Symphogear

Symphogear
Key visual for Symphogear AXZ, featuring protagonist Hibiki Tachibana (center) and other lead characters
戦姫絶唱シンフォギア (Senki Zesshō Shinfogia)
Created by	Akifumi Kaneko Noriyasu Agematsu
Manga
Written by	Akifumi Kaneko Noriyasu Agematsu
Illustrated by	Dan Yoshii
Published by	Kadokawa Shoten
Magazine	Newtype Ace
Original run	November 2011 – April 2013
Volumes	3
Anime television series
Directed by	Tatsufumi Itou
Produced by	Tsuyoshi Oda Keisuke Hori Yuusuke Morii Atsushi Shimada Masama Saijou
Written by	Akifumi Kaneko
Music by	Elements Garden Noriyasu Agematsu Hitoshi Fujima Junpei Fujita
Studio	Satelight Encourage Films Studio Pastoral (#3)
Licensed by	Crunchyroll (streaming) NA: Discotek Media
Original network	Tokyo MX, tvk, TVA, CTC, MBS
Original run	January 6, 2012 – March 30, 2012
Episodes	13
Further information Anime television series Symphogear G Directed by Katsumi Ono Produced by Yuusuke Morii Written by Akifumi Kaneko Music by Elements Garden Noriyasu Agematsu Junpei Fujita Hitoshi Fujima Evan Call Studio Satelight Licensed by Crunchyroll (streaming) NA: Discotek Media Original network MBS, TVA, BS11, Tokyo MX Original run July 4, 2013 – September 26, 2013 Episodes 13 + 2 OVA Anime television series Symphogear GX Directed by Katsumi Ono Produced by Yuusuke Morii Written by Akifumi Kaneko Music by Elements Garden Junpei Fujita Hitoshi Fujima Evan Call Studio Satelight Licensed by Crunchyroll (streaming) NA: Discotek Media Original network MBS, Tokyo MX, TVA, BS11 Original run July 4, 2015 – September 25, 2015 Episodes 13 + 4 OVA Anime television series Symphogear AXZ Directed by Katsumi Ono Produced by Yuusuke Morii Written by Akifumi Kaneko Music by Elements Garden Junpei Fujita Hitoshi Fujima Studio Satelight Licensed by Crunchyroll (streaming) NA: Discotek Media Original network Tokyo MX, BS11, TVA, MBS Original run July 1, 2017 – September 30, 2017 Episodes 13 + 4 OVA Anime television series Symphogear XV Directed by Katsumi Ono Produced by Yuusuke Morii Written by Akifumi Kaneko Music by Elements Garden Junpei Fujita Hitoshi Fujima Studio Satelight Licensed by Crunchyroll (streaming) NA: Discotek Media SA/SEA: Medialink Original network Tokyo MX, BS11, MBS, TVA, AT-X Original run July 6, 2019 – September 28, 2019 Episodes 13 + 4 OVA

Senki Zesshō Symphogear (Japanese: 戦姫絶唱シンフォギア, Hepburn: Senki Zesshō Shinfogia; lit. "Superb Song of the Valkyries: Symphogear"), also known as simply Symphogear, is a Japanese anime television series produced by Satelight. The original season aired on Tokyo MX between January and March 2012. The second season entitled Symphogear G aired between July and September 2013, The third season, Symphogear GX, aired between July and September 2015, and the fourth season, Symphogear AXZ, aired between July and September 2017. The fifth and final season, Symphogear XV, aired between July and September 2019. A manga adaptation was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Newtype Ace magazine between November 2011 and April 2013. A mobile game titled Symphogear XD UNLIMITED was released in June 2017 in Japan.

Plot

Two idols, Tsubasa Kazanari and Kanade Amō, collectively known as Zwei Wing, battle against an alien race known as Noise using armor known as Symphogear, which uses the power of music to counteract the Noise's destructive capability. However, Kanade sacrifices herself to protect a girl named Hibiki Tachibana, who ends up with a piece of Kanade's Symphogear relic, Gungnir, embedded in her chest. Two years later, Hibiki awakens the power of the Gungnir relic inside her body, gaining the same Symphogear armor that Kanade had. Using the power of song, Hibiki and her fellow Symphogear wielders must fight to protect the innocent and defeat those who would use the Noise for evil.

Characters

Symphogear Users

The Symphogear Adaptors are individuals capable of wielding a Symphogear (シンフォギア, Shinfogia), an advanced alchemically powered armor system. Each Candidate (適合者, Tekigōsha, lit. "suitable person") bonds with a ruby-like relic (聖遺物, Seiibutsu) shard, which generates their unique Symphogear through Phonic Gain (フォニック ゲイン, Fonikku Gein), the harmonized melody of the user. These Gears (ギア, Gia) manifest an Armed Gear (アームドギア, Āmudo Gia), a personalized weapon, and can assume multiple forms by overcoming the system's numerous locks. The strongest form, X-Drive (エクスドライブ, Ekusu-Doraibu), requires immense Phonic Gain to activate. Users may also unleash a Superb Song (絶唱, Zesshō), a devastating attack that risks fatal feedback depending on compatibility. While typically restricted to compatible Candidates, some bypass synchronization via the drug "Linker" (リンカ, Rinka) or relic fusion.

Hibiki Tachibana (立花 響, Tachibana Hibiki)

Voiced by: Aoi Yūki

Hibiki Tachibana is a cheerful yet occasionally cautious schoolgirl who attends the same school as Tsubasa. During a Zwei Wing concert two years prior, she narrowly survives a Noise attack due to Kanade’s sacrifice, who inspires her to reject despair. When cornered by Noise later, she unconsciously activates a Symphogear (シンフォギア, Shinfogia) after singing Kanade’s song, empowered by a fragment of Kanade’s relic embedded in her body. In battle, she sometimes enters a frenzied state. Though initially wielding only a partial relic, she compensates with martial arts prowess, using piston-enhanced gauntlets to deliver powerful strikes. She briefly wields Durandal alongside allies in a decisive battle against Finé. Her Symphogear, SG-r03 Gungnir (ガングニール, Gangunīru), evolves after merging with energy from Maria’s relic, granting her drill or jet-powered gauntlets. However, the relic’s growth within her body initially threatens her life until Miku’s intervention purges it. Later, exposure to the Shénshòujìng’s laser removes the Curse of Balal from her, enabling her to harness divine power as a "God Slayer" (神殺し, Kami koroshi). Hibiki’s combat style reflects her Celtic rock motif, emphasizing close-quarters synergy with other Adaptors.

Tsubasa Kazanari (風鳴 翼, Kazanari Tsubasa)

Voiced by: Nana Mizuki

Tsubasa Kazanari is a Symphogear Adaptor who fights the Noise using armor powered by song. She was once part of the idol duo "Zwei Wing" (ツヴァイウィング, Tsuvaiwingu; lit. Two Wings), but after her partner Kanade sacrifices herself against the Noise, Tsubasa becomes cold and distant, refusing to accept Hibiki as a replacement at first. Though a popular idol, she initially rejects international performances, viewing herself solely as a weapon—until a pivotal moment reconnects her with Kanade’s memory, allowing her to open up and resume singing. Her Symphogear, SG-r01 Ame no Habakiri (天羽々斬) (Totsuka-no-Tsurugi), specializes in close combat, generating blades across her body. Her primary weapon is a katana, adjustable in size to match her opponent’s strength. As the granddaughter and heir of Fudō Kazanari, she is biologically his daughter and half-sister to Yatsuhiro and Genjūrō Kazanari, tying her to the influential Kazanari family. Her musical motif reflects her dual role, blending Japanese rock with her swordsmanship.

Chris Yukine (雪音 クリス, Yukine Kurisu)

Voiced by: Ayahi Takagaki

Chris Yukine is a half-Japanese Symphogear Adaptor initially working under Finé. She wields the stolen Nehushtan Armor (ネフシュタンの鎧, Nefushutan no Yoroi) and can summon Noise using "Solomon's Cane". Despite possessing a Symphogear, she refuses to sing due to past trauma. Eight years prior, her parents, Masanori Yukine (雪音 雅律, Yukine Masanori) and Sonnet M. Yukine (ソネット・M・ユキネ, Sonetto Emu Yukine), used music to aid war refugees in South America before being killed in a terrorist attack. Chris was subsequently kidnapped and sold into slavery. After being rescued by the UN, she was taken in by Section Two—only to be abducted by Finé, who sought to exploit her abilities. When Finé abandons her for failing expectations, Chris allies with Hibiki and Tsubasa. Her Symphogear, SG-r02 Ichaival (イチイバル), specializes in long-range combat, manifesting as a crossbow that shifts into firearms or missiles. Chris’ hard rock motif reflects her aggressive fighting style and tsundere demeanor.

Maria Cadenzavna Eve (マリア・カデンツァヴナ・イヴ, Maria Kadentsavuna Ivu; Марія Кадензавна Єва)

Voiced by: Yōko Hikasa

Maria Cadenzavna Eve is a Ukrainian singer who rapidly achieved international fame after her debut. She initially opposes humanity while wielding an unauthorized Gungnir Symphogear featuring a spear-cannon hybrid weapon. Though claiming to be Finé's reincarnation, this proves false. Like Kanade, she requires Linker for synchronization, imposing battle time limits and making her Superb Song potentially lethal. After temporarily using Hibiki's Gungnir to protect allies, she later adopts SG-x00 Airgetlam (アガートラーム, Agātorāmu), whose versatile whip-sword Armed Gear transforms between melee weapons and a Divine Weapon-crippling railgun. Her orchestral rock motif, with country rock influences, reflects both her Symphogear's sacred nature and personal warmth.

Shirabe Tsukuyomi (月読 調, Tsukuyomi Shirabe)

Voiced by: Yoshino Nanjō

Shirabe Tsukuyomi is a Symphogear user introduced in Symphogear G who works with Maria's team. Despite her quiet demeanor, she employs ruthless tactics and initially distrusts Hibiki, frequently criticizing her as a "hypocrite." During a confrontation with Kirika, she is revealed to be Finé's true vessel. She later redeems herself in GX, apologizing to Hibiki for her actions. Her backstory reveals she suffered amnesia from a car accident that killed her parents before joining FIS. The name "Shirabe Tsukuyomi" was assigned based on recovered personal items. Her SG-i01 Shul Shagana (シュルシャガナ, Shuru Shagana) Symphogear specializes in high mobility, with disc blade Armed Gears stored throughout her body that can be launched as projectiles or used for rapid Noise elimination. Her electronic rock motif reflects both her reserved personality and character development.

Kirika Akatsuki (暁 切歌, Akatsuki Kirika)

Voiced by: Ai Kayano

Kirika Akatsuki is a Symphogear user introduced in Symphogear G. As one of the "Receptor Children" raised in a research facility alongside Maria, Serena and Shirabe, she maintains a cheerful demeanor despite her traumatic past. Her strong bonds with comrades give her fearless determination in battle. Initially believed to be Finé's vessel after unconsciously using her powers, this is later disproven when Shirabe is revealed as the true host. This revelation leads to a tragic accident where her scythe Armed Gear fatally wounds Shirabe during a suicide attempt. Kirika's past remains largely unknown, with song lyrics hinting at famine and wartime trauma. Unlike other characters, she lacks any memories of family or origins. She frequently ends sentences with "Death" (デス, Desu) as a speech mannerism. Her SG-i02 Igalima (イガリマ, Igarima) Symphogear specializes in mass Noise combat, wielding a transforming scythe Armed Gear. Her Symphonic rock motif complements both her energetic personality and combat synergy with allies.

Miku Kohinata (小日向 未来, Kohinata Miku)

Voiced by: Yuka Iguchi

Miku Kohinata is Hibiki's closest friend and dormmate. After discovering Hibiki's secret identity, she joins Section Two to support her. In Symphogear G, Dr. Ver corrupts her into wielding the relic SG-i03 Shénshòujìng (神獣鏡, Shenshōjin; lit. "God Beast Mirror"), using its mirror Armed Gear to fire relic-negating lasers. Hibiki eventually frees her from this control. The AXZ epilogue reveals the Shénshòujìng's laser purged both girls from the Curse of Balal. This backfires in XV when Shem-Ha exploits this vulnerability to possess Miku, forcing Hibiki to rescue her again. In XD Unlimited, Miku voluntarily wields a parallel timeline's Shénshòujìng to aid allies in battle. Her dark wave techno motif reflects both her combat style and complex relationship with Hibiki.

Supporting characters

Kanade Amō (天羽 奏, Amō Kanade)

Voiced by: Minami Takayama

Kanade Amou was Tsubasa's partner in the vocal duo Zwei Wing. After losing her family to a Noise attack, she underwent experimental procedures to wield the SG-r03 Gungnir Symphogear, gaining a lance Armed Gear with full armor coverage. She sacrificed herself during a concert two years later, using her Superb Song to protect Hibiki while embedding a relic fragment in her body. This spiritual connection allows her to occasionally guide Tsubasa. In XD Unlimited, a parallel timeline reveals an alternate outcome where Kanade survived instead of Tsubasa. The original Kanade's Japanese pop musical motif reflected her fiery personality that complemented Tsubasa's demeanor.

Genjūrō Kazanari (風鳴 弦十郎, Kazanari Genjūrō)

Voiced by: Hideo Ishikawa

The commander of Special Disaster Response Team Section Two. He is also Tsubasa's uncle (officially), her older half-brother (biologically), and a fan of action movies. His physical strength is strong enough to deflect Tsubasa's Symphogear and her Armed Gear alone. After the first attack by Chris, he becomes Hibiki's teacher in martial arts at her request. He blames himself for his agents not being able to find Chris when she was kidnapped by Finé two years ago, but Genjūrō and Chris make up and she willingly cooperates with Tsubasa and Hibiki under Genjūrō's supervision only. He starts to get suspicious of Ryōko's activities.

Ryōko Sakurai (櫻井 了子, Sakurai Ryōko)

Voiced by: Miyuki Sawashiro

Head scientist of Special Disaster Response Team Section Two and creator of the Symphogear. She has the ability to form powerful force-fields. She tends to sexually harass Hibiki and shows inappropriate interest in her. Her loyalties are somehow questionable, as she concerns herself more over the Symphogears and related relic experiments. Ryōko is revealed to be in actuality the main antagonist, Finé, who had possessed Ryōko's body and erased her consciousness long ago, for Finé's ultimate goal of using the power of Kadingir (Sumerian name of Babylon) to destroy the moon and bring about chaos on Earth.

Shinji Ogawa (緒川 慎次, Ogawa Shinji)

Voiced by: Sōichirō Hoshi

One of the agents of Special Disaster Response Team Section Two and Tsubasa's manager during her shows. He is an experienced veteran fighter, who is able to fight without having a gear. This allows him to help the girls in some part, though his role is mostly supportive rather than taking direct combat.

Aoi Tomosato (友里 あおい, Tomosato Aoi)

Voiced by: Asami Seto

She works in Special Disaster Response Team Section Two and is always in the underground part of the school.

Sakuya Fujitaka (藤尭 朔也, Fujitaka Sakuya)

Voiced by: Kenji Akabane

He works in Special Disaster Response Team Section Two and is always in the underground part of the school.

Serena Cadenzavna Eve (セレナ・カデンツァヴナ・イヴ, Serena Kadentsavuna Ivu)

Voiced by: Yui Horie

Maria's younger sister. Initially opposing humanity while wielding an unregulated Gungnir Symphogear with spear-cannon hybrid capabilities, she falsely claims to be Finé's reincarnation. Like Kanade, she requires Linker for synchronization, resulting in time-limited battles and potentially fatal Superb Songs. Her combat abilities evolve throughout the series—she temporarily uses Hibiki's Gungnir to protect allies before adopting the versatile SG-x00 Airgetlam (アガートラーム, Agātorāmu), whose whip-sword Armed Gear transforms into throwing knives or a Divine Weapon-crippling railgun. Her Orchestral rock motif, infused with country rock elements, reflects both her Symphogear's sacred nature and underlying personal warmth.

Nastassja Sergeyevna Tolstaya (ナスターシャ・セルゲイヴナ・トルスタヤ, Nasutāsha Serugeivuna Torusutaya; Настасья Сергеевна Толстая)

Voiced by: Kikuko Inoue

A Russian heretical engineer introduced in Symphogear G, known as "Professor Nastassja" (ナスターシャ教授, Nasutāsha-kyouju) or "Mom" (マム, Mamu) by Maria's team. She serves as their technical advisor, possessing extensive classified knowledge about sacred relics beyond what was released after the Lunar Attack. Though genuinely caring for the team, she maintains strict discipline to prepare them for their missions. Nastassja uses a wheelchair due to unspecified circumstances.

Elfnein (エルフナイン, Erufunain)

Voiced by: Misaki Kuno

Debuting in Symphogear GX. A girl from the world of alchemy who bears a resemblance to Carol. She comes before the other Symphogear users to provide them with a means of combating the Alca-Noise. From the end of GX onwards, she works with S.O.N.G as their mechanic.

Minor characters

Yumi Itaba (板場 弓美, Itaba Yumi)

Voiced by: Chinatsu Akasaki

Hibiki and Miku's classmate and friend. An anime-lover, a running gag involves her proclaiming how life is similar to an anime.

Kuriyo Andō (安藤 創世, Andō Kuriyo)

Voiced by: Mikako Komatsu

Another one of Hibiki and Miku's classmates and friends. Calls Hibiki, Miku, and Chris by the nicknames "Bikki", "Hina", and "Kinechri", respectively.

Shiori Terashima (寺島 詩織, Terashima Shiori)

Voiced by: Nao Tōyama

Another one of Hibiki and Miku's classmates and friends. Calls her friends by their last names.

Komichi Ayano (綾野 小路, Ayano Komichi), Yuki Godai (五代 由貴, Godai Yuki), Otome Kaburagi (鏑木 乙女, Kaburagi Otome)

Voiced by: Akari Harashima, Mana Shimizu, and Harumi Sakurai

Debuting in Symphogear G. Classmates of Chris, who attempt to befriend her despite her attempts at avoiding them. Komichi is the girl with long brown hair and a yellow headband; Yuki is the girl with long dark-green hair in a high ponytail; and Otome is the girl with short brown hair and glasses.

Ayumu Takasaka (高坂 歩, Takasaka Ayumu), Tōko Sabe (佐部 瞳子, Sabe Tōko), Ako Ōki (大木 杏胡, Ōki Ako)

Voiced by: Saori Ōnishi, Minami Takahashi, and Harumi Sakurai

Debuting in Symphogear G. Classmates of Tsubasa. Ayumu is the girl with short brown hair and a willow's peak; Tōko is the girl with short blonde hair held back with a white headband; and Ako is the girl with bangs and short dark-brown hair that curls outwards.

Owner of Flower

Voiced by: Ai Orikasa

A woman who runs the okonomiyaki shop named "Flower", which Hibiki, Miku, and other classmates from Lydian visit frequently. Her real name is unknown.

Tony Glazer (トニー・グレイザー, Tonī Gureizā)

Voiced by: Hidetoshi Nakamura (season 1), Masashi Ogawa (season 3)

The head of the music company "Metro Music", who supports Tsubasa and her music performances.

Taketsugu Hiroki (広木 威椎, Hiroki Taketsugu)

Voiced by: Yasunori Masutani

The Minister of Defence, who supports Special Disaster Response Team Section Two. He is assassinated by the American government on the order of Finé so that she, as Ryoko in disguise, can get a new Minister of Defence elected who will unintentionally further the construction of Kadingir, as Hiroki was against Finé's plans to do so.

Masahito Shibata (斯波田 賢仁, Shibata Masahito)

Voiced by: Hidekatsu Shibata

Debuting in Symphogear G. The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is often caught up in dealing with the complexities of current world affairs, but his main duty is to protect the Japanese government's national interest and the black art crystallized technology of the Symphogear system. Although he is often seen as having a rude personality, he is the only man that understands Genjūrō, and is generally a person who cooperates with the Special Disaster Response Team Section Two's operations.

Akira Tachibana (立花 洸, Tachibana Akira)

Voiced by: Toshihiko Seki

Debuting in Symphogear GX. Hibiki's father, who abandoned the family following the fall-out of the Zwei Wing concert tragedy. He reappears during Carol's attack to attempt to make amends with Hibiki and become part of the family again.

Yatsuhiro Kazanari (風鳴 八紘, Kazanari Yatsuhiro)

Voiced by: Kazuhiro Yamaji

Debuting in Symphogear GX. Tsubasa's father (in fact, biological half-brother) and Genjūrō's brother. A government agent who carries out actions on the line between legal and illegal, he is the one who allowed Maria to transfer to SONG upon her request. Though Yatsuhiro treats his daughter, Tsubasa, coldly and calls her a "stained tool of the Kazanari clan", he truly cares about Tsubasa and only pushes her away in an attempt to allow her to follow her dreams as an idol. He dies in XV after shielding Tsubasa from a bullet fired by Fudō.

Fudō Kazanari (風鳴 訃堂, Kazanari Fudō)

Voiced by: Mugihito

Debuting in Symphogear AXZ. Tsubasa's grandfather (in fact, biological father) and the father of Genjūrō and Yatsuhiro. Wishing for a pure-blooded heir to the Kazanari clan, Fudō impregnated Yatsuhiro's wife to give birth to Tsubasa.

Sonia Virena (ソーニャ・ビレーナ, Sōnya Birēna)

Voiced by: Natsumi Fujiwara

Debuting in Symphogear AXZ. A woman from Val Verde who was a friend of Chris' mother and father, helping the Yukine family to realize their dream of bringing peace to the world with songs. Chris looked up to Sonia and thought of her as an older sister. However, due to Sonia's carelessness, terrorists were able to sneak a bomb into the camp the Yukine family resided in, killing both Chris' parents. Chris and Sonia were separated in the confusion; though Sonia managed to survive harm, Chris was captured by the terrorists and sold into slavery. Chris and Sonia meet again nine years later when SONG intervenes in Val Verde due to reports of Alca-Noise.

Stephan Virena (ステファン・ビレーナ, Sutefan Birēna)

Voiced by: Asuna Tomari

Debuting in Symphogear AXZ. Sonia's little brother, who played soccer. He and his village were enslaved, but after he is rescued by Hibiki during a conflict with the Alca-Noise, is able to request the help of Hibiki, Tsubasa, and Chris to free his village. However, Stephan's leg is grabbed by an Alca-Noise, and Chris is forced to shoot it off to stop Stephan from disintegrating entirely.

Antagonists

Finé (フィーネ, Fīne)

Voiced by: Miyuki Sawashiro

Finé is an immortal priestess whose consciousness reincarnates through descendants. She orchestrates attacks to acquire relics and weaponize Hibiki's Gungnir fusion, having caused the Zwei Wing incident and stolen the Nehushtan Armor. Her ultimate plan uses the Kadingir cannon to destroy the moon, lifting the Curse of Balal while creating global chaos to dominate humanity. Originally a priestess who loved Enki, she built the Tower of Babel before its destruction cursed humanity. She later pioneered alchemical song technology, suppressing competitors like the Bavarian Illuminati. Throughout history, she influenced events through host bodies like Ryōko and Shirabe before her final demise.

John Wayne Vercingetorix (ジョン・ウェイン・ウェルキンゲトリクス, Jon Wein Uerukingetorikusu)

Voiced by: Tomokazu Sugita

Dr. John Wayne Vercingetorix (commonly called Dr. Ver (ウェル博士, Weru-hakase)) is a rogue researcher introduced in Symphogear G. Initially posing as a Section Two collaborator studying the Sakurai Theory, he actually seeks Solomon's Cane for his own ends. A brilliant but unstable biochemist specializing in relic-human fusion, he develops enhanced Linker drugs while exhibiting erratic behavior. His ultimate plan involves crashing the moon into Earth to "reboot" humanity under his rule. After the Nephilim's destruction, he's imprisoned but later resurfaces in GX, having merged with Nephilim cells. He aids Carol before betraying her, ultimately sacrificing himself to protect Maria's team during the Chateau de Tiffauges' destruction.

His surname was named after the legendary Gaul chieftain who led a failed anti-Roman uprising, Vercingetorix.

Carol Malus Dienheim (キャロル・マールス・ディーンハイム, Kyaroru Mārusu Dīnhaimu)

Voiced by: Inori Minase

Carol Malus Dienheim is an alchemist introduced in Symphogear GX seeking to destroy the world to avenge her father's death. She can transform into an adult form by sacrificing memories and commands powerful relics. After initial defeat, she resurrects and attempts to destroy the world using the Chateau de Tiffauges, creating a giant mechanical lion as a last resort. Following her final defeat, she merges with Elfnein, effectively erasing her own consciousness. In XV, the merged being assists against Shem-Ha, providing phonic gain support and joining the final battle. Her character arc explores themes of vengeance, sacrifice, and redemption.

Phara Suyuf (ファラ・スユーフ, Fara Suyūfu)

Voiced by: Masumi Tazawa

Debuting in Symphogear GX. One of the four Autoscorers Carol has under her command. Phara has incredible flexibility and wields a pair of swords. Her elemental affiliation is with Wind. She is destroyed by Tsubasa using her Ignite Module.

Leiur Darahim (レイア・ダラーヒム, Reia Darāhimu)

Voiced by: Shizuka Ishigami

Debuting in Symphogear GX. An Autoscorer who uses coins to perform high speed projectile attacks. She also has a "little sister" Autoscorer who is capable of incredible destruction (which was later revealed that she has two bodies). Her elemental affiliation is with Earth. She is destroyed by Chris using her Ignite Module.

Garie Tuman (ガリィ・トゥーマーン, Garyi Tūmān)

Voiced by: Michiyo Murase

Debuting in Symphogear GX. An Autoscorer who can manipulate water to create illusions or form ice attacks. Her elemental affiliation is with Ice. She is destroyed by Maria using her Ignite Module.

Micha Jawkan (ミカ・ジャウカーン, Mika Jaukān)

Voiced by: Shiori Izawa

Debuting in Symphogear GX. A combat-type Autoscorer who has a violent and psychotic personality, possessing claws and rocket-powered hair. Her elemental affiliation is with Fire. She is destroyed by Shirabe and Kirika in a combined attack with both of them using their Ignite Modules.

Saint-Germain (サンジェルマン, Sanjeruman)

Voiced by: Minako Kotobuki

Saint-Germain is an immortal alchemist introduced in Symphogear AXZ as a leader of the Bavarian Illuminati. Having perfected her body through alchemy, she seeks divine power to liberate humanity from oppression. Her motivations stem from a traumatic childhood as the abandoned daughter of a sex slave. In the climax, she and her allies sacrifice themselves by transforming a nuclear missile into Divine Power through alchemical purification, dissolving their physical forms in the process.

Cagliostro (カリオストロ, Kariosutoro)

Voiced by: Shōta Aoi

Debuting in Symphogear AXZ. An alchemist from the Bavarian Illuminati. She used to be a man who was a swindler known for his endless lies, before being granted a perfect body by Saint-Germain. Cagliostro has since sworn to never lie about her feelings.

Prelati (プレラーティ, Purerāti)

Voiced by: Rina Hidaka

Debuting in Symphogear AXZ. An alchemist from the Bavarian Illuminati. She used to be a man who indulged in luxury and pleasure, before being granted a perfect body by Saint-Germain, following his defeat at her hands. Prelati has since sworn to become an earnest researcher, but sometimes lets her preference for fun get in the way of her work.

Tiki (ティキ, Tiki)

Voiced by: Hina Kino

Debuting in Symphogear AXZ. An Autoscorer from the Bavarian Illuminati. She was created by Adam to observe the motions of the planets and record them as star maps.

Adam Weishaupt (アダム・ヴァイスハウプト, Adamu Vaisuhauputo)

Voiced by: Shinichiro Miki

Debuting in Symphogear AXZ. An alchemist who is the founder of the Bavarian Illuminati. He is an individual whose lineage is shrouded in mystery. He was an Automaton created by the Custodians, but was rejected due to his fatal flaw, being a perfected and complete creature. Adam's ultimate goal was to take the Divine Power for himself to ensure that he would surpass the Custodians before they even get to Earth. However, with his plans failed and the Symphogears overpowering him, he's forced to reveal his true form: A giant Automaton demon. He is destroyed when Hibiki uses the power of Chrysopoeia, with the help of the spirits of the alchemists.

Vanessa Diodati (ヴァネッサ・ディオダティ, Vanessa Diodati)

Voiced by: M.A.O

Debuting in Symphogear XV. She is the leader of the Bavarian Illuminati remnants known as Noble Red after Adam's death in AXZ. Her name references the Villa Diodati.

Millaarc Cranstoun (ミラアルク・クランシュトウン, Miraaruku Kuranshuton)

Voiced by: Aimi

Debuting in Symphogear XV. She is a failed experiment by the Bavarian Illuminati to produce a vampire of legend. Her name references Carmilla.

Elsa Bête (エルザ・ベート, Eruza Bēto)

Voiced by: Kana Ichinose

Debuting in Symphogear XV. She was an experimental subject of the Bavarian Illuminati implanted with bestial DNA. Her name references the Beast of Gévaudan.

Shem-Ha Mephorash (シェム・ハ・メフォラス, Shemu Ha Meforasu)

Voiced by: Noriko Hidaka

Debuting in Symphogear XV. She was awakened from her slumber by Fudo Kazanari and Noble Red, and reborn into the body of Miku Kohinata. Her name references the Shem HaMephorash.

Media

On November 20, 2022, it was announced at the end of the "Symphogear Live 2020→2022" concert that a new project in the Symphogear franchise was being developed, to be released at an unannounced date.

Manga

A manga accompaniment to the series, illustrated by Dan Yoshii, was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Newtype Ace magazine between November 2011 and April 2013.

Anime

See also: List of Symphogear episodes

The anime, produced by Satelight and Encourage Films, began airing in Japan on Tokyo MX between January 6, 2012, and March 30, 2012. Crunchyroll simulcast the series for North America, while Nico Nico simulcast the series in Japan. The opening theme was "Synchrogazer" performed by Nana Mizuki, and the ending theme was "Meteor Light" performed by Ayahi Takagaki, with multiple character and insert songs performed by Aoi Yūki, Nana Mizuki, Ayahi Takagaki, Minami Takayama, and Yuka Iguchi used throughout the season. Discotek Media released this season on subtitled Blu-ray Disc in North America on October 27, 2020.

On September 5, 2012, Thomas Romain, an animator on the series, wrote on Twitter "for the ones who liked Symphogear, there will be good news soon!", later revealing on October 6, 2012, that production on a second season has begun. The second season, titled Senki Zesshō Symphogear G, aired between July 4 and September 26, 2013. The opening theme for the second season was "Vitalization" performed by Nana Mizuki, and the ending theme was "Next Destination" performed by Ayahi Takagaki, with multiple new character and insert songs performed by Aoi Yūki, Nana Mizuki, Ayahi Takagaki, Yōko Hikasa, Yoshino Nanjō, Ai Kayano, and Yuka Iguchi used throughout the season. Discotek Media released this season on subtitled Blu-ray Disc in North America on January 26, 2021.

A third season, titled Senki Zessho Symphogear GX, aired in Japan between July 4, 2015, and September 25, 2015, and was simulcast by Chernin-owned Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll also began streaming the first season from September 2, 2015, followed by Symphogear G on September 18, 2015. The opening theme for the third season was "Exterminate" performed by Nana Mizuki, and the ending theme was "Rebirth-day" performed by Ayahi Takagaki, with multiple new character and insert songs performed by Aoi Yūki, Nana Mizuki, Ayahi Takagaki, Yōko Hikasa, Yoshino Nanjō, Ai Kayano, Yuka Iguchi, and Inori Minase used throughout the season.

A fourth and fifth season were announced on February 28, 2016, at the Symphogear Live 2016 event in Japan. The fourth season, titled Symphogear AXZ (pronounced "axis"), began airing between July 1, 2017, and September 30, 2017. The opening theme is "Testament" performed by Nana Mizuki, and the ending theme is "Futurism" performed by Ayahi Takagaki, with multiple new character and insert songs performed by Aoi Yūki, Nana Mizuki, Ayahi Takagaki, Yōko Hikasa, Yoshino Nanjō, Ai Kayano, Minako Kotobuki, Shōta Aoi, and Rina Hidaka.

The fifth and final season, titled Symphogear XV, was originally scheduled to premiere in April 2019, but the airdate was pushed back to July 2019 in order to further refine the anime before its release. The fifth season aired between July 6, 2019, and September 28, 2019. The opening theme is "Metanoia" performed by Nana Mizuki, and the ending theme is "Lasting Song" performed by Ayahi Takagaki. Medialink licensed the fifth and final season in South and Southeast Asia and streamed the anime in their YouTube channel.

The Zwei Wing duo, Tsubasa and Kanade, made a paper cameo in Genshiken Second Season episode KOIBANA3, created by Manabu Kuchiki for a cosplay idea.

Video games

Characters from Symphogear appear in Super Heroine Chronicle, a role-playing game developed by Namco Bandai Games for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita and released in Japan on February 6, 2014.

A smartphone game, Senki Zesshō Symphogear XD Unlimited, developed by Bushiroad, was released in Japan on June 26, 2017. An English version of the smartphone game was released by Pokelabo on February 14, 2020. However, quite possibly due to mismanagement and the likely lack of a large playerbase needed to maintain the game in the long run, the English version was shut down on July 31 of the same year, with all information about it purged from all official sites. The Japanese version of the game ended service on January 31, 2024.

Reception

Critical response

The first season of Symphogear received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the show's delivery of extravagant battle scenes and melodrama, but objected to the lack of originality in the narrative. While recognzing shortcomings in the production value of the original season, Ryan Thomson of SakugaBlog highlighted a steady increase in animation quality across subsequent seasons, culminating in the "conceptually exciting" and well-executed action sequences of Symphogear XV.

Awards

In the 2019 Anime UK News Readers' Choice Awards, Symphogear XV won the category for Best TV Anime. Symphogear won the category for "Most Wanted Anime License", and was runner-up for the category of "Most Wanted Manga License". Hibiki and Miku were runner-up for the category of "Best Couple".

External links

• Symphogear official website (in Japanese)
• Symphogear G official website (in Japanese)
• Symphogear GX official website (in Japanese)
• Symphogear AXZ official website (in Japanese)
• Symphogear XV official website (in Japanese)
• Symphogear XDU official website (in Japanese)
• Symphogear (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia