Tsukimonogatari Review: The profound sixth installment of the Monogatari series

The charm and depth of "Tsukimonogatari"

Tsukimonogatari is the sixth installment of Nisio Isin's Monogatari Series and was broadcast as a TV special on December 31, 2014. It is based on a novel published by Kodansha BOX. It was broadcast on TOKYO MX and BS11, and was also streamed online on Nico Nico Douga. All four episodes were broadcast at once on New Year's Eve, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

Broadcast information

The broadcast period was from December 31, 2014 to the same day, and each episode was 120 minutes long. The broadcasting stations were TOKYO MX and BS11, and the broadcast time was from 22:00 to 24:00. However, on TOKYO MX, the broadcast ended at 23:58.

Production Team

The general director was Akiyuki Shinbo, the director was Tomoyuki Itamura, and the animation was produced by Shaft. It was produced jointly by Aniplex, Kodansha, and Shaft. The copyright belongs to Nisio Isin, Kodansha, Aniplex, and Shaft.

story

In February, the incident involving Sengoku Nadeko was resolved thanks to the secret work of Kaiki Deishu. As Araragi Koyomi pushes himself to study for his entrance exams, a change that "cannot be ignored" begins to appear in his body. What is this change that could be seen as a retribution for all he has done? The story depicts the theme that words of farewell are an inevitable part of youth.

cast

Hiroshi Kamiya played the role of Araragi Koyomi, and Saori Hayami played the role of Ononoki Yotsugi. Their performances are an important element in enhancing the appeal of the work.

Main Staff

The original work is Tsukimonogatari by Nisio Isin, and the original character designs were done by VOFAN. The series was written by Higashi Fuyako and Shinbo Akiyuki, with character design and chief animation director Watanabe Akio, chief animation director Iwasaki Taisuke, art director Naito Ken, color design by Takizawa Izumi, color design by Hibino Jin, director of photography Egami Rei, editing by Matsuhara Rie, sound director Tsuruoka Yota, and music by Ueoka Kei. Animation was done by Shaft.

Main Characters

Araragi Koyomi is a high school student who, as a result of an incident during spring break, became a vampire with a near-immortal body. After the incident with "Kurayami" and Mayoi Hachikuji, and the incident in which Nadeko Sengoku became a god, he is now studying hard for his entrance exams under the guidance of his girlfriend Hitagi Senjougahara and his benefactor Tsubasa Hanekawa. Ononoki Yotsugi is a corpse Tsukumogami monster who acts as Kagenui Yozuru's Shikigami. As a doll, she speaks with a blank expression and monotone, but her speech is easily influenced by her surroundings. She is a character who has many connections with Koyomi, such as saving him when he was attacked by "Kurayami" after visiting this town in the summer due to Tsukihi.

subtitle

The first episode was "Yotsugi Doll Part 1", the second episode was "Yotsugi Doll Part 2", the third episode was "Yotsugi Doll Part 3", and the fourth episode was "Yotsugi Doll Part 4", and each episode was broadcast on December 31st, 2014.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "Orange Mint", with lyrics by meg rock, composition and arrangement by Mito, and singing by Ononoki Yotsugi (Hayami Saori). The ending theme is "border", with lyrics by meg rock, composition and arrangement by Shigenaga Ryosuke, and singing by ClariS. These songs are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work.

The appeal of "Tsukimonogatari"

Tsukimonogatari is an anime adaptation of Nishio Isin's unique writing style and profound themes, and its appeal is manifold. Below, we will explain the appeal of the work in detail from several perspectives.

Depth of story

Tsukimonogatari centers on the "unforgettable" changes that occur to Araragi Koyomi while he is studying for his entrance exams. These changes are the result of his interactions with the supernatural and his own actions, and symbolize the end of his youth and a new beginning. The story skillfully depicts universal themes of separation and reunion, growth and change, and deeply moves viewers.

Character Appeal

Araragi Koyomi is a high school student with a vampire-like, nearly immortal body, yet he is also strong and kind, always caring for those around him. His growth and suffering evokes sympathy from viewers. Meanwhile, Ononoki Yotsugi is a special being, a tsukumogami of a corpse, but she is also a character who shows glimpses of human emotions through her interactions with Koyomi. Her expressionless appearance and monotone way of speaking actually bring out the depth of her inner self.

Visuals and performance

Shaft's animation productions are known for their unique visuals and direction. In Tsukimonogatari, the characters' expressions, movements, and backgrounds are all drawn with great attention to detail, allowing viewers to feel both the visual beauty and the depth of the story. In particular, the contrast between Ononoki Yotsugi's expressionless face and her movements creates a visual impact. Color design and color design are also important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work.

The appeal of music

The opening theme "Orange Mint" and the ending theme "Border" are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work. "Orange Mint" is a song that symbolizes the character of Ononoki Yotsugi, expressing the gap between her expressionless appearance and her inner self. "Border" is a song that symbolizes the end of youth and a new beginning, deeply moving the viewer. These songs skillfully express the theme of the story and the feelings of the characters, further enhancing the appeal of the work.

Evaluation and recommendation of "Tsukimonogatari"

Tsukimonogatari is highly regarded among the works of Nisio Isin's Monogatari Series for its profound themes and unique visuals. Viewers have praised the depth of the story, the appeal of the characters, the visuals and direction, and the appeal of the music. In particular, Araragi Koyomi's growth and suffering, Ononoki Yotsugi's inner depth, Shaft's unique visuals and direction, and the opening and ending songs have left a strong impression on viewers.

Recommended points

Here are some reasons why I recommend "Tsukimonogatari":

• Depth of story : The profound theme of the end of youth and a new beginning will deeply move viewers.
• Character appeal : Araragi Koyomi's kindness and strength, and Ononoki Yotsugi's inner depth resonate with viewers.
• Visuals and Direction : Shaft's unique visuals and direction give the film both visual beauty and narrative depth.
• Musical appeal : The opening theme "Orange Mint" and the ending theme "Border" add to the atmosphere of the work.

Recommended audience

Tsukimonogatari is recommended for viewers who enjoy profound themes and unique visuals. It is especially a must-watch for fans of Nisio Isin's Monogatari series and viewers who enjoy works that depict the end of youth and a new beginning. It is also recommended for viewers who are interested in Shaft's animation productions and who value the appeal of music.

Conclusion

Tsukimonogatari is a work that is highly acclaimed for its profound themes and unique visuals, especially among the works in Nisio Isin's Monogatari Series. Araragi Koyomi's growth and suffering, Ononoki Yotsugi's inner depth, Shaft's unique visuals and direction, and the opening and ending songs all leave a strong impression on viewers. This is a must-see for viewers who want to enjoy profound themes and unique visuals, and is especially recommended for fans of Nisio Isin's Monogatari Series and viewers who like works that depict the end of youth and a new beginning.