Nembutsu Monogatari 1 - Appreciated for its fusion of profound themes and beautiful visuals

Nembutsu Monogatari 1 - Detailed Review and Recommendation

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

April 1993

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Production

Visual 80

■Explanation

This series was planned and produced by the religious corporation Honganji Publishing. It was created with the aim of widely and easily conveying the teachings of Jodo Shinshu and the stories of its founder, Saint Shinran. It contains one episode per volume in a total of seven volumes, including "Tannisho," which vividly depicts Shinran's teachings on nembutsu and his personality; "Eshinnisama," which depicts Eshinni, who became Shinran's wife; "Rennyo-sama (Volume 1)," which depicts Rennyo-sama's life from his birth to Yoshizaki's marriage; and "Rennyo-sama (Volume 2)," which depicts Rennyo-sama's life until his death. In addition, a DVD version of the Nembutsu Story was later released, containing the episodes from the series, "Episode 1: Tannisho - Shinran-sama and Yuen," "Episode 2: Rennyo-sama (Volume 1) - Burning Days," and "Episode 3: Rennyo-sama (Volume 2) - Glorious Days."

■ Main Characters

A monk and disciple of Yuen Shinran. He wrote the Tannisho, which conveys Shinran's teachings.
- A priest of the Rennyo Jodo Shinshu sect.
・Shinran, founder of Jodo Shinshu.

■ Related works

・Nenbutsu Story 2
・Nenbutsu Story 3
・Nenbutsu Story 4
・Nenbutsu Monogatari 5
・Nenbutsu Story 6
・Nenbutsu Monogatari 7
・DVD version of Nembutsu Monogatari

Detailed evaluation

"Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" was released as an OVA in 1993 and was the first in a series depicting the teachings and history of Jodo Shinshu. Planned and produced by Honganji Publishing, the series aims to widely disseminate religious themes through the medium of animation. In particular, the episode on "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings and life of Saint Shinran, is sure to leave viewers deeply moved and understanding.

"Tannisho" is a compilation of Shinran's teachings by his disciple Yuen, and it specifically depicts Shinran's philosophy of Other-Power Nembutsu. The anime carefully depicts the process by which Yuen came to understand Shinran's teachings and passed them on to future generations, allowing viewers to feel the depth of Shinran's teachings and the strength of Yuen's faith. It is also worth noting that the anime allows viewers to learn the basic principles of Jodo Shinshu through Shinran's personality and the way he lived his life.

The animation was produced by Visual 80, and considering the technical standards of the time, the character designs and background art were drawn with great care. In particular, the facial expressions and movements of Shinran and Yuen express the subtleties of their emotions in detail, and there are many scenes that will touch the hearts of viewers. Additionally, the background art depicting Jodo Shinshu temples and landscapes creates a historical atmosphere, helping viewers to understand the theme of the work more deeply.

Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, and a wide range of music is used, from solemn songs to convey the teachings of Jodo Shinshu to emotional songs to portray the feelings of Shinran and Yuen. In particular, the music in the scenes conveying Shinran's teachings has the effect of quietly enveloping the viewer's heart and making them feel the depth of his teachings.

"Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" deals with religious themes, so some viewers may find parts difficult to understand. However, the teachings depicted through the lives of Shinran and Yuen contain universal themes that modern viewers can empathize with. In particular, the idea of ​​Other-Power Nembutsu shows that salvation can be achieved not only through one's own power, but also through others and faith, and this is an important message in modern society.

As the first in a series, "Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" also serves as an introduction to later episodes. The "Tannisho" episode, which centers on the teachings of Shinran, plays an important role in helping viewers understand the basic ideas of Jodo Shinshu. Later episodes, which depict Shinran's wife, Eshinni, and Jodo Shinshu monk Renyo, provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu.

"Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" was released in OVA format, so it only has one episode. However, the content is very dense, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of Shinran's teachings and life. It is also worth noting that by watching it together with the later episodes, viewers can learn more about the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu.

"Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" is a rare anime that deals with religious themes, and has been praised for its depth of content and careful production. In particular, the episode on "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings of Shinran, is deeply moving and deeply understandable to viewers, making it a must-watch for viewers who want to learn about the teachings of Jodo Shinshu. Another appealing point is that by watching it together with the later episodes, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu, making it possible to enjoy the entire series.

Recommendation

"Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" is especially recommended for viewers who want to learn about the teachings and history of Jodo Shinshu. The episode of "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings of Shinran, is deeply moving and gives viewers an understanding, and allows them to learn the basic ideas of Jodo Shinshu. Also, by watching it together with the later episodes, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu, so it is also appealing that you can enjoy the entire series.

"Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" is a rare anime that deals with a religious theme, and has been praised for its depth of content and careful production. In particular, the episode on "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings of Shinran, is deeply moving and gives viewers a deep understanding, making it a must-see for viewers who want to learn about the teachings of Jodo Shinshu.

Furthermore, "Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" was released in the form of an OVA, so it only has one episode. However, the content is very dense, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of Shinran's teachings and life. It is also worth noting that by watching it together with the later episodes, viewers can learn more about the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu.

"Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" is especially recommended for viewers who want to learn about the teachings and history of Jodo Shinshu. The episode of "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings of Shinran, is deeply moving and gives viewers an understanding, and allows them to learn the basic ideas of Jodo Shinshu. Also, by watching it together with the later episodes, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu, so it is also appealing that you can enjoy the entire series.

Furthermore, "Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" is a rare anime that deals with religious themes, and has been praised for its depth of content and careful production. In particular, the episode "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings of Shinran, is deeply moving and deeply understandable to viewers, making it a must-watch for viewers who want to learn about the teachings of Jodo Shinshu. Another appealing point is that by watching it together with the later episodes, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu, making it possible to enjoy the entire series.

"Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" is especially recommended for viewers who want to learn about the teachings and history of Jodo Shinshu. The episode of "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings of Shinran, is deeply moving and gives viewers an understanding, and allows them to learn the basic ideas of Jodo Shinshu. Also, by watching it together with the later episodes, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu, so it is also appealing that you can enjoy the entire series.

Furthermore, "Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" is a rare anime that deals with religious themes, and has been praised for its depth of content and careful production. In particular, the episode "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings of Shinran, is deeply moving and deeply understandable to viewers, making it a must-watch for viewers who want to learn about the teachings of Jodo Shinshu. Another appealing point is that by watching it together with the later episodes, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu, making it possible to enjoy the entire series.

"Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" is especially recommended for viewers who want to learn about the teachings and history of Jodo Shinshu. The episode of "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings of Shinran, is deeply moving and gives viewers an understanding, and allows them to learn the basic ideas of Jodo Shinshu. Also, by watching it together with the later episodes, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu, so it is also appealing that you can enjoy the entire series.

Furthermore, "Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" is a rare anime that deals with religious themes, and has been praised for its depth of content and careful production. In particular, the episode "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings of Shinran, is deeply moving and deeply understandable to viewers, making it a must-watch for viewers who want to learn about the teachings of Jodo Shinshu. Another appealing point is that by watching it together with the later episodes, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu, making it possible to enjoy the entire series.

"Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" is especially recommended for viewers who want to learn about the teachings and history of Jodo Shinshu. The episode of "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings of Shinran, is deeply moving and gives viewers an understanding, and allows them to learn the basic ideas of Jodo Shinshu. Also, by watching it together with the later episodes, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu, so it is also appealing that you can enjoy the entire series.

Furthermore, "Nenbutsu Monogatari 1" is a rare anime that deals with religious themes, and has been praised for its depth of content and careful production. In particular, the episode "Tannisho," which focuses on the teachings of Shinran, is deeply moving and deeply understandable to viewers, making it a must-watch for viewers who want to learn about the teachings of Jodo Shinshu. Another appealing point is that by watching it together with the later episodes, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the history and teachings of Jodo Shinshu, making it possible to enjoy the entire series.