The appeal and evaluation of Arata Kangatari: A fusion of myth and adventure

Arata Kangatari: A grand story where another world and the modern world intersect

"Arata Kangatari" is a TV anime series based on the manga by Yuu Watase, which aired on TV Tokyo from April 9th ​​to July 2nd, 2013. It consists of 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and was animated by Satelight and JM ANIMATION. The story is set in modern-day Japan and the otherworldly world of "Tenwakoku," and follows the struggles of two boys who have switched bodies in their respective worlds.

story

The protagonist, Hinohara Kawara, is a kind-hearted high school freshman with a strong sense of justice. However, he was bullied in middle school and betrayed by his friends in high school, and he faced a series of hardships. Meanwhile, Kawara gets lost in another world called Tenwakoku, where he is swapped with a boy named Arata. In Tenwakoku, the Hidden Queen is assassinated, and Arata is falsely accused and on the run. Kawara fights in Tenwakoku in the guise of Arata, while Arata faces new challenges in modern-day Japan in the guise of Kawara.

In Tennokoku, Kawa awakens the legendary sword god "Sosei" and fights against the assassins of the Hidden Queen. Meanwhile, Arata lives Kawa's life in modern Japan while interacting with Kawa's friends and family. Through the struggles of both characters, the importance of friendship, courage, and self-sacrifice is depicted.

character

There are many fascinating characters in this work. The main characters are introduced below.

present day

Hinohara Leather
Voice actor: Nobuhiko Okamoto A kind-hearted high school freshman with a strong sense of justice. Despite experiencing bullying and betrayal, he gains new strength and grows in Tenwakoku. His story of growth is the central theme of this work.

Masato Kadowaki
Voice actor: Ryohei Kimura A classmate of Kawara, who has bullied Kawara since middle school. He continues to be a target for Kawara in high school, but as the story progresses, his inner thoughts become clearer.

Yu Nishijima
Voice actor: None A classmate of Kawara, he was a friend, but he gave in to Kadowaki's threats and betrayed Kawara. His actions symbolize the difficulties of friendship.

Kawa's Mother <br> Voice actor: None She is a good friend of Kawa and supported him even when he refused to go to school. Her presence is a source of emotional support for Kawa.

Nao Hinohara
Voice Actor: None She is Kawai's younger sister and a middle school student. She is always concerned about Kawai. The story depicts Kawai's growth from her perspective.

Tenwa Province

Arata <br> Voice actor: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu A cheerful boy who hates injustice. He witnessed the assassination of the Hijojo, was falsely accused and is on the run. After switching bodies with Kawara, he faces new challenges in modern Japan.

Makari <br> Voice actor: None Arata's grandmother, who made him participate in the ritual to replace the Hidden Queen. Her actions will greatly affect Arata's fate.

Kotoha <br> Voice actor: Takagaki Ayahi A girl who serves Arata, with the ability to heal the wounds of others. She believes Kawara to be Arata and accompanies him on his journey. Her kindness and strength support Kawara's heart.

Kanate <br> Voice actor: Junko Minagawa A former member of a gang of thieves, Kanate is always positive and cheerful. He has vowed to protect his younger brother Ginchi. He has feelings for Kotoha, but has difficulty expressing them.

Kannagi <br> Voice actor: Yuki Ono One of the Twelve Divine Scabbards, Kannagi is the owner of the sword god "Flame" that controls fire. He is the mastermind behind the assassination of the Hidden Queen, and is after Kawa. His ruthlessness and ambition increase the tension of the story.

Akachi <br> Voice actor: Tatsuhisa Suzuki One of the Twelve Divine Scabbards, Akachi is the owner of the sword god "Earth Dragon" who rules over the earth. He shows his ruthless side during the struggle for the throne after the fall of the Hidden Queen. He is an old friend of Kannagi, but they sometimes clash.

Yorunami <br> Voice actor: Souichirou Hoshi One of the Twelve Divine Scabbards, he is the owner of the sword god "Kokuta" who controls water. He is a perfectionist and does not tolerate mistakes even by his subordinates. His beautiful appearance and strict personality add depth to the story.

Yataka <br> Voice actor: Miyano Mamoru One of the Twelve Divine Scabbards, he is the owner of the sword god "Zekuu" who governs the sky. He is earnest and sincere, but also an extreme clean freak. His personality influences the development of the story.

Kugura <br> Voice actor: Inoue Tsuyoshi One of the Twelve Divine Scabbards, he is the owner of the wind-controlling sword god "Kyokubi". He is the type who acts before he speaks, and is known for his ability to act. His actions accelerate the development of the story.

Hiruko <br> Voice actor: Daisuke Namikawa Hiruko is Yorunami's scabbard and the owner of the sword god "Takanara". He is saddened by Yorunami's perfectionism. Seeing Yorunami from his perspective provides a new perspective to the story.

Six Scabbards <br> Voice Actor: NoneSix mysterious masked God Scabbards. Their true identities and goals enhance the mystery-solving element of the story.

Harunawa <br> Voice actor: Ishida One of Shoroku's sheaths, he is the sheath of the sword god "Bakushu". In order to search for the sheath of the sword god "Juriki" that can oppose Kawa and the sword god "Sosei", he switches places with Kadowaki, who was in modern Japan, through the Kanbiraki Forest. His actions will greatly change the development of the story.

Kikuri <br> Voice actor: Hibiki Yamamura The secret queen who rules the country of Tennwaku. With a special power called Tentsuriki, she governs the All Sword Gods and brings peace to the country. Her existence supports the central theme of the story.

Miyabi <br> Voice actor: None A maid of Kadowaki, she is a brave girl who never gives up and always tries her best. She is caring, but she is clumsy and often makes mistakes. Seeing Kadowaki from her perspective provides a new perspective to the story.

Worldview

The setting of "Arata Kangatari" is modern Japan and another world called "Tenwakoku". Tenwakoku is ruled by the Twelve Gods Scabbards, who each rule their own territory under the rule of Queen Hi. There are swords with divine powers called Kenshin, and the people who wield them, called "Scabbards", are at the center of the story.

Amawakuni
In this alternate world, Hinohara Kawara has swapped places with Arata. Under the rule of the Queen of the Capital, the Twelve Gods Scabbards rule their own territories. In Tennokoku, there are swords with divine powers called Kenshin, and the people who wield them, called "scabbards," are at the center of the story.

Hayagami
The form of the gods of Tenwakuni. They are so named because they are shaped like swords. Each has its own unique ability, and each one chooses their own "scabbard" to wield it. Their powers are activated by releasing the "scabbard" command.

Twelve God Sheaths
A collective name for the 12 people chosen by the most powerful sword gods among the "scabbards." They serve under the Queen of the Secret, and each is also the king who rules over their own territory. Their presence heightens the tension of the story.

Genus sheath
They are the direct subordinates of the Twelve Gods' Scabbards. They themselves are "scabbards" chosen by the Sword God, and can use the Sword God's powers. The number of Scabbards varies depending on the Twelve Gods' Scabbards. Their actions accelerate the development of the story.

Secret Queen (Himeou)
The ruler of Tenwakoku. A woman with strong divine powers is chosen from among the women of the Hime tribe. She is succeeded by a ceremony held once every 30 years. Her existence supports the central theme of the story.

Himezoku (Secret Women)
A clan of the secret queen's bloodline living in various parts of Tenwakoku. Their presence deepens the background of the story.

Uneme tribe
A clan that follows the Himeji tribe, they have the ability to heal illnesses and injuries. Their presence will influence the development of the story.

Heavenly Power (Amatsuriki)
A special power that only the women of the Himeji tribe possess. This power becomes an important element in the story.

Capital city (Miyako)
This is the center of Tennokoku, where Miya is located and where the Hidden Queen rules. This is the main setting of the story.

Kandou no Mori (Forest of God)
A forest that is said to eat people. It is said that "those who are eaten and return will become a different person." This forest is an important turning point in the story.

Michihinotama <br> A jewel bestowed upon Kotoha by the Hijo. It can be worn around the neck like a pendant. This jewel is an important item in the story.

Kamui
The great divine power that the Sword God possesses. Only the "scabbard" chosen by the Sword God can be used. The attributes differ depending on the Sword God. This power will have a major impact on the development of the story.

Scabbard
Chosen by the Sword God, she is the companion who can freely use the power of the god. She can house the Sword God within her own body. Her existence supports the central theme of the story.

Gatoya <br> A feared penal colony known to the people of Tenwakoku as "the end of hell." The building is surrounded by cliffs and the island is surrounded by whirlpools on all sides, making it impossible to escape. Once a day, a "judgment" is held by the administrator Tsutsuga, and the chosen criminal is devoured by a tube inside the building. This location adds to the tension in the story.

Fall
By chanting the "Oath of Descendance," the player entrusts the sword god along with his or her own life (mitama) to the opponent's sheath. The opponent's sheath will then be able to use the sword god's divine will. This act marks an important turning point in the story.

Great King
The highest-ranking sheath that governs Tenwakoku. Until Hijou ascended to the throne, the sheaths continued to fight over the throne of the Great King. This existence deepens the background of the story.

Demonization
The sheath becomes consumed by negative emotions such as hatred and goes out of control. The sword held by the demonized sheath turns black due to the emotion, and if left alone it will become a "demon god." This phenomenon heightens the tension of the story.

episode

"Arata Kangatari" consists of 12 episodes. The subtitles and contents of each episode are listed below.

Episode 1: Leather Life
This is the episode in which Hinohara Kawara switches places with Arata and the adventure in Tenwakoku begins. It depicts Kawara's inner conflict and growth.

Episode 2/Sword God ~HAYAGAMI~
This episode details the existence and power of the sword god. The climax is when Kawa awakens the sword god "Sosei".

Episode 3: Judgement ~SHINPAN~
This episode depicts the "judgment" in Gatoya. It is a turning point that will greatly change the fate of Kawa and Arata.

Episode 4: Awakening ~KAKUSEI~
This is the episode where Kawa fully awakens the power of the sword god "Sosei". His growth and determination are depicted.

Episode 5: ZOKUSHO
This episode describes the existence and role of the genus sheath. The scene where the bond between Kawa and Kotoha deepens is memorable.

Episode 6: Earth Dragon ~OKORO~
This episode depicts the battle between Akachi and the sword god "Earth Dragon." It also shows Kawa's fighting style and growth.

Episode 7: Flame
This episode depicts the battle between Kannagi and the sword god "Kaen." Kawa's courage and determination are put to the test.

Episode 8: Chasing Force ~OROCHI~
This episode depicts the battle between Harunawa and the sword god "Zhuli". The fates of Kawa and Arata intertwine.

Episode 9: Demonization ~ONIKA~
This episode depicts the phenomenon of demonization and its terror. It also depicts Kawa's inner conflict and growth.

Episode 10 / Admiration ~ SHOUKEI ~
This episode depicts the yearning Arata feels while living the life of leather in modern Japan. It also shows his growth and determination.

Episode 11: Life ~MITAMA~
This is the episode where Kawa fights using the power of the sword god "Sosei". His life and resolve are put to the test.

Episode 12/The Light of Genesis ~SOUSEI NO HIKARI~
This is the episode where the fates of Kagawa and Arata intersect and the final battle is depicted. It is the climax of the story, and shows the growth and resolve of Kagawa and Arata.

Theme songs and music

The theme song and music of "Arata Kangatari" are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work. They are introduced below.

OP1
"GENESIS ARIA"
Sung by Sphere This song features a grand melody and lyrics that symbolize the adventure and growth of Kakeru and Arata.

ED1
"The Misfit Go"
Sung by: OLDCODEX
The song features powerful melody and lyrics that express the inner conflict and determination of Kawa and Arata.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Arata Kangatari" features an epic story that intertwines another world with the present, attractive characters, and beautiful visuals and music. In particular, the episodes that depict the growth and determination of Arata and Kawara deeply move viewers. In addition, scenes that depict the existence and power of the sword god and the sheath emphasize the fantasy elements, adding depth to the story.

This work is especially recommended for those who like fantasy anime and otherworldly stories, as well as those who are interested in themes such as character development, friendship, courage, and self-sacrifice, and those who enjoy beautiful visuals and music.

"Arata Kangatari" is a wonderful work that will leave viewers impressed and excited. Please give it a watch.