Tactics review: A fascinating story and deep characters

"Tactics": A fascinating story about the bond between monsters and humans

■Overview of the work

"Tactics" is a TV anime series that aired on TV Tokyo from October 6, 2004 to March 30, 2005. It was originally a manga by Sakura Kinoshita and Kazuko Higashiyama, serialized in Mag Garden's Comic Blade MASAMUNE. It was directed by Hiroshi Watanabe and animated by Studio Deen, and aired for a total of 25 episodes.

■ Story

On the surface, Ichinomiya Kantaro is an unsuccessful folklorist, but on the inside he runs a monster extermination business. He is searching for the legendary Tengu, who is said to be far stronger than demons. He finally discovers the shrine where the Onikui Tengu is sealed away, and frees Haruka. Since then, the two work together, and as they solve various cases, their relationship gradually changes.

■Explanation

"Tactics" is depicted as a gorgeous and gorgeous picture scroll depicting the bond between monsters and humans, and the friendship and love that is born from it. A deep human drama unfolds against the backdrop of folklore and traditional Japanese monster culture.

■Cast

• Ichinomiya Kantaro: Miyata Yuki
• Spring Flower: Takahiro Sakurai
• Yoko: Tomoko Kawakami
• Suzu Edogawa: Nana Mizuki
• Mr. Sugino: Soichiro Hoshi
• Mu-chan: Minami Omi
• Ryohiro Hasumi: Nobuo Tobita
• Minamoto no Yorimitsu: Masaya Matsukaze

■ Main staff

• Original author: Sakura Kinoshita, Kazuko Higashiyama
• Director: Hiroshi Watanabe
• Series Composition: Kenichi Kanamaki
• Character design and chief animation director: Mariko Oka
• Prop design: Tomomi Kimura
• Screenplay: Hiroyuki Kawasaki, Masashi Kubota, Masashi Suzuki, Katsuhiko Takayama
• Art director: Michiyo Akutsu
• Color design: Shinji Matsumoto
• Director of photography: Seiichi Morishita, Teruo Abe
• Edited by: Masahiro Matsumura
• Music: Kei Haneoka
• Dubbing Director: Kazuhiko Inoue
• Producers: Shinsaku Hatta, Norimitsu Urasaki
• Sound Production: DAX
• Recording studio: T&T Studio
• Animation Production: Studio Deen
• Produced by: MEDIANET, Studio Deen

■ Main Characters

• Ichinomiya Kantaro: He is a mediocre folklorist and monster exterminator, but his goal is not to defeat monsters, but to save those possessed by demons. Why does he have a special feeling towards the "Demon-Eating Tengu"?
• Haruka: A demon-eating tengu, said to be the strongest of all demons, but after being released from his seal by Kantaro, he has been unable to eat demons for some reason. Contrary to his cool deeds, he has a mysterious side, such as showing affection for a dirty tea bowl.
• Yoko: A fox spirit who lives with the Ichinomiya family. She looks after everyone, does all the household chores, and is a reliable person who works part-time to support the family.
• Suzu Edogawa: She comes from a distinguished family and has been thoroughly educated in etiquette, but she is a strong-willed and rebellious girl. She falls in love with Haruka at first sight, and also shows a shy side.
• Sugino: He was a mountain ascetic, but he became a white tengu after falling into the path of Tengu. He is now the god of Sugino village. Although you wouldn't know they are a married couple, he loves Mu-chan very much.
• Mu-chan: Her true identity is unknown, but she seems to have a great deal of spiritual power. She loves Kantaro, which always makes Sugino jealous.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: The Awakening of the Black Tengu (2004/10/05)
• Episode 2: Yoshiwara's Mysterious Love (2004/10/12)
• Episode 3: Mountain Fairy Tale (2004/10/19)
• Episode 4: Forbidden Portrait (2004/10/26)
• Episode 5: The one who dances in the darkness (2004/11/02)
• Episode 6: Ghost Train Departs at 9:07 PM (2004/11/09)
• Episode 7: The Call of Temptation (2004/11/16)
• Episode 8: My Fox-like Girlfriend (2004/11/23)
• Episode 9: Yomejima Ghost Story (2004/11/30)
• Episode 10: Words of the Wind, Part 1 (2004/12/07)
• Episode 11: The Wind's Words, Part 2 (2004/12/14)
• Episode 12: Roses and Tengu (2004/12/21)
• Episode 13: The Nightmare of the Sea of ​​Trees (2004/12/28)
• Episode 14: The Woman Who Loved Books (2005/01/11)
• Episode 15: The sound of cicadas in the twilight of summer (2005/01/18)
• Episode 16: Ah, marital lament (2005/01/25)
• Episode 17: British style beautiful girl (2005/02/01)
• Episode 18: Mysterious and Mysterious Research Society (2005/02/08)
• Episode 19: Autumn-colored Love (2005/02/15)
• Episode 20: Daughter Gidayu: Demon Story (2005/02/22)
• Episode 21: Door of Memory (2005/03/01)
• Episode 22: Blue Eyes (2005/03/08)
• Episode 23: Glass Snowscape (2005/03/15)
• Episode 24: Far Away (2005/03/22)
• Episode 25: Invisible Power (2005/03/29)

■ Related works

Tactics is a manga by Sakura Kinoshita and Kazuko Higashiyama that was serialized in Mag Garden's Comic Blade MASAMUNE. The anime was directed by Hiroshi Watanabe, with series composition by Kenichi Kanemaki, character design and chief animation director by Mariko Oka, prop design by Tomomi Kimura, screenplays by Hiroyuki Kawasaki, Masashi Kubota, Masashi Suzuki, and Katsuhiko Takayama, art direction by Michiyo Akutsu, color design by Shinji Matsumoto, directors of photography by Seiichi Morishita and Teruo Abe, editing by Masahiro Matsumura, music by Kei Ueoka, voiceover director by Kazuhiko Inoue, produced by Shinsaku Hatta and Norimitsu Urasaki, sound production by Dax, recording studio by T&T Studio, animation by Studio Deen, and production by MEDIANET and Studio Deen.

■ Theme songs and music

• OP1: Secret World
  • Lyricist: Yuriko Mori
  • Composer: Kazuya Nishioka
  • Arrangement: Kazuya Nishioka
  • Vocals: Miki Akiyama
• ED1: Unseen Power
  • Lyricist: Yuriko Mori
  • Composer: Kazuya Nishioka
  • Arrangement: Kazuya Nishioka
  • Vocals: Miki Akiyama

■ Review

"Tactics" is a work that depicts the relationship between monsters and humans, delving deeply into the friendship and love that develops within it. The protagonist, Ichinomiya Kantaro, is an unsuccessful folklorist on the surface, but secretly works as a monster exterminator. A distinctive feature of this work is that his goal is not to defeat monsters, but to rescue those possessed by demons. The coexistence and understanding between humans and monsters is depicted through Kantaro's actions, deeply moving the viewer.

The character of Haruka is also very appealing. Despite being the strongest demon, the Onikui Tengu, she has been unable to eat demons since being released from her seal by Kantaro, which highlights her humanity. Contrary to her cool behavior, Haruka has a mysterious side, such as showing affection for a dirty tea bowl, which captures the hearts of viewers.

Sub-characters such as Yoko, Edogawa Suzu, Sugino, and Mu-chan are also unique and add color to the story. Yoko is a fox spirit that lives with the Ichinomiya family, and is a reliable person who does all the housework and supports the family finances. Edogawa Suzu comes from a distinguished family and is a strong-willed and rebellious girl, but she also shows a shy side when she falls in love with Haruka at first sight. Sugino is a character who was a mountain ascetic who fell into the path of Tengu and became a white tengu, and currently appears as the god of Sugino village. Mu-chan is a character whose true identity is unknown but who has great spiritual powers. She is very fond of Kantaro, which always makes Sugino jealous. The human drama woven by these characters has the power to draw viewers in.

The story of "Tactics" unfolds in a different episode of monster extermination, and each episode is connected to the overall story. Particularly memorable episodes include "Black Tengu Awakening" in episode 1, "Wind's Word Spirit Part 1 and Part 2" in episodes 10 and 11, and "Invisible Power" in episode 25. These episodes deeply depict the relationship between Kantaro and Haruka, and move the viewers' hearts.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of "Tactics." The opening theme "Secret World" and the ending theme "Invisible Power," both sung by Akiyama Miki, with lyrics by Mori Yuriko and music and arrangement by Nishioka Kazuya, add to the atmosphere of the story. "Invisible Power" in particular has impressive lyrics that symbolize the story's theme of "invisible power," and resonates with viewers.

■Recommendation

"Tactics" is a fascinating story about the bond between monsters and humans, and is recommended for viewers who enjoy deep human drama. It is especially a must-watch for those with an interest in folklore and traditional Japanese monster culture. In addition, viewers will be moved and sympathized by following the growth of the unique characters and the changes in their relationships.

Furthermore, this work is compact with only 25 episodes, making it an easy-to-watch length. Each episode features a different monster-fighting episode, so you won't get bored. The opening and ending songs are also wonderful, making the viewing experience even more fulfilling.

"Tactics" is a work that depicts the coexistence and understanding between monsters and humans, and delves deeply into the friendship and love that arises from that. This is a work that will deeply move viewers, so please be sure to watch it.