Introduction
Calling all anime lovers!
Are you ready for a heartwarming story about a Yōkai and a human girl? Then you won’t want to miss “Tonari no Yōkai-san,” a new anime series coming in April 2024!
Not familiar with “Tonari no Yōkai-san”?
No problem! This article will give you all the information you need to know about this charming new anime, including the plot, characters, and release date.
So come on, let’s dive into the world of “Tonari no Yōkai-san”!
Official website：https://tonari-no-yokai-san.com/
official X：https://twitter.com/TonarinoYokai3
description of works
“Tonari no Yōkai-san” (Neighbor’s Yōkai) is a Japanese manga series written by noho, which began serialization on August 21, 2017.
Set in a world where yōkai and humans coexist, the story focuses on a long-lived cat named Buchio, who suddenly evolves into a Nekomata at the age of 20.
The narrative explores Buchio’s quest to understand his new identity and his relationships within the world around him.
The story unfolds in a town nestled among mountains, where yōkai, humans, and gods live together, sharing their joys and concerns.
Among the characters are Buchio, who has lived as a cat for 20 years before being reborn as a Nekomata;
Mutsumi, a human boy who remains optimistic despite his missing father; and Jiro, a Karasu Tengu who has been protecting the town for generations.
Together, they weave a tale of magical, gentle connections in the tranquil countryside.
An anime adaptation is set to air in April 2024, during the “ANiMAZiNG!!!” block on ABC TV and TV Asahi networks, with additional broadcasts on AT-X and BS12 Twelvi.
The series will also be available on streaming services, including U-NEXT and Prime Video.
Highlights
“Tonari no Yōkai-san” intricately blends the everyday with the supernatural, exploring the coexistence of humans and yōkai through a lens deeply rooted in Japanese animistic beliefs.
It highlights how yōkai, embodying aspects of nature and human perceptions, enrich the cultural narrative,
offering insights into traditional and modern Japanese thought on spirits and the supernatural.
The series navigates through various themes, including the complexity of family relationships and personal identity,
portrayed through a diverse cast of characters that face both mundane and existential challenges.
Notably, it features a rich voice cast that brings to life the nuanced interactions between characters, like the adventurous Mu-chan,
the wise crow tengu Jiro, and the introspective nekomata, Buchio, illustrating the series’ depth in exploring themes of belonging and community.
Introducing the main characters
Mutsumi Sugimoto：杉本 睦実（すぎもと むつみ）
Mutsumi Sugimoto is a lively and curious human girl in the third grade at Engeki Forest Elementary School.
She’s sociable and can greet strangers, carrying complex feelings about her father, who went missing when she was young.
Mutsumi shares a deep, age-transcending friendship with Jiro, a crow tengu living nearby.
Jirobo Fuchibiyama：縁火山 次郎坊 （ふちびやまじろうぼう）
Jirobo Fuchibiyama is a crow tengu born from a large cedar tree on Fuchibiyama, characterized by his gentle and laid-back demeanor.
He is approximately 500 years old and lives with Otchan, a proud tengu, safeguarding the land and people of Engeki Forest.
Jirobo takes a special interest in watching over and caring for Mu-chan, a young human girl.
Buchio Ooishi：大石 ぶちお
Buchio Ooishi is a young Nekomata who was reborn from the Ooishi family’s pet cat at the age of 20.
Despite being shy, he makes an effort to adapt to his new environment, pondering why he became a yōkai and what he should do next.
He shares a brother-like relationship with Takumi, the second son of the Ooishi family.
Tazenbo Fuchibiyama：縁火山太善坊（ふちびやまたぜんぼう）
Tazenbo Fuchibiyama is a proud tengu who, along with Jiro, protects the land and people of Engeki Forest.
Approximately 1200 years old, he lost one of his wings in a war about 100 years ago and subsequently passed on the position of the great tengu to Jiro.
He has a calm and straightforward personality, looks forward to fishing with his friends, and is skilled in cooking.
Style and Theme
“Tonari no Yōkai-san” masterfully mixes reality and the supernatural, showcasing the coexistence of yōkai, humans, and gods in seemingly ordinary life, enriched by the magical and mystical.
Central themes include the complexity of family dynamics and the essence of living together in harmony.
The series is praised for its deep narrative and the authentic portrayal of characters by voice actors, adding depth to the whimsical world.
It reflects on life’s intricacies, appealing to those seeking both entertainment and meaningful storytelling.
Tonari no Yōkai-san: Japanese Domestic Reception
With over 300,000 copies sold in Japan, it has gained popularity among a wide range of age groups.
Main Points of Praise
- Heartwarming story: The story depicts the heartwarming interactions between a Yōkai and a human girl.
- Unique and charming characters: The Yōkai characters that appear are each unique and charming in their own way.
- Beautiful art style: noho’s art style is delicate and beautiful, drawing readers into the world of the story.
Fan Comments
- “The story is heartwarming, and I feel healed every time I read a new chapter.”
- “I love the unique and charming Yōkai characters.”
- “The art style is beautiful, and it makes me happy just to look at it.”
- “I can’t wait for the next chapter!”
However, some opinions also point out:
- “The story can be a bit slow at times.”
- “I would like to see more variety in the Yōkai types.”
Overall, “Tonari no Yōkai-san” is a work that is praised for its heartwarming story and unique and charming characters.
While the overall reception is positive, there seem to be differing opinions regarding the story development and variety of Yōkai characters.
Staff and Cast
Cast
- Mutsumi Sugimoto: Asaki Yui Kawase
- Jirobo Fuchibiyama: Ryosuke Higa
- Buchio Ooishi: Yuki Kaji
- Tazenbo Fuchibiyama: Jin Urayama
- Yuri Tachibana: Yo Taichi
- Taira Tanaka: Kenji Hamada
- Takumi Ooishi: Mutsumi Tamura
- Ryo Sano: Yubiko Sanpei
- Rein Nakagawa: Megumi Han
- Hayachiyo: Yuko Kaida
- Gorozaemon Yamamoto: Satoshi Mikami
- Suzu Sakaki: Ayako Kawasumi
- Benmaru Kobayashi: Tatsuhisa Suzuki
- Chiaki Nishiya: Toki Shunichi
- Kazuhiko Nishiya: Hideyuki Tanaka
Staff
- Original Work: noho (Publisher: East Press “Tonari no Yōkai-san”)
- Director: Aimi Yamauchi
- Series Composition: Tomoko Kanemaki
- Character Design: Yoshimichi Abe
- Prop Design: Nobuhiro Ando
- Art Director: Kenta Tsuboi
- Color Design: Emiko Onodera
- Director of Photography: Naoho Hasegawa
- Music: Avex Music Creative, Blue Bird’s Nest
- Sound Director: Daiki Yamakami
- Animation Production: Liden Films
- Production: ABC Animation
Broadcast Information
Broadcast Schedule
- Starting late night at 2:00 AM on Saturday, April 6, 2024, on ABC TV and TV Asahi’s nationwide network of 24 stations in the “ANiMAZiNG!!!” time slot.
- Starting at 11:30 PM on Monday, April 8, 2024, on AT-X.
- Starting late night at 2:00 AM on Thursday, April 11, 2024, on BS12 Twelvi.
Summary
So, what did you think?
“Tonari no Yōkai-san” is a heartwarming story about the interactions between a妖怪and a human girl.
With its charming characters and gentle story, it’s sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend checking it out!
I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the world of “Tonari no Yōkai-san” just like I did.
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