Drama Digest
Teacher Shinkai Kazuma is a different kind of swordsman. He is not particularly skilled or masterful but secretly devoted to a particular cause. He is dedicated to researching and learning about Youkai. One day, he captures his student Hina who has been acting strange. He was found talking to a strange piece of pottery in an old abandoned house. Out of nowhere, a youkai suddenly appears and offers Hina a wish. Hina wishes to meet her dead mother so she can apologize to her and move on. The youkai does not seem to have malicious intent, and together with Kazuma and the youkai, Hina must take her band of friends and work together to fulfill her wishes and see her mother again. But is there more than what meets the eye? What does the youkai want with the humans, and why does it grant Hina wishes? Why does Shinkai Kazuma want to learn about youkai? And why does Hina want to meet her mother so badly? Watch the drama and find out.
The Feel-Good Part
The drama is very wholesome as it allows us to look at a friendly youkai trying to help a girl achieve her wish. The storyline is excellent and is something worth a watch. Some fun moments throughout the drama add to the wonder and mystery of this world. Moreover, it shines a light on Japanese mythology in the best way possible. Even with the dull color grading, it does not feel lifeless, and there is a lot that the story has to offer regarding how color is used. The use of intense colors at different times adds to the greatness of the story. Within this show, the details are extraordinary and crafted masterfully.
The Disappointing Factor
While the cinematography and color are masterfully done, there are a few moments where the visual effects and SFX seem a bit goofy and underwhelming. While the story is pretty streamlined and compact, there is a lot that could have been explored further, but with a five-episode run, it remains unexplored. Even with a relatively small cast of characters, there are a few monsters that are not explored. Whether or not that is a problem depends on how invested you are in the lore and the mythology behind this drama and its characters. This series has a lot of potential, and five episodes do not do it justice. With a more standard episode length, there is a lot you can explore and expand within this already colorful universe.
In-Depth Analysis
Youkai is presented as either extremely good and misunderstood or extremely bad and out to harm everyone. It is the first time we see an anti-hero side to these characters and cultures, which is very impressive especially given the short run time. This is a darker and grittier take on dramas as we know them, and it is a breath of fresh air in the drama universe.
Star Power
The director of this drama is Kawamura Taisuke and the screenwriter is Kawasaki Izumi. The two work together to produce on-screen magic with heavy references to folklore and the creatures within it. Kawamura Taisuke is known for Black Cinderella, Ai Uta: My Promise to Nakuhito, Today’s Kira-hun, Watashitachi ga Puropozu Sarenai noni wa, 101 no Riyuu ga Atte da na Season 2, and Nodame Cantabile. Kawasaki Izumi also wrote Nibun no Ichi Fuufu, Zettai BL ni Naru Sekai VS Zettai BL ni Naritakunai Otako, Haru to Ao no Obento Bako, and Jimi ni Sugoi! Koetsu Garu Kono Etsuko. Most historical dramas under NHK have a unique element that takes them to the next level. Whether it’s a quirk or a reference to folklore, you can find something unique. Our leads are Shinkai Kazume and the youkai (Amanojaku), played by Mizukami Koshi and Hongo Kanata. While Shinkai is a character that has a lot of wonder in his eyes and is very lovable, we have Amanojaku, who is willing to help but can’t escape his nature and the way that people perceive youkai. Mizukami Koshi stars in dramas and movies such as Follow Saretara Owari, MIU 404, Chugakusei Nikki, Hope, Yayoi, March: 30 Years That I Loved You, and New Interpretation Records of the Three Kingdoms. Hono Kanata stars in dramas and movies such as Akagi, Nazo no Tenkousei, The Chasing World: The Origin, Rin, Inuyashiki, and Diner. We also have great supporting performances from Yamada Anna, Morikawa Aoi, Aoyama Misata, Hirao Nanaka, and many more.
Overall Opinion
There are a lot of fun and heartfelt moments throughout this short drama. If you enjoy youkai and alternative stories, you will enjoy this drama greatly.
