"The Magical Demon-Slaying Night Journey: Karla Dances!" -A thorough analysis of the grudge song of Sendai Koakeshi-

The appeal and evaluation of "Hengen Taima Yakou Karura Dances! -Sendai Koakeshi Onka-"

"Hengen Taima Yakou Karura Dance! - Sendai Kokakeshi Onka -" was released as an OVA in 1990 and is based on the manga of the same name by Kiichi Nagakubo. This work is known as a psychic horror in which twin sisters Shoko Ogi and Maiko tackle supernatural incidents. Following the success of the 1989 movie version "Hengen Taima Yakou Karura Dance! Nara Onryo Emaki", it was produced as a 6-episode OVA from 1990 to 1991.

story

The twin sisters Ogi Shoko and Maiko, the 38th heads of the Garuda Shinto religion, are caught up in a series of mysterious deaths of high school girls while on a school trip in Sendai. Sensing the presence of sorcery behind the incidents, Shoko and Maiko begin to investigate, and are confronted by a young sorceress, Ogura Midori. She is a shrine maiden with the power to cause people to die in mysterious ways with the "Small Mustard Curse," and the story depicts the sisters' struggle to fight the curse.

character

The appeal of this work lies in its unique characters. In particular, twin sisters Ogi Shoko and Ogi Maiko are impressive for the way they support each other despite their contrasting abilities and personalities. Shoko is the elder sister who inherited the Book of Heaven and is intelligent and highly sensitive, but she also has a weakness: she is bad at sports. Meanwhile, Maiko is the younger sister who inherited the Book of Earth and is an excellent athlete who uses psychic techniques. The cooperative relationship between the two girls adds excitement to the story.

Characters such as Tsukasa Kenmochi, an onmyoji who claims to be a descendant of Abe Seimei, and Mito Ogura, who carries the "Curse of the Small Mustard Seed," also add depth to the story. Mito Ogura's character, in particular, is a shrine maiden with the power of the curse who stands in the way of the sisters, but she also has her own tragic background.

Production and staff

The director of this work is Takaaki Ishiyama, and the character designer and general animation director is Tadakazu Iguchi. The art director is Mitsuharu Miyamae, the music is by Makoto Mitsui, and the production is supported by Eizo Kobo and Galactic Empire. Tadakazu Iguchi's character designs, in particular, capture the atmosphere of the original work while bringing out the unique charm of an OVA. Makoto Mitsui's music also emphasizes the horror elements, but also has a warmth that conveys the bond between sisters.

Episodes and subtitles

Each of the six episodes has a different theme and plot. Below are the subtitles for each episode.

• Volume 1: The Invisible Evil Priest! Shoko and Maiko Return! (1990/09/14)
• Volume 2: Defeat the Evil! Uncover the Ancient Mermaid Legend! (1990/09/14)
• Volume 3: Shattered! I saw love in the dreamlike demon world! (1991/02/27)
• Volume 4: Destruction! In Search of the Lost Past! (1991/02/27)
• Volume 5 / Kagamiha! Wake up, Shoko! (1991/04/26)
• Volume 6: Transformation! Love overcomes sadness! (1991/04/26)

Each episode depicts the sisters' growth and their struggle against the curse, and the story unfolds against the backdrop of Sendai's climate and history. In particular, the setting based on the Sendai Little Mustard Legend gives the work a unique atmosphere.

cast

The voice actors are also impressive, with Hiromi Tsuru as Shoko Ogi and Yuriko Yamamoto as Maiko Ogi. Kenmochi Tsukasa is played by Kanehito Shiozawa, Mifuyu Ogura is played by Naoko Watanabe, and Fuyuki Ogura is played by Nozomu Sasaki. In particular, Hiromi Tsuru and Yuriko Yamamoto's performances express the bond and individuality of the sisters, enhancing the charm of the work.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Mai Tobe Karura!" was written by Kogyoku, composed by Makoto Mitsui, and sung by Shinichi Ishihara. The ending theme "Tenohira ni Yume wo Nose" was written by Kogyoku, composed by Makoto Mitsui, and sung by Hiromi Tsuru and Yuriko Yamamoto. These songs are important elements that liven up the atmosphere of the work.

Related Titles

This work is related to the 1989 movie version of "Hengen Taima Yakou Karura Dance! Nara Onryo Emaki." Following the success of the movie version, an OVA was produced, so fans can enjoy it as part of the series.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Hengen Taima Yakou Karura Dances! - Sendai Kokakeshi Onka -" has been highly praised as a psychic horror. In particular, the story of the growth and bond between twin sisters, the unique characters, and the setting against the backdrop of Sendai's scenery are appealing. In addition, the gorgeous voice actors and beautiful music enhance the appeal of the work.

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

• Fans of psychic horror will enjoy the adventures of twin sisters and their fight against curses.
• For those who enjoy stories that depict character growth and bonds, the relationship between the sisters will be inspiring.
• For those interested in Japanese culture and history, the setting based on the legend of the Little Mustard Seed of Sendai will be appealing.
• If you like beautiful music and a stellar cast of voice actors, you'll enjoy the atmosphere of the work.

I especially recommend this work to those who want to enjoy both horror and emotion. It is a compact OVA format with 6 episodes, so you can watch it easily. Please enjoy the bond between sisters and the fight against the curse.