零
零 is an older Japanese character for the number 0. Pronounced as 'Rei' (ray) or sometimes as 'Zero', it is the title name for the Fatal Frame Series in Japan. It can also be written as 0, ゼロ, or Zero.
The idea behind the kanji is that is a derivative of 霊 (also pronounced 'rei') which means spirit or ghost. The character comes from the understanding of counting down to zero or going full circle. It was with these concepts in mind as to why Keisuke Kikuchi and Makoto Shibata decided to use the character to represent the Fatal Frame Series.
Wordplay
One fun side of the Fatal Frame Series is the wordplay that goes on with 零.
- 零 shot is a type of shot taken with the Camera Obscura
- Mio Amakura's name (澪) is a derivative of the kanji 零.
- 零 shot is a type of shot taken with the Camera Obscura
- Rei Kurosawa is called Rei after 零, but uses a different kanji to spell her name. (怜)
- Reika Kuze uses the kanji 零 in her name (零華).
- 零 shot is a type of shot taken with the Camera Obscura
- The final chapter of Fatal Frame IV is 零域 or Final Phase: Hallowed Realm.
- Amano Tsukiko called the theme song Zero no Chouritsu, however instead of using the kanji 零, she used the more common ゼロ instead.
- Amano Tsukiko's final full album before she changed her name was entitled ZERO.