First impressions of Sengoku Youko

On January 12, 2024, the first episode of anime series adaptation of the manga Sengoku Youko (Warring States Yōko) by Satoshi Mizukami.

The animation is from the studio WHITE FOX (Steins;Gate, Re:Zero), the direction is Masahiro Aizawa (Hakyū Hōshin Engi), the story is from Jukki Hanada (Steins;Gate) and the character design is by Yousuke Okuda (In the Heart of Kunoichi Tsubaki). The song was delivered to Evan Call (Violet Evergarden).

As we previously reported, the anime series will consist of 3 cours (3 parts) that will cover two arcs (“Yo Naoshi Kyōdai-hen” and “Sen Ma Konton-hen”).

The anime series’ original voice cast consists of Sōma Saitō as Jinka, Yūki Takada as Tama, Ryohei Kimura as Shinsuke, Tomoyo Kurosawa as Shakugan, Hiroki Nanami as Senya, and Maaya Uchida as Tsukiko.

Synopsis of Sengoku Youko

The world is divided into two factions: humans and monsters called katawara. Despite being a katawara, Tama loves humans and vows to protect them from harm, even if it means fighting against her own kind. Her brother Jinka, however, hates humans despite being one. The brothers team up with a cowardly swordsman named Shinsuke, who wants to learn how to become strong.

Went to watch the first episode of Sengoku Youko (Warring States Yōko) completely without knowing anything about the series and I was surprised. This first episode served to present a little of the universe of the series, the mystical beings and the main characters of the work. I really liked that the trio of protagonists have very different characteristics, but very interesting and charismatic.

At just 24 minutes, the episode placed swordsman Shinsuke as the audience’s eyes and ears in this magical universe of humans and spiritual beings. The brothers Tama and Jinka serve as hosts in the initial presentation of this world. Everything happened in a very didactic, dynamic, fun way and with such an apotheotic ending to the episode that made me come to the conclusion that Sengoku Youko could fight head-on to become this season’s main anime.

The episode’s animation is very well produced, with very dynamic scenes and the characters have very characteristic looks. The soundtrack is another highlight throughout the episode, with epic themes that fit well with the period theme and the fantasy side of the work.

Arriving with everything in its first episode, Sengoku Youko It was a very fun episode, with an interesting presentation of the universe and charismatic characters. The episode’s animation is very well produced and its editing and soundtrack put the series on a very high level, making the work a highlight of the season.