Part 24: Okami Artbook 1
Characters
Fighting Master Onigiri Senesi
"An old man that runs his very own training dojo in Shinshu field. Usually a very calm individual, his personality (and facial expressions) undergo a 180-degree change when he is dealing with his students. He leads his classes with the fury of a demon god. His unfathomable lifestyle bespeaks his greatness."
Priest of the Moon Shrine, Mika
"The holy man charged with the maintenance of the Moon Shine, despite being a rather serious sort, he is weak of heart and managed only to run around fretting about the appearance of the newly released demons. He tasks Amaterasu with the destruction of the demons causing trouble in Shinshu field."
Express Messenger Ida
"A courier whose routes run all through Shinshu field. Paying little heed to the demons criss-crossing his path, he delivers letters with surprising speed."
Flaming Pyrotechnist Tama (Firecracker Merchant)
"A fireworks merchant living near the Moon Cave. He has devouted himself to experimenting with fireworks in the hopes of developing a unique set to launch at the annual Kamiki Festival held in Kamiki Village. He puts so much of himself into the development of his fireworks that once the festival is over, he becomes an empty and lifeless shell of a person until the next festival approaches."
Enemies
Dead Fish
"The spirits of women who commited suicide by throwing themselves into the sea, manifest themselves as Dead Fish. This demon walks up and down beach shores nightly, wrapped in a ghostly robe. Though it looks like a goldfish, it is able to use the oversized fins on its back to fly."
Dead Fish Concept Art
Artist's Notes posted:
When Japan's feudal government censored all images of political satire, it is said that artists started using animals and objects as substitutes for their satirical works. This generation of the censorship is probably where the "Age of Goldfish" [sic] has its roots. When viewed while considering their historical context, one can see a different interpretation of the artist's thoughts.
The Dead Fish is our way of paying homage to the Age of Goldfish. I think goldfish were the right choice for the weakest set of flying enemies.
The Japanese Feudal era was at roughly the start of the 13th Century. The actual date they're referencing with the "Age of Goldfish", I have no idea, so it's probably a colloquial term.
Location Art
Cursed Shinshu Field
Hanna Valley
Hanna Valley Cave Drawings
Hanna Valley Altar (Before Restoration)
Hanna Valley (After Restoration)
Altar Sketch
Artist's Notes posted:
With the initial altar design, I remember the crystal orb kept sliding off course when I tried rolling it to the altar. I found it very frustrating, so I asked for grooves to be added. (Or am I the only one who sucks at it?)
Moon Shrine Surrounding Area
Moon Shrine Area Sketch
