Tonari no Youkai-san

Tonari no Youkai-san is an underrated anime, and it has the potential to become a beautiful anime due to the way it presents its characters with stories that involve fantasy when using mythological characters(such as youkais and nekomatas), but seems as real as a person's daily life ordinary person, with their problems and healthy interactions.Trying to give this anime a chance, it's the same as trying to embrace a rich culture about the Japanese and their mythological legends,bringing in the plot, youkais and nekomatas, to a transparent and peaceful setting, where everything happens in a unique way and they evolve into something that helps them ... rediscover themselves in a world full of diversitys when interacting with humans.






History

This story is quite engaging, I confess, something very original, especially in the direction in which the author decided to try to assimilate several stories into a single path in the narrative, Even though it seemed complex, somehow there was precision in each assimilation between the different dilemmas proposed in this anime, I will explain better.
The story focuses mainly on the social and family interaction between youkai/nekomatas and human beings. Where do these beings get going through transitional moments of evolution and also about moments of affection that happen naturally throughout the plot through socialization a harmonious and unique environment is created from beginning to end in history. Several characters are initially introduced, with their internal and external conflicts, whether human or not, they try to deal with their problems in the best way possible and, sometimes, a story connects to another, whether through friendship between one character and another or due to a biological problem of identity, since in this anime it is notable that there is constant evolution among the youkai , which requires someone who also had the same internal/external dilemma to help him. The story follows this plot, it's simple, but it's well executed. A problem arises for a character and others try to help him with this obstacle in order to maintain a prosperous and affectionate environment for everyone.Even in the simplicity of the plot, the way this road remains constant follows is really comforting to follow, it is noticeable how much this anime tries to highlight good coexistence through union between the friendships that are built.

The story focuses mainly on the characters Mutsumi, jirou and buchio. The anime begins with Buchio's evolution, where he tries to find his purpose in the world and Through his evolutionary efforts, buchio also focuses on helping all the humans who saved the worst moments of his life where they didn't let go of him even for a moment, with simplicity and love through your attitudes. At the same time Mutsumi goes through a dramatic moment, as she has to accept the loss of her father, who even without his presence in her life, there is someone who helps her regardless of family ties, and this is jirou. Jirou deals with a mysterious past and her work as a tengu. Jirou, mutsumi and buchio connect through affection, through their friendship and collaboration in their most difficult moments. Meanwhile, Buchio tries to find out who he really is and his purpose, so he asks Jirou for help, and in a way creates bonds never established before with other beings. And this way Follow the plot, this is a story where stories meet and help each other, they manage to socialize even with biological differences that doesn't stop them from maintaining a good relationship. In addition to these characters, This itinerary follows everyone in that small rural town, and naturally continues to connect strangers to become companions convivial surpassing limits that could be found in other animes about these mythological beings. Therefore, highlighting how original and useful this story about these beings during the narrative. 8/10








Characters

As said before, these characters always tend to maintain a good relationship and seek to constantly evolve. Each character has their own unique personality, be it fearful, anxious, cheerful, enigmatic and so on there it continues to be.The most curious thing is that the characters do not stick to a single personality, demonstrating, according to the moment,one ideal expression, for each moment of the plot.
The interactions between them are healthy and useful to their script and development, which facilitates the anime experience as a whole.Furthermore, it is notable how attached the characters are to their jobs and traditions; this effect helps to enrich the overall story of anime and shows how unique each character is, from your own way of living in these environments. 8/10










Animation/sound/scenarios

The animation is good, at various times the art (lines) along with the colors present in the anime, give life to a great scene, resulting in something ideal for this anime. This scenario focuses on that rural town,mainly, with moments of softness and in others with tense moments that require something more exotic. The soundtrack is good, it was used in crucial moments and was significant for the narrative. The dubbing is good, and it also contains an opening and ending with great songs, soft and serene, something that exactly matches the atmosphere of the anime. In general, the adaptation is good enough in these aspects, even if they are not what sets the anime apart, they were done spectacularly. 7/10










Pleasure

I simply liked everything, every moment was pleasurable enough for me to embrace this story and surrender to the unique atmosphere it provides. Each scene, episode, has its different essence,seeking to show how real the plot is, in social aspects, despite using mythological characters. I can enjoy everything about this plot, from the simple drama, to happy moments and contagious. It’s clear how engaging the story and characters of this anime are. For me it was the special surprise of the season from spring 2024! 8/10










I recommend this anime to anyone looking for something unique, with its gentle atmosphere and well-developed characters in the, Tonari no Yokai-san social environment turns out to be a great anime to relaxing and enjoy in a relaxed way,aside superficial details that other anime force you to follow for a good experience, this anime just with its engaging narrative manages to capture a unique and healthy atmosphere,where it remains well developed without losing pace and always maintaining consistency in what it proposes, delivering something truly original and meaningful.

|| Grade end/average of the grades for each item: 7,7/10 ||

This show is a hidden gem of the Spring 2024 season. In a countryside town, humans and fantastic creatures of Japanese folklore happen to be living next door to each other. It is so simple but feels so warm and sincere. Watching this show fills me with a gentle happiness, similar to how I felt watching Natsume’s Book of Friends and My Neighbor Totoro, and makes me want to tell as many people as I can about it.

The premise is simple but fascinating. The townspeople are a part of each others’ daily lives, to the point of going to school together or holding neighborhood barbecues. ... There are lots of fun little details that pique my curiosity, and some are really strange and creative.

The story focuses on the characters, how they go through their daily lives and work through their problems. Even the youkai characters feel wonderfully human and “normal.” A house cat suddenly turns into a youkai one day and has to figure out what he’s going to do with his new life. A human girl lost her father under mysterious circumstances and does not know how to process it. They are not exactly complex characters, but they all feel genuine and well-realized.

I love the fact that they are all just decent folk. Despite their differences, the characters are willing to hang out together, hear each other out, and extend a helping hand. The show thankfully keeps the characters grounded and avoids veering into saccharine or over-dramatic territory.

That is not to say that the youkai live basically the same as humans. While they wear sweaters and hold down jobs, they have their own difficulties they live with. There is a touch of danger, mystery and wonder to the show, since not all spiritual elements are benevolent or even understandable to humans.

This somewhat unassuming show is further elevated by the beautiful art and good production value. The background and the sound design lovingly depict nature and life in the countryside, and some scenes, with the lighting and the colors, are breathtaking. I love the character designs, which match the simple beauty of the show; the same goes to the music, the OP and ED, and the voice acting.

The more I talk about this show, the more I feel like I am detracting from how wonderful and refreshing this show is. I highly recommend giving this a try if you are open to watching simple but well-drawn characters doing their best. I would also recommend this if you have even a passing interest in Japanese folklore or Japanese countryside life. This show completely captured my heart from the first few minutes, and I really wish we get more anime like this.