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Ichinohime
Ichinohime-haruka4
Character Information
Birthday:
October 3
Age:
16 (at time of death)
Height:
156 cm (5'1")
Bloodtype:
O
Family:
The Queen (mother)
Chihiro Ashihara (younger sister)
Iwanagahime (aunt)
Occupation:
Successor for the Nakatsu Kuni throne; originally first in line
Innate Element:
Water
Voice Actor(s):
Houko Kuwashima
First Appearance: Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4

Ichinohime (一ノ姫) is a secondary character in Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4. Unlike the protagonist, her given name is not stated and she is only known by her title as First Lady in official media. She is the game's Black Dragon Priestess. Although she is dead by the time the main story takes place, her character affects the game's main setting.

Role in Game[]

Ichinohime, the eldest daughter of the Queen of Nakatsu Kuni, was five years older than her sister, Chihiro Ashihara. Resembling her mother and possessing the same spirit manipulation abilities, Ichinohime became aware of her sister's bullying and became her companion during their childhood.

Disagreeing with the Queen's lack of compassion, Ichinohime expressed her opinions to the royal guards and formed close friendships with Hiiragi and Habarihiko, eventually falling in love with the latter.

Anticipating the awakening of the Black Dragon six years prior to the main story, Ichinohime hoped her mother would heed the Raja's request. However, she was shocked when her mother made a different decision. Determined to stop the threat before it fully awakened, Ichinohime chose to leave Nakatsu Kuni alone. Before departing, she gifted her sister a special longbow, promising to return and urging her sister to use it to protect their home in the future.

Together with Hiiragi and Habarihiko, the trio used the mythical underground passage to venture deep within Tokoyo no Kuni territory. Their primary goal was to confront the Black Dragon and seal it. During the grueling battle, the trio were barely able to contain the dragon god. Ichinohime used the last of her power to seal it before she perished from her wounds. Despite her capabilities, her sealing was incomplete and a temporary setback for the dragon god. It manifested itself within the sky as a large black sphere and was regarded as a black sun god. Ichinohime's seal is seen weakening throughout the main story.

Aside from flashbacks, Ichinohime has few mentions within the main story. Her spirit resonates from Chihiro's bow with a ringing sound. It encourages her sister to believe in herself and her mission. Hiiragi and Chihiro can momentarily visit her spirit again within Yomi no Kuni during his story route.

When the White Dragon restores the timeline for the final time, Ichinohime is mentioned to be alive yet the throne is still in Chihiro's care. Ichinohime and Habarihiko are working to establish peaceful relations with the western mainland and are often away from their home.

Character Information[]

Development[]

Ichinohime was going to be the game's last boss during the early development stages. When the project was redesigned and rewritten, developers instead made her a lighter character. She was made charismatic to add a sense of tragedy for Hiiragi's story.

Personality[]

Ichinohime is very different from her mother. She is a kind and gentle person who cares about others. She loves her country and believes in its strengths, but she is always frustrated by her mother's harsh decisions. Despite her gentle nature, Ichinohime is determined and confident in making her own choices. Unfortunately, many people remember her in a negative way because they think she ran away with her forbidden lover. However, Chihiro sees her as a role model and cherishes their last conversation as one of her earliest memories.

Character Symbolism[]

Ichinohime's symbolic color is a diluted pink that has been used in Japan since ancient times. Its name is toki'iro, or the "color of the crested ibis's feather". It is often a color associated with young women who have not reached their twenties. The crested ibis is known today for its rarity.

Her symbolic item is the peach. Japanese myths borrow the same concepts as Chinese mythology regarding the fruit. It has been regarded since ancient times to have the power to purify malevolent energies. Izanagi used the fruit to dispatch an evil spirit within Yomi-no-Kuni and sought shelter underneath the roots of a large peach tree.

Quotes[]

  • "Wait, Mother! If it's the dragon god you're after, then I can hear it for you!"
  • "No matter what happens, we have to protect Nakatsu Kuni."
  • "Ninohime, I am always proud of you."
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