Matou

Matou is a surname of Japanese origin and is widely known in popular culture as a fictional mage clan in Type-Moon’s fictional universes, most notably Fate/stay night and Tsukihime. In these works, the Matou family is portrayed as an old, influential line with a long history of magecraft and arcane experimentation, often at odds with rival mage families.

The name is written with the kanji 間桐 in the Type-Moon lore. While the Matou clan in the fiction has a prominent role in magical affairs and the handling of powerful artifacts, the usage of the name in real life is comparatively rare and mostly confined to individuals of Japanese heritage who bear the surname.

In Fate/stay night, notable Matou characters include Zouken Matou, a venerable and manipulative mage who serves as a central antagonist figure; Sakura Matou, a key character whose life is deeply affected by the clan’s magecraft; and Shinji Matou, a member of the family who plays a troubled role in the story. In Tsukihime, the Matou lineage also appears within the broader history of magecraft, contributing to its dark and morally complex themes. Across both works, the Matou surname is associated with secrecy, ambition, and controversial methods used in pursuit of magical power.

See also Fate/stay night, Tsukihime, Type-Moon. The Matou name, as used in these works, is fictional and separate from contemporary real-world usage.