The appeal and horror of "Shiki": A deep review and recommended points

"Shiki" - A masterpiece horror anime that depicts the depths of fear and humanity

"Shiki" is a TV anime series that aired in 2010 and is based on the novel of the same name by Fuyumi Ono. This work is known for its story that combines horror and mystery, and for its deep human drama. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of "Shiki", as well as recommended points.

■Overview of the work

Shiki is set in Sotoba Village, a small settlement with a population of about 1,300. The village is connected to the outside world only by a single national highway, and is isolated from the surrounding area, where the custom of burial remains. The story begins with the discovery of three dead bodies in the Yamairi district. Ozaki Toshio, the village's only doctor, finds the deaths suspicious, but they are deemed not to be criminal and are treated as normal deaths. However, as villagers continue to die one after another, the horror and mystery lurking in the village gradually becomes clear.

■Broadcast information

"Shibito" was broadcast from July 9th to December 30th, 2010. It was broadcast on CX and BS Fuji, and the broadcast schedule in each region is as follows.

• Fuji TV: July 8, 2010 to December 30, 2010 (Every Thursday 25:15-25:45)
• Kansai TV: July 13, 2010 to January 11, 2011 (every Tuesday 26:05-26:35)
• Tokai Television: July 15, 2010 to January 13, 2011 (Every Thursday 26:35-27:05)
• Kumamoto Television: July 26, 2010 to January 31, 2011 (Every Monday 26:00-26:30)
• BS Fuji: August 14, 2010 to February 19, 2011 (every Saturday 25:30 to 26:00)
• Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting: October 17, 2010 to April 17, 2011 (Every Sunday 25:40-26:10)

Each episode is 30 minutes long and the series consists of 22 episodes.

■Production information

Shiki is animated by Dome, with the production committee including Aniplex, Fuji Television Network, Shueisha, Dentsu, and Dax Productions. The director is Amino Tetsuro, the series composer is Sugihara Kenji, and the character designer and chief animation director is Ochi Shinji. The music is by Takanashi Koji, and the music director is Harada Fumiko.

■Cast

The voice actors for the main characters are as follows:

• Yuki Natsuno: Takaki Uchiyama
• Toshio Ozaki: Toru Okawa
• Shizunobu Muroi: Kazuyuki Okitsu
• Kirishima Saeko: Aoi Yuki
• Megumi Shimizu: Haruka Tomatsu
• Tatsumi: Wataru Takagi
• Ritsuko Kunihiro: Nozomi Sasaki
• Toru Muto: Nobuhiko Okamoto
• Masao Murasako: Shinya Takahashi
• Tomio Okawa: Yasushi Ishii

There are many other characters, each played by a unique voice actor.

■ Story

The story of Shiki begins with the discovery of three dead bodies in Sotoba Village, and as the villagers die one by one, the horror and mystery deepens. While investigating the cause of the deaths, Toshio Ozaki, the village's only doctor, becomes aware of a terrifying presence lurking in the village: Shiki. Shiki are beings that resurrect the dead and attack the living, and their fear spreads throughout the village. The story depicts the villagers' struggle to confront the threat of Shiki and the depths of humanity.

■ Characters

The main characters of Shiki are as follows:

• Natsuno Yuki : A first-year high school student. Her parents have different surnames, so she also has the surname "Koide." Having moved from the city, she is dissatisfied with her current environment and aims to succeed in her university entrance exams and leave the village.
• Megumi Shimizu : A first-year high school student like Natsuno. A fashionable girl who dreams of living in the city, she has feelings for Natsuno, but he doesn't feel the same way.
• Toshio Ozaki : A doctor at the village's only hospital, Ozaki Clinic. The villagers call him "Young Doctor." He dislikes his authoritarian father and has a frank attitude towards those around him. He is childhood friends with Shizunobu.
• Shizunobu Muroi : The young head priest of the husband temple. He is called "Wakagoin" to distinguish him from his father. He is also active as a novelist and is childhood friends with Toshio, but their personalities are polar opposites.
• Tatsumi : A servant of the Kirishiki family. He appears friendly and timid, but there seems to be something hidden.
• Saeko Kirishiki : The only daughter of the Kirishiki family. She is unable to go outside during the day and is a big fan of Shizunobu's novels. His essays inspired her to move to Sotoba Village.
• Masashi Kirishiki : Head of the Kirishiki family. With his aristocratic appearance and gentle manner, he is respected by the villagers, but there is something hidden behind his appearance.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Shibirei" has received high praise as a horror anime, and here are some reasons why:

• Depth of story : Shiki is not just a horror film, but also a drama that depicts the depths of humanity. It depicts the fear and despair of the villagers, and the courage they have to face it, leaving a strong impression on viewers.
• Realistic characters : Each character is portrayed realistically, and their actions and psychology resonate with the viewer. In particular, the relationship between Toshio Ozaki and Shizunobu Muroi adds depth to the story.
• Fear production : As a horror anime, the production of fear is very skillful. Scenes that utilize darkness and silence give the viewer a strong sense of fear. In addition, the presence of the Shiki is overwhelming, and has the power to draw the viewer in.
• Music and Sound : The music by Yasuharu Takanashi and the sound effects by Tetsuro Amino are important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. The opening and ending songs in particular were chosen to symbolize the theme of the work.

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music for "Shiki" are as follows.

• OP1 : "Kiss"
• Lyricist: Atsushi Sakurai
• Composer: Hisashi Imai
• Arrangement: BUCK-TICK
• Sung by: BUCK-TICK
• OP2 : "Calendula Requiem"
• Lyricist: kanon
• Composer: kanon
• Arrangement: kanon, Keiichi Wakui, Naoki Chiba
• Sung by: kanon×kanon
• ED1 : "Promise of Walk"
• Lyricist: nangi
• Composer: Suemitsu Atsushi (SUEMITSU & THE SUEMITH)
• Arrangement: Suemitsu Atsushi (SUEMITSU & THE SUEMITH)
• Sung by: nangi
• ED2 : "Moonlight Beauty"
• Lyricist: Atsushi Sakurai
• Composer: Hisashi Imai
• Arrangement: BUCK-TICK
• Sung by: BUCK-TICK

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: The Blood of the Dead (2010/07/08)
• Episode 2: The Second Story (2010/07/15)
• Episode 3: The Tragic Story (2010/07/22)
• Episode 4: The Death Story (2010/07/29)
• Episode 5: The Fake Story (2010/08/05)
• Episode 6: The 6th story (2010/08/12)
• Episode 7: The Last Murder Story (2010/08/19)
• Episode 8: Episode 1 (2010/08/26)
• Episode 9: The Coffin (2010/09/02)
• Episode 10: Condolences (2010/09/09)
• Episode 11: Mourning and grief (2010/09/16)
• Episode 12: The Story of Daito and Futa (2010/10/14)
• Episode 13: Stories of Mourning and Tragedy (2010/10/28)
• Episode 14: Mourning and Death (2010/11/04)
• Episode 15: Mourning and Fake Stories (2010/11/11)
• Episode 16: The Story of Mourning and Suffering (2010/11/18)
• Episode 17: Mourning and Murder (2010/11/25)
• Episode 18: Mourning and Night Talk (2010/12/02)
• Episode 19: Mourning and funeral tales (2010/12/09)
• Episode 20: The 2nd Futa-tou Story (2010/12/16)
• Episode 21: The story of the 1st Futa and the tragic death (2010/12/23)
• Episode 22: Cai Shu Talk (2010/12/30)

■ Related works

There are also unaired episodes of Shiki's related works that go into greater depth about the background of the story and details of the characters.

■ Recommended points

"Shiki" is recommended not only for horror anime fans, but also for viewers who want to enjoy deep human drama. Below are some recommended points.

• A fusion of horror and mystery : Shiki is a work that exquisitely combines horror and mystery. The process of unraveling the horror and mystery lurking in the village is thrilling and has the power to draw viewers in.
• Depth of human drama : The villagers' fear and despair, and the courage they show to face them, are depicted, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. In particular, the relationship between Toshio Ozaki and Shizunobu Muroi adds depth to the story's progression.
• Realistic characters : Each character is portrayed realistically, and their actions and psychology resonate with the viewer. The coming-of-age dramas of Natsuno Yuki and Megumi Shimizu are especially not to be missed.
• Fear production : As a horror anime, the production of fear is very skillful. Scenes that utilize darkness and silence give the viewer a strong sense of fear. In addition, the presence of the Shiki is overwhelming, and has the power to draw the viewer in.
• Music and Sound : The music by Yasuharu Takanashi and the sound effects by Tetsuro Amino are important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. The opening and ending songs in particular were chosen to symbolize the theme of the work.

Conclusion

"Shiki" is a masterpiece anime that combines horror, mystery, and deep human drama. The process of unraveling the horror and mystery lurking in the village is thrilling and has the power to draw viewers in. In addition, the realism of the characters, the presentation of fear, and the music and sound are also superb, so it is recommended not only for horror anime fans, but also for viewers who want to enjoy deep human drama. Please give it a watch.