is a Japanese light novel series written by Kana Akatsuki (author of Violet Evergarden) and illustrated by Suoh. It began publication under ASCII Media Works light novel imprint Dengeki Bunko in April 2021. A manga adaptation of the first part illustrated by Nappa Komatsuka began serialization in Hakusensha's manga magazine LaLa in July 2022. An anime television series adaptation of the first part produced by Wit Studio aired from March to June 2026.
Plot
Synopsis In the beginning, there was Winter only. Unable to bear the loneliness in a world devoid of other seasons, he chose to cut off part of his vital essence to generate a new season, to whom he gave the name of "Spring". At the Mother Earth's wish, Winter again cut off his vital essence to give birth to Summer and Autumn, thus beginning the cycle of the four seasons. The Four Seasons visited every single corner of the world to perpetuate the cycle, until one day they decided to entrust this mission to Mother Earth's creatures, but none were capable of fulfilling the task. The Four Seasons fell into despair at having failed in their desired goal, until mankind made its appearance, willing to perform their duty in exchange for peace, prosperity and stability in its lands. The four deites of the seasons thus granted their powers to a small group of humans, who, over the centuries, have come to be known as the Agents of the Four Seasons.
Introduction Each country has its own vision on how the world originated, however each one agrees on the nature of the seasons, the day and the night.
The seasons are given by the Agents through rituals of song and dance, while the day and the night are brought about by the arrows shot into the sky by the Archers of Dawn and Twilight.
The safety of these figures is put at risk by individuals who hate the changing of the seasons and/or the alternation of the day and the night, known as "Insurgents". Because of this reason, Agents and Archers have a guard at their side, with whom they often tend to develop a strong bond of codependency.
The story is set in contemporary times in the archipelago of Yamato, a land that rises in the middle of the ocean in the Far East, commonly called "Cherry Blossom of the East", due to the arrangement of its islands resembling the branches of a cherry blossom tree (N-to-S):
Enishi (Hokkaido) Teishu (Honshu) Iyo (Shikoku) Tsukushi (Kyushu) Ryugu (Okinawa)
Like every other nation in the world, Yamato has its own Agents of the Four Seasons, each of whom has the duty to manifest their season in every part of the land.
The Agents of Spring and Summer begin their journey on the island of Ryugu then move north, while the Agents of Autumn and Winter begin their journey on the island of Enishi, then head south.
The role of "Agent" is bestowed by the deities of the seasons based on the physical, mental and spiritual eligibility of a blood descendant of the first Agent, and the chosen individual cannot in any way oppose their destiny. The bestowal occurs when the previous Agent dies or ceases to be eligible for the role.
It is possible for an Agent, due to insufficient preparation or drastic events, to be unable to manifest their season, consequently extending the duration of the previous one. This is the case of the Agent of Spring, Hinagiku Kayo, a 16-year-old girl who was kidnapped by the Insurgents at the age of just 6. As a result, spring hasn't manifested in Yamato for 10 years, and winter, instead of lasting 3 months like the other seasons, has lasted 6 months during this period of time.
However, the young Hinagiku has made her return and is now preparing to bring her season back to the nation, accompanied by her guard, Sakura Himedaka.
It all begins on February 10th of the year 20 of the Reimei era, on the island of Ryugu.
Characters The story, as a whole, does not feature a single character who constantly plays the leading role. Each major narrative arc (e.g., Dance of..., The Archer of...) features its corresponding Agent and Guard or Archer and Custodian.
Agents of the Four Seasons and Guards
The Agent of Spring, possesses the ability of "Life Acceleration". She was kidnapped and held captive by the "Insurgents", natural enemies of the Agents of the Four Seasons, for almost ten years, during which spring did not occur. She has had feelings for Rosei since she was little. As an illegitimate daughter born of the head of Kayo family and his mistress, the previous Agent of Spring Kobai Yukiyanagi, her family treats her poorly even after her return. In her captivity Hinagiku was abused by the leader Misuzu Henderson both physically, emotionally and mentally. Hinagiku was also forced to cultivate plants for the Insurgents to be used as illegal drugs. After eight years Hinagiku snapped and nearly kills Misuzu and escaped, but she isolated herself from her duties for two years as the abuse affected her deeply.
The Agent of Spring's Guard. She is an attendant who never stopped looking for Hinagiku, suffering regret for not being able to protect her charge. The love she felt for Itecho surpassed the adoration of a student towards her master, but due to a certain event she hates him deeply. Even after the Town of Spring and Winter stopped searching for Hinagiku, she continued to search for her alone.
The Agent of Winter and currently the longest serving Agent. He possesses the ability "Life Coagulation". Being the cause of the kidnapping of his first love, Hinagiku, torments him.
The Agent of Winter's Guard. He has been Rosei's servant since he was a child, and was also Sakura's sword master. Like Rosei, he condemns himself for failing to protect the Hinagiku.
The Agent of Summer, possesses the ability of "Life Operation". She has a sunny and kind nature, but she can't be honest with her older twin sister Ayame, because she doesn't want her to give up her role as her Guard.
The Agent of Summer's Guard. She is Ruri's older twin sister and her attendant. She plans to leave her post as a Guard on the occasion of her wedding. Despite being a victim of her sister's whims, she wishes for her happiness.
The Agent of Autumn, possesses the ability of "Life Putrefaction". She is the youngest and the shortest-serving deity. She has immense trust and affection for Rindou.
The Agent of Autumn's Guard. He treats his job like a business, without letting his emotions get in the way. Those around him don't see it that way. He doesn't realize it, but he's overprotective of Nadeshiko.
Archers and Custodians of Dawn and Twilight
The Archer of Dawn, her task is to bring the Day to Yamato. She is a 16 y/o high school student with a masculine way of speech, but no one knows she's the Goddess of the Day, except Yuzuru. She deeply cares for Yuzuru. She tries to force him to abandon his role as Guardian so that he can gain the freedom she lacks.
The Archer of Dawn's Custodian. He decided to serve Kaya in place of his father. He is proud of his work and is fond of Kaya, but is annoyed that she is trying to force him to abandon his role as her Custodian.
The Archer of Twilight, his task is to bring Night to Yamato. He fell into depression after his wife and his custodian, Eken, suddenly ran away from home. His feelings for Tsukihi are difficult to explain in words.
The Archer of Twilight's Custodian. He respects Kaguya and they once lived together as father and son, but one day, he ran away.
Towns of the Four Seasons Birthplaces of the Agents of the Four Seasons. They represent autonomous institutions tasked with procreating, training, and protecting the Agents of the Four Seasons.
Town of Spring Birthplace of the Agents of Spring, located on the island of Teishu.
Former Agent of Spring and Hinagiku's mother. She fell in love with Shungetsu, with whom she had Hinagiku, but this gave rise to a series of disagreements within the village. She later committed suicide to end the discrimination and mistreatment toward her and her daughter.
Head of the Kayo family. He's the father of Hinagiku and Zansetsu. He is as cold as Winter, probably the reason Kobai fell in love with him. His beloved's death has sparked an aversion to Hinagiku, who he ignores even though he officially acknowledged her.
Spring Village Administrator. He's Hinagiku's half-brother. He's a wealthy boy, and his mother's a prosperous landowner. He knows Sakura and asks her to keep her sister unaware of the financial support he is providing to the two girls.
Zansetsu's servant. He grew up in the same orphanage as Sakura before being taken in by Zansetsu, whom he worships almost religiously. Despite his age, he performs his duties better than most adults in the village.
Town of Winter Birthplace of the Agents of Winter, located on the island of Enishi.
Member of the Town of Winter's elite security. He's a kind and caring agent who guards Hinagiku and Sakura on Rousei and Itechou's orders. He monitored Rousei and Hinagiku's relationship during the month of the Summoning of the Four Seasons.
Member of the Town of Winter's elite security. Along with Todo, he guards the two girls on Rousei and Itechou's orders. He holds Itechou in high regard.
Town of Summer Birthplace of the Agents of Summer, located on the island of Iyo.
Agent of Summer's Guard Candidate, Ruri's fiancé. He's a confident, sometimes arrogant man. Most people consider him weird, but he's kind and devoted to those he respects. He's madly in love with Ruri.
Town of Summer doctor and Ayame's fiancé. He is a doctor affiliated with the town's medical practice. Despite his playboy appearance, he is kind and gentle. He wishes to marry Ayame, but there is a big secret between them.
Town of Autumn Birthplace of the Agents of Autumn, located on the island of Tsukushi.
Head maid of the Town of Autumn Domestic Affairs Department. She is Nadeshiko's maid and works at the village's main shrine. She is strong-willed, caring, and skilled at her job. She can't help but love Nadeshiko and is happy to have been chosen as her head maid. Her family situation is a bit complicated.
Member of the Town of Autumn's security. He is one of Rindo's closest subordinates and associates. He is a quiet, simple, and kind boy who takes care of Nadeshiko, but the little girl's guard dog does not seem to appreciate him and he often ends up being the victim of its pranks.
Institutions of Yamato
Agency of the Four Seasons It is a NGO that manages the duties of the Agents of the Four Seasons, allocating funds to them and their corresponding towns.
Member of the Agency Autumn Division's Security Department. She is responsible for the Town of Autumn's security system. She is an intelligent woman with a career that allows her to operate flexibly. She considers Rindo a little brother.
An employee of the Agency of the Four Seasons' Security Department. She is assigned to the Agent of Winter's security and also serves as Rousei's psychologist. She is a calm woman with excellent qualities in her duties.
National Security It's a government national defense organization that protects peace and security in Yamato.
Special Agent of National Security. She's the captain of Kaguya's security. She was only appointed to this role temporarily, but she has deep respect and affection for him. She grew up in a family devoted to the gods.
Insurgents Natural enemies of the Agents of the Four Seasons. They are divided into Reformists, whose goal is to threaten the Agents' safety to pressure institutions into changing the laws governing their divine powers, and Defeaters, whose goal is to eliminate the Agents out of hatred for the seasons.