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Does Japan exist in Black Clover? Discover the answer to this question as well as the significance of the location in the series.
Black Clover is a beloved fantasy series telling the tale of magic and devils. Set in the Clover Kingdom, the story follows a young boy named Asta who doesn’t have the gift of magic. Despite this, he relentlessly pursues his dream of becoming the Wizard King. This leads him to gain a grimoire that bestows the power of anti-magic upon him. Blessed with this new ability, the protagonist begins making his name known in the world while fighting all sorts of dangerous villains.
Over the course of Black Clover and Asta’s journey, we have been introduced to several locations. The popular ones include the Clover Kingdom’s neighbors—the Spade, Heart, and Diamond Kingdoms. However, being a fictional Japanese series, it raises the question of whether Japan exists in Black Clover.
While the Japan of our world does not exist in Black Clover, the story has its own version inspired by the real place, called Hino Country. Both locations heavily parallel each other, with artistic freedom being taken for Hino Country. Let us take a closer look at this.
What Is Hino Country in Black Clover?
Hino Country is a distant island nation in Black Clover that is the homeland of Yami Sukehiro. This country features beautiful aesthetics, bustling marketplaces, and traditional houses and is ruled by a Shogunate system. The people are mainly protected by the officers of the Shogun, called the Ryuzen Seven.
Rather than the form of magic we are accustomed to, Hino Country refers to supernatural abilities as yojutsu. Instead of grimoires, it utilizes scrolls with spells that reveal magic.
The country’s greatest legend is the five-headed dragon, a fearsome creature whose magical power causes the clouds to always appear partial. While it had remained sealed for a long time, its restraints were removed during the Paladin attack.
Similarities Between Japan and Hino Country
Black Clover doesn’t try too hard to hide the inspiration it draws from Japan for Hino Country. The location is referred to as the “Land of the Rising Sun,” while the feudal system is reminiscent of ancient Japan.
Houses and streets are designed to reflect this period, with residents wearing traditional Japanese kimonos. The swords used by the countrymen are called katanas, while the warriors closely resemble samurai.
Additionally, terms such as “san” and “dono” are used in this country, which have never been relevant in the series before. Their names are also referred to in reverse order, where the surname takes precedence. Finally, the concept of life energy, or “Ki,” is ingrained into the location, popularly derived from Japanese culture itself.
Hence, rather than trying to openly differentiate itself, Black Clover takes pride in its origin, replicating it through the storyline.
Notable Characters From Hino Country
There have been multiple important and memorable characters from Hino Country. These include:
- Ryuya Ryudo: The Shogun of Hino Country, beloved for his kindness and benevolence. He is a childhood friend of Yami who sacrificed his magical power but is clairvoyant through the Tengentsu.
- Ichika Yami: The younger sister of Yami Sukehiro and a member of the Ryuzen Seven. She is highly dedicated to Ryuya and initially despises her brother for killing her clan. However, Ichika goes on to make up with Yami after the truth behind the massacre is revealed.
- Yosuga Musyogatake: A member of the Ryuzen Seven and user of Iron Magic. He trained continuously with Asta to eliminate his self-doubt and help him master Zetten.
- Humito Mikuriya: A healer who took care of both Asta and Liebe after they landed in Hino Country. He is caring, and generous, and shares a close relationship with Ryuya.
- Yami Sukehiro: The captain of the Black Bulls who was born in Hino Country. He cared deeply about his sister and took the blame when she massacred their clan under the influence of a pill. He then went to Clover Kingdom to become the character we all know and love.
Along with the above, the rest of the members of the Ryuzen Seven also play crucial roles. They include Jozou Hanekatsuji, Daizaemon Ooka, Komari Imari, Fujio Tenmayashiki, and Ginnojomorifuyu Kezoukaku. These characters were pivotal during the confrontation with the Paladins and the battle against the five-headed dragon.
How Does Asta End Up in Hino Country?
Following the victory against the Dark Triad, fans believed most important events in Black Clover had been completed. While Asta was spending his days proposing to Sister Lily again, he was surprised by the appearance of the main antagonist of the series—Lucius Zogratis.
In a fierce battle between Asta and Lucius, the villain takes advantage of Lily’s presence and turned her into a Paladin. This visibly shook the protagonist, who was caught by the new Paladin’s Spatial Magic. Asta’s allies rushed to save him, but Lily asked him to die and then proceeded to teleport him.
While most characters thought Asta had died through this, in reality, he ended up in Hino Country. Initially in a rush to return home, Asta realized how weak he was. Hence, he stayed and trained in this country’s Ki techniques, learning the powerful Zetten. Through this, he was able to defeat Sister Lily when she invaded Hino Country with the other Paladins and also killed the five-headed dragon.
Conclusion
Japan does not exist in Black Clover by name, but Hino Country serves as an unmistakable representation of Japanese culture, history, and aesthetics. From its architecture and magic system to its warrior traditions and characters, Hino Country mirrors Japan in numerous ways.
This new land expands the world and lore of Black Clover, bringing fresh perspectives to the series. It is also crucial to Asta’s development into becoming a man worthy of the Wizard King title.
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