Kamisama Hajimemashita: Kako-hen
Synopsis
While playing in the snow one day at her shrine, the land god Nanami Momozono witnesses her familiar—the fox youkai Tomoe—collapse, with dark markings appearing on his body. Tomoe's former master, Lord Mikage, appears after his long absence and places Tomoe into a magical pocket mirror in order to stave off his ailment. Mikage explains that long ago, before he and Tomoe had met, the fox youkai was in love with a human woman. Seeking to live as a human with his beloved, he made a deal with a fallen god, but he only ended up cursed and dying. When Mikage discovered Tomoe, the god made the youkai forget his human love as a quick solution. However, something has changed recently to reactivate the curse; Tomoe has fallen in love with his new human master, Nanami. Since there is no way to stop the curse, Nanami wants to stop Tomoe from getting cursed in the first place by traveling back through time, even if it means they may never meet. As Nanami travels back hundreds of years to save her precious familiar, she discovers that she is far more closely bonded to Tomoe than she previously thought. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The Kamisama Hajimemashita OVA is generally well-received, especially for its romantic storyline and expansion of Tomoe's past. While some viewers find the adaptation lacking compared to the manga and identify plot inconsistencies, many appreciate the emotional depth and art style. A notable controversy exists regarding a scene interpreted as romanticizing abusive behavior, creating a polarized viewpoint for certain viewers.
Strengths
- The OVA beautifully expands on the love story between Tomoe and Nanami, providing depth and emotional resonance.
- The art style remains consistent and visually appealing, enhancing the viewing experience.
- The time-travel element is generally well-executed, adding intrigue without being overly complicated.
Weaknesses
- The anime adaptation doesn't fully capture the depth and intensity of the manga, leading to disappointment for manga readers.
- Some plot points and character development feel rushed, especially in the final OVA episode.
- The series contains a time paradox that some viewers find difficult to overlook.
- One review expresses concern about the romanticization of potentially abusive behavior.