Iwaihime

Iwaihime is a supernatural horror visual novel about curses, sin, retribution and penance. Suzumu Susuhara leaves home to learn independence and attends Susuda Prefectural High School as a transfer student in Class 2-A. There he meets Toé Kurokami, a girl who never lets go of the Japanese doll she holds to her chest. Rumors say its hair grows when no one is looking, and that it is cursed. Their meeting sets a chain of events in motion.

Story

Each generation, the sons of the Susuhara family leave home when they reach the right age, refining their minds and bodies until they become men. Suzumu has long prepared for his turn, learning the skills he will need to live alone. He moves into an apartment owned by the family of his distant relative, Tsubakiko Harumiya, and begins attending school.

Suzumu's days are pleasant, but Toé's presence draws him into something darker. He wonders whether their paths crossed by chance or fate, and whether a mere fist can crush a curse. The story follows Suzumu and those he meets as they confront that question, under the principle of Hajakensho—crushing evil and demonstrating the righteous path.

Characters

• Suzumu Susuhara: The protagonist, who leaves home to become independent and moves into an apartment owned by Tsubakiko's family. He cannot simply ignore another person's suffering.
• Toé Kurokami: The only daughter of Iwaimoto Shrine. Her eyes are often vacant and unfocused, and teachers and classmates keep their distance from her. She constantly holds a Japanese doll rumored to be cursed.
• Tsubakiko Harumiya: Suzumu's distant relative and classmate. They last met before elementary school and barely remember each other. She hopes to become a beautiful bride.
• Kanae Minobe: Technically a year above the others, though she does not seem it. Laid-back and soft-mannered, she avoids hard work but will put in effort when she expects a return.
• Riria Nunokawa: A year younger than the others, she is an active member of the idol unit Flower High School. She can seem chilly, but makes an effort to give back to her fans while balancing school and work.
• Mayu Hinagata: The school nurse and health teacher, known for her kind, elder-sister manner and sharp powers of deduction. She advises the LCSC's club activities and keeps them running calmly.
• Natsuya Atsuta: Suzumu's classmate and closest friend. He respects Suzumu greatly after a particular event and is a hothead who loves to say “great!”

International release

This international release includes scenario adjustments and CG improvements from earlier console releases, presenting the writer's preferred version of the story. Characters are illustrated by manga artist and illustrator Kazuharu Kina, with backgrounds by environment artist Mocha.