Tonari no Yokai-san
Synopsis
In the town of Engamori, supernatural beings known as yokai, gods, and humans have been living amongst each other for centuries, each striving to lead ordinary, peaceful lives. One day Buchio, a 20-year-old cat, mysteriously evolves into a nekomata, a feline yokai, near the end of his life. Although this allows him to stay with his human family longer, it also makes him question the reason behind his evolution, along with the special abilities that have recently manifested in himl. Meanwhile, an elementary school girl named Mutsumi "Muu-chan" Sugimoto begins to feel more attached to Jirou, a tengu—a crow-like yokai—and Jirou begins to fill the void left by her late father. While both are unable to properly communicate their intentions at first, they gradually form a companionship where they protect each other. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Overall, "Tonari no Youkai-san" is well-received as a heartwarming slice-of-life anime with supernatural elements. Viewers praise its beautiful art, well-developed characters, and exploration of emotional themes like love and grief. While some find certain character relationships frustrating or character designs confusing, the majority appreciate the show's ability to create a peaceful yet intriguing world.
Strengths
- Beautiful art style and animation (skillfully rendered)
- Well-developed characters that are easy to love/understand
- Intriguing world-building with a good balance of calm and underlying sinister elements
- Soundtrack syncs perfectly with the viewer's emotions.
- Exploration of various types of love and grief, resonating with viewers on a personal level.
Weaknesses
- Character designs can be too similar, leading to confusion
- Some aspects of the story feel abrupt
- Certain character relationships (e.g., Mutsumi and Jiro) can be frustrating for some viewers