Okami Amaterasu - Figures
Okami is a video game that was originally developed by Clover Studio and published by Capcom in April 2006. Although it was first released for the PlayStation 2 and Wii, the game was later re-released and remastered several times throughout the years, with the most recent release being for the Nintendo Switch in 2018. Okami and its characters are largely based on elements of Japanese mythology, folktales, and Shintoism. Fans of the game often praise it for its “Celestial Brush” mechanic and the traditional Japanese art style it was inspired by. One of the most prominent characters in the game is Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and protagonist of the game.
As the protagonist and mascot of the series, much of the merchandise of Okami is inspired by the goddess’ wolf incarnation, with one of the most popular forms of merchandise being collectible figures. Out of the small handful of figures of Amaterasu that has been produced, two of the most popular include the “Okami Amaterasu: Standard Edition Statue” and the “Nendoroid Okami Amaterasu DX Ver.”.
Okami Amaterasu: Standard Edition Statue Figure
This figure of Amaterasu has her posed like she is gracefully landing from a jump from up high. Her front legs have firmly hit the ground underneath her while her hind legs are still raised up high. A line of blooming flowers and other plants follows behind Amaterasu’s path, showing off her divine nature. This figure is also sculpted with a great amount of detail while still keeping true to the traditional Japanese style of Okami. Several tufts of fur spiraling around her legs and tail look like they came straight out of a painting. Furthermore, Amaterasu’s tail has a black tip, making it look just like a calligraphy brush.
- Product Name: Okami Amaterasu: Standard Edition Statue
- Series: Okami
- Manufacturer: First 4 Figures
- Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, non-scale PVC figure with base
- Height (Approx.): 9”
Nendoroid Okami Amaterasu DX Ver. Figure
This recreation of Amaterasu from the popular Nendoroid line of figures takes her already lovable design and gives it an adorable chibi-style design that makes her look like a puppy. Like most other figures in the Nendoroid line, this figure is articulated and comes with many different accessories from Okami that let its owner pose Amaterasu in a variety of different ways. Although the standard version of this figure includes two facial expression plates, a small figure of Issun, and Amaterasu’s signature Divine Retribution Reflector, the DX version includes two additional weapons (Tsumugari Glaive and Devout Beads Rosary) and an Oddly-Shaped Turnip.
- Product Name: Nendoroid Okami Amaterasu DX Ver.
- Series: Okami
- Product Line: Nendoroid
- Manufacturer: Max Factory
- Sculptor: Max Factory (Masu, Taizou, Hiroshi Yuasa)
- Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS and PVC figure with extra parts and stand
- Height (Approx.): 100 mm
About Amaterasu
Amaterasu is the goddess of the sun and the main protagonist of Okami. The following is a short summary of her character.
Background
In the introduction to Okami, the seal keeping Orochi, the first main antagonist, from terrorizing the land is removed. With the evil serpent Orochi free to curse the lands as he sees fit, the sprite of Konohana, Sakuya, uses what strength she has left to summon Amaterasu to save Nippon from falling completely into Orochi’s grasp. Although Amaterasu is said to be one of the most powerful gods in all of Nippon, her 100-year slumber has left her significantly weakened and without many of her memories. That said, Amaterasu has no choice but to regain her lost power and defeat Orochi before it is too late.
Special Abilities
One of Amaterasu’s most unique traits is her “Celestial Brush”. Although she only begins with her original “Sunrise” ability, Amaterasu gains more and more abilities from other gods to help her on her quest to defeat those who wish harm to those living in Nippon. Aside from Sunrise, which can be used to summon the sun to appear in the sky, twelve other gods bless Amaterasu with their abilities. These abilities can range from a powerful slash to controlling various elements, to summoning bombs and causing plants to bloom.
Other Important Okami Characters
Along her adventures, Amaterasu meets many different characters. Two of the most important characters that she becomes involved with are Issun and Orochi.
Issun
Issun is a Poncle - a tiny sprite-sized human - that ends up becoming a traveling companion to Amaterasu after he managed to escape Orochi’s cure by hiding in Sakuya’s kimono. Before the events of Okami took place, Issun was born in the Poncle village named Ponc’tan, but eventually left home to become a traveling artist. Issun eventually ended up in Konohana Village when Orochi was unsealed, saving him from what would have been certain doom. Although Issun can come off as incredibly crude, flirtatious, and immature, Issun does prove to be knowledgeable and reliable in Amaterasu’s adventure.
Orochi
Orochi is an eight-headed serpent demon and acts as a major antagonist in Okami. Although Orochi was defeated and sealed away by the ancestor of Susano and the previous incarnation of Amaterasu, the seal was mistakenly broken, allowing him to wreak havoc in Nippon once again. Much like Amaterasu, however, many years of slumber left Orochi incredibly weakened. This, along with some cunning strategy and courage from Susano, allowed Amaterasu to defeat the evil demon once again. After he is defeated, the sword used to seal him away is transformed into Tsumugari and can be used by Amaterasu.
Links
Okami Amaterasu: Standard Edition Statue
Nendoroid Okami Amaterasu DX Ver.
Okami Label