Favorite Anime

[favorite-anime]

Kämpfer (けんぷファー)

Review: 8-10

Synopsis --

There is a few anime that you watch and are like: ‘What the heck did I just see!?’ that would be Kämpfer, in this case. Let’s dive into this story...

So, the anime begins with a one-sided gunfight between two Kämpfer’s: Senō Natsuru and Mishima Akane. It ends with Natsuru suddenly waking up in his bed, transformed into a well-endowed girl. He learns from Harakiri Tora, a stuffed tiger doll, which was given to him by Mikoto, that he has been chosen to become something called a Kämpfer (Fighter): a genetically enhanced female being with the ability to transform into an avatar with enhanced abilities. In her case, arcane magic.

We learn that there are three groups of Kämpfer’s, paired in groups of two: Blue  Kämpfer’s, Red Kämpfer’s, and White Kämpfer’s...all identified by their bracelets that allow the Moderator’s to control them.

The first few episodes, Natsuru has a hard time controling his bracelet and transforms into the female version of himself. Every time that he changes, he also loses a part of himself, being manipulated to remain in his female form as his male form is ruining their plans.

Natsuru finds that his Partner is Mishima Akane (Blue Bracelet of Oath), an honor student. She is shy and soft-spoken. However, when she transforms, she is foul-mouthed, aggressive, and violent. The same Gewehr Kämpfer that tried to murder him on day one.

She attacks Natsuru and Sakura on their way to school; forcing Natsuru to transform. The fight is one-sided, with Akane having the upper hand. When Natsuru saves Akane from being crushed to death, she becomes infatuated with him.

At school, Natsuru has to deal with the changes, running into many problems from going to the bathroom, having students crush on him, dealing with the student council and the president of the council.

During a confrontation with the Schwert Kämpfer: Shizuku Sangō, the President of the student council, he learns about his enemy: the Reds, and engages in a battle with Akane and Shizuku where they manage to defeat the advanced fighter, but Natsuru, unwilling to murder, has Akane spare her life...something he would come to regret.

Turns out that Shizuku could have killed them both, but like Natsuru, she refuses to kill other Kämpfer’s, and does something unimaginable: she forms an alliance with Natsuru and Akane, the two Blues.

Over the episodes, we learn that Shizuku has developed feelings for the male version of Natsuru, messing with him as her revenge. Her main enemy is the Moderators who changed her into a Kämpfer and killed her best friend who was also a Kämpfer.

To make things worse, Natsuru’s best friend, Kondō Mikoto returns from her travels abroad and engages in a battle with Natsuru, not realizing that the female Kämpfer is actually her childhood friend.

To complicate matters, she is a Red.

After things are cleared up between Mikoto and Natsuru, she continues to fight for her friend's affection, helping to keep Natsuru from becoming a true Kämpfer of female mind and body, which would be disastrous in the rebellion.

The last character to play a major part in attacking the Reds & Blues is Sakura. Sakura, in my opinion, is the main antagonist and is spared many times because of Natsuru’s unrequited feelings for her.

It was Sakura who inadvertently chose’s the Kämpfer’s, by giving her friends stuffed Entrail Animals that serve the Moderator's. She however did not expect her friend Mikoto to give Harakiri Tora as a gift to her childhood friend. This was what led to Natsuru being abducted, genetically engineered, and fitted with the Blue Bracelet of Oath.

When Natsuru tries to confess his love to Sakura, she denies him over and over, citing that she hates men and is infatuated with the Kämpfer Natsuru who saved her from Akane.

Her infatuation turns into obsession as she started making sexual advances on Natsuru. She begins to modify his ability to transform, trapping him in her  Kämpfer form and working on him accepting only his female identity which she loved. Sakura leads the White Kämpfer’s, using mind control to make them loyal to her; and even uses her abilities to control Natsuru and the others.

Unlike the manga series, and the light novels, the anime ends abruptly (Kämpfer für die Liebe) during the fight between Sakura & the rebels. Natsuru is becoming more comfortable with her female body and seems to be falling under Sakura’s enchantment. However, Sangō Shizuku continues her flirting and love affair with Natsuru, wondering how she will mess with him next.

Mikoto and Akane remain in second place, fighting to win Natsuru’s affection.

Since the anime does not offer a conclusion, I had to turn the manga and light novel for an ending to find that Sakura’s attempts at claiming Natsuru for herself, ends in rejection. Sangō Shizuku (in the manga) is chosen by Natsuru as the two hold hands. However, in the light novel, it is Mishima Akane who is chosen by Natsuru.

Please note that the series is a reverse harem, with Natsuru being flirted with by the Kämpfer’s.

Soundtrack Worth Listening To?:

Did not listen to.

Favorite Characters:

My favorite character was Natsuru, his/her story was a pleasure to watch. Afterwards would be Shizuku.

--***--

Video Facts:

Kämpfer ( けんぷファー ) / Kämpfer für die Liebe

Year: 2009

Country: Japan

Written and/or Directed: Sentai Filmworks

Studio: Nomad

Genre: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Romance, Gender Switch, Fantasy, School Life

Notes:

None

[favorite-anime]

Elfen Lied

Review: 9-10

Synopsis --

Elfen Lied was a series that I didn’t have on my list of Anime’s that I had planned to watch. But after watching the whole anime in one night, I have to say that it was actually good.

The story takes place in Kamakura and Kanagawa, Japan. It deals with humans and a new mutant race called Diclonius. The Diclonius appear as humans, but have horn-like protrusions near their temples and have the ability to use telekinesis that is called ‘vectors.’

The story focuses on a murderous Diclonius named Lucy/Nyu who suffers from multiple personality syndrome. Lucy escapes a facility off the coast of Kamakura and is found by two humans named Kouta and Yuka.

During the 13 episodes, we learn there are 35 subjects that the facility has tortured, turning them into weapons against humanity. However, only Lucy escaped and we only got to meet Subject 7 (Nunu) who is friendly to humans and lives at the Kouta Residence, and Subject 35 (Mariko) who is the silpelit daughter of Kurama, sent to murder both Subject 7 and 3.

We learn that over time, the Diclonius population has started to rise, replacing humans due to something called the vector virus that causes offspring to be born Silpelits (a lesser Diclonius race). The major problem for Diclonius is that they are all born female and are sterile. The only one who can naturally reproduce is Lucy, giving her the title of ‘queen’. 

Near the climax of the story, we learn that Lucy murdered Kouta’s father and sister, leading him down a path of misery and loneliness. The only one left alive was Yuka, whom Lucy was going to kill, because Kouta lied to Lucy after they became friends.

It is revealed that though Lucy tries to forgive Kouta for lying to her, she remains distant, protecting him and unlocking his memories of that night. In the finale, Mariko, soldiers, Nunu, Lucy, and Kouta engage in a battle and the soldiers are killed along with Mariko and her biological father. It is assumed that Lucy was also killed, but in the last scene, a figure, unseen, is standing just outside of the gate. The audience can assume that this might be Lucy, though we will never know.

One interesting fact to consider is that in the end, it seems that the person standing at the door that Kouta goes to answer is none other than Lucy and that she was still somehow alive. The anime ends with the music box ceasing its song, and the clock starts working. This strongly implies that the Lucy personality that Kouta inadvertently created with his lie, is dead. And that Nyu, the one whom Kouta cares for, is alive as the clock was Nyu’s favorite object in the house, and the music box was Lucy’s.

https://64.media.tumblr.com/24111bf504ccf2be106613167d69c4cc/tumblr_n2uz2tnGBT1r91pgco5_500.gifv

The director stated that he wanted this series to appear as a romance, and that effort certainly was shown with the romance between Kouta and Lucy (even though she murdered his family) and Kouta and Yuka.

In the end, everyone got what they wanted: Kouta to have a family, Yuka to have Kouta, Nunu to be accepted by humans and not be alone, and Mayu has a family that does not sexually abuse her.

Overall, I would like to watch this series again.

Please note that the series does have smoking, graphic murder, off-screen rape, child abuse, psychological trauma, violence, and animal cruelty.

Soundtrack Worth Listening To?:

Did not listen to it.

Favorite Characters:

Nana and Lucy are well developed characters, both with tragic backstories that made watching them deal with the past enjoyable. I’d say that I would also add Kouta to this list as he was adorable with Nyu.

--***--

Video Facts:

Elfen Lied ( エルフェンリート , Erufen Rīto )

Year: 2004

Country: Japan

Written and/or Directed: Mamoru Kanbe, VAP, Genco

Studio: Arms, Studio Guts

Genre: Action, Drama, Horror, Gore, Psychological, Romance, Futuristic, Science Fiction

Notes:

Anime is rated R+

[favorite-anime]

RE Life

Review: 9-10

Synopsis --

Dismissed as a hopeless loser by those around him, 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki bounces around from one job to another after quitting his first company. His unremarkable existence takes a sharp turn when he meets Ryou Yoake, a member of the ReLife Research Institute, who offers Arata the opportunity to change his life for the better with the help of a mysterious pill. Taking it without a second thought, Arata awakens the next day to find that his appearance has reverted to that of a 17-year-old.

Arata soon learns that he is now the subject of a unique experiment and must attend high school as a transfer student for one year. Though he initially believes it will be a cinch due to his superior life experience, Arata is proven horribly wrong on his first day: he flunks all his tests, is completely out of shape, and can't keep up with the new school policies that have cropped up in the last 10 years. Furthermore, Ryou has been assigned to observe him, bringing Arata endless annoyance.

ReLIFE follows Arata's struggle to adjust to his hectic new lifestyle and avoid repeating his past mistakes, all while slowly discovering more about his fellow classmates.

I decided to watch RELife’s first episode to see if I would like it, and after a few episodes in, I found it to have a nice story arc. The story was careful not to reveal too much about the other RELife support worker An Onoya and Subject 01, Chizuru Hishiro. Though I have to admit that I already guessed who Subject 01 was by episode 3, and loved how they balanced the awkwardness of High School, dealing with once being an adult, and the trauma that each character must overcome to achieve their own happiness.

I like that the show stuck to its morals, and the only fantasy element in the show was the pill that turned adults into High Schoolers.

Overall, I would like to watch this series again.

Please be certain to see the follow-up episodes in  ReLIFE: Kanketsu-hen that concludes After Graduation and Chizuru and Arata working at RELife and finally meeting one another in episode 4′s last minutes. I would say that these last four episodes are the most emotional and give the viewer hope that Chizuru and Arata will have a happy ending.

Please note that the series does have drinking, smoking, and off-screen suicide.

Soundtrack Worth Listening To?:

Did not listen to.

Favorite Characters:

I liked Chizuru Hishiro and Arata Kaizaki equally in this series. They, together, create a lot of comedy and Chizuru, personally, is a character I can relate to.

--***--

Video Facts:

RE Life /  ReLIFE: Kanketsu-hen / RELIFE Shorts

Year: 2016

Country: Japan

Written and/or Directed:   Satoru Kosaka, Michiko Yokote, Kazuho Hyōdō

Studio:   TMS Entertainment, Double Eagle

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, School Life, Drama

Notes:

Anime is based off of 15 volume manga series. It is unlikely there will be a Season 2.

[favorite-anime]

Kiitaro's Yokai Picture Diary (Kiitarou Shounen no Yokai Enikki)(奇異太郎少年の妖怪絵日記)

Review: 7-10

Synopsis -- Kiitaro’s Yokai Picture Diary is exactly about what its title suggests, about certain Japanese Youkai spirits. The story focus around two main protagonists: Kiitaro and a zashiki warashi (house spirit) named Suzu.

Kiitaro enters the anime, having been disavowed by him family and forced to live on his own in a rundown house. It is here where he encounters Suzu and the first anime features him and Suzu in a battle with their allied Youkai. After seeing the consequences of their disagreement, they both agree that war is pointless and it is better to go forth to find a peaceful resolution--a sentiment that will be reinforced during many encounters with Youkai.

Along the way, Kiitaro finds himself befriended by a busty trickster kitsune named Kitsunemen no Onna and a half breed snow woman named Yukimusume. Her mother, Yukihaha was quite cold to Kiitaro at the beginning, but later on develops a friendship with him near the series end.

Overall, I found it to have many interesting facts about the Japanese mythology regarding certain types of Yokai and discusses them at the end of the short episode, right after the end of the credits roll.

One of the downsides of this anime is that it feels rushed, and the characters have very little development. In fact, with the opening title, end credits, and storytelling--the whole episode is just under five minutes. It is a major downside to the anime that makes the viewer sit back and wonder ‘Wow, that ended suddenly’. I am not certain why this was done, but in the end, this series feels more like a teaser.

Overall, I give it a seven due to the cultural aspect and focus on creating a world that Kiitarou and his friends live within. But it isn’t a series that I will probably watch a second time.

Soundtrack Worth Listening To?: Uncertain.

Favorite Characters: Kitsunemen no Onna and Yukihaha. Though they have short roles in the story, I like their character development.

--***--

Video Facts:

Kiitaro’s Youkai Picture Diary (Kiitarou Shounen no Youkai Enikki)

Year: 2016

Country: Japan

Written and/or Directed: Hisayoshi Hirasawa *Producer: Taichi Hatanaka

Studio: Creators in Pack / Cloud22

Genre: Comedy, Supernatural, Cultural

[favorite-anime]

Yobi, the Five Tailed Fox (천년여우 여우비)

Review: 8-10

-- Yobi, the Five Tailed Fox was a rather cute anime that came from South Korea. It featured the story of a kumiho (gumiho) (A Fox Deity) girl named Yobi who had the ability to transform from her divine fox-spirit form into a human (with five tails if she becomes distracted). The one thing that she desires overall is to have a soul.

Yobi decides to infiltrate a school for ‘unfit’ children; interjecting herself into school life to learn and socialize.

A romance begins to develop between Yobi and a human child named Hwang Geum-ee.

When the Fox Hunter attacks Yobi near her home in the mountains; she is saved by a phantom named: Mr. Shadow.

Mr. Shadow reveals to Yobi that to fulfill her dreams of having a soul, she will need to use a technological device that would steal the soul from a human who loves her.

Things reach the climax when the Fox Hunter infiltrates the school, setting up camp and leads to Yobi revealing herself.

She runs away back home, however, Hwang goes after her. He discovers her secret and when the authorities come; he remains silent for her sake.

When the Fox Hunter attacks both Hwang and Yobi; they fall into the Spirit World where Hwang’s soul departs from his body.

A second short climax unfolds when Mr. Shadow reveals his true nature and steals Hwang’s soul so that he may be reincarnated once more.

Yobi and the Guardians of the Spirit World attack Mr. Shadow and defeat him. When the Guardians come for Hwang’s soul; Yobi sacrifices herself, revealing that she already had a soul.

With the debt paid, Hwang’s soul returns to his body and Yobi dies. The last we see of Hwang, he is searching for Yobi. A few moments later; Yobi’s soul is released to be reincarnate as a human.

Overall, the story was very nice. I do not think that aliens were needed in the story telling. They seemed to have been added afterwards to help the story flow. But honestly, they really didn’t help to add to the story's narrative. And at the end of the climax, they simply disappeared from the story.

They could have used this time to continue building character development between Hwang and Yobi.

One trait I appreciated was the story arc and animation depicting Yobi’s conditioning from Fox-like to human.

Soundtrack Worth Listening To? : Uncertain.

Favorite Characters: Yobi...she is cute, clever, and a trickster...just as fox spirits are said to be.

--***--

Video Facts:

Yobi, the Five Tailed Fox (천년여우 여우비)

Year: 2007

Country: South Korea

Written and Directed: Lee Chang-dong *Written, Lee Sung-gang *Directed

Studio: Unknown

Genre: Romantic, Supernatural, Cultural

[favorite-anime]

Kanokon (かのこん)

Review: 5-10

-- Kanokon, before I go any deeper into detail, isn’t exactly an age-appropriate anime. It certainly contains its adult themes with frontal nudity in the last few episodes.

This story revolves in a very simple plot: Kouta Oyamada, a first-year high school student who is infatuated with Chizuru Minamoto

Chizuru is a kitsune that is constantly trying to have Kouta confess to her. She goes as far as possessing him a few times; transforming him into a black fur/hair kitsune boy (though in the climax episode of the series, he evolves into a nine-tail kitsune).

Chizuru constantly flirts with him in front of others which makes it harder for him to confess to her, due to embarrassment.

To complicate matters, Nozomu Ezomori, a wolf spirit, is shown kindness from Kouta, and bonds herself to him. Only in the last two episodes does Nozomu relent to Chizuru, allowing the two lovers to finally confess to one another.

Historically speaking, this series actually uses the name of a famous nine tail kitsune named Tamamo-no-Mae, who is shown to test and tempt Kouta on two occasions to see if he and her adoptive daughter are compatible.

Yuki-onna, Tamamo’s another adopted daughter, also tests Kouta and Chizuru.

I found this anime to be lewd. I liked some of the ideas of kitsune facts (like number of tails, fox weddings, and mythology); however, the exacerbated flaunting and flirting was certainly incorporated to attract a younger male audience.

It is an anime worth watching, if you are interested in some kitsune history; but certainly not for kids younger than 16 (though there is no sex or bottom nudity). The only thing I didn’t care about was the fact that the characters didn’t look like they were in high school. They appeared very young, which was a bit unsettling.

There are only 12 episodes of this anime.

Soundtrack Worth Listening To? : There is a soundtrack for Kanokon; but I didn’t listen to it.

Favorite Characters: So difficult -- I didn’t really have a favorite.

--***--

Video Facts:

Kanokon (かのこん) The Girl Who Cried Fox

Year: 2008

Country: Japan

Written and Directed: Atsushi Ōtsuki *Written, Masashi Suzuki *Directed

Studio: Xebec

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Supernatural, Cultural, Young Adult

[favorite-anime]

Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits (かくりよの宿飯, Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi)

Review: 8-10

-- Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits was a series I watched, based off of the use of kitsunes and Shinto influence (very lightly).

Based off of the Japanese Light Novel series written by Midori Yūma (11 volumes so far), it was made into a 26-episode series.

Aoi Tsubaki is in her late teens who has the ability to see the Ayakashi. One day, while passing a torii, an Ayakashi says that it is hungry and she gives him food. Aoi is then kidnapped by the Ogre named Odanna, and taken to the Hidden Realm and forced to pay of her grandfather’s debt by marrying the Ogre, she negotiates, asking to work at Tenjin’ya as a cook.

Over the episodes, she slowly transforms into a Ayakashi (by eating their food) and develops feelings for Odanna and a kitsune named Ginji

The last few episodes are the best, with her meeting one of the Gods, and befriending it for the night.

The anime may be finished (as of lately), but the manga is still continuing. It is likely that this anime could be restarted in a few years, if there is popularity for it.

Soundtrack Worth Listening To? : Sadly, there isn’t an exact soundtrack; only singles.

Favorite Characters: Aoi Tsubaki, Ginji, and Odanna

--***--

Video Facts:

Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits (かくりよの宿飯, Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi)

Year: 2018

Country: Japan

Written and Directed: Tomoko Konparu *Written, Yoshiko Okuda *Directed

Studio: Gonzo

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Supernatural, Cultural

[favorite-anime]

Kamisama Kiss (神様はじめました,  Kamisama Hajimemashita)

Review: 10-10

-- Kamisama Kiss is a unique series that is focused on a series of characters who are all required to help in order to bring peace to everyone’s own life.

The story begins with Nanami who was just evicted from her father’s apartment and is homeless. She helps the God Mikage who in return rewards her, by making her the new Goddess of the Mikage Shrine.

The story shows how Nanami is resistant to being a Goddess of a shrine, however, over time, she falls in love with Tomoe, a kitsune familiar.

I loved the imagination that this story brought, along with the duties of the Shrine, traveling to Izumo in October for the deity meeting, while trying to revive the dying shrine that contains a dark spirit within.

The manga continues where the anime left off, highlighting the ten years that Nanami and Tomoe lived together as normal humans, ending with them returning to the Mikage Shrine after Namami has completed her journey into adulthood. It is left to the reader to imagine their fate afterwards.

Personally, I believe that they both remain somewhat divine, as at the end, both Namami and Tomoe see Mizuki and Mikage; which would have been impossible if they were just human (according to common story-arc regarding the kami and spirits), though it could be different in this world.

I have yet to read the manga.

Regarding Kamisama Kiss having a third season, seems to be unknown at this time. It would follow both Nanami Momozono and Tomoe Mikage two years after the last episode, and the development of their son.

There was some talk of season 3 in 2021...but nothing as of lately.

Soundtrack Worth Listening To? : Yes, the music by Toshio Masuda is very lovely. I personally like the first season soundtrack, thanks to its use of traditional Japanese instruments and highlighting on Kagura in its last two tracks.

Favorite Characters: Nanami Momozono / Tomoe / Mizuki

--***--

Video Facts:

Kamisama Kiss (神様はじめました Kamisama Hajimemashita)

Year: 2012

Kamisama Kiss: Kako-hen (2015-2016)

Kamisama Kiss: Kamisama, Shiawase ni Naru (2016)

Country: Japan

Written and Directed: Akitaro Daichi

Studio: TMS Entertainment

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Supernatural, Cultural

[favorite-anime]

The Helpful Fox Senko-san (世話やきキツネの仙狐せんこさんSewayaki Kitsune no Senko-san)

Review: 10-10

-- The story circles around the human protagonist Kuroto Nakano who is overwhelmed by his job. After work, he finds a kitsune named Senko who has been tasked with dispelling his darkness (miasma), helping him find happiness once more.

Senko is absolutely adorable with her duty to pamper, clean, massage, groom, cook, and comfort Kuroto. Over time, Senko and Kuroto develop a husband/wife + mother/son relationship. While Senko serves as the mother/wife of the relationship; Shiro certainly serves as the child aspect of both of their lives.

Based off the Japanese fantasy comedy mange series by Rimukoro. Unlike many anime I have watched, this manga is still releasing new chapters.

I am very excited if Senko-San gets a second season...at this time, there is talk of Season 2 occurring in 2022, but no confirmation. 

Soundtrack Worth Listening To? : Yes, the music by Yoshiaki Fujisawa is very relaxing, but this OST is difficult to find. The main title and ending song are very catchy.

Favorite Characters: Senko

--***--

Video Facts:

The Helpful Fox Senko-san (世話やきキツネの仙狐せんこさん, Sewayaki Kitsune no Senko-san)

Year: 2019

Country: Japan

Written and Directed: Yoshiko Nakamura *Written / Tomoaki Koshida *Directed

Studio: Doga Kobo

Genre: Fantasy Comedy, Cultural

[favorite-anime]

Your Name (君の名は Kimi no Na wa)

Review: 10-10

This was my third anime that I watched, and was what introduced me to the wonderful world of Japanese Anime.

If I had a top five favorite anime movies and series, this movie would be at number one. I absolutely love this movie from start to finish. The visuals and music are absolutely breathtaking. And the character development is perfect!

I have read both the manga and light novel for this movie--and highly recommend it to you!

This movie is a precursor to the movie: Weathering With You. And a third movie is already in the making. (Though it should be noted that all three movies are separate shows, you can see the aftermath and characters in the other movies)

Secondly, this movie has a very strong attachment to Shinto and the duties of the Shrine and those who serve the Kami. One of the main protagonists of the movie is Miko (Shrine Maiden). In the book and the manga, even the second protagonist (Taki Tachibana) had to learn Mitsuha Miyamizu’s duties as a shrine maiden; as he had to pose for the archaeology department, practice, perform shrine duties, and visit the goshintai to make offering to the kami who protects the area.

Another strange aspect of this movie is that it deals with body-swapping and coming of age.

Since its arrival, Kimi no Na wa is the third highest-grossing anime film of all time.

Since its viewing, a Live-Action remake of Your Name by producer J. J. Abrams began in 2017; however, unlike the Japanese original, it is being made in America; and will have very little premise to the original.

Currently, the film is struggling with its director (since 2021, already 2 have already walked off); yet, the script will still feature a body-swap fantasy between a man from Chicago and a Native American woman.

-- 

Soundtrack Worth Listening To? : Yes, the music by Radwimps is especially good! It is a very moving soundtrack that I play maybe twice a week when I write. Soundtracks like Goshintai and Toshokan are absolutely devastating to listen to. And the track: Sparkle will be an emotional song every time as it plays during the climax of the movie.

Favorite Characters:  Mitsuha Miyamizu & Taki Tachibana

--***--

Video Facts:

Your Name (君の名は Kimi no Na wa)

Year: 2016

Country: Japan

Written and Directed: Makoto Shinkai

Studio: Toho & CoMix Wave Films

Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Romance, Disaster, Cultural

[favorite-anime]

Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha (いなり、こんこん、恋いろは)

Review: 10-10

-- Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha is certainly a ‘cute’ anime with a beautiful message in both the manga (which I am currently reading) and the anime series.

The series features the Fushimi Inari-taisha, an Inari Shinto Shrine dedicated to the five Inari gods (Sarutahiko, Omiyanome, Tanaka, and Shi) and features the main deity: Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami whom befriends a human girl named: Inari Fushimi whom (like her brother), can see her and the kitsune spirits.

I’ve seen many ‘Shinto’ related anime; and of all the series that I have watched, this series follows very closely to the traditions and famous people and places in Shinto.

Unlike traditional kitsune anime, this one does not have half human/fox beings. It follows closely with the idea that the foxes remain as foxes. Only in the manga does it show Kon (Inari’s familiar) to take the human/fox form.

Another aspect that I like of this series is the cause-and-effect that is illustrated with Inari actually becoming a God. I just wish that they had concluded the story as the manga had concluded it.

I hope that one day, they will add a second season; but that is highly unlikely as the series is concluded at only 11 episodes.

The only thing that I didn’t like about the series (or manga) is the concept design for Amaterasu--seemed I little brash.

Soundtrack Worth Listening To? : Yes, Takeshi Senoo adds a classical/traditional Japanese tone to the soundtrack.

Favorite Characters: Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami & Inari plus all the cute kitsunes like Kon!

--***--

Video Facts:

Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha (いなり、こんこん、恋いろは)

Year: 2014

Country: Japan

Written and Directed: Touko Machida *Written / Toru Takahashi *Directed

Studio: Production IMS

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Supernatural, Cultural

[favorite-anime]

Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫)

Princess Mononoke was my first Japanese Anime that I ever watched. It was suggested to me by a friend, and since then, I’ve been impressed with the animation and story-line of most anime.

Review: 9-10

-- I’ve always liked a blend of history and fantasy; and this made Princess Mononoke worth watching. Set back in the Muromachi Period (approximately 1336 to 1573), it emphasizes the battle between the Gods (Kami) of the forest and the Humans whom consume the resources without replenishing them.

The two main characters: San and Ashitaka are amazing in the movie. Both of them are thrust in between humanity and the divine. The message of cherishing nature and all life is very prevalent in storytelling.

Personally, I loved the giant wolf, Moro that raised, guarded, and guided San. Amazing note to add was that much of James Cameron’s inspiration for his movie Avatar came from Princess Mononoke for the ecosystem and theme of culture clashes.

I highly recommend the movie!

Soundtrack Worth Listening To? : Yes, the music by Joe Hisaishi is absolutely beautiful!

Favorite Characters: San & Moro

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Video Facts:

Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫 Mononoke-hime)

Year: 1997

Country: Japan

Written and Directed: Hayao Miyazaki

Studio: Ghibli

Genre: Epic Historical Fantasy

[favorite-anime]

Info About This Page

Yokoso,

Growing up, I never really had much appreciation for anime. But after seeing Princess Mononoke, I was impressed with the artistic designs of the films and began to expand outward to other films and series.

It has already been a fun experience; learning the Japanese language, customs and dance (both kabuki and kagura), and winding down the day with a series or movie in Japanese or regarding something amazing or unique to the customs.

The purpose of this page is to share and record the anime that I have loved and to share my review with those interested in seeing the film or series.

Personally, I like the ‘lighter’ side of anime; along with fantasy. You will see many fantasy suggestions, and anime’s regarding Japanese customs and faith (including Shinto, which I practice).

I’m always looking for other amazing movies or series to watch! So, if you have any suggestions, feel free to comment below.

Doumo Arigatou Gozaimashita!