"xxxHOLiC" Review: Exploring a Fascinating World and Profound Themes

"xxxHOLiC" - A world where mysticism and reality intersect

■Overview of the work

"xxxHOLiC" is a TV anime series based on the popular manga by CLAMP, which aired on TBS and other stations from April 6 to September 28, 2006. The 24-episode series was animated by Production IG and directed by Mizushima Tsutomu. It aired every Thursday late at night, from 25:25 to 25:55 on TBS and from 24:30 to 25:00 on BS-i.

■ Story

High school student Watanuki Kimihiro has a special constitution that prevents him from living a normal life. He can see spiritual beings called "Ayakashi", and this power interferes with his daily life. Then he meets a mysterious woman named Ichihara Yuko. She is the owner of a store called "Mise" and is said to be able to grant any wish. However, in exchange, a "price" is required. Kimihiro works part-time at Yuko's store in exchange for losing his ability to see Ayakashi. There, he meets various people and Ayakashi, and learns life lessons.

■ Characters

The appeal of "xxxHOLiC" lies in its unique characters. The main character, Watanuki Kimihiro, is a pure-hearted boy with a strong sense of justice, but he is depicted as suffering due to his special power. Ichihara Yuuko is a mysterious woman with strong magical powers, and her words and actions give rise to many mysteries. Doumeki Shizu, Kimihiro's classmate, is in contrast to Kimihiro in that she cannot see ayakashi, but she has spiritual powers and can be considered Kimihiro's nemesis. Kugen Himawari is a character who Kimihiro admires, but is not considered to be a goddess of luck to him. Maru and Moro, who live in Yuuko's shop, and a mysterious creature called Mokona also add color to the story.

■ Production staff

xxxHOLiC was created by a talented team of people. It was written by CLAMP, directed by Mizushima Tsutomu, and written by Yokote Michiko and CLAMP's Okawa Hiva. Character design was by Kise Kazuya, prop design by Ueda Minoru, art direction by Ogura Hiromasa, color design by Hirose Izumi, director of photography by Konishi Yohei, editing by Hamautsu Taeko, sound direction by Wakabayashi Kazuhiro, and music by SENS Project. Animation was done by Production IG, with production support from BMG JAPAN, Kodansha, Kids Station, Movic, and Pyrotechnist. It was produced by TBS and the Ayakashi Kenkyukai.

■ Episode

Each episode of "xxxHOLiC" depicts Kimihiro's personal growth and life lessons through his interactions with the various people and ayakashi he meets at Yuko's shop. Below are the subtitles of each episode.

• Episode 1/Hitsuzen (2006/04/06)
• Episode 2/Kyougen (2006/04/13)
• Episode 3/Angel (2006/04/20)
• Episode 4: Fortune Telling (2006/04/27)
• Episode 5/Shiritori (2006/05/04)
• Episode 6/Tandeki (2006/05/11)
• Episode 7/Hydrangea (2006/05/18)
• Episode 8: Contract (2006/05/25)
• Episode 9/Ubikiri (2006/06/01)
• Episode 10/Tomoshibi (2006/06/08)
• Episode 11: Kokuhaku (2006/06/15)
• Episode 12/Natsukage (2006/06/22)
• Episode 13/Henbou (2006/06/29)
• Episode 14/Fuyin (2006/07/06)
• Episode 15/Kaihou (2006/07/13)
• Episode 16/Saikai (2006/07/20)
• Episode 17/Jisho (2006/07/27)
• Episode 18: Nightshade (2006/08/03)
• Episode 19/Rifujin (2006/08/10)
• Episode 20: Aganai (2006/08/31)
• Episode 21/Tsumekiri (2006/09/07)
• Episode 22: Excitement (2006/09/14)
• Episode 23/Selection (2006/09/21)
• Side story/Twioku (2006/09/28)

■ Related works

"xxxHOLiC" is deeply related to other works by CLAMP. In particular, there are many crossover elements with "Tsubasa Chronicle", and characters from both works sometimes appear in each other's worlds. The related works are listed below.

• Tsubasa Chronicle Seasons 1-2
• Tsubasa Chronicle: The Princess of the Birdcage Kingdom
• Tsubasa TOKYO REVELATIONS
• Tsubasa: Spring Thunder Chronicles
• xxxHOLiC The Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream
• xxxHOLiC Continuation
• xxxHOLiC Spring Dream Chronicle
• xxxHOLiC Cage
• xxxHOLiC Cage Adayume
• Kobato

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs of "xxxHOLiC" also enhance the charm of the work. The opening theme is "19-sai" by Suga Shikao, and the ending theme is "Reason" by Fonogenico and "Mayfly Kagero" by BUCK-TICK. The details are listed below.

• OP1
  ・19 years old ・Lyrics by Suga Shikao ・Music by Suga Shikao ・Singer by Suga Shikao
• ED1
  ・Reason
  Lyrics by Naoko Takayama, Music by Jun Kawaguchi, Singer by Fonogenico
• ED2
  ・Mayfly Kagero ・Lyrics by Atsushi Sakurai ・Music by Hisashi Imai ・Arrangement by BUCK-TICK
  ・Song: BUCK-TICK

■ Evaluation and impressions

"xxxHOLiC" has captivated many fans with its unique worldview and deep themes. Through Kimihiro's story of growth, viewers are prompted to consider the relationship between "price" and "wishes." In addition, CLAMP's beautiful character designs and Production IG's meticulous animation provide plenty of visual appeal. In particular, Ichihara Yuko's character was loved by many viewers as a mysterious and attractive presence.

The story is well-developed, with each episode depicting an encounter with a different ayakashi and person, realistically conveying the strangeness and horror of the world as seen from Kimihiro's point of view. The relationship between Kimihiro and Himawari, and his friendship with Shizuka, also add depth to the story. Furthermore, the crossover elements with "Tsubasa Chronicle" are a big attraction for fans, and watching both works at the same time will give a deeper understanding.

■ Recommendation points

"xxxHOLiC" is recommended for people who like mysteries and the occult, people who want to enjoy deep themes, and people who want beautiful visuals. It is also a must-watch for people who like other works by CLAMP and people who want to enjoy the crossover with "Tsubasa Chronicle". In particular, you will enjoy it even more if you pay attention to Kimihiro's growth story and Ichihara Yuuko's charming character.

■How to watch

"xxxHOLiC" can be purchased on DVD and Blu-ray. It can also be viewed on streaming services. In particular, all episodes are available on the Bandai Channel, making it easy to watch. Furthermore, you can gain a deeper understanding and enjoyment by watching the related work "Tsubasa Chronicle" as well.

Conclusion

"xxxHOLiC" is a masterpiece anime that combines CLAMP's unique worldview, deep themes, and beautiful visuals. It is full of many charms, such as Kimihiro's coming-of-age story, Ichihara Yuuko's charming character, and crossover elements with "Tsubasa Chronicle." This is a work that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes mysteries and the occult, who wants to enjoy deep themes, and who wants beautiful visuals. Watch it and travel with Kimihiro to a mysterious world.