Shining Tears X Wind
An anime that blends the worlds of Shining Tears and Shining Wind into one epic adventure.
Shining Tears X Wind is a Japanese anime produced by Studio Deen and directed by Hiroshi Watanabe. It adapts elements from both the PlayStation 2 games Shining Tears and Shining Wind, telling the story from the viewpoint of the character Souma. The series aired in Japan between April 6, 2007 and June 29, 2007. Its opening and ending themes are the same as those used in the game Shining Tears.
The plot follows students from St. Luminous College who are investigating strange disappearances in Tatsumi Town. One student researching a book called "End Earth"—which describes an alternate world—also vanishes. A being named Mao arrives from that other world to search for her friend Zero. She teams up with Souma and Kureha to fight a monster that has crossed over. After an accident teleports Souma and Kureha into the other world, Zero appears and tells Souma he will entrust the world to him. As they travel, they meet familiar allies and enemies, and find returning home more difficult than expected. In End Earth, a war erupts over a legendary item called the Holy Grail. Zero warns that if Zeroboros, the guardian of time and space, awakens, the world will end, and the guardian will use the war's victor as a host.
Characters from the real world (Elde) include Souma Akizuki, voiced by Souichiro Hoshi. He is an athletic student transported to End Earth with Kureha. Initially in love with Kureha, who has feelings for Kiriya, Souma confesses but is not reciprocated. After pulling a legendary sword from Kureha's body, he learns he is a Soul Blader—someone who can forge a sword from the heart of a person with whom he shares emotions. He chooses to stay in End Earth, believing it suits him and lets him be "together" with Kureha. Later, realizing Kureha's heart belongs to Kiriya, he stops using her as a Soul Blade and temporarily wields a katana. After meeting Zero a second time, he receives a Twin Dragon Ring and becomes calmer and more understanding. He acts as a mediator, traveling with Lazarus, Ryuna, Elwyn, and Blanc Neige, and is nominated proxy leader of Weissritter. Ultimately, he sees Mao's sadness and realizes his true feelings for her, giving up his chance to return home to stay with her and Weissritter. Souma draws more Soul Blades than any other character, including from Kureha, Hiruda, and all current Weissritter members.
Quick Facts
- Ja Romaji
- Shainingu Tiāzu Kurosu Windo
- Genre
- Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Creator
- Sega
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The story follows a group of students from St. Luminous College investigating mysterious disappearances in Tatsumi Town. One student researching a book titled 'End Earth' disappears. Mao, a being from another world, enters their world seeking her friend Zero, and teams up with Souma and Kureha to battle a monster. An accident teleports Souma and Kureha into End Earth, where Zero entrusts the world to Souma. In End Earth, a war over a legendary item called 'The Holy Grail' begins, and Zero warns that the guardian of time and space, Zeroboros, will awaken and use the war's winner as a body.
Key characters include Souma Akizuki, a 'Soul Blader' who can form swords from the hearts of people he shares emotions with; Kureha Touka, a miko skilled in archery; Kaito Kiriya, a Soul Blader from the start of the anime who wields his own independent Soul Blade, not one drawn from him by Souma.
Reader's Guide
Shining Tears X Wind serves as a crossover adaptation bridging the narratives of two PlayStation 2 games, Shining Tears and Shining Wind, by focusing on Souma's viewpoint. Its significance lies in expanding the Shining series' multimedia presence, connecting game storylines into an anime format. The series introduced the concept of Soul Bladers and the conflict over the Holy Grail, elements that resonate with fans of the games. Its legacy includes a mobile game sequel, Shining Wind X, released in January 2008. The anime's character-driven plot, featuring multiple Soul Bladers and their emotional bonds, contributed to the franchise's lore, though it remains a niche entry within the broader Shining series. The series is noted for its adaptation choices, such as using the same opening and ending themes as Shining Tears.
Did You Know?
- The anime shares the same opening and ending themes as the game Shining Tears.
- A mobile game sequel titled Shining Wind X was released in January 2008.
- Souma Akizuki is able to draw Soul Blades from multiple characters, including Kureha, Hiruda, and Kiriya.
- The guardian of time and space, Zeroboros, will use the winner of the war as a body if awakened.
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