Hanyō

hanyo (half-demon in english terms) is a mix between a human, and a Yōkai. A Hanyo is born when one of the parents is a demon, and one a human. A hanyo typically possess the ability to become a yokai (demon) if under a considerable amount of pain, suffering, or loss, and with the power of the Sacred Jewel have the ability to become a full-blooded Yōkai.

While a hanyo can never be as strong as the demonic parent without becoming a yokai, most hanyo seem to be powerful enough to not only deal with any human hostilities, but also to easily dispatch most yokai. It seems as if the only demons that have hanyo spawn are the yokai so powerful that diluting their power with human blood would still leave them better of than the majority of demons. InuYasha is a prime example of this.

As people, half-demons are often outcasted by their human brethren because of their demon heritage, deeming them monsters while their demon kin rejects them due to their human blood, considering them weak. In effect, half-demons are outcast for belonging to neither race. All of the half-demons that have appeared throughout the story have sought to remedy their 'impurity' by using the Shikon Jewel to either become a full-fledged demon or a human.

In the movie, Fire on the Mystic Island, there is a secret haven known as Horai Island where demons and humans live together in peace, raising their half-breed offspring who are accepted by all.

Types of Hanyo

 * Naraku (due to being born from Onigumo, and having affections towards Kikyo).
 * InuYasha