Heart and Determination- Higurashi Kagome
Title: Heart and Determination
Author: Kelly O'Connor (cowgirled)
Email: Stretchy_Buyo@yahoo.com
Character: Higurashi Kagome
Fandom: InuYasha
Word Count: 3,426
Spoilers: Heavy spoilers up to volume thirty-two of the manga (which equates to episode 151 of the anime), spoilers for volume 32 onward are ambigous enough where it shouldn't be an issue.
Notes: Essay sticks almost exclusively with manga canon. Deviations are noted.
Glossary
Sengoku Jidai- or "warring-states" period, is a period of long civil war in the History of Japan that spans through the middle 15th to the early 17th centuries. It started in the late Muromachi period in 1467 with the Onin War (Onin no Ran 1467-1478), lasting through the entire Azuchi-Momoyama period, until final peace and order was achieved in 1615 of the Edo period.
Miko- Priestess
Hanyou- Half demon
Youkai- demon
Kitsune- Fox
Shikon no Tama- Jewel of the four souls
With very few deviations, this essay will stick purely to manga canon.
Introduction
Higurashi Kagome is the lead heroine of legendary mangaka Takahashi Rumiko’s current long-running series “InuYasha- Sengoku o Togi-Zoushi.” (“InuYasha- A Feudal Fairy-Tale.)
“InuYasha” began in November of 1996 and is still going strong to this day. It is currently on its forty-first manga volume. It was adapted into an anime in October of 2000 and ran 167 episodes, concluding in September of 2004.
I discovered this series for myself around three and a half years ago. Although I enjoyed Kagome’s character from the beginning, I didn’t find myself truly drawn to her until fairly late on in the series. At that point, I evaluated her character up to that point and rather quickly found this heroine becoming a favorite. (And as time went on, she became my favorite.)
Unfortunately, Kagome tends to be one of the most underappreciated characters in the entire cast. Because she lacks the physical strength of Sango, or the tragedy surrounding Kikyou and Kagura, Kagome is often downgraded to being less of a person than her cast mates, or just delegated to the label of “InuYasha’s girlfriend.”
In this reflection, I intend to explore Kagome’s character to the fullest. I hope to demonstrate that she is an incredibly strong and astounding character, worth far more merit than she receives.
Basic Information
The series “InuYasha” begins specifically on July 3rd 1996. We know this because Kagome’s adventure begins the day of her fifteenth birthday. (July 3rd, 1981 is her official date of birth.)
Kagome attends an unnamed junior high school and is in her last year before entering high school. (The U.S. equivalent of ninth grade.)
Her home also doubles as a Shinto shrine known as the “Dusk Shrine,” and is located in the midst of modern Tokyo.
We know very little about her background. The “InuYasha” novel produced in accordance with the manga reveals several facts however. Her father is deceased. He perished a few years before the start of the series in an unknown accident. At that time, she and her remaining family moved in with their grandfather (his father) at the Dusk Shrine.
At this point she lives with her Grandfather Higurashi (“Jiichan” as he is called by all members of the family), her mother (No name given), a younger brother by the name of Souta, and their rather obese feline, Buyo.
The Beginning
Upon the day of her fifteenth birthday Higurashi Kagome, after falling through a sealed well in her family’s shrine, was transported to the Sengoku Jidai.
From there, her life did a complete 180 as opposed to the normalcy she lived in before.
After exiting the well, she encountered the sengoku jidai version of an ancient god tree that still existed on the shrine grounds in her time, Goshinboku. Sealed upon it is a young Hanyou (half-demon) named InuYasha, who will become her companion for the entirety of the series. (More on this in the relationships segment.)
Kagome also discovers that she is the reincarnation of a powerful Miko named Kikyou, and that a potent jewel by the name of Shikon no Tama was within her body. An attack from a youkai released it from her side, and she was immediately dubbed the protector of it. In addition to all this, her previously unknown dormant Miko powers awaken.
Armed with a bow on her back and arrows to infuse with her Miko powers, Kagome reluctantly takes on the role of protector of the sacred jewel. (Although more than anything, she just wants to go home at this point. Luckily for her, both she and InuYasha can travel through the well freely.)
Unfortunately, it seemed that her task of ‘protecting the jewel,’ would not be so simple. The shikon is snatched by a crow youkai who then proceeds to fly towards a village. In an attempt to defeat the youkai, Kagome fires a purity arrow towards the crow. However, although she kills the creature, it backfires.
The impact of the arrow was so strong that it shattered the shikon no tama into an innumerable amount of pieces, and the true quest begins. Kagome and InuYasha must collect all the pieces of the jewel, in order to complete it and in order to keep them from the hands of those who would use them for evil intentions. Luckily for Kagome though, in addition to her Miko powers, she has the unique ability to sense the aura of the shikon shards.
The Present
As of this point in the series, it has been at least five months (judging by the moon cycles shown) since Kagome began her time traveling.
As of right now, the mission to complete the shikon no tama continues. Also, they seek to defeat the lead villain of the series, Naraku, who has impacted the lives of everyone in the cast.
For Kagome, this has been an experience that has shaped her in a rather positive manner. She has matured in both the mental and corporal manners. From here on out, I will be exploring that.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Power Within
That girl called Kagome... is dreadful... the arrow that girl fired... cut straight though evil constructs... miasma and poison, purifying it. - Naraku, manga volume twelve.
Kagome... you're a strange child... Even Kikyou-onee-sama's powerful soul, couldn't win against Kagome. This child is... isn't just any old reincarnation. - Kaede, volume six
Kagome holds the power of a great Miko within her. In all technicality, she is likely to be the most lethal female in the entire series. Kikyou herself remarks that “If you cannot defeat me, there is no way you can defeat Kagome.” Kaede notes that she is an extraordinarily unique Miko. There is an incident in which one of Naraku’s detachments attempts to suck Kagome’s very soul, and is unable to do so. Her soul is so large (even though she is in fact, missing a portion of it. This portion was used to resurrect her previous incarnation, Kikyou, earlier on in the series) that Kanna is unable to complete the task.
Kagome’s power manifests to its fullest when someone she holds dear is in danger. At this point in the series (perhaps because she has not had formal training in harnessing her strength), her Miko abilities seem to be controlled largely by her emotions or flare up when she is in grave danger. It’s the love she has for her friends or her resolute determination to survive that causes her powers to surface.
Even early on in the series, Kagome is a formidable opponent. In one of their early encounters with Naraku, she nearly vanquishes him with a single arrow. The reason her powers became so potent? It was because Naraku taunted and insulted InuYasha. (“When he... started making fun of InuYasha... I just snapped. ”) She has come close to accomplishing the same task at two points since then (three if you count the anime only movie “The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass.”)
Unfortunately for Kagome, she has little time to fine tune her powers. Due to this, I don’t believe she has reached near her level of potential. We continually see allusions to her holding incredible power, but we have yet to see her discover that completely.
Takahashi has stated that there will likely be at least one hundred more chapters to the manga, and I believe this is one of the issues that will be addressed. Perhaps it is her power and love for her friends that will be the final nail in the coffin to conquer Naraku.
Selflessness and Jealousy
What's with this girl's soul...? I can't find... any darkness? - Hakudoushi, manga volume twenty-nine.
One of the first accusations you’ll come across towards Kagome in the fandom is that she has a ‘horrendous jealousy streak.’ This is quite honestly, very untrue. In fact, Kagome displays a remarkable amount of selflessness.
A great deal of Kagome’s character is centered around her feelings for InuYasha (he is the same regarding her), and through those we catch a glimpse into the depths of who she is.
While Kagome has displayed jealousy at times, it is understandable if you look at it in retrospect. In actuality, clear showings of jealousy are not apparent until very late into the series. I believe the reasoning comes down to a cultural difference. One dealing with honor, broken promises, and what we see as a romantic relationship.
Kagome’s issue is not that InuYasha sees Kikyou once in a while. She understands that he holds an obligation to her and is concerned for her well being. Although she gets upset about it, she trusts him and knows that nothing clandestine is occurring. Kagome’s issue is that she’s being left behind, and that he is not open about the encounters. In fact, he seems insistent on keeping them secret from time to time despite the fact that they’re innocent.
Let’s put the scenario in perspective.
By all inclinations, InuYasha had displayed to Kagome that he wishes to be with her romantically. By taking her hand (something that, in Japanese culture is a proclamation of romantic feelings), hugging her, making promises to remain by her side, and even at one point remarking that he does not wish to ‘break up with her.’
However, it is not until InuYasha promises that he won’t leave her side again to see Kikyou that Kagome expresses anger at him for doing so. He is breaking a promise, so she has every right to be upset.
As well, it is my feeling that most any girl would be upset if they saw that their significant other was sneaking off to meet up with their ex-girlfriend. Even if there was nothing questionable occurring, it would be an uncomfortable and upsetting situation.
However, in true fashion, Kagome matures even beyond this point. Her attitude towards the situation in recent manga volumes has been of irritation, but not any anger towards InuYasha. She has grown beyond the point of ‘sitting him’ and displays of her temper.
Perhaps the strength of Kagome’s ability to do this lies in the fact that she acknowledges the depth of her emotions, both positive and negative.
Instead of dwelling on her problems, Kagome uses them time and time again to reevaluate her emotions and herself. She is certainly prone to spiteful thoughts, but these are quickly swapped with a mature outlook on the issue.
If only that Kikyou wasn't around any more!- Manga volume 18
After thought, turns into:
Kikyou and I are totally different. That I'm apparently Kikyou's reincarnation also... means that I am not Kikyou. My heart is my heart. But you know, there is just one thing... about Kikyou's feelings that I understand. Like me... I want to see you again InuYasha. Somehow, when I thought "aren't both Kikyou and my feelings the same?” I felt a bit better. - Manga volume 18
She becomes absolutely selfless, in contrast to her initial thoughts. For Kagome, what makes her happy is seeing those she cares for happy.
Normal Everyday Life
“Geometry… is scary.”- Kagome, manga volume nine
Kagome has an optimistic personality, but it is not to the point of being unrealistic. Her temperament is more patient than most, and in fact InuYasha is just about the only person who can make her lose it. At times, she has been seen snapping over small mundane things like frustration over schoolwork, but overall she maintains a mellow attitude.
Speaking of schoolwork, Kagome is intelligent, but not overly so. She seems to do fairly well in school (she’s not failing even though she misses most everyday to stay in the past), but doesn’t appear to be incredibly scholarly. (Although I’d imagine she’s received a pretty good history lesson by now.)
Kagome’s cleverness is best displayed in split second situations where resourcefulness is needed. There is one point in which she uses hairspray to defeat a youkai, yes hairspray. (Aerosol is flammable, of course.) In the second movie “Castle Beyond the Looking Glass,” she forms a bow by asking Shippou to transform into one. She then utilizes a broken staff as an arrow, and nearly obliterates the villain at hand.
Overall, she has a sharp wit that has been beneficial in many situations.
Kagome doesn’t have any huge dreams that we know of, she’s a down to earth and practical girl. She seems to underplay things instead of exaggerate and blow things out of proportion. There are points where she gets rather embarrassed about being confronted regarding her accomplishments. (And at the same time has dreams about the whole school cheering her perfect score on a math test.)
Initially, Kagome is irritated by being compared to Kikyou. However, once it is made clear to her by the rest of the cast that they see her as a completely different person, she eases up on it.
She is very people oriented, but at the same time isn’t overly social. She doesn’t appear to seek out the company of people, but is friendly and helpful to those she has come to call friends. This plays into her compassion streak, something that is prevalent at several points in the series. (Kagome rarely discerns between good and evil, instead she discerns between who needs assistance and who doesn’t. This could be a strength and a flaw, but as of yet has not been shown to be anything negative.)
Relationships
"That's right. When did it happen that... it seems natural that Kagome being beside me... is my home." - InuYasha, manga volume 12.
InuYasha- I have to let my bias in and say that this relationship is my absolute favorite aspect of the series. InuYasha and Kagome develop romantic feelings for each other fairly early on, despite having a rocky start. Perhaps the key factors in what make this relationship so strong are complete acceptance and trust. InuYasha and Kagome- despite their tendency to get flustered and nervous, are incredibly comfortable around each other and totally at ease. The trust there is so deep, and InuYasha outright says Kagome is "the first person he has ever trusted." Her near death at one point is also what causes InuYasha to shed his first tears. These two have a bond that has been tested innumerable times. Kagome is fearless to protect InuYasha, and has risked her life for him time and time again without a moment’s thought. She understands better than anyone else the words he often finds himself unable to say, and because of this InuYasha often finds himself overwhelmed and speechless at her words towards him. (Which sometimes results in him feigning disinterest.) These two have their fair share of bickering, but usually it’s very minor and neither of them are actually upset. It serves as comedic relief most of the time.
Kikyou- This is, in my opinion, one of the most unique dynamics in the series. Kagome is Kikyou’s reincarnation, and because of that, for much of the series Kikyou does not believe Kagome should be in the same time as she. Shortly after her resurrection, Kikyou attempts to kill Kagome in an act of jealousy. However, despite that, Kagome does not hold hatred for her. As the series goes on, Kikyou gains respect for the girl from the future and gives up her vendettas against her.
This is not to say that their interaction turns friendly. There is still a thick tension there, and Kikyou retains a cold and unthankful attitude towards Kagome.
I believe that Kikyou’s turning point on Kagome occurred in volume thirty-two of the manga. Kikyou, struck down by Naraku, is near death. The miasma is spreading through her body at a rapid rate and the only thing sustaining her is soil from her original grave. Kagome comes across her in a pool on a mountain, and uses all her power to purify the miasma and heal Kikyou. She does not think about this, but follows the compassion within her heart. She puts so much effort into it that she literally passes out from exhausting her powers.
Despite Kikyou remaining stoic towards her as she leaves Kagome behind, I believe she gained a great respect for her at that point. This selfless girl is something very special.
Sango- Kagome and Sango share a very close friendship. She has taken on the role of teenage friend that Kagome left behind with her schoolmates in modern Japan. Kagome has provided a great deal of comfort towards Sango, and supports her in facing her own personal battles.
Miroku- Like any other girl, Miroku found his eyes captured by Kagome’s pretty face upon their first meeting. These two have an entertaining dynamic that seemed to have faded away when Sango joined the party, but the comedic banter between the two (and InuYasha) was amusing while it lasted. I believe Miroku and Kagome see each other as close friends, almost on a relative (although not as tight as siblings) level.
Shippou- Although a lot of people compare the relationship between Kagome and the kitsune child to a Mother and Son, I’d disagree. I see them more as siblings. Kagome rarely acts motherly towards the boy, treating him more like a younger brother who needs a lot of guidance.
Naraku- Naraku is intimidated and frightened of Kagome’s abilities. So much so, that instead of aiming to defeat her, he seeks to capture her power for his own use. To Kagome, Naraku is perhaps the one being she truly hates. Even his detachments and servants have not aroused hatred from her, and at times they’ve even gained her compassion.
Higurashi Souta- Kagome and her little brother have a very healthy relationship. While they banter, there’s a great deal of respect and love between the two of them. Souta is intrigued and excited by her sister’s journeys, and goes out of his way to assist her in any way possible. (For example, he’s been seen retrieving her assignments from school when she’s not present.)
Higurashi Jiichan- Jiichan has a habit for making up ridiculous legends for anything and everything in his presence. Despite his obvious eccentricities and the fact that Kagome can't be around him for two minutes without him going off on some tangent, Kagome is close to her grandfather, and it's all too true that Jiichan's rambles are often initiated by his worrying for his grandchildren's well being.
Mama Higurashi- Kagome appears to be very close to her mother, and "Mama" as she refers to her obviously cares very deeply for her. Mama is a very laid back woman, allowing her children to do things that most parents wouldn't, (Like traveling through wells to Sengoku Jidai day in and day out), but when it comes down to it she isn't laid back about what matters when Kagome’s emotions are at stake.
Kouga- Although Kouga originally asked Kagome to be ‘his’ so he could use her to detect shards, it’s clear that he developed genuine affection for her as the series continued. Kagome cares about Kouga in a purely platonic manner, but doesn’t have the heart to tell him outright that her feelings are for InuYasha alone.
Why Kagome?
There are some fans who look for females who ‘kick ass’ or are completely heartrending, but for me I always look for the ones who combine all those traits into one package. That’s how I see Kagome. She’s plenty strong in her own right when it comes to the physical, her ordeals are real and identifiable, causing them to be emotionally moving, and she is an absolute stronghold of emotional strength.
I think Kagome has spades of potential, some of it explored, some of it still unexplored. Kagome is realistic, but still manages to be an extraordinary person. At first she appears normal, but upon exploring her character, turns out to be anything but ordinary.
Sources
Chris Rijk's Online Manga Translations (Quotes)
Shosetsu InuYasha Novel (Background information)
Wikipedia (Sengoku Jidai Definition)
Lost Wind Chime (Images)
InuYasha Moon (Images)
Round the Campfire (Images)
Communities
kagome_lovers
inuyashaxkagome
Fanfiction
Sadly, there is a serious lack of Kagome-centric fanfiction out there. The majority of fanfiction featuring her is more focused on InuYasha or whoever she is paired with.
iy_no_kakera
inuyasha_fanfic
Shikon no Go: A Fanfic in 100 Chapters
Heart and Determination
Of Boys and Ice Cream
Life is Love
Author: Kelly O'Connor (cowgirled)
Email: Stretchy_Buyo@yahoo.com
Character: Higurashi Kagome
Fandom: InuYasha
Word Count: 3,426
Spoilers: Heavy spoilers up to volume thirty-two of the manga (which equates to episode 151 of the anime), spoilers for volume 32 onward are ambigous enough where it shouldn't be an issue.
Notes: Essay sticks almost exclusively with manga canon. Deviations are noted.
Glossary
Sengoku Jidai- or "warring-states" period, is a period of long civil war in the History of Japan that spans through the middle 15th to the early 17th centuries. It started in the late Muromachi period in 1467 with the Onin War (Onin no Ran 1467-1478), lasting through the entire Azuchi-Momoyama period, until final peace and order was achieved in 1615 of the Edo period.
Miko- Priestess
Hanyou- Half demon
Youkai- demon
Kitsune- Fox
Shikon no Tama- Jewel of the four souls
With very few deviations, this essay will stick purely to manga canon.
Introduction
Higurashi Kagome is the lead heroine of legendary mangaka Takahashi Rumiko’s current long-running series “InuYasha- Sengoku o Togi-Zoushi.” (“InuYasha- A Feudal Fairy-Tale.)
“InuYasha” began in November of 1996 and is still going strong to this day. It is currently on its forty-first manga volume. It was adapted into an anime in October of 2000 and ran 167 episodes, concluding in September of 2004.
I discovered this series for myself around three and a half years ago. Although I enjoyed Kagome’s character from the beginning, I didn’t find myself truly drawn to her until fairly late on in the series. At that point, I evaluated her character up to that point and rather quickly found this heroine becoming a favorite. (And as time went on, she became my favorite.)
Unfortunately, Kagome tends to be one of the most underappreciated characters in the entire cast. Because she lacks the physical strength of Sango, or the tragedy surrounding Kikyou and Kagura, Kagome is often downgraded to being less of a person than her cast mates, or just delegated to the label of “InuYasha’s girlfriend.”
In this reflection, I intend to explore Kagome’s character to the fullest. I hope to demonstrate that she is an incredibly strong and astounding character, worth far more merit than she receives.
Basic Information
The series “InuYasha” begins specifically on July 3rd 1996. We know this because Kagome’s adventure begins the day of her fifteenth birthday. (July 3rd, 1981 is her official date of birth.)
Kagome attends an unnamed junior high school and is in her last year before entering high school. (The U.S. equivalent of ninth grade.)
Her home also doubles as a Shinto shrine known as the “Dusk Shrine,” and is located in the midst of modern Tokyo.
We know very little about her background. The “InuYasha” novel produced in accordance with the manga reveals several facts however. Her father is deceased. He perished a few years before the start of the series in an unknown accident. At that time, she and her remaining family moved in with their grandfather (his father) at the Dusk Shrine.
At this point she lives with her Grandfather Higurashi (“Jiichan” as he is called by all members of the family), her mother (No name given), a younger brother by the name of Souta, and their rather obese feline, Buyo.
The Beginning
Upon the day of her fifteenth birthday Higurashi Kagome, after falling through a sealed well in her family’s shrine, was transported to the Sengoku Jidai.
From there, her life did a complete 180 as opposed to the normalcy she lived in before.
After exiting the well, she encountered the sengoku jidai version of an ancient god tree that still existed on the shrine grounds in her time, Goshinboku. Sealed upon it is a young Hanyou (half-demon) named InuYasha, who will become her companion for the entirety of the series. (More on this in the relationships segment.)
Kagome also discovers that she is the reincarnation of a powerful Miko named Kikyou, and that a potent jewel by the name of Shikon no Tama was within her body. An attack from a youkai released it from her side, and she was immediately dubbed the protector of it. In addition to all this, her previously unknown dormant Miko powers awaken.
Armed with a bow on her back and arrows to infuse with her Miko powers, Kagome reluctantly takes on the role of protector of the sacred jewel. (Although more than anything, she just wants to go home at this point. Luckily for her, both she and InuYasha can travel through the well freely.)
Unfortunately, it seemed that her task of ‘protecting the jewel,’ would not be so simple. The shikon is snatched by a crow youkai who then proceeds to fly towards a village. In an attempt to defeat the youkai, Kagome fires a purity arrow towards the crow. However, although she kills the creature, it backfires.
The impact of the arrow was so strong that it shattered the shikon no tama into an innumerable amount of pieces, and the true quest begins. Kagome and InuYasha must collect all the pieces of the jewel, in order to complete it and in order to keep them from the hands of those who would use them for evil intentions. Luckily for Kagome though, in addition to her Miko powers, she has the unique ability to sense the aura of the shikon shards.
The Present
As of this point in the series, it has been at least five months (judging by the moon cycles shown) since Kagome began her time traveling.
As of right now, the mission to complete the shikon no tama continues. Also, they seek to defeat the lead villain of the series, Naraku, who has impacted the lives of everyone in the cast.
For Kagome, this has been an experience that has shaped her in a rather positive manner. She has matured in both the mental and corporal manners. From here on out, I will be exploring that.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The Power Within
That girl called Kagome... is dreadful... the arrow that girl fired... cut straight though evil constructs... miasma and poison, purifying it. - Naraku, manga volume twelve.
Kagome... you're a strange child... Even Kikyou-onee-sama's powerful soul, couldn't win against Kagome. This child is... isn't just any old reincarnation. - Kaede, volume six
Kagome holds the power of a great Miko within her. In all technicality, she is likely to be the most lethal female in the entire series. Kikyou herself remarks that “If you cannot defeat me, there is no way you can defeat Kagome.” Kaede notes that she is an extraordinarily unique Miko. There is an incident in which one of Naraku’s detachments attempts to suck Kagome’s very soul, and is unable to do so. Her soul is so large (even though she is in fact, missing a portion of it. This portion was used to resurrect her previous incarnation, Kikyou, earlier on in the series) that Kanna is unable to complete the task.
Kagome’s power manifests to its fullest when someone she holds dear is in danger. At this point in the series (perhaps because she has not had formal training in harnessing her strength), her Miko abilities seem to be controlled largely by her emotions or flare up when she is in grave danger. It’s the love she has for her friends or her resolute determination to survive that causes her powers to surface.
Even early on in the series, Kagome is a formidable opponent. In one of their early encounters with Naraku, she nearly vanquishes him with a single arrow. The reason her powers became so potent? It was because Naraku taunted and insulted InuYasha. (“When he... started making fun of InuYasha... I just snapped. ”) She has come close to accomplishing the same task at two points since then (three if you count the anime only movie “The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass.”)
Unfortunately for Kagome, she has little time to fine tune her powers. Due to this, I don’t believe she has reached near her level of potential. We continually see allusions to her holding incredible power, but we have yet to see her discover that completely.
Takahashi has stated that there will likely be at least one hundred more chapters to the manga, and I believe this is one of the issues that will be addressed. Perhaps it is her power and love for her friends that will be the final nail in the coffin to conquer Naraku.
Selflessness and Jealousy
What's with this girl's soul...? I can't find... any darkness? - Hakudoushi, manga volume twenty-nine.
One of the first accusations you’ll come across towards Kagome in the fandom is that she has a ‘horrendous jealousy streak.’ This is quite honestly, very untrue. In fact, Kagome displays a remarkable amount of selflessness.
A great deal of Kagome’s character is centered around her feelings for InuYasha (he is the same regarding her), and through those we catch a glimpse into the depths of who she is.
While Kagome has displayed jealousy at times, it is understandable if you look at it in retrospect. In actuality, clear showings of jealousy are not apparent until very late into the series. I believe the reasoning comes down to a cultural difference. One dealing with honor, broken promises, and what we see as a romantic relationship.
Kagome’s issue is not that InuYasha sees Kikyou once in a while. She understands that he holds an obligation to her and is concerned for her well being. Although she gets upset about it, she trusts him and knows that nothing clandestine is occurring. Kagome’s issue is that she’s being left behind, and that he is not open about the encounters. In fact, he seems insistent on keeping them secret from time to time despite the fact that they’re innocent.
Let’s put the scenario in perspective.
By all inclinations, InuYasha had displayed to Kagome that he wishes to be with her romantically. By taking her hand (something that, in Japanese culture is a proclamation of romantic feelings), hugging her, making promises to remain by her side, and even at one point remarking that he does not wish to ‘break up with her.’
However, it is not until InuYasha promises that he won’t leave her side again to see Kikyou that Kagome expresses anger at him for doing so. He is breaking a promise, so she has every right to be upset.
As well, it is my feeling that most any girl would be upset if they saw that their significant other was sneaking off to meet up with their ex-girlfriend. Even if there was nothing questionable occurring, it would be an uncomfortable and upsetting situation.
However, in true fashion, Kagome matures even beyond this point. Her attitude towards the situation in recent manga volumes has been of irritation, but not any anger towards InuYasha. She has grown beyond the point of ‘sitting him’ and displays of her temper.
Perhaps the strength of Kagome’s ability to do this lies in the fact that she acknowledges the depth of her emotions, both positive and negative.
Instead of dwelling on her problems, Kagome uses them time and time again to reevaluate her emotions and herself. She is certainly prone to spiteful thoughts, but these are quickly swapped with a mature outlook on the issue.
If only that Kikyou wasn't around any more!- Manga volume 18
After thought, turns into:
Kikyou and I are totally different. That I'm apparently Kikyou's reincarnation also... means that I am not Kikyou. My heart is my heart. But you know, there is just one thing... about Kikyou's feelings that I understand. Like me... I want to see you again InuYasha. Somehow, when I thought "aren't both Kikyou and my feelings the same?” I felt a bit better. - Manga volume 18
She becomes absolutely selfless, in contrast to her initial thoughts. For Kagome, what makes her happy is seeing those she cares for happy.
Normal Everyday Life
“Geometry… is scary.”- Kagome, manga volume nine
Kagome has an optimistic personality, but it is not to the point of being unrealistic. Her temperament is more patient than most, and in fact InuYasha is just about the only person who can make her lose it. At times, she has been seen snapping over small mundane things like frustration over schoolwork, but overall she maintains a mellow attitude.
Speaking of schoolwork, Kagome is intelligent, but not overly so. She seems to do fairly well in school (she’s not failing even though she misses most everyday to stay in the past), but doesn’t appear to be incredibly scholarly. (Although I’d imagine she’s received a pretty good history lesson by now.)
Kagome’s cleverness is best displayed in split second situations where resourcefulness is needed. There is one point in which she uses hairspray to defeat a youkai, yes hairspray. (Aerosol is flammable, of course.) In the second movie “Castle Beyond the Looking Glass,” she forms a bow by asking Shippou to transform into one. She then utilizes a broken staff as an arrow, and nearly obliterates the villain at hand.
Overall, she has a sharp wit that has been beneficial in many situations.
Kagome doesn’t have any huge dreams that we know of, she’s a down to earth and practical girl. She seems to underplay things instead of exaggerate and blow things out of proportion. There are points where she gets rather embarrassed about being confronted regarding her accomplishments. (And at the same time has dreams about the whole school cheering her perfect score on a math test.)
Initially, Kagome is irritated by being compared to Kikyou. However, once it is made clear to her by the rest of the cast that they see her as a completely different person, she eases up on it.
She is very people oriented, but at the same time isn’t overly social. She doesn’t appear to seek out the company of people, but is friendly and helpful to those she has come to call friends. This plays into her compassion streak, something that is prevalent at several points in the series. (Kagome rarely discerns between good and evil, instead she discerns between who needs assistance and who doesn’t. This could be a strength and a flaw, but as of yet has not been shown to be anything negative.)
Relationships
"That's right. When did it happen that... it seems natural that Kagome being beside me... is my home." - InuYasha, manga volume 12.
InuYasha- I have to let my bias in and say that this relationship is my absolute favorite aspect of the series. InuYasha and Kagome develop romantic feelings for each other fairly early on, despite having a rocky start. Perhaps the key factors in what make this relationship so strong are complete acceptance and trust. InuYasha and Kagome- despite their tendency to get flustered and nervous, are incredibly comfortable around each other and totally at ease. The trust there is so deep, and InuYasha outright says Kagome is "the first person he has ever trusted." Her near death at one point is also what causes InuYasha to shed his first tears. These two have a bond that has been tested innumerable times. Kagome is fearless to protect InuYasha, and has risked her life for him time and time again without a moment’s thought. She understands better than anyone else the words he often finds himself unable to say, and because of this InuYasha often finds himself overwhelmed and speechless at her words towards him. (Which sometimes results in him feigning disinterest.) These two have their fair share of bickering, but usually it’s very minor and neither of them are actually upset. It serves as comedic relief most of the time.
Kikyou- This is, in my opinion, one of the most unique dynamics in the series. Kagome is Kikyou’s reincarnation, and because of that, for much of the series Kikyou does not believe Kagome should be in the same time as she. Shortly after her resurrection, Kikyou attempts to kill Kagome in an act of jealousy. However, despite that, Kagome does not hold hatred for her. As the series goes on, Kikyou gains respect for the girl from the future and gives up her vendettas against her.
This is not to say that their interaction turns friendly. There is still a thick tension there, and Kikyou retains a cold and unthankful attitude towards Kagome.
I believe that Kikyou’s turning point on Kagome occurred in volume thirty-two of the manga. Kikyou, struck down by Naraku, is near death. The miasma is spreading through her body at a rapid rate and the only thing sustaining her is soil from her original grave. Kagome comes across her in a pool on a mountain, and uses all her power to purify the miasma and heal Kikyou. She does not think about this, but follows the compassion within her heart. She puts so much effort into it that she literally passes out from exhausting her powers.
Despite Kikyou remaining stoic towards her as she leaves Kagome behind, I believe she gained a great respect for her at that point. This selfless girl is something very special.
Sango- Kagome and Sango share a very close friendship. She has taken on the role of teenage friend that Kagome left behind with her schoolmates in modern Japan. Kagome has provided a great deal of comfort towards Sango, and supports her in facing her own personal battles.
Miroku- Like any other girl, Miroku found his eyes captured by Kagome’s pretty face upon their first meeting. These two have an entertaining dynamic that seemed to have faded away when Sango joined the party, but the comedic banter between the two (and InuYasha) was amusing while it lasted. I believe Miroku and Kagome see each other as close friends, almost on a relative (although not as tight as siblings) level.
Shippou- Although a lot of people compare the relationship between Kagome and the kitsune child to a Mother and Son, I’d disagree. I see them more as siblings. Kagome rarely acts motherly towards the boy, treating him more like a younger brother who needs a lot of guidance.
Naraku- Naraku is intimidated and frightened of Kagome’s abilities. So much so, that instead of aiming to defeat her, he seeks to capture her power for his own use. To Kagome, Naraku is perhaps the one being she truly hates. Even his detachments and servants have not aroused hatred from her, and at times they’ve even gained her compassion.
Higurashi Souta- Kagome and her little brother have a very healthy relationship. While they banter, there’s a great deal of respect and love between the two of them. Souta is intrigued and excited by her sister’s journeys, and goes out of his way to assist her in any way possible. (For example, he’s been seen retrieving her assignments from school when she’s not present.)
Higurashi Jiichan- Jiichan has a habit for making up ridiculous legends for anything and everything in his presence. Despite his obvious eccentricities and the fact that Kagome can't be around him for two minutes without him going off on some tangent, Kagome is close to her grandfather, and it's all too true that Jiichan's rambles are often initiated by his worrying for his grandchildren's well being.
Mama Higurashi- Kagome appears to be very close to her mother, and "Mama" as she refers to her obviously cares very deeply for her. Mama is a very laid back woman, allowing her children to do things that most parents wouldn't, (Like traveling through wells to Sengoku Jidai day in and day out), but when it comes down to it she isn't laid back about what matters when Kagome’s emotions are at stake.
Kouga- Although Kouga originally asked Kagome to be ‘his’ so he could use her to detect shards, it’s clear that he developed genuine affection for her as the series continued. Kagome cares about Kouga in a purely platonic manner, but doesn’t have the heart to tell him outright that her feelings are for InuYasha alone.
Why Kagome?
There are some fans who look for females who ‘kick ass’ or are completely heartrending, but for me I always look for the ones who combine all those traits into one package. That’s how I see Kagome. She’s plenty strong in her own right when it comes to the physical, her ordeals are real and identifiable, causing them to be emotionally moving, and she is an absolute stronghold of emotional strength.
I think Kagome has spades of potential, some of it explored, some of it still unexplored. Kagome is realistic, but still manages to be an extraordinary person. At first she appears normal, but upon exploring her character, turns out to be anything but ordinary.
Sources
Chris Rijk's Online Manga Translations (Quotes)
Shosetsu InuYasha Novel (Background information)
Wikipedia (Sengoku Jidai Definition)
Lost Wind Chime (Images)
InuYasha Moon (Images)
Round the Campfire (Images)
Communities
kagome_lovers
inuyashaxkagome
Fanfiction
Sadly, there is a serious lack of Kagome-centric fanfiction out there. The majority of fanfiction featuring her is more focused on InuYasha or whoever she is paired with.
iy_no_kakera
inuyasha_fanfic
Shikon no Go: A Fanfic in 100 Chapters
Heart and Determination
Of Boys and Ice Cream
Life is Love