Japanese Symbol for
魔法mahō
magic · sorcery · witchcraft
Readings
Meaning
Magic, sorcery, witchcraft. 魔法 combines 魔 (evil spirit, supernatural) with 法 (law, method, way) — literally "the way of supernatural power." 魔 alone carries strongly negative connotations of dark supernatural forces.
Example words
魔法使い
mahōtsukai
magician, sorcerer, witch
魔女
majo
witch (magic woman)
魔法陣
mahōjin
magic circle, summoning circle
呪文
jumon
spell, incantation, magic words
魔力
maryoku
magical power, charm, spell
黒魔術
kuro majutsu
black magic
Magic is a central theme in Japanese fiction. The word 魔法少女 (mahō shōjo — magical girl) defines an entire manga/anime genre, pioneered by Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura. 呪術 (jujutsu — sorcery, cursed technique) gave its name to the hit manga Jujutsu Kaisen. Japan's rich supernatural tradition blends Shinto, Buddhism, and folk beliefs into a complex magical worldview.
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