Himiko

A shaman and prophetess of the Sun God who rises to queen after Ohkimi's death. Her charisma and ritual authority command the court, yet her love for Takehiko weakens her prophetic edge and fuels her decline. Her arc blends spiritual power with personal passion, ending in a brutal downfall at the hands of those she once ruled.

A lone traveler and Himiko’s half-brother who becomes entangled in a forbidden romance. He resists political manipulation but is captured, tortured, and ultimately killed while trying to flee the kingdom with Adahime. His defiance against the court’s machinations shapes the tragic course of events.

A loyal servant who quietly orchestrates power plays. He assassinates the king, consoles Himiko, and later imprisons her, steering the realm toward Mimaki’s ascension. His guilt and complicated loyalties drive a pivotal turn in the drama as he contends with the consequences of his actions.

A scheming prince who seeks to seize the throne and reshape the realm’s religious order. He plots with Ikume, ascends to kingship, and propels the kingdom into conflict with the Land and Mountain Peoples. His rule is marked by ruthless ambition and a calculated use of prophecy to justify war.

A prince who aligns with Mimaki in a bid for power. He participates in the conspiracy, but is ultimately slain in a sword duel on a ridge, illustrating the lethal stakes of succession struggles. His demise underscores the peril that accompanies factional intrigue.

A ritual assistant who loves Takehiko and openly pursues him. Her loyalty to Takehiko and her pursuit of affection complicate court politics, culminating in a tense dynamic with Himiko. She reunites with Takehiko later, sharing in the harsh fate that befalls the lovers.

King of the Sun God People who suspects Himiko’s prophetic powers are faltering. He is assassinated by Nashime, a turning point that enables Mimaki’s ascent and sets off the ensuing upheaval. His reign marks the culmination of a ritual-king dynamic that shapes the realm’s fate.

A young girl chosen to become the new prophetess who keeps the Sun God’s presence within the line of succession. She declares the Sun God alive within Himiko and orchestrates a transition that unsettles Mimaki and Nashime. Toyo embodies the continuity of ritual power across the shifting political landscape.

The narrator frames the mythic forest and the unfolding drama, guiding the audience through the ritual world and the modern reveal. The narration contrasts ancient ritual with contemporary imagery, shaping the film’s tonal shift.

A dancer who embodies the ritual aesthetic of the Sun God cult, appearing as a symbolic presence within ceremonies. The dancer adds a performative layer to the mythic setting, enriching the film’s ceremonial atmosphere.