The ever-popular anime, "Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress," features an original storyline and many terms unique to the series. Here, we'll introduce these unique terms, so be sure to make use of them. You'll also find words you're too embarrassed to ask about or missed, so be sure to check them out!
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress Terminology: Kabane Edition
Kabane
A rumor was spreading throughout the world. This superstitious rumor claimed that the dead were resurrected, violent, and devouring people. However, when a small country in Eastern Europe was attacked and destroyed overnight by immortals, people learned that this was true. They multiplied in the blink of an eye, spreading across Europe as a major disaster. They then landed in Hinomoto, the setting of this story, and spread throughout the country. They cannot be destroyed unless their steel-encased hearts are destroyed, and they suck the blood of humans. Anyone who is bitten becomes infected and turns into a corpse within three days. These are the Kabane, the enemies we fight.
Wazatori
Introduced in episode 4 of the anime, this special Kabane is highly skilled and has participated in numerous battles. Each one possesses the combat power of 10 regular Kabane. The gigantic Wazaatori that appeared in episode 5 even rendered Mumei unable to fight. When several of these Wazaatori appear, they can be quite troublesome.
Black Smoke
This is a kabane with combat capabilities even superior to Wazatori, known as a fusion group (Yugouguntai), also known as Kurokemuri. It is a collection of countless kabane that attacks as a single giant kabane. Attacks such as artillery fire will scatter the kabane in that area, which will then attack individually. Eliminating the heart-shaped kabane, which glows pale blue in the center, will render it incapacitated. They come groaning "Oooooh!", which is mentally draining (lol).
Nue
Nue are artificially fused groups created with Kabaneri as their hearts. They awaken by injecting a pale blue-white, glowing liquid developed by the Karikatashu, and gather Kabane to become Nue. The Nue that appear in the story are girls who fought as part of the Karikatashu, and were used by Biba to become Nue. They seem to have some consciousness and sometimes obey Biba's commands. Each Nue takes a different form; Mumei's was transformed into a winged horse.
Black Plasma and White Plasma
This refers to a pale blue liquid developed by scientists and leader of the Karikatashu, Bima Amatori. When injected into a Kabaneri, Black Plasma transforms them into a Nue. Once defused, they become unconscious and attack like Kabane. It can be considered an accelerator of Kabane transformation. White Plasma can dissolve the cardiac capsule of fused colonies. It can be thought of as the opposite of Black Plasma. Thanks to this White Plasma, Ikoma was saved. Either way, it's inhumane and even more frightening than weapons.
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress Terminology: Weapons
Suicide Bag
While not exactly a weapon, suicide bags are palm-sized bags distributed by the shogunate to all citizens. They contain gunpowder and were distributed for suicide in cases where there was a possibility of being infected by a Kabane. Those bitten by a Kabane often become confused and flee, or are killed. However, some attempt suicide to avoid causing trouble for those around them, but this fails and they end up becoming Kabane. They're distributed to prevent this, but perhaps the real message is to kill yourself as soon as possible if you're bitten. It's a difficult decision, and we'd like to avoid using it.
Tsuranukizutsu
This is the Tsuranukizutsu (piercing tube), developed by Ikoma and his best friend Takumi. Firing it at close range (while aiming at the heart) will kill a Kabane. It took a long time to develop, about five years, since it was made after Ikoma's sister passed away. It was completed on the same day that a horde of Kabane attacked Aragane Station, where Ikoma lives. It was a close call, really. It was so powerful that the Kabane were practically blown away the moment it was fired. Until then, they had been fighting back with steam guns, which I'll explain later, but honestly, they couldn't break the heart capsule. This successful development marked a major step in humanity's counterattack against the Kabane.
Steam Gun ①
This is a steam gun, a weapon commonly used to counter Kabane. In fact, it's not particularly powerful, so it's best to think of it as merely a means to slow down a Kabane. When a Kabane's heart is ruptured, it emits a pale blue light and collapses. Since this scene isn't often seen, it's likely used to buy time for escape.
Steam Gun ②
This is Mumei's personal steam gun. While it looks quite different, it's actually not very powerful. Its use is only possible thanks to Mumei's combat abilities, and sometimes it can be destroyed by firing both at the same time, or it can simply collapse without being destroyed. However, after meeting Ikoma and the others and becoming stronger, it manages to kill them with one shot. Ikoma and Takeshi's skills are incredible! Incidentally, they also have built-in short knives coated in a metallic membrane.
Kabane Sword
Regardless of the name (lol), this is a new type of sword coated in a metallic membrane. With its introduction, it became possible to pierce the heart with a sword. However, it is difficult for everyone to pierce the heart, requiring considerable skill and technique. Only with sword skills on Kurusu's level can one enter combat. With the introduction of this Kabane Sword, Kurusu gave up his steam gun and switched to a fighting style using the Kabane Sword. Sword combat is cool, after all!
Steam Bow
This bow is also powered by steam, and its power is comparable to that of a steam gun. It was used by Yomokawa Ayame, the heir of the Kenkin Station. The bow is also cool, isn't it? Its beauty is further enhanced. Its power is comparable to that of a steam gun, so it only serves to slow down Kabane. Since each shot requires targeted aim, you can't fire it that many times, but considering Ayame's skill, it's a significant fighting force.
Cannon
This is a cannon aboard the Shunjo, a branch of the Karikatashu, an elite anti-Kabane unit. The Kotetsujo's primary role was to transport supplies, so it was not originally equipped with a cannon. This cannon can also attack Kabane from long distances, but only a few shots hit them, so its power is not very strong. However, it can significantly slow down Kabane, making it ideal for escaping. The cannon fires incendiary rounds, so even if they hit a Kabane, it will be difficult to penetrate their cardiac membrane.
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress Terminology: Hayajiro Edition
Hayajiro
The shogunate, ruling Hinomoto, constructed forts called "eki" throughout the country. Humanity had no choice but to build walls and settlements around these stations and confine itself. Hinomoto, which actively adopted steam engine technology, developed the armored locomotive, commonly known as the Hayajiro. The Hayajiro was operated by the shogunate and was used for the distribution of local products and the transportation of goods. It was the only vehicle capable of traveling between the outside world and the world of the Kabane. Additionally, a master key is required; without it, the vehicle cannot be started, let alone controlled.
Koutetsujo
The Koutetsujo, the setting for this story, is also a type of shunjo. While the Koutetsujo looks quite formidable from the outside, it's actually designed to transport supplies rather than be used for combat. Therefore, it wasn't initially equipped with any cannons, and was intended for escaping from Kabane, not for defeating them. A Type 48 Chinju Cannon was added at Yatsushiro Station. The master key is held by Yomokawa Ayame.
Fusou Castle
This is Fuso Castle, which was attacked by Kabane in Episode 1, causing all of its crew to become Kabane and go berserk. It crashed into Kenkin Station, where the protagonist lives, causing a flood of Kabane and resulting in the station's closure. While the exact cause of the incident remains unclear, the bloody storm surge was so devastating that it brought despair to the realization that no matter how many fortifications they built, they couldn't withstand the Kabane. After the Kotetsujo, the plan was to reach Kongokaku, their final destination. What on earth happened?
Kakujo
This is Kakujo, the base of operations for the Karikatashu, an elite anti-Kabane unit. Unlike the Kotetsujo, this one is a combat steam locomotive. It's equipped with multiple cannons and can fire incendiary bombs. It also features a specialized motorcycle, making it something of a folk hero. Members of the unit include Horobii and Mumei. The master key is in the possession of Amatori Biba.
Use it as a Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress terminology dictionary!
We hope you enjoyed this article. We've introduced you to the [Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress] Glossary of Special Terms! Original anime inevitably uses a lot of specialized terminology. Instead of giving up, researching it will help you enjoy the anime even more! Next time you watch Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress again, be sure to use this [Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress] Glossary of Special Terms!
