Mirage of Blaze (炎の) is a 49-volume Japanese light novel series written by Mizuna Kuwabara, published under Shueisha's Cobalt label. It was partially adapted into a 13-episode anime television series directed by Susumu Kudo in 2002 and an OVA directed by Fumie Muroi in 2004. Both were animated by Madhouse and produced by SME Visual Works (now Aniplex). The anime television series and the OVAs have since been released in North America by Media Blasters, and both have aired on Encore Action and Encore WAM. Three gaiden (or side-story) prequels have been made: Honō no Mirage: Kaikou-Hen set in Sengoku period which consisted of 14 volumes (1999-2013), Honō no Mirage: Bakumatsu-Hen set in Edo period and had a total of 2 volumes (2009-2013), and Honō no Mirage: Shouwa-Hen set in Shouwa period with a total of 11 volumes (2014–2017). The Shouwa-Hen gaiden was adapted into a five-part stage play produced by Trifle Entertainment. The first part was held at Theater Sun Mall in Shinjuku on September 17 to 23, 2014. The second part was held at Theater 1010 in Kita-Senju on October 8 to 13, 2015. The third part was held at Theater Sun Mall in Shinjuku on October 21 to 30, 2016. The fourth part was held at Theater 1010 in Kita-Senju on October 12 to 17, 2017. The fifth and final part was held at Space Zero Renrouzumi Hall in Shinjuku on August 11 to 19, 2018. A DVD (and Blu-Ray as of part four) was released a few months after each part was completed.

Plot

Takaya Ougi, a high school student, wants nothing more than to protect his best friend Yuzuru Narita and live a normal life. That is, until Nobutsuna Naoe, an intense and charismatic man, informs Takaya that he is in fact the reincarnation of Lord Kagetora, the adopted son of a noble samurai lord, Kenshin Uesugi. Naoe, himself a "possessor," or a soul reborn through time, reawakens Takaya's abilities to exorcise evil spirits and fight the Feudal Underworld, a collection of restless warrior spirits bent on modern-day conquest. While most possessors remember their former lives before being reincarnated, Takaya is one of the few who doesn't, and is often hostile towards any effort for the complete recovery of his memory. As the plot unfolds, the complex history of the characters and their past suggests why this is so, and the true nature of the tempestuous and somewhat ambiguous relationship between the two leads provides the backdrop for a melodrama that spans several generations of Japanese history. As they ascend to the living world to renew their ancient war, Naoe, Takaya, and two other possessors gear up to prevent that from happening. The series is set in Matsumoto, a large city in Nagano.

OVA

The OVA Rebels of the River Edge (2003) has animated the book with same title. The OVA resumes the plot of the anime television series, yet incorporates several new developments, among them the question of unswerving loyalty and personal honor. Takaya is sent to Kyoto to investigate the re-awakening of the Ikko sect and Murashige Araki, a one time member of the Ikkō sect who has since deserted the clan. With the help of his vassal and fellow possessor Haruie, the two are successful in tracking him down, only to discover that Murashige is after a 400-year-old mandala (a Buddhist ritualistic artifact and meditative aid) made of the hair of the deceased Araki clansmen. Unfortunately, by the time they meet up with Murashige, Haruie recognizes him as Shintarou, her former lover in a past life. Whether it's true or not, and despite the confusing emotional complication of this development, Takaya orders Haruie to eliminate Murashige once he becomes a true threat to the balance of power. Meanwhile, Takaya finally reunites with Naoe after a prolonged period of estrangement. Unresolved sexual and psychological tension dominates their initial exchange, and it's uncertain whether these two powerful possessors will resolve their differences and work together against this latest threat.

Characters

Anime Episode list

OVA episode list

Novel Volumes List

Original Series

Extras

Kaikou-Hen Series

Bakumatsu-Hen Series

Shouwa-Hen Series

Drama CD

The main voice actors in the drama CD series and the anime series (Japanese ver) are same. Besides, "Cobalt Tokimeki Telephone(コバルトときめきテレフォン)" that short stories or drama CDs which Seki Toshihiko and Sho Hayami reading the novels are made for premiums by Cobalt's all the applicants service.

Image Album and Anime OST

Mai Yamane (as Kathy Shower), Naoto Fuuga also sang image songs in the albums. Image Album Anime OST