Ofuda

Andudas are powerful anime character design props that instantly connect a character to Japanese mysticism, Shintoism, or the supernatural. Japanese ofudas are paper talismans with sacred prayers or divine names used for protection or purification. In anime and manga, these tiny pieces of paper are weapons. A character holding an ofuda will cast a barrier, seal a wandering youkai, or use a powerful elemental attack.

A few anime archetypes involve ofuda. The most common are the miko and onmyouji. From the Touhou Project, Sailor Mars and Reimu Hakurei have made ofuda famous as weapons and shields. They also appear in Chinese-inspired designs, especially on jiangshi (hopping vampires) hats and foreheads, where they seal the undead. OFUDA is popular in dynamic battle fanart because the floating, glowing papers add movement and magic without being too busy.

More eerie and atmospheric fan art uses ofuda than action scenes. A room with ofuda on the walls makes you feel scared or like something supernatural is there because something strong is being kept out or in. Supernatural anime, shrine maiden styles, and traditional Japanese folklore blend well with flashy magical battles in these wallpapers.