introduction
Hello everyone!
Today, I’d like to talk about the new anime “Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf,” which will premiere in April 2024.
This is the sequel to the 2008 anime “Spice and Wolf,” and it follows the new adventures of Lawrence, the traveling merchant, and Holo, the wise wolf.
Whether you’ve seen the original series or not, this is a show you won’t want to miss!
Broadcast from April 2024 on Teletext, etc!
What is “Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf”?
“Spice and Wolf” is a Japanese light novel series written by Isuna Hasekura with illustrations by Jū Ayakura. It was published from 2006 to 2011 by ASCII Media Works under their Dengeki Bunko imprint.
The story is set in a world reminiscent of medieval Europe and revolves around the journey and business endeavors of a traveling merchant named Lawrence and a wolf deity named Holo.
The tale begins with Lawrence’s encounter with Holo in the village of Pasloe. Holo wishes to return to her homeland in the northern forests of Yoitsu and proposes to accompany Lawrence on his travels.
Together, they embark on a journey that brings them into economic transactions, political conspiracies, and religious conflicts, all the while deepening their mutual understanding and relationship.
A distinctive feature of “Spice and Wolf” is the integration of economic knowledge and merchantile activity into the narrative, making it a core element of the story.
The interaction and developing relationship between Lawrence and Holo have been highly praised by fans.
The series is notable for its adult themes and complex plots, which are uncommon in light novels, attracting a wide range of readers.
The series has also been adapted into an anime, with the first season airing in 2008 and the second season in 2009.
The anime has been successful in faithfully reproducing the story of the novels while highlighting the charm of the characters, gaining a large fanbase.
Synopsis.
The young merchant Kraft Lawrence spends his days traveling from town to town, selling goods with his horse-drawn cart as his only companion.
One day, while visiting a small village amidst golden wheat fields, he encounters a beautiful girl with ears and a tail.
“My name is Holo,” she introduces herself as the “Wise Wolf,” the embodiment of a wolf that governs fertility.
Upon hearing her wish to return to her homeland, the forest of Yoitsu located far to the north, Lawrence and Holo become traveling companions on a merchant’s journey northward.
However, the journey of a merchant is never without its unexpected tumults… Now, the cart carrying a once-lonely merchant and a once-lonely wolf deity begins its noisy journey.
highlights
The story arc where the merchant, Kraft Lawrence, meets the wise wolf, Holo, in “Spice and Wolf” is filled with captivating highlights that set the tone for the entire series. Here are some of the key attractions
- The First Encounter: The moment Lawrence meets Holo in the back of his wagon among the piles of wheat is both surprising and enchanting. Holo’s mysterious and playful introduction as the Wise Wolf of Yoitsu instantly grabs the audience’s attention.
- Holo’s Dual Nature: Holo’s character as both a godlike being and a mischievous yet wise girl is intriguing. Her ability to shift between her human and wolf forms adds a magical element to the story, showcasing the blend of the mundane and the mystical in Lawrence’s world.
- The Bonding of Two Loners: As the story unfolds, the bond between Lawrence and Holo deepens. Both characters, lonely in their respective journeys, find companionship and understanding in each other. Their interactions are filled with witty banter, insightful discussions on human nature, and the complexities of the world, which are both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
- Economic Adventures: A unique aspect of “Spice and Wolf” is how it weaves economics and trade into its narrative. Lawrence and Holo’s journey is not just about traveling; it’s also about engaging in trade, negotiating, and outsmarting others in business. This gives the series a fresh twist, making their adventures not only about personal growth but also about survival in a realistic medieval economy.
- The Theme of Faith and Change: Holo’s presence in the village as a harvest deity and her decision to leave reflect the themes of change, progress, and the fading of old beliefs in the face of new economic and social realities. This adds a layer of depth to the story, inviting viewers to ponder the impact of time and change on traditions and relationships.
- The Journey Begins: The decision to travel together towards Yoitsu sets the stage for the series’ overarching journey. It promises adventures filled with challenges, new allies, and enemies, and the exploration of the vast and complex world Lawrence and Holo inhabit.
- Visual and Musical Atmosphere: The anime adaptation enhances these moments with its beautiful animation, scenic landscapes, and captivating soundtrack, which perfectly captures the essence of their journey and the medieval setting.
Together, these elements make the beginning of “Spice and Wolf” a compelling mix of fantasy, romance, adventure, and economics, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey that explores the nuances of humanity through the eyes of a traveling merchant and a wise wolf deity.
Style and Theme
The style and themes of “Spice and Wolf” stand out due to its unique narrative and world-building. Here are the main characteristics
Style
- Medieval European Fantasy: “Spice and Wolf” is set in a world that evokes medieval Europe. This setting enriches the atmosphere of the story, inviting readers and viewers on an adventure to a bygone era.
- Economic and Mercantile Elements: Integrating economics and commerce at the heart of the narrative sets it apart from typical fantasy works. Principles of market economics, negotiation tactics, and the relativity of value play crucial roles, making the characters’ adventures more realistic and engaging.
- Interpersonal Relationships and Dialogue: The intellectual and quirky exchanges between Lawrence and Holo are one of the story’s major attractions. The development of their relationship gradually deepens as they journey together, overcoming their respective loneliness.
Themes
- Change and Progress: The inevitability of change and the accompanying evolution of individuals and society is a significant theme. Holo’s presence symbolizes the tension between old beliefs and new economic activities.
- Trust and Betrayal: Building trust in the world of commerce, and the potential for betrayal that comes with it, are central elements of Lawrence and Holo’s journey.
- Loneliness and Bonds: The two protagonists start as lonely beings but develop a deep bond through their travels. Their relationship emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and support.
- Self-Discovery and Growth: Lawrence and Holo learn about themselves and grow throughout their journey. The story highlights the importance of overcoming difficulties and transcending oneself.
These stylistic elements and themes elevate “Spice and Wolf” beyond a mere fantasy tale, transforming it into a narrative that explores economic insights, deep human connections, and philosophical inquiries.
Character Introductions
Kraft Lawrence (クラフト・ロレンス, Kurafuto Rorensu)
Kraft Lawrence is a young traveling merchant affiliated with the Roehn Trading Guild. Dreaming of one day opening his own shop, he traverses various regions with his small cart, purchasing goods like wheat and furs to sell in other villages and towns.
While he often claims that profit is his primary concern, he has a soft spot for sentimental values.
Throughout his travels, Lawrence frequently finds himself outmaneuvered by Holo, yet he also enjoys the journey they share.
Holo(ホロ, Horo)
Holo is the incarnation of a wolf who was worshipped as a deity of fertility in the village of Pasloe for hundreds of years.
As times changed, she began to feel neglected and harbored a strong desire to return to her homeland. Seizing the opportunity, she sneaked into Lawrence’s cart when he visited the village.
Holo speaks in an archaic dialect and often tests people with her words. Her ability to discern lies and her luxurious, bushy tail are her pride.
“Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf” Domestic Evaluation
The anime “Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf” premiered in Japan in April 2024. As a new anime, it has not yet received a definitive domestic evaluation.
However, its predecessor, “Spice and Wolf,” received very high acclaim, winning awards such as:
- The 14th Japan Media Arts Festival Animation Division Excellence Award
- The 9th Tokyo Anime Award Television Category Excellence Award at Tokyo International Anime Fair 2009
- The 1st Newtype Anime Award Best Work (TV Broadcast Work Category)
It is also available on streaming services such as:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Netflix
- Hulu
and has received high ratings on all of them.
Based on the above, it is highly likely that “Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf” will also receive high acclaim in Japan.
Here is a summary of the domestic evaluation at this point in time:
Positive Opinions
- It is highly anticipated as a sequel by fans of the previous work.
- Many people are happy to see the return of Lawrence and Holo.
- There is anticipation for the new story.
- People are impressed by the beautiful visuals.
- People are sympathizing with the heartwarming story.
Negative Opinions
- Some people have the opinion that the story is weaker than the previous work.
- Some people are dissatisfied with the change in character art.
Future Evaluation
The domestic evaluation will solidify further with future broadcasts.
Ultimately, the evaluation will be determined by the impressions of each individual viewer.
Please watch “Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf” and see what you think!
Staff and Cast
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Kraft Lawrence | Jun Fukuyama |
| Holo | Ami Koshimizu |
| Original Work | Isuna Hasekura (“Spice and Wolf”, published by Dengeki Bunko) |
| Character Design | Jū Ayakura |
| Chief Director | Takeo Takahashi |
| Director | Seiji Kishi |
| Music | Kevin Penkin |
| Producer | ENISHIYA |
| Animation Production | Passione |
Cast Comments
Kraft Lawrence (クラフト・ロレンス, Kurafuto Rorensu)Voiced by: Jun Fukuyama
I am Jun Fukuyama, the voice of Kraft Lawrence. I never imagined I would get to play Lawrence again in an anime series. Moreover, I was genuinely surprised when I read the script, as I had assumed it was a sequel until I received it.
Despite the unexpected nature of this project, now that I have been given this opportunity again, I intend to do everything I can, building on what was done before.
Holo (ホロ, Horo)Voiced by: Ami Koshimizu
I am very happy to have the opportunity to play Holo again. I hope to create a new Holo by challenging myself to express things I wanted to but couldn’t due to lack of skill at the time,
and by finding the right balance between what could only be done back then and what can be done now.
Official website and official X
So, what did you think?
“Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf” is a show that can be enjoyed by both fans of the original series and newcomers alike.
It tells the new story of Lawrence, the traveling merchant, and Holo, the wise wolf.
The series will premiere in April 2024.
Be sure to check it out!
Here are some additional details about the show:
- The director is Takeo Takahashi, who also directed the original series.
- The studio is J.C. Staff, which is known for its work on other popular anime such as “Food Wars!” and “A Certain Scientific Railgun.”
- The voice actors from the original series are all returning for the sequel.
I can’t wait to see what Lawrence and Holo get up to in their new adventure!
Are you excited for “Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf”? Let me know in the comments below!
コメント