Furry-themed series never seemed to interest me too much, particularly after the rather negative review by our resident Shota, Totali. In fact, the other furry show of this season turned me off so much by the third minute that I swear that all furry shows will be utter crap. However, I finally watched it since I have absolutely nothing to watch (Special A is only released later today).

So, will this furry show go down the path of the dodo for Impz?

Episode summary

Takagami Noboru and Toru are told by their uncle to visit their grandmother, who is said to be in poor health. However, it is only a ruse to get them here. It seems that their grandmother realizes that Toru is increasingly likely to be attacked by demon spirits. Their uncle explains that the priest’s offspring is losing spiritual power as the generations past, which results in demons ready to attack. As they reach the shrine, they meet Ko, a shrine maiden who sprays salt to get rid of spirits. Ko says she can sense something different approaching. Toru starts to explain his dream with a demon, where he makes the mistake of telling her his name.

This results in the demon to bind Toru. Noboru questions Toru why he told the name, but Toru says he answers because he is asked. Ko also speculates that the spirit is of the “wood element”, and her ability of a “water element” will simply enhance the demon. They need someone with the “gold element”. The grandmother realizes that they have to release the fox spirit sealed in the mountain nearby. Noboru does not understand what is going on. He adds that the grandmother is more like a demon, since she looks absolutely the same when their mother is young. They reach the sealed area, and Ko passes Noboru (the newly appointed head of the clan) the instructions to unseal the fox spirit.

As he spoke the incantations, an opening appeared on the door. Inside, they find a golden fox. It is Tenko, the fox spirit that has protected the Takamichi clan. Tenko realizes that there is trouble, as the grandmother tries to ask for help. Tenko says that the shrine maiden can protect the clan easily, but asks how she is sealed. The grandmother says that Tenko releases tons of fox spirits to the world, and causes animals to start talking. Tenko says it cannot care much for the Takamichi clan. However, when the grandmother speaks of Miyako (Toru and Noboru’s mother), it agrees to help. It reiterates that it is only helping Miyako (who is no longer alive).

As night approaches, Tenko appears in female form surprising the two kids. She says that she no longer remembers whether she is male or female, and asks the two kids whether they want her to appear in male form. Ko instructs Toru not to respond to the demon, and sets up a barrier. The demon finally appears and breaks the barrier. As the demon speaks, Toru responds again as Tenko laughs at how Toru does not listen to instructions well. The demon tries to bewitch Toru. Noboru tries to stop him, but the grandmother tells him that leaving the higher ground is dangerous. Tenko is able to stop the enchantment by calling out to Toru.

Tenko warns the demon that it is trying to attack a family too good for her. The demon questions why Tenko is helping the family who sealed it, and wonders if her true name is known to the family. The demon speaks of Tenko’s tale and adds that Tenko is foolish enough to protect the people who seal her. That angers Tenko, but Tenko stays calm. Tenko tells Ko to cast a water spell, even though the enemy is lightning-based.

After repelling the first lightning attack, the demon attacks again but Tenko blocks the stronger lightning ball. Ko then releases the water toward the demon under Tenko’s command and releases the electricity to electrocute the enemy. Tenko shows the demon’s original form, asking Toru whether to release it or kill it. Toru eventually decides to release it but the grandmother warns Tenko that it might be dangerous without knowing its name, Kotoji no Nushi. The grandmother asks to seal Tenko. Noboru eventually decides to release Tenko from being the guardian of Takamichi clan, but Tenko decides to be the guardian of the two kids. They left together back home, with Ko following them.

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Audio

This is almost becoming a recurring theme in the discussion. I have not heard a single series with a decent OP (less Code Grease because I did not watch that, and I think the theme song is good). I must say that the seiyuu for Tenko and Ko are downright sexy. I think Tenko is voiced by Yukana, C.C of Code Grease fame. I particularly like the various moods of Tenko, from playful to downright malicious. It’s really cool even though I think there will be a challenge when Tenko changes gender to male. Let’s see how it goes.

Animation

I must say that considering my hatred of anything furry (yes, I even hate cute cats and dogs), I actually like Tenko quite a bit. Her character design is pretty, and I like it a lot. The background isn’t anything fantastic like how Kyoto Animation or Production I.G does it, but it is passable. It’s a huge pity that the male character design is rather standard and boring. I expected much better, but I guess this is more of furry love of Tenko.

Vibes

Wagaya no Oinari-sama is not supposed to be a show I should be enjoying. The opening few minutes of the series feels forced and the characters are so bland that giving two servings of sugar is not enough. Ko, the typical quiet type miko, does not garner too much attention. Quiet type bishoujo often needs an energetic counterpart to show its greatness, and it is only after Tenko’s appearance as a female that the first episode picked up.

To be honest, there is little to show whether this will be a substantial show. It seems more like a happy-go-lucky middle road type of show, rather than wowing the readers with its plot twists. In any case, it feels that way to me. Nonetheless, Tenko is a very interesting and rather twisted demon, and I will be watching this as a guilty pleasure for the next few episodes. This, I will say, is an acquired taste. If you want a good story, I am not very sure whether you will get it here. If you want huge character development, I am not getting the vibes. If you want thought-provoking themes, I am not getting it at all in the first episode.

However, if you just want a bit of fun and a break from all the shounen series on this day, you might want to give Wagaya a try. I know I will!

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