reimu

Reimu Hakurei, commonly referred to simply as Reimu, is a fictional character and the primary protagonist of the Touhou Project, a series of bullet hell shooter games created by ZUN of Team Shanghai Alice. She is a human shrine maiden who protects the Hakurei Shrine at the border of the fictional realm of Gensokyo and the outside world. Reimu is portrayed as practical, curious, and determined, with a strong sense of duty to maintain balance by resolving supernatural incidents that arise in Gensokyo.

Design and role are central to her character. She wears a red and white shrine maiden outfit, has long black hair often tied with a red ribbon, and wields a gohei-like wand as part of her sacred toolkit. In combat, Reimu relies on spiritual abilities and experiences in danmaku, or bullet patterns, using a set of spell cards to defeat youkai and other adversaries. Her primary function within the series is to exorcise youkai and restore order, reflecting her position as guardian of the shrine and the boundary that defines Gensokyo.

Development and appearances. Reimu first appeared in the 1996 game The Highly Responsive to Prayers and has since featured in nearly all mainline Touhou titles, as well as spin-offs, manga adaptations, and a large body of fan works. She is frequently paired with other characters, notably Marisa Kirisame, and remains one of the most recognizable and enduring figures in the Touhou franchise.

Impact and reception. Reimu is widely regarded as an iconic character within the Touhou community and broader bullet hell culture, contributing to the series’ lasting popularity through her design, personality, and central role in its incident-driven storytelling.