ANIME

Name: Mushishi

Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy,  Supernatural, Iyashikei*

Source: Manga

Produced by: Artland

Author: Yuki Urushibara

Number of episodes: 46 ( 2 seasons), 2 OVA and 1 film

Subbed: Yes

Dubbed: Yes

Status: Completed

Synopsis: " They are kept at distance...Coarse and mysterious. They seem to be completely different, from the flora and fauna that are familiar to us. This group of strange looking creatures has inflicted fear in humans for a long time and have come be called... " mushi. "

Set in an imaginary time between the Edo and Meiji periods, featuring some 19th-century technology but with Japan still as "closed country." Mushishi  follows Ginko, one of the few who possess the ability to see and interact with Mushi. He employs himself as a Mushi Master, Mushi-shi, traveling from place to place to research Mushi and aid people suffering from problems caused by them.

Memorable Quotes

" The sun rises today and sets again. A flower that bloomed in the morning, falls from its stem. The sun sets today and rises again. Flowers bloom to fill the land, but not the flowers of yesterday..." ~ Ginko

"People derive their happiness in a variety of ways, even though it might seem cruel." ~ Adashino

" If you could see everything but couldn't change any of it, or if you could live in freedom in darkness... Which do you think is more fortunate? I think it might not be that bad living in the dark, remembering the light." ~ Amane

Review Section

Death-_-Chan

" What I liked about Mushishi was the overall atmosphere, and the different, in depth stories that were told each episode. It's a calming anime, but the stories can be sad at times or even a little dark. The only thing that I didn't like about it was the fact season 2 was never dubbed lmao. "

blaziken01trainer

" To add to what Death-chan said, one of Mushishi's strong points is its iyashikei* aspect ; it aims to heal its audience through its calming and quiet atmosphere, beautiful aquarelle landscapes, soothing yet sometimes unnerving score and its delicately crafted stories.

What appealed to me the most would be the relaxing vibe that Mushishi gives off as well as the whole mystery surround the creatures called "mushi. " Do not be deceived by their harmless appearance, mushi can unfurl just as much calamities as the good they can bring to human life. Another appeal of the series is its stories. These episodic stories help in world building and some of them are even linked. These tales can be lighthearted one moment and very emotional, dark and intense at another; effectively portraying the passage of time, cycle of life and human nature in all its rawness. Ginko, our guide in this journey, acts as an anchor with his cool and steady demeanour. He rarely looses his calm and despite his striking appearance, is very humane. He doesn't always succeed in in his endeavours but that only adds to the charm and beauty of Mushishi.

My only regret is that I binged Mushishi. Hence why I feel like I didn't appreciate it properly. I remember how I dreaded watching the last few episodes. I didn't want it to end. My advice is to take your time with Mushishi. Watch it when you want to relax and do not skip anything. It will mesmerise you in due time. "

Opening
The Sore Feet Song by Ally Kerr

Ending

Iyashikei*- Iyashikei (癒し系) is a genre specific to Japanese works, primarily manga and anime. It is a sub-genre of slice of life, portraying characters living out peaceful lives in calming environments, and is intended to have a healing effect on the audience.

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I hope you enjoyed this chapter featuring Mushishi and that the anime piqued your interest! A big thank you to Death-_-Chan who agreed to help for this chapter!

Blaze, out.