'Tsugumomo' (original title: 'つぐもも') is an anime adaptation of Yoshiaki Sukeno's manga that perfectly blends action, fantasy, and comedy. The story follows Kagami Kazuya, a high school student who inherits an ancient sash called 'Obi-sakura' from his mother, which transforms into a powerful and fierce spirit girl named Kiriha. The chaotic adventures of the duo begin, along with many other spirits and humans involved.
Story Summary (No Spoilers)
Kagami Kazuya is an ordinary high school boy living a normal life until one day, the 'Obi-sakura' sash his mother left him turns into Kiriha, a powerful spirit girl. Kiriha claims to be the guardian of the Kagami family and must protect Kazuya. However, her stubborn and troublemaking nature throws Kazuya's life into chaos, involving battles with strange spirits, attending a school with hidden spirits, and complex relationships with other girls like Kokuyou, Tsunami, and Totetsu. The story progresses through fun and touching adventures, especially uncovering the truth about Kiriha's past and the origin of the Obi-sakura.
Performance and Characters
The voice acting is a strong point, especially Yuko Sanpei as Kazuya, who naturally conveys emotions like fear, determination, and laziness. Naomi Ohzora voices Kiriha powerfully, balancing fierceness and cuteness. Eriko Matsui as Kokuyou also does an excellent job. Each character has a distinct personality, from the quiet Tsunami to the cheerful Totetsu and the beautiful teacher Shisato who hides secrets. The interactions between characters create both laughter and drama perfectly.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Seiji Kishi (director of 'Assassination Classroom' and 'Danganronpa') delivers a fast-paced story with exciting and creative fight scenes. The visuals by Studio Zero-G are colorful and vibrant, with beautiful character designs, especially Kiriha's detailed kimono. The soundtrack by Yasuharu Takanashi (composer for 'Naruto Shippuden') fits both action and heartwarming scenes. The opening theme 'METAMORISER' by Natsuko Aso and ending theme 'I4U' by Miyu Nanase and Rina Satou are catchy.
Editorial Analysis
'Tsugumomo' is an anime that boldly blends multiple genres seamlessly. While it may seem like a typical fantasy comedy, it hides themes about human-spirit relationships, acceptance of differences, and character growth. The spirit designs based on Japanese mythology add interest and educational value. However, occasional fan service may make some viewers uncomfortable. For those who enjoy action anime with a good balance of comedy and drama, 'Tsugumomo' is a great choice.
Verdict
'Tsugumomo' is a fun and well-rounded anime suitable for those who like action-comedy. It has cute characters and an engaging story. Despite its weakness in fan service, overall it is a worthwhile watch.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Charming characters with good development
- +Exciting and creative fight scenes
- +Perfect blend of comedy, action, and drama
👎 Cons
- −Some fan service scenes are excessive
- −Certain parts of the story drag on
Top Cast
FAQ
Season 1 has 12 episodes, aired in 2017, and Season 2 titled 'Tsugumomo 2' has 12 episodes, aired in 2020, totaling 24 episodes.
The anime is not fully concluded; the story continues in the manga, which is also ongoing.
In Thailand, you can watch it with Thai subtitles on streaming platforms like Muse Thailand YouTube or Crunchyroll (in some regions).