Unlocking the Secrets of Jigokuraku's Deadly Tensen

In its ninth episode, Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku made significant progress in the series' development following a week-long break. The latest episode offered a glimpse of the main antagonists as a group, providing a brief introduction to each of the seven immortal rulers of Kotaku who make up the Tensen. While the Hо̄rai arc has yet to be fully explored, episode 9 sets the stage for what promises to be an incredible series of episodes for Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku. Now that the Tensen have made their presence known, the question remains: who or what are they?

Tensen-sama

The Tensen – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 9

In Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku episode 7, Hо̄ko explains that Shinsenkyо̄ (or Kotaku to its inhabitants) is known as the "land of the gods", with these gods being a group of beings who live in the innermost part of the island called Hо̄rai. The Tensen are a group of seven hermits who reside on Kotaku and possess immortality, achieved through various undisclosed means of training. These perfectly beautiful beings cannot age or die, and are capable of changing their gender presentation at will. Interestingly, the Yang (masculine) aspect of each Tensen is voiced by Junichi Suwabe, while the Yin (feminine) aspect is voiced by Yūko Kaida. While each Tensen has a distinct temperament and personality, not much has been revealed about them as individuals. As hermits who have attained a high level of mastery over a certain path within the Dao, the Tensen consider themselves to be superior beings, possessing special abilities such as regeneration and the manipulation of Tao.

The Seven Hermits

Lord Tensen Tan Party – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 9

Ju Fa, one of the Tensen in Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, is based on the Chinese mythological xian, which refers to an immortal being who has transcended and possesses supernatural abilities. In episode 9 of the anime series, we see the Tensen in their full complement for the first time, and interestingly, each of them is named after a flower. Ju Fa, whose name is derived from the Mandarin word for chrysanthemum, is generally irate and abrasive, with a passionate hatred of humans. They are the partner of Tao Fa, and the two have a deep relationship, evident in Ju Fa's protectiveness towards Tao Fa. Ju Fa's incredible physical abilities and combat potential were revealed during their fight against Chōbei Aza, the Bandit King.

Tao Fa

Tao Fa is an intriguing character in Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku anime. She is the partner of Ju Fa and is known as the Great Sage Ratna. Unlike her partner, she is friendly, cheerful, and hardly ever expresses negative emotions. Although the anime has not delved into the Tensen's origins, Tao Fa's introduction shows that she is a flirtatious, sexually charged member of the Tensen who is incredibly interested in intimacy. Her connection to Tao mastery via a path known as Bōchū Jutsu (The Art of the Bedchambers) explains her provocative introduction, in which she was engaging in sexual acts with Ju Fa. Tao Fa's preference for her Yin form, due to taking a liking to feminine form and appearance, makes her rather feminine in her mannerisms and general presentation. Her hair and eyes, which are the color of cherry blossom petals, are radiant like Ju Fa's, with the possible connection being gold and rose gold, which is a pinkish alloy of gold and copper.

Zhu Jin

Zhu Jin is another fascinating character in Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku anime. Going by the moniker Yuanjun Tathātā, Zhu Jin is named after a hibiscus flower. Despite their apparent laziness, Zhu Jin is extremely powerful and doesn't waste any time in combat. They often have a pained expression on their face whenever they find themselves having to exert their energy, which is why they fell to the ground when they saw Gabimaru standing outside Hōrai. They didn't want to have to get into the tiring dance that is combat a second time in a single day, especially considering that the fight against Tenza forced Zhu Jin to regenerate a few times. Unlike Ju Fa or Tao Fa, Zhu Jin constantly changes between their Yin and Yang forms, which ties in to the fact that the hibiscus is a plant that bears both male and female reproductive organs within the same flower.

Tao Fa

Zhu Jin

Mu Dan and Ran are two of the three remaining Tensen who remain masked in the Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku anime series as of episode 9. Mu Dan's moniker, Jiujun Amoghavajra ("Fukū Jūkun" in Japanese, Enthroned Amoghavajra), is fitting as the entire top part of their head is covered in peony, their namesake flower. This has left their appearance shrouded in mystery, but throughout their appearance in episode 9, Mu Dan maintained a big smile on their face. Similarly, Ran has yet to reveal their face and in their episode 9 appearance, their head was mostly covered in purple orchid leaves in reference to the word "Ran" being the Mandarin word for the flower. Their moniker is Deified Dijun Cundi ("Jundei Teikun" in Japanese).

Rien

In episode 9 of Rien – Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku, we finally get a glimpse of the leader of the Tensen, known as Shangdi Samantabhadra or Fugen Jōtei. Rien is the mastermind behind the strange occurrences and creatures on Shinsenkyō. Despite not appearing until now, her significance is communicated through the visibility of her face, making her the fourth Tensen to be revealed. Rien has spent centuries researching the secrets of eternal life, which has led to the Tensen regularly consuming Tan to maintain their youth and vitality.