Updated on May 16, 1:03 p.m. (GMT+8): Improved relevancy.
The world of anime high school turf wars is about to get more chaotic with the mention of Furin High’s four heavenly kings in Wind Breaker.
These fighters are said to be Furin’s strongest, and their very mention suggests a powerful group within the school’s hierarchy.
We’re going to shed light on the enigmatic four heavenly kings and explain their role in the manga and anime.
We’ll also delve into the meaning behind their titles and why they perfectly fit the Bofurin.
What is Wind Breaker about?
Wind Breaker, created by manga artist Satoru Nii, dives into the world of high school delinquents. It’s not just about fistfights, though – loyalty, territory, and clashes of ideals take center stage.
The series follows Haruka Sakura, a new student who transferred to Furin High. He is determined to distance himself from weakness and focuses solely on finding and challenging the strongest individuals.
Starting at Furin High School, known for its unruly students and their combat prowess, Sakura seeks to establish himself as the most formidable fighter without any intention of becoming a hero or joining a group.
He is driven by his desire to prove himself through combat.
Who and what are the four heavenly kings in Wind Breaker?
In Wind Breaker, Furin High School is controlled by the Bofurin, a group of students dedicated to maintaining peace and aiding their local community.
Leading the Bofurin is Hajime Umemiya, the group’s primary decision-maker. Directly under Umemiya’s authority are the four heavenly kings, the school’s most powerful fighters, each commanding one of the Bofurin’s major divisions.
The Bofurin comprises numerous students, organized into four main teams: Tamon, Jikoku, Zojo, and Komoku, each named after one of the four heavenly kings.
Class One, including Haruka Sakura, Akihiko Nirei, and Kyotaro Sugishita, belongs to the Tamon team, overseen by Toma Hiragi, introduced in the anime’s first episode.
The Four Heavenly Kings are revered figures in Buddhism. They are seen as powerful guardians who protect the world and the dharma, the teachings of the Buddha.
Their main role is to defend against evil forces and ensure the stability of the world. They are often depicted as warriors, standing guard over the four cardinal directions: Jikokuten (east), Zochoten (south), Komokuten (west), and Tamonten (north).
You might encounter them by different names depending on the region. In Japanese, they are called Shitenno, while their Chinese names are Sitianwang.
They are often depicted in statues placed in the entrance halls of Buddhist temples, symbolizing protection for the sacred space within.
This belief is reflected in the Bofurin’s role as protectors of their town, battling gangs and rival delinquent groups to preserve peace, similar to the guardianship attributed to these Buddhist figures.
Bofurin’s four heavenly kings
Toma Hiragi
In Bofurin, one of the four kings is Hiragi. In episode 6, Umemiya explained that Hiragi leads the team Tamonten, also known as Bishamonten, the god of war who controls the battlefield.
Bishamonten (also known as Vaisravana) is a complex deity with a surprising range. He’s a fierce warrior god, clad in armor and wielding a spear, who protects those fighting for good.
But Bishamonten also transcends the battlefield. He acts as a guardian of Buddhist law and holy places, and even holds a position as one of the Seven Lucky Gods, dispensing wealth and prosperity. This multifaceted role makes Bishamonten a fascinating figure.
At the time of writing, Bofurin’s remaining three kings have yet to be revealed in the Wind Breaker anime.
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