Marisa Kirisame
Marisa Kirisame (霧雨 魔理沙, Kirisame Marisa) is a central character in the Touhou Project, a series of bullet hell video games created by Team Shanghai Alice, led by the sole member known as ZUN. She is an iconic human magician residing in Gensokyo, a fantastical land detached from the outside world. Marisa is a beloved character, known for her vibrant personality and significant role in numerous Touhou games.
Character Overview
Marisa Kirisame is characterized as an "ordinary magician." Despite being human, she has honed magical abilities that parallel those of her supernatural counterparts. Her magic often involves the use of various magical items and potions, notably her signature move, "Master Spark," a powerful laser attack. Marisa is also recognized for her straightforward, sometimes disagreeable demeanor which is a stark contrast to the more traditional and reserved Reimu Hakurei, her frequent partner and friend. Together, they investigate supernatural incidents and combat formidable foes within the realm of Gensokyo.
Role in the Touhou Project
Marisa Kirisame debuted in the second game of the series, Story of Eastern Wonderland, and has been a staple character in subsequent titles. She is often a playable character and protagonist in games such as Embodiment of Scarlet Devil, Perfect Cherry Blossom, and Hidden Star in Four Seasons. Her role often involves solving mystical disturbances that threaten the balance of Gensokyo.
Personality and Relationships
Marisa's personality is complex, as she is depicted as being both mischievous and determined. Her approach to magic is self-taught, and she often "borrows" magical items from others, including from the shopkeeper Rinnosuke Morichika. Despite her sometimes brash nature, she maintains strong relationships with other characters, including Reimu Hakurei, with whom she shares many adventures.
Notable Appearances
Marisa has appeared not only in the mainline games but also in various spin-offs and related media, including fighting games like Immaterial and Missing Power and Touhou Genso Wanderer. Her character has been voiced by notable voice actresses such as Yoko Hikasa.
Related Concepts
- Bullet Hell: A genre of video games featuring dense patterns of projectiles.
- Gensokyo: The fictional setting of the Touhou Project.
- ZUN: The creator of the Touhou Project.
- Reimu Hakurei: Marisa's frequent partner and protagonist in the series.
- Rinnosuke Morichika: A minor character who runs a shop in Gensokyo, often interacting with Marisa.
These elements together form an integral part of Marisa Kirisame's story within the expansive universe of the Touhou Project, highlighting her significance in this beloved franchise.