles to make it to the top. 

The immensely popular manga and anime series is now getting a new adaption in 2021. Falling under the category of 'shounen anime', the series is sure to pack a whole lot of action and epic battles that will leave you begging for more. If you're looking for more anime recommendations that are similar to 'Shaman King', you should consider checking out 'Yasuke', 'Castlevania', 'DOTA: Dragon Blood' and 'Record of Ragnorok'

READ MORE

Who is Brunhild? Legendary German warrior wants revenge in 'Record of Ragnarok'

Netflix's 'Drifting Dragons' anime series dogged by whaling parallels but fans love the spectacular visuals

Who is Yoh Asakura?

The main protagonist of the series, Yoh Asakura is seen as a lazy, laid back teenager at the start of the series. However, despite how he comes across, he wants to be the 'Shaman King' to lead a peaceful life.

At the start of the series, he befriends a student, Manta Oyamada, by saving him from local bullies. It's here that he reveals that he is actually a shaman and the two become best friends. However, despite being a teenager, Yoh has a greater purpose: to participate in the 'Shaman Fights' that take place every 500 years. These fights are a royal battle, where shamans go all out against each other, with the sole victor at the end being crowned the Shaman King.

As a shaman, Yoh fights using a range of shamanic spells, such as Ko-Oni Strike, which happens to be an Asakura family spell. Here he can summon small spirits from leaves; however, it's a technique he has not entirely mastered. He can also use 'Sankiraimon', a Buddhist exorcism chant that can affect any spirit that possesses knowledge of Buddhism. 



 

Who is Amidamaru?

While Yoh is rather young, one of the reasons behind Yoh's extreme power is due to Amidamaru, the Guardian ghost that aids him. When he was alive, Amidamaru was a  samurai during the Muromachi period. Having died 600 years ago, he is now a powerful spirit devoted to Yoh. An expert swordsman, he is known to have killed hundreds of other samurai soldiers during battle when he was alive. He is also the wielder of the Harusame. Later on in the series, Yoh himself can wield the sword, after he retrieves it. Amidamaru often assists Yoh during his fights and can enter Yoh's body. Apart from

Catch 'Shaman King' on Netflix on August 9, 2021. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

A new ‘White Lotus’ getaway may be taking shape, and if this casting rumor is true, season 4 could be its most dramatic stay yet.
15 hours ago
Kathleen Robertson and Mark Engelhardt have been cast in recurring roles for the third instalment
23 hours ago
Middle-earth is moving closer to its next chapter, and new signs suggest ‘The Rings of Power’ may return sooner than fans ever expected.
1 day ago
‘Euphoria’ footage is finally out and the first glimpse of Season 3 suggests that growing up may be far more dangerous than staying young.
1 day ago
A Reddit user recently shared a Google Earth image showing the words "Come Back" written on a pavement
2 days ago
'Pluribus' reunited Gilligan with his long-time collaborators, music supervisor Thomas Golubić and music composer Dave Porter
2 days ago
Viewers are left wondering whether 'Heated Rivalry' will follow the books closely or embrace the subtle changes hinted at by the cast.
2 days ago
‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ Season 2 dropped on December 10, 2025, and Rick Riordan has already teased something incredible for Season 3
2 days ago
In the latest 'Pluribus' episode, titled 'The Gap', Rhea Seehorn's Carol grapples with her longing for human interaction
2 days ago
After years in development, ‘Skinny Dip’ lands at Prime Video with Amanda Seyfried in the lead role of Joey Perrone
2 days ago