Tokyo Ravens Review: A fascinating world of Onmyoji and a deep story

Tokyo Ravens - Tokyo Ravens

overview

Tokyo Ravens is a TV anime series based on the light novel by Azano Kohei. It aired on TOKYO MX from October 8, 2013 to March 25, 2014, and consists of 24 episodes. Animation was produced by Eight Bit and the director was Kanazaki Takaomi. It was produced by the Tokyo Ravens Production Committee, and copyright belongs to Azano Kohei, Sumihei, Fujimi Shobo, and Tokyo Ravens Production Committee.

story

"Tokyo Ravens" is set in modern-day Japan. The protagonist, Harutora Tsuchimikado, is from the prestigious Tsuchimikado family, a family of onmyoji, but is considered to have no talent for it. However, he becomes embroiled in various incidents together with his childhood friend, Natsume Tsuchimikado, an accomplished onmyoji. Natsume harbors a secret, and that secret is at the center of the story. Harutora begins his path as an onmyoji for Natsume's sake, and the story depicts his gradual growth.

character

Harutora Tsuchimikado

The protagonist. He comes from the prestigious Tsuchimikado family, a family of onmyoji, but was thought to have no talent for it himself. However, he begins his path as an onmyoji for Natsume's sake.

Tsuchimikado Natsume

A childhood friend of Harutora and a skilled onmyoji, he harbors a secret that is at the heart of the story.

Kyouko Kurahashi

A classmate of Harutora and a student at Onmyoujuku. She is intelligent and beautiful, and has feelings for Harutora.

To Dairenji Temple

A teacher at Onmyoujuku, and the mentor of Harutora and his friends. Although he has a strict personality, he wants his students to grow.

Anime Rating

"Tokyo Ravens" fully brings out the charm of the original light novel in the anime. In particular, the character growth and changes in relationships are carefully depicted, drawing the viewer in. In addition, the unique world of onmyoji is skillfully depicted to blend with modern society, creating an exquisite balance between fantasy and reality.

The anime's visuals have been praised for the beautiful artwork by Eightbit. In particular, the scenes involving onmyoujutsu are visually appealing, with striking colors and movements. The music also plays a role in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, with the opening and ending songs being particularly popular among fans.

Comparison with the original

The original light novel is characterized by Azano Kohei's detailed storytelling and character portrayal. The anime faithfully reproduces the original work while bringing out new charms through its visualization. In particular, the scenes of Onmyoujutsu, which were expressed in words in the original work, are depicted visually in the anime, making them more realistic and powerful.

However, it is difficult to cover everything in the original work in an anime, and some episodes and character in-depth may be omitted. However, overall, the content remains the same and viewers can enjoy it.

Viewers' reactions

"Tokyo Ravens" has been popular with many viewers since it was first broadcast. In particular, many people have sympathized with the relationship between Harutora and Natsume, and the story of their growth as onmyoji. There are also many opinions that they were drawn in by the charm of the characters and the development of the story, and it became a hot topic among fans.

Even after the anime ended, the original light novels and related goods remain popular, demonstrating the affection for the worldview and characters of the work. Fan communities are active and many character illustrations and fan art are posted on social media and fan sites.

Recommended points

"Tokyo Ravens" is a work that is appealing for its worldview that blends fantasy and modern society, the growth of characters and changes in relationships, and the beautiful artwork and music. It is especially recommended for those who are interested in a youth story told through the unique profession of onmyoji. Also, those who have read the original light novel can enjoy the visual appeal that is unique to anime.

It is also recommended for those who want to empathize with the relationship between Harutora and Natsume, the story of their growth as onmyoji, and those who want to enjoy beautiful visuals and music. Even after the anime ends, you can still enjoy the world of the work through the original manga and related goods, so it is a work that you can love for a long time.

Related information

original work

Azano Kohei's "Tokyo Ravens" series (Fujimi Fantasia Bunko)

Animation Production

Eight Bit

director

Takaomi Kanazaki

Production

Tokyo Ravens Production Committee

Publications

©Azano Kohei, Sumihei / Fujimi Shobo / Tokyo Ravens Production Committee

Conclusion

"Tokyo Ravens" is a youth fantasy set in the world of Onmyoji, and is loved by many viewers. It is a work that brings out the charm of the original work while also combining the visual appeal unique to anime, and you can enjoy the fusion of fantasy and modern society, the growth of the characters, and the changes in human relationships. Please watch it and experience its charm for yourself.