Kamigawa

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For other uses, see Kamigawa (disambiguation).
Kamigawa
Information
First seen Champions of Kamigawa
Last seen March of the Machine
Planeswalkers Kaito
Kento
Tamiyo
The Wanderer (former)
Rabiah Scale 4[1]
Status Slowly merging of Kakuriyo with Utsushiyo, recovering from the New Phyrexian Invasion
Demonym Kamigawan[2]
Scryfall Statistics

Kamigawa (kah-mee-GAH-wah);[3] Japanese: 神 (かみ) 河 (がわ) ; literally: "river of the gods" or "divine river") is a plane strongly based on Japanese culture and is the setting for the Champions,[4] Betrayers, Saviors, and Neon Dynasty expansions and their corresponding books.[5][6][7][2][8] The plane is a globe with multiple continents, although only one has been featured in sets.[9]

Description

The world of Kamigawa, positioned far from any other world we know, is governed by the interplay between the mortals and the kami, minor gods or spirits of the world. The Kakuriyo (kah-koo-REE-oh)[3] or Reikai (RAY-kye)[10] is the spirit world where the kami dwell; its other half is that of the Utsushiyo (oot-soo-SHEE-oh),[3] where mortals live. Together they form a sphere that makes up the whole of the world.

History

Before the Kami War

In the many millennia before the Kami War, the denizens of Kamigawa gave no thought to a place called the spirit world.[11] They believed that the kami lived in the material world, the only world that mortals knew. The kami existed invisibly and imperceptibly, blessing those who lived simple and devout lives.

Once in a great while, a kami would "make itself visible" - or so the mortal world thought. The result would be a glowing light deep within a forest of bamboo, for example, or a disembodied shadow on the ground at dusk. These fleeting manifestations bolstered mortals' belief and encouraged their shrines, offerings, and oblations.

But the truth was more complicated. The veil between the utsushiyo and the kakuriyo, the material and spirit realms, was complex and variable. Each world could influence the other: Kami grew more powerful based on the number of mortals who worshipped them, and mortals could draw power from the kami through arcane means or strong faith.

Kamigawa was described by Nicol Bolas as a place where matter and spirit existed in perfect balance. In Kamigawa, every person, idea, and object had a kami, and the veil between worlds was no exception. The kami of the veil was perhaps the greatest kami of all because, without it, there could be no difference between flesh and spirit, between mortal and god. That kami was O-Kagachi.

The Kami War

Map of Kamigawa during the Kami War

Around 3200 AR, damage caused by the ringing of the Apocalypse Chime on Ulgrotha weakened the veil between the material realm and the spirit realm. This enabled the daimyo Konda and his moonfolk accomplices to use powerful magic to pull an aspect of O-Kagachi, the supreme kami of all kami, through the veil, thus beginning the Kami War.[12]

Lord Konda's act greatly enraged the spirits, who turned against the physical world with a vengeance. The kami began to attack the physical world to reclaim That Which Was Taken, though most mortals knew nothing of Konda's crime nor understood why their gods had turned on them. Fearful and confused, humanity fought back, but the kami's numbers were endless. And since many spirits who manifested in the physical world could be defeated in battle but were able to return for future conflicts, it was ultimately a losing battle for the mortals.

With each spirit that manifested in the material world, the veil frayed a little more.[11] After many years of these small breaches, the nature of the divide between worlds began to change. Mortals began to wield arcane energies that were never accessible to them when the veil was intact. Spirits took shape in ways that seemed to ignore the difference between life and death.

Shinen, "spirit fire," had become a hallmark of danger during the early years of the Kami War because it heralded the arrival of a spirit in the material world. Whenever the veil between worlds was breached, there was a chance of flares of ectoplasmic energy. In the days of old, this energy was harmless, like foxfire. But as the war continued, the flares grew in size and intensity until they resembled raw mana, with the power to blind eyes, burn flesh, or taint minds.

The war finally ended in its twentieth year when Princess Michiko Konda, with the aid of the black magician Toshiro Umezawa and other allies, managed to free the kidnapped scion (who took the name Kyodai) and defeated O-Kagachi and Lord Konda. The death of O-Kagachi caused the barrier between the two realms to break down, thus precipitating the merging of the two realms (Kakuriyo and Utsushiyo).[13]

The Shattered States era

After the prosperous reign of Michiko Konda, her descendants worked tirelessly with the great kami Kyodai to maintain her legacy and uphold order and justice in Kamigawa. However, as generations passed, these noble pursuits gave way to dynastic infighting.[14]

Eventually, an emperor died young without an heir, creating a crisis of succession. Some believed it should be her brother, others her husband. With no guidance, Eiganjo descended into all-out war, and it spread across the kingdom when local lords saw the opportunity to seize individual power, fed by the Myojin of Grim Betrayal. Many died, noble and peasant alike.

The Yamazaki clan had served the Konda military for decades and earned a reputation for their unshakeable sense of duty to their citizens. A young Yamazaki soldier felt the two warring successors were betraying and endangering the Kamigawan people. Inspired by his own ancestor's story of challenging a deadly imperial decree, he took it upon himself to end the contest for the throne. He successfully assassinated the late emperor's husband, but when he went for the brother, he found his target armed and ready for battle in the throne room.

Upon seeing such a confrontation in her chambers, Kyodai had had enough. She stripped the Konda family of their hereditary duty as rulers. From then on, they would be ordinary citizens, and the emperor would never again be chosen by blood. Now, the kami would elect rulers for their noble qualities and commitment to the nation.

The dragon-kami previously had been some of the mortal realm's strongest protectors, and with most of them lost in the Kami War, malevolent forces soon began to wreak havoc.[15] During the Shattered States Era, a wave of oni attacks swept across the land, culminating in a devastating event known as the Night of Withering that threatened the entire Plane.

To fight back, the orochi enacted a powerful ritual to resurrect Jugan, their original protector. The ritual was successful, and together, Jugan and Ryusei defeated the oni incursion.

The Era of Enlightenment

With the guidance and wisdom of Kyodai, the Imperials ushered in an age of collective peace and prosperity.[16] The arts flourished until performers lined every street, and strides were made to improve relations with the kami so mortals could live a harmonious life filled with magic. Minamo Academy was rebuilt with the promise of transparency to conduct research that would improve lives. New laws were written to ensure fair treatment of every citizen—mortal or spirit—renewing the faith in their leaders.

As decades and centuries passed, the mortals of Kamigawa noticed an increasing number of kami inhabitants sharing their homes. A few of these kami were friendly, but many more were upset, even dangerous. Having spent their lives in service to the kami, the monks of the Order of Jukai went to investigate. They discovered strange rifts in the atmosphere that ejected confused kami onto the Plane. The mortal and spirit realms had begun to overlap, and they would eventually merge into a single unified realm.

The Jukai brought this discovery to Eiganjo and Otawara, and they collaborated with the Imperials and Minamo to develop what would later be known as "merge gates." The Minamo scholars used their knowledge to invent the gate mechanisms. The Imperials used their infantry to erect them. But it was the Jukai who would greet the kami and welcome them to their new home. Through their combined effort, the mortals built gates around every new rift, ensuring the kami could safely become part of a new unified Kamigawa.

The Modern Age

Throughout much of Kamigawa's long history, authority and influence were largely held by a select few: the Imperials who governed the plane under the favor of Kyodai, powerful warlords, and those individuals capable of harnessing the might of the kami. In recent times, however, this traditional concentration of power has been significantly challenged. Technological and mystical advancements have begun to democratize access to power, making it more broadly available and affordable to the general population. Two major innovations stand out as catalysts for this shift: the development of enhancers crafted by the skilled akki artisans of Sokenzanshi, and the groundbreaking technique pioneered by the Saiba Futurists to directly tap into the energies of the spirit realm.[17]

The akki artisans had a long tradition of invention and ingenuity, as well as effectively using their scarce resources to great effect, including kami-granted powers. Thanks to the enhancer, even though few people had as deep relationships with the kami as some Imperials and the Order of Jukai, they were now able to apply more efficiently whatever powers they had been granted.

At the same time, the Saiba Futurists were conducting experiments with merges to test the nature of the spirit realm. As an unintended side effect, they discovered a way to draw on magic directly, without needing to form a bond with kami. Though the Sokenzanshi artisans and the Futurists weren't directly working together, these two technologies soon combined to form the basis of the boom in new technology that exploded across the Plane.

However, all this modernization isn't without its detractors. The Imperials have been trying to control the flow of new technology, attempting to maintain the stability that they see being pulled out from under their feet. The boom of all this technology has seen the rise of a new group that calls itself the Order of Jukai, who believe that this unrestrained use of technology is drawing on power in a reckless, dangerous manner that threatens to irreparably damage the fabric of the two realms.

Among the kami, opinions are mixed. Some kami are resistant, while others are more eager to see how things will change. Whatever their opinions, though, many see the appearance of new kami aligned with technology as a sign that the soul of Kamigawa itself has been irrevocably altered by this changing landscape of technological and social upheaval.

Neon Dynasty

More than 1,200 years after the events of the Kamigawa block, the two realms of Kamigawa are merging, and one day they will exist as one. Some wonder about what's beyond the merge gates, or how denizens of both realms will be affected when the merge is complete.

The Imperials are still the main power in Kamigawa. The Kamigawans have discovered electricity, experienced an industrial revolution, and entered a computerized era. The Utsushiyo has transformed into a futuristic world of cyberpunk ninjas and samurai, where tradition and modernity meet.[18][19][20] The kami feel threatened by the growth of the modern city of Towashi. Many have fled to the remains of the Jukai forest and are hostile to humans. For this reason, Eiganjo trained many kami diplomats to try to keep the peace between the mortal and spirit realms.[21] Some Kami have adapted to electricity, taking on industrial-style bodies.[21]

Seeking information on the spirit realm and the planeswalker's spark, Tezzeret was sent to Kamigawa by the New Phyrexian praetors to investigate. Clashing with the Emperor, he destabilized her spark with the prototype Reality Chip before escaping. Years later, Jin-Gitaxias traveled to the plane himself to continue his research, eventually unlocking the secret to compleating planeswalkers before implementing it on his first subject, Tamiyo. The Emperor was able to briefly stabilize her spark, reconnecting with Kyodai and ending the Asari Uprisers' rebellion before naming Light-Paws her regent and departing again.

Phyrexian invasion

New Phyrexia begins the New Phyrexian Invasion of Kamigawa at Towashi.

Kamigawa was a target in the New Phyrexian Invasion.[22] Because of the pace of Kamigawa's development, Jin-Gitaxias's intelligence on the plane was already outdated when the invasion began;[23] however, the slow uptake from the Samurai meant those on the front lines were the first compleated, whereas the more technologically-inclined ninjas were better suited as defenders. With the citizenry familiar with the idea of interplanar assault, no time was wasted on skepticism.[24] The Kami, incompleatable, were simply slaughtered, shrouding the streets with their residual mists.

During the invasion, the Boseiju District was the invasion force's prime target, and Boseiju itself was corrupted by the compleated planeswalker Tamiyo. The tree burst apart, and glistening oil ran from between the splinters. The tree's lower branches, usually inhabited by kami, were split apart. Tamiyo was then faced by Kaito and her adoptive son, Nashi. After trying to recruit Kaito and Nashi to the ranks of New Phyrexia, Tamiyo engaged Kaito in battle. At the last possible moment, the Wanderer appeared and killed Tamiyo. However, a spiritual memory of what she once was manifested and comforted her son, and later took up residence in their home. The Wanderer somberly realized that Tamiyo had chosen her death, as she had halfheartedly aimed her attacks and had silently beseeched the Wanderer to look after Nashi in her stead.

With Kyodai distracted from her duties guarding the barrier between realms, oni began escaping into the mortal realm.[25]

After the invasion

In the aftermath of the Invasion, the Wanderer lost her spark in the Desparkening.[26] Now relegated to Kamigawa, the Emperor chose to travel the plane while Light-Paws continued ruling as regent in her stead.

Even the devastation wreaked by Realmbreaker hadn't been enough to dim the light of Otawara. Repairs would be ongoing for years if not decades. The ancient palace of Oboro had sustained some damage and was temporarily closed.[27]

Locations of Kamigawa

  • Jukai Green mana — a vast, ancient forest dominated by enormous cedar trees and home to diverse humanoid and mythical communities, including snake-folk and fox-folk. The forest harbors many kami, and an order of monks maintains harmony between nature and the spirit world. Its interior contains legendary trees like Boseiju, the oldest and tallest, as well as several sacred groves and temples. The forest's eastern reaches remain unexplored, and it is protected by powerful guardian spirits that prevent casual intrusion.[9] For more specific locations, see Jukai.
  • Mikokoro Colorless mana — a sacred island of crystal that sits amid one of Kamigawa's seas.[28]
  • Mita — a village affected by kami magic[29]
  • Sokenzan Red mana — a long and jagged mountain range with towering, spire-like peaks and deep, icy valleys. Its slopes are dotted with rugged cliffs, treacherous passes, and glacial formations that make travel difficult. The terrain supports scattered settlements of hardy, self-reliant inhabitants who carve their homes into the mountainsides. Wild creatures and magical guardians roam the high peaks, while geothermal springs and hidden keeps provide refuge in the harsh environment.[9] For more specific locations, see Sokenzan.
  • Takenuma Black mana — a wide stretch of fetid swamp filled with rotting bamboo, stagnant water, and a thick, poisonous miasma. Its darkened waters and tangled reeds harbor rat-like humanoids, ogres, and other dangerous creatures that thrive in the corruption. Scattered settlements of crumbling buildings and abandoned villages dot the mire, often hiding traps and haunted sites. The swamp is a place of constant struggle, where violent conflicts and spectral dangers make survival perilous.[9] For more specific locations, see Takenuma.
  • Towabara Plains White mana — a long expanse of open plains that stretches across the central region of the plane. Its terrain includes a blasted area scarred by powerful magical assaults, surrounded by swamps and dense forests. The inhabitants are known for riding massive, trained insects into battle, reflecting a unique martial culture. Over time, settlements have developed on the plains, blending old architecture with new, and serving as political, spiritual, and commercial hubs.[9][30] For more specific locations, see Towabara Plains.
  • Yumegawa River Blue mana — the longest river on the plane, winding through forests, plains, and swamps before emptying into the sea. Its waters are rich with magical energy, providing a vital source of mana for spellcasters and spirits alike. Settlements and centers of learning line its banks, drawing both inspiration and power from its constant flow. The river is also closely tied to the spiritual realm, with ethereal beings often appearing along its calmer stretches and overseeing its cascades. For more specific locations, see Yumegawa River.

Languages Spoken

  • Kamigawan
    • It occasionally uses Japanese numerals.[31]
    • Moonfolk write using a unique calligraphy[32]
    • "Hayaku ikee" translates to "Move it"[33]
    • The phrase for "be quiet" is phrased as "utter no sound" [34]
  • Hidetsugu's ritual language[9]
  • Kitsune[35]
  • Orochi
    • It includes hissing sounds.[9]
  • Nezumi-tongue [36]

Currency

Like its real-world influence, Kamigawa operated on Ryō.[37] Circular copper, silver, and gold coins are used by most races on the plane, including humans, kitsune, and nezumi.[38][39][40] Copper coins with a hole cut in the center were used as offerings to kami before the Kami War, representing the circle of life.[32]

In the modern era, credit chips attached to citizens' wrists are preferred, but gamblers still carry translucent physical banknotes.[21]

Kamigawan Calendar

Kamigawa uses numbered years, although they are not given a name, and their start is unknown.[41] As the year 1053 occurred during the Age of Enlightenment, years may be marked following the Kami War. Kamigawan months are numbered, and there are at least ten of them. The eighth and ninth months have at least 29 days. Dates are recorded as a string with the two-digit month followed by a two-digit day, a period, and the year (e.g., the first day of the eighth month of 1053 was 0801.1053). Time is recorded in 24-hour notation.

A holiday called the Lantern Festival begins at 0914 and runs until 0918.[41]

Inhabitants

Flora

Planeswalkers

Native

Visitors

Non-planeswalker visitors

Gallery

Trivia

  • Kamigawa and its block were originally named "Inreikai" (Japanese: 陰霊界; literally: "World of Shadowy Spirits"), but was changed to its backup, Kamigawa, because of pronunciation difficulties.[55][56]
  • In an alternate reality, Kamigawa was home to a race of mountain-dwelling humanoid birds called tengu, who replaced the akki as red's primary race and featured a ninja faction called the "Order of Smoke."[57]
  • Although Kamigawa's dating system has not been fully defined, the year 1053 occurred during the Era of Enlightenment, potentially meaning years are counted from the Kami War.[41]

In-game references

Represented in:
Associated cards:
Referred to:

References

  1. ↑ Mark Rosewater. "How is the new kamigawa set being received and has...". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  2. ↑ a b Rei Nakazawa (April 11, 2005). "Worlds of Flavor". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on January 16, 2022.
  3. ↑ a b c Magic Arcana (September 14, 2004). "A Kamigawa Glossary, Part 1". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2021-04-18.
  4. ↑ Rei Nakazawa (August 30, 2004). "We Are the Champions, My Friend". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-11-12.
  5. ↑ Jeremy Cranford (September 06, 2004). "Behind the Scenes: Creating the World of Kamigawa". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-10-25.
  6. ↑ Brady Dommermuth (October 18, 2004). "A Series of Fortunate Events: Kamigawa World Design". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-10-25.
  7. ↑ Alex Smith (March 07, 2005). "Truth in Fantasy". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2021-04-16.
  8. ↑ Aaron Forsythe (February 18, 2005). "The Creative Side of Kamigawa". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-10-25.
  9. ↑ a b c d e f g Scott McGough (2004) - Outlaw: Champions of Kamigawa, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN-13 0-7869-3140-X.
  10. ↑ Magic Arcana (January 24, 2005). "A Kamigawa Glossary, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-10-25.
  11. ↑ a b (2005). Saviors of Kamigawa Player's Guide. Wizards of the Coast.
  12. ↑ Brady Dommermuth. "You Are a Planeswalker". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2008-09-26.
  13. ↑ Grace Fong, Emily Mei, and Ari Zirulnik (February 3, 2022). "Planeswalkers Guide to Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  14. ↑ Grace Fong (January 18, 2022). "The Shattered States Era". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  15. ↑ Emily Teng (January 17, 2022). "The Dragon-Kami Reborn". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  16. ↑ Grace Fong (January 19, 2022). "Era of Enlightenment". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  17. ↑ Emily Teng (January 21, 2022). "The Modern Age". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  18. ↑ Magic Showcase 2021 (live) (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (August 24, 2021).
  19. ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 24, 2021). "Is Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty concurrent with the rest of Magic's story, or is it set in the future?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  20. ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 25, 2021). "The numbers". Blogatog. Tumblr.
  21. ↑ a b c Akemi Dawn Bowman (December 16, 2021). "Kaito Origin Stories: A Test of Loyalty & The Path Forward". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  22. ↑ First Look at March of the Machine (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (February 19, 2023).
  23. ↑ Rooftop Saboteurs
  24. ↑ War Historian
  25. ↑ WeeklyMTG - March of the Machine: The Aftermath (Video). Magic: The Gathering. YouTube (May 2, 2023).
  26. ↑ No Sparks Allowed – Aftermath Lore ft Rhystic Studies (Video). YouTube.
  27. ↑ Mira Grant (August 19, 2024). "Duskmourn: House of Horror - Episode 1: Don't Go Past the Old Dark House". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  28. ↑ Magic Arcana (June 13, 2005). "Culture Corner: Shimenawa". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-10-25.
  29. ↑ Three Tragedies
  30. ↑ Magic Arcana (April 14, 2005). "Kamigawa Style Guide: Moth Mounts". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2021-04-29.
  31. ↑ Chris L'Etoile (October 5, 2016). "Release". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  32. ↑ a b Alexander O. Smith, The Sound of Crickets (archived).
  33. ↑ Jay Moldenhauer-Salazar (June 13, 2005). "Tales From Beyond the Veil". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2021-04-29.
  34. ↑ Mira Grant (Aug 20, 2024). "Duskmourn: House of Horror - Episode 2: Don't Split the Party". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  35. ↑ Rei Nakazawa, Eight and a Half Tales (archived).
  36. ↑ Heretic: Betrayers of Kamigawa, Chapter 4
  37. ↑ Brady Dommermuth. (January 26, 2016.) "Ask Brady Archive", No Goblins Allowed, Wizards of the Coast.
  38. ↑ Gwendolyn Kestrel, Security (archived).
  39. ↑ Gwendolyn Kestrel, Iizuka the Ruthless (archived).
  40. ↑ Alex Smith, The Meeting (archived).
  41. ↑ a b c Miyuki Jane Pinckard (2022). Selected Field Reports on Kami. Beadle & Grimm's Platinum Edition Set.
  42. ↑ a b c d e f g Ari Marmell (2009). Agents of Artifice, Wizards of the Coast. ISBN-13 978-0786951345
  43. ↑ As seen on Gnat Miser
  44. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5B5eOO4Z8k
  45. ↑ Forgeborn Phoenix
  46. ↑ As seen on Genju of the Cedars
  47. ↑ As seen on Elder Pine of Jukai
  48. ↑ Akemi Dawn Bowman (January 25, 2022). "Episode 3: An Unexpected Alliance". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2022-07-05.
  49. ↑ Chris L'Etoile (October 5, 2016). "Release". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  50. ↑ a b Mairghread, Scott. (2022). Magic: The Hidden Planeswalker. Vol 1, Iss 4.
  51. ↑ Jeremy Wilson (April 14, 2023). "Easter Eggs". Twitter.
  52. ↑ K. Arsenault Rivera (March 17, 2023). "March of the Machine - Episode 3: Mother, Son, and Story". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  53. ↑ Jed MacKay (2023). Magic. Issue 22. Boom!
  54. ↑ Greg Weisman (November 2019). "War of the Spark: Forsaken." Del Rey.
  55. ↑ Mike McArtor (March 3, 2014). "Card of the Day - March, 2014". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on June 28, 2022.
  56. ↑ Aaron Forsythe (February 18, 2005). "The Creative Side of Kamigawa". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on April 29, 2021.
  57. ↑ Wizards of the Coast (March 1, 2007). "Ask Wizards - March, 2007". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-08-05.
  58. ↑ Emrakul & Chatterfang!? Koma & Toski!? 62 Unknown Magic Cards! (Video). Good Morning Magic. YouTube (May 10, 2023).

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