"Deaimon" review: A moving film about delicious Japanese sweets and family ties

"Deaimon" - A heartwarming story of Japanese sweets

"Deaimon," which was made into a TV anime in 2022, is based on the original manga by Asano Rin. It began serialization in "Young Ace" in 2016 and has captivated many fans as a gem of a heartwarming story. This anime tells the story of a protagonist who moves to Tokyo to pursue his dreams, and when his father is hospitalized, he ends up taking over his family's Japanese confectionery shop, depicting the bonds he forms with the people he meets there. Set in Kyoto, the heartwarming story unfolds as people connect with each other through Japanese confectionery.

Broadcast information

"Deaimon" aired a total of 12 episodes from April 6 to June 22, 2022. It was broadcast on AT-X and TOKYO MX, with AT-X airing every Wednesday from 23:30 and TOKYO MX airing every Thursday from 1:35. It was also broadcast on KBS Kyoto, Sun TV, and BS11, with the respective broadcast times as follows:

• KBS Kyoto: Every Thursday 1:35-2:05
• Sun TV: Every Friday from 0:00 to 0:30
• BS11: Every Friday from 23:00 to 23:30

It was also streamed online, with d Anime Store streaming it every Thursday from 0:30am ahead of terrestrial broadcasting. It was also streamed on unlimited viewing sites such as ABEMA, Nico Nico Douga, GYAO!, Hikari TV, FOD, Bandai Channel, Hulu, TELASA, J:COM On Demand, Miru Plus, Anime Times, Amazon, and U-NEXT. Pay-per-view sites included Rakuten TV, DMM.com, music.jp, Video Market, HAPPY! Video, and Crank-In! Video.

story

The protagonist, Irino Nagomu, moves to Tokyo with dreams of becoming a musician. However, when he learns that his father has been hospitalized, he decides to take over his family's Japanese confectionery shop, Midorishō. When Nagomu returns, he finds that Yukihira Ichika, a young girl who is a potential successor and the shop's poster girl, is living with the Nono family and working there. Nagomu is entrusted to act as a parent to Ichika, but as he works with her, he comes to know a new side to her despite her cold attitude because he once refused to take over the business. Set in Kyoto, this is a heartwarming story of the bonds that connect people through Japanese confectionery.

character

The main characters of "Deaimon" are as follows.

• Iri No Nagomu - Voice actor: Shimazaki Nobunaga He came to Tokyo with the dream of becoming a musician, but decided to take over his family business, Midorishō. He works as an apprentice while admiring Japanese sweets. He is a playful person who gets by with enthusiasm and energy.
• Yukihira Ikka (voice actor: Yuki) is the poster girl of Midorishō, who lives with the Kozuno family. Due to her work ethic, she has been recognized as the official successor by Kazu's father. She sees Kazu's sudden return as a rival.
• Heigo Iri (voice actor) : Rikiya Koyama's father and Midorishō's master. He sees Ichika as his successor and dotes on her like his own child.
• Tomiki Iri (voice actor: Sayaka Ohara) Kazu's mother and the proprietress of Midorishō. Worried about Ichika's inflexibility, she asks Kazu to act as a parent to her.
• Masashi Tatsumi - Voiced by Hiroshi Iwasaki A veteran Japanese confectioner. He has worked at Midorishō for many years and calls Kazu "Bochan". His nickname is Masa-san.
• O-Tsuru-san - Voiced by: Yukino Satsuki An employee of Midorishō, she runs the teahouse with Fumiki.
• Seto Saki (voice actor: Takuma Nagatsuka) A young Japanese confectioner training at Midorishō. She is worried about who will take over her family business.
• Mitsuru Horikawa (voiced by Minori Suzuki) is a high school student who works part-time at Midorishō. She is skilled with her hands and takes care of her younger brothers in place of her parents.
• Matsukaze Kanoko (voice actor: Minami Takahashi) is a former lover who broke up with Kazu when he took over the store. She quit her job and came to Kyoto.
• Kisaichi Hiiro - Voice actor: Saori Hayami After graduating from confectionery school, she came to train at Midorishō as an apprentice craftsman. She is a perfectionist.
• Yukihira Tomoe - Voice actor: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu Ichika's father. He came to Midorishō through a connection, but disappeared, leaving Ichika behind.

staff

The production staff for "Deaimon" are as follows:

• Original story by Rin Asano (serialized in Young Ace/published by Kadokawa Comics Ace)
• Director : Fumitoshi Ozaki
• Series Composition : Reiko Yoshida
• Character design, chief animation director : Shibuya Hide
• Prop design, Japanese sweets illustrations - Fumiaki Sato
• 2D and costume design : Yuki Yomota
• Art Director : Yumiko Kuga (Studio Jack)
• Color design : Chiho Nakamura
• CG Director - Yukie Yamamoto (Inaho)
• Director of photography - Inaho Matsumoto
• Edited by Akari Saito (Mishima Editorial Office)
• Music : Ren Takada
• Music Production - Flying Dog
• Sound Director : Hiroto Morishita
• Animation production : Encourage Films
• Produced by Midorishō

episode

The subtitles for each episode of "Deaimon" are as follows.

• Episode 1 - Kazu and Ichika (2022/04/06)
• Episode 2 - Resonating with Four Petals (2022/04/13)
• Episode 3 - Summer Evening Music (2022/04/20)
• Episode 4 - Wind is Blue/Heat Relief (2022/04/27)
• Episode 5 - Oshoraisan (2022/05/04)
• Episode 6 - Imo Meigetsu (2022/05/11)
• Episode 7 - Dancing in Autumn (2022/05/18)
• Episode 8 - Chestnut Reminiscence (2022/05/25)
• Episode 9 - Ichiyo Raifu (2022/06/01)
• Episode 10 - Waiting for Spring (2022/06/08)
• Episode 11 - Good (2022/06/15)
• Episode 12 - Sea Bream at Dawn (2022/06/22)

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs for "Deaimon" are as follows.

• OP1 - Sumire Lyrics: Maaya Sakamoto Composition: Shigeru Kishida Arrangement: Shigeru Kishida, Kento Ogiya Singer: Maaya Sakamoto
• ED1 - Here is the Promise Lyrics: ayaho
  Composer: ayaho
  Arrangement: Junichi Soga Vocals: Deaimon (ayaho, Junichi Soga)
• ED2 - Orlando Lyrics: Ren Takada Composition: Ren Takada Arrangement: Ren Takada Singer: Kazunori Nono (Nobunaga Shimazaki)
• IN1 - Yae ni Saku Lyrics: Ayano Tsuji Composition: Ayano Tsuji Arrangement: Ren Takada Vocals: Mitsuru Horikawa (Minori Suzuki)

Evaluation and Impressions

"Deaimon" is a story that depicts the warmth and growth of human relationships against the backdrop of the traditional Japanese culture of Japanese sweets. The story begins with the protagonist, Kazu, giving up his dreams and deciding to take over his family's Japanese sweets shop, and it is moving to watch him grow as he interacts with Ichika and other characters. In particular, the change in his relationship with Ichika is at the heart of the story, and the process in which the true feelings behind her cold attitude are gradually revealed is beautifully portrayed.

The beauty of Japanese sweets and the atmosphere of Kyoto are carefully depicted in detail, making the anime visually appealing. The quality of the character designs and background art is high, and the scenes of Japanese sweet making are faithful to the techniques of actual craftsmen, so you will never tire of watching. The music, too, is enhanced by the beautiful melodies of Takada Ren, and the theme song and insert songs are particularly memorable.

The voice actors' performances are also excellent, especially the light-hearted tone of Kazu played by Shimazaki Nobunaga and the complex emotional expression of Ichika played by Yuki Kozue. The supporting characters are also rich in personality, and each episode adds depth to the story. In particular, the characters of Horikawa Mitsuru and Watashi Hiiro have a great influence on Kazu's growth, and there are many scenes that move the viewer.

Recommendation

"Deaimon" is recommended not only for those who are interested in Japanese sweets and traditional Japanese culture, but also for those who like human dramas and stories of growth. It is especially perfect for those who like stories that value the bonds between family and friends. It is also a satisfying work for those who want to enjoy beautiful visuals and music.

This anime combines a heartwarming story, beautiful visuals, and amazing music, leaving you with a lasting impression even after you've finished watching it.