NOTE: This was an article I posted from a previous project and wanted to keep on my personal project here.

The “Why You Should…” series is a collection of our opinions on why you should give these pieces a chance. These are our opinions and we write out of love for these pieces, which range from lost gems, our personal favorites, and global hits. We hope you have a much fun as we did, do, and will! Spoiler sections will be indicated and will follow a spoiler-free section. 

I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was late to the party. This anime premiered in 2013,  almost six years ago. I finally had a chance to watch the series which has phenominal music by Minori Chihara and Stereo Dive Foundation. The animations are some of the best I’ve seen and I expected nothing less from Kyoto Animation.

In twelve episodes, director Taichi Ishidate tells the story of Akihito Kanbara and Mirai Kuriyama who live in a world filled with spirits called youmu. Akihito is an immortal half-youmu while Mirai is a Spirit World Warrior, whose job is to hunt down youmu. The pair form an unlikely friendship and learn to live with what they have: the good, the bad, and the ugly. With friends Mitsuki Nase and Hiroomi Nase (siblings), the group go on adventures interwining the spirit world, high school, and daily life. This is a show packed with heart that at times takes a bit to get to the core, but by the end, you’ll be glad you went on the ride. I hope you find the time to enjoy this anime and connect with these characters!

SPOILERS BELOW!!!

The following are notes I took during my viewing of each episode. I’m still working taking better notes so apologies ahead of time!

Episodes

1. The show has a good start here with many open questions and mysteries brewing. The main characters are pretty cool, but why the immortality? The music is awesome!
2. Heartwarming and excellent action sequences. Woot woot! I wonder what the glasses girl’s (Mirai’s) past is? The guy’s (Akihito’s) mom is great.
3. The episode could have been less predictable.
4. It was good especially the twist and everyone working together.
5. I feel warm and fluffy. I’m happy they went to the festival together. Something is missing, but I can’t put my finger on it.
6. Fantastic episode! Excellent choreography and story, but how does it fit in the story? Is this a serious show, comedic show, a mix of both? Very fun episode all around!
7. A well rounded episode with a twist. I’m gald Mirai and Sakura reconciled. A heart-warming episode.
8. Okay setup but I don’t feel the weight. The bad guy is not very good at being evil and could have been a cardboard cutout for all I care. He’s almost a spectator.
9. The setup and build up frustrates me with the montages of very plain and unemotive sequences. But I love the monochrome ending! If the build up had been more impactful, this sequences would resonate with me better. Why was security so low for the Hollow Shadow?
10. The secret is unraveled and the real story begins. Mirai has no mirai… I’m so sad! Everything makes sense now!
11. Amazing! Mother troubles are funny, but may be over done. Aki finally becomes a character with rich emotion and conviction. Mirai… ;(
12. Love it! Great ending. Mirai x Aki FTW! I’m glad Mirai had the comeback not many get. 😀