Kamisama Hajimemashita◎

Nanami Momozono and her familiars Tomoe and Mizuki have survived quite a few challenges since Nanami took up the mantle of Mikage Shrine's patron god. Naturally, the wind god Otohiko comes to invite Nanami to the Divine Assembly in Izumo, the home of the gods, and Nanami chooses to take Mizuki with her, leaving Tomoe to pose as her at school. However, she has an ulterior motive for attending the Divine Assembly: to discover the whereabouts of the missing Lord Mikage, the former god of the shrine.

After her adventures in Izumo, Nanami meets Botanmaru, a tengu child looking for someone she knows all too well—tengu turned goth idol Shinjirou Kurama. Botanmaru needs Shinjirou, their prince, to return home to Mount Kurama and stop the tyranny of Jirou, who has taken over the rule of their hometown. However, Nanami soon discovers a force much darker than Jirou is at work on the mountain.

As a fledgling god becoming more accustomed to divinity, Nanami finds herself dealing with a tengu rebellion, her blooming feelings for Tomoe, and a strange man with ties to both Tomoe's past and Nanami's future.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tomoe Main

Tachibana, Shinnosuke Japanese

Momozono, Nanami Main

Mimori, Suzuko Japanese

Mizuki Supporting

Okamoto, Nobuhiko Japanese

Kurama, Shinjirou Supporting

Kishio, Daisuke Japanese

Akuraou Supporting

Suwabe, Junichi Japanese

Mouri, Kirihito Supporting

Suwabe, Junichi Japanese

Jirou Supporting

Hatano, Wataru Japanese

Mikage Supporting

Ishida, Akira Japanese

Numa no Himemiko Supporting

Horie, Yui Japanese

Kotetsu Supporting

Ookubo, Chika Japanese

Cook, Justin Producer

Ishiyama, Keiichi Producer

Hayashi, Ikumi Producer

Yamaguchi, Kenji Producer

Reviews

Mar 30, 2015

sunnierskies

Recommended

Kamisama Hajimemashita was a really pretty and easy to watch anime. If you liked the first season, Kamisama Hajimemashita◎ did not disappoint at all; in fact, the romance portion got a little heavier, so all you romance lovers out there are sure to be saying "d'aww" at least three times an episode. I highly recommend it if you enjoyed S1.

Story: 8
The story picks up right from where S1 ended, but it takes a bit of a break from Nanami "learning how to be a Land God" to more of a "Nanami being a boss God" approach. There are a ton of new characters, and reappearances ... of older ones (i.e. Himemeko x Kotaro, the one and only Kurama, and Mizuki), making for a fairly diverse story line and change in direction. But it was a good change, so nothing was too stale.

Nanami delves deeper into her duties as a Land God, such as visits and becoming a stronger deity. When she's figuring this out, she still carries support from her faithful familiars, Tomoe and the adorable snake Mizuki. They fight, Nanami breaks it up, and they go on with their lives. While this is happening, a variety of plots unfold, all leading to Tomoe having successive epiphanies about his cheerful human goddess.

Characters: 9
The new characters were all pretty funny and added a nice touch to the whole atmosphere of the show, even though some of their stories were left hanging, like Kirihito, Tomoe's old companion from his wild fox days. But we also got a deeper look into Kurama's character, which was a sweet bonus.

As for the main characters, Tomoe this season is ridiculously cute. Seriously, I could not get enough of him, with his revelations and inner monologue. There's actually a lot more focus on Tomoe this season as well, so you get more time to understand his thoughts, which was a good addition. And Nanami was still the same oblivious and happy-go-lucky Nanami as last season, but perhaps a bit more mature and refined as a deity.

Yes, she continues her funny antics, like creating Mamoru, the adorable monkey child, who is added to the list of "Things/People that Antagonize Tomoe". But hey, that only serves to bring joy to us viewers, right? XP To sum it all up, character development was as strong this season as much as the last, if not more so.

Art: 8
Okay, here's where it got a little different. With season one having 7 producers and season two having 3, the art style definitely took a turn. It wasn't bad at all; but it was really easy to tell the contrast. The colors are still charming and pleasant, but the style is a little simpler and there are a ton of close-ups each episode. As in, like 30 per episode. It wasn't exactly annoying, but it was a tad abundant for me. For the rest, I had no complaints. Still the same characters and designs we know and love.

Sound: 8
The artist Hanae has provided both seasons of Kamisama Hajimemashita with adorable and awesome OPs and EDs, and I love it. The songs are cute and dancey, but they still tie in with the whole atmosphere of the show. Can't really complain, they just work. Also, I felt like the background music they used was very effective in each scene they used to get across the tone of the situation. It was nothing too fancy, but it was still satisfying.

Enjoyment: 9
I realize I have been comparing S1 and S2 a whole lot this entire time, but don't get me wrong, Kamisama Hajimemashita is a solid show. Heck, S1 is in my favorites. S2 was just as good, and probably even better if you're just here for a ton of googly-eyeing. Which, I was, not gonna lie.

The romance definitely got a lot stronger, as well as the story, and characters. There was so much cuteness in this show, and it did not fail to continue that legacy in this season. I went through episodes at a madman's pace, and I'm pretty sad that it's over already. :(

Overall: 8.5
Absolutely watch this if you are having any doubts. This is by no means one of those shows with a terrible S2. Really, this season was nearly on par with the first, which makes it rather awesome and a good watch. If for no other reason, watch for Tomoe. Hey, I won't judge. Much.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Jun 14, 2015

BanjoTheBear

Mixed Feelings

(This has been adapted from my blog/reddit thread. Spoilers ahead!)

I’m thankful to have both of my grandmothers still alive. One, though, lives in a nursing home. She has bad ankles, memory loss, and internal issues that prevent her from living a normal, “everyday” life in the home she’s always known. My wonderful mother always visits her, not just because that’s her own mom, but because it helps to defeat something that is an unfortunate byproduct. And that’s loneliness. We all experience it at some point; it’s a strange feeling that causes a longing for companionship of any kind, be it a close friend, a dear ... lover, or a thoughtful family member. Yet it’s really easy to cure. You can visit them personally like my mom, or you can call to talk, send a text, or even mail a letter to show that somebody out there is looking out for them. No matter the size of the gesture itself, simply “being” there for another person in there time of need has a profoundly, positive impact on his or her life. This is the idea that Kamisama Hajimemashita 2nd Season works with, presenting an anime that at least doesn’t make you feel lonely.

STORY

Kamisama Kiss 2 follows a short period after the events of the first season. Nanami is still a land god, Tomoe is her familiar, and the two find themselves embarking on more heavenly journeys together.

What’s interesting about this second season is that it really only has two main focuses: this theme of loneliness and indirect character exploration (which will be discussed later). Loneliness is very strange. Like coldness, it’s simply thelack of something else. In this case, it happens to be relationships or connections we share with the people around us. It, by definition, implies a sense of longing, of wanting to have that which we don’t. Because most people don’t actively seek to be alone; it’s human nature to want to be with and surrounded by others. To this end, Kamisama Kiss 2 sets up each of its three arcs with loneliness in mind. These three plot lines revolve around: Akura-ou, Jiro and Kurama, and Nanami, respectively. But it’s not that the show simply brings up the topic, but how it explores this theme that makes it so purposeful. Specifically speaking, the anime does a nice job of showing what causes loneliness,how we deal with it, and ultimately how it is cured.

Assuming loneliness is something that is unwanted, it’s not always caused by our own devices. More often than not, it’s something that manifests through outside influences. Each arc demonstrates this aptly: Akura-ou lost and was betrayed by his best friend; Kurama was bullied as a child; and Nanami was affected by unfortunate circumstances. There is a correlation between each example, that being it is others that force such lonely feelings on another. It’s ironic, really – it’s precisely the very aspect of life that these people need that has generated it in the first place. Jiro’s case is the same but different; he willingly pushed those around him away despite the comfort they could provide to his stern heart.

Just as each person’s loneliness was brought about in its own way, the anime also shows how these same characters handle the feeling they acquired. For Akura-ou, he turns it into revenge and rage, not just towards the friend who crossed him but towards all others. In a way, he wants people to experience the same feelings of loss and loneliness that he has felt. Kurama instead chooses to create a mask of sorts to attract people. He had always been alone, so being able to entice others to follow or idolize him was something he had never known – and always wanted. And Nanami is special. Her mother passed away when she was little and her father was a chronic gambler. Whether by bad luck or terrible coincidence, she had nobody to turn to. But rather than hurting or seeking others, her happy and active personality kept her both optimistic and adaptable.

It turns out to be rather sad, seeing these characters succumbing to an emotion that leaves one feeling helpless or afraid. This is why the anime makes sure to alleviate these worries. Akura-ou, despite his anger, enjoys the niceties his “mother” directs towards him, proving that even the most evil of people revel in another’s company. Kurama had Suiro, the only other “tengu” to support him. Suiro’s physical saving of the boy wasn’t his greatest feat; it was being there to guide him when nobody else would. And while nowadays Nanami has her rambunctious crew to govern, Tomoe’s time spent with her kid-self implanted memories that trumped some of the more depressing ones. Her cure is a bit unrealistic, all things considered, but it hammers home a poignant statement: loneliness is not absolute. It can be defeated and it can be avoided; all that’s needed is a tiny bit of love.

ANIMATION

The art for Kamisama Kiss 2 remains relatively the same when compared to the first season. It’s usually soft, inviting the audience to relax in its sparkling backgrounds, fluffy locations, and serene environments. Other times, it gets drearier, with miasma-filled forests and darkened valleys. And it can go further still, providing locales fraught with danger, despondency, and despair. The blend of the godly settings with the more realistic ones is appropriately carried out, giving the anime a good sense of direction overall. On top of all this, the show also adopts a minimalist style that aides in making the comedy that much more hilarious.

The character designs, like the art, keep their consistency. Nanami is once again strangely beautiful. It isn’t her large eyes, full smile, and long brown hair that make her grab one’s attention – but these simple details definitely don’t hurt her – but rather this aura she has about her that makes her more womanly and refined than she tends to behave. Other regulars like Tomoe and Himemiko maintain their white attire and purple persona, respectively. And the newcomers receive the same attention to detail; Jiro’s green cloak and red-painted eyes make him out to be as menacing as he is, whereas Yatori’s massive hair, funny mask, and crazy pupils capture his ridiculousness quite well.

When it comes to actual animation, it sits somewhere around average. Much of the show focuses on the characters, their conversations, and the thoughts they are having. Meaning, lots of sitting and near still-frames are had. There isn’t too much action, and even when it does occur, its regular running or walking segments.

CHARACTERS

In the initial section, the notion of “indirect character exploration” was introduced. What does this mean? Essentially, the characters that Kamisama Kiss 2 sets its sights on might seem to be the ones gaining a lot of the focus. But in actuality, they use these characters to bolster those nearby – these close characters receive characterization and development indirectly through the ones that have the majority of the attention. This isn’t to say that the “bystanders” aren’t looked at individually; it’s that the indirect comparisons are stronger. Or to put it differently, they allow the viewer to see these characters in a roundabout perspective.

An obvious contender for this approach is Jiro. Kurama’s arc takes up about half of the season, and initially it seems as if he is the focus. But Kurama’s experiences – and indeed many of the other “tengus” encountered throughout this segment – work towards bolstering Jiro’s person. There are distinct parallels between Jiro’s and Kurama’s upbringing. Both were ridiculed for their general weakness, with both wanting to become stronger than they were. Suiro’s relationship towards Kurama was initially seen by Jiro as a mistake; that it only brought about pain. But he sees that such pain gave way to something greater: elation. For as was talked about, Jiro and Kurama at one point had no friends to call their own. So Jiro sees Suiro’s relationship with the young Kurama as something to be revered and not something to be shunned. The little “tengu” brothers further make him understand the abusive stance he’s taken. He witnesses that he treats these “weak” children exactly in the same manner as he had been treated years prior, causing him to question his own goals. And even Nanami influences him. While he saves her from the thunder-beast – more parallels between Kurama and Suiro – its him seeing this young, “heretic” of a woman protect that which he was not that motivates him to see both the literal and figurative light around him.

A fascinating detail about this sequel is in who it’s actually about. The first focused on Nanami and her rise to god-hood, all the while toying with the romantic connection between her and Tomoe. Here, though, and hearkening back to the idea of “indirect character exploration,” this isn’t a season about Akura-ou, Jiro, or even Nanami. It’s in reality about Tomoe. Every arc has him more or less on the sidelines, but the events that take place and subsequently the characters’ exploration leads to his development. For example, through Akura-ou, we come to learn more about Tomoe’s unsavory past and eventual change of heart. He also (indirectly) forces Tomoe to question the same connection that was already established previously. Jiro provides his own form of mirroring, with Tomoe seeing the same, inner-turmoil in the winged man. And Nanami’s past elicits, perhaps coincidentally, childlike wonderment. Her first-ever backstory gives Tomoe the wherewithal to push their relationship towards a place that he truly wants it to go. Because despite all of his abrasive words towards his master, and aligning with the themes of the anime, Tomoe is lonely. Nobody understands or loves him – the gods fear his powers and his closest “friend” Mizuki constantly quarrels with him. Nobody, that is, besides Nanami. In other words, the entirety of Kamisama Kiss 2 was structured to get Tomoe primed and ready for the feelings he’s always wanted, and to leave behind the loneliness he’s felt for way too long.

SOUND

The opening theme is quite dainty, with the flute, guitar, and vocalist creating more fun than it should. This keeps up for most of the song, even picking up in tempo and rhythm during the middle portions. Its conclusion ends on an oddly somber note, as an indication that the show isn’t just fun and games. And the motif on loneliness proves this without a doubt. The ending theme is very slow, contrasting with the OP with ease. Lyrically, it follows the theme of loneliness once more; the constant “Hello? Can you hear me?” phrase is similar to a call for help, to get someone to notice that he or she is there. It’s purposefully built, but the piece itself isn’t as catchy as its beginning counterpart.

The rest of the soundtrack is heavily influenced by the culture of the world Namani and co. find themselves in. “Korin! Okuninushimikoto” is a lovely piece, filled with powerful movements and strong emotion. “Chigiri…Futatabi?” is melancholic in its presentation, yet strangely hopeful in feeling. And “Sarani Shisso! Taima Kekkai” is entirely upbeat, coinciding with the show’s general happy tones. It’s a pleasant OST containing beautiful and fitting arrangements alike.

Voice acting for the anime is somewhere around average. A special shout-out goes to Suzuko Mimori as Nanami for her womanly voice and determined way of speaking, no matter the situation.

ENJOYMENT

This one sits in a precarious position. It’s pretty funny at times; the character interactions are repetitive but usually managed to make me laugh. And Nanami herself is hysterical when she wants to be. At the same time, a lot of the drama didn’t do much for me. The loneliness theme is executed well, but I never felt worried or concerned for Akura-ou, Kurama, or Jiro. In other words, I never felt invested in what the anime had to offer.

Beyond this, I found the romantic parts of the show to be sorely lacking. Part of this is due to Tomoe searching to understand his own self, but because of this, the show chooses to forego any sort of worthwhile relationship between him and Nanami, acting more as a regress than as development in the bond they seemingly share. However, there were some pretty interesting scenarios. Nanami accidentally getting into Tomoe’s bed was tense to watch whereas Nanami as a toddler and a child was way too adorable to see. The overall experience was pretty flat, but very specific moments like these didn’t make the show entirely boring to watch to completion.

Kamisama Hajimemashita 2nd Season performs at about the same level as its prequel. The narrative takes on loneliness to the best of its ability and the characters are developed in a peculiar way. But the alright animation and sound-work keep it from being something too good. There’s apparently still more to be said about the god and “yokai” pair, so hopefully any further continuations can capitalize on the foundations already crafted. If not, they really will become lonely.

SUMMARY

Story: Good, focuses on the theme of loneliness, exploring its causes, effects, and the ways in which it is defeated nicely enough

Animation: Fine, nice art style, good character designs, average actual animation

Characters: Good, Nanami and others see individual focus, but its Jiro’s and especially Tomoe’s indirect character exploration that matters most

Sound: Fine, okay OP, okay ED, good soundtrack, average VA work

Enjoyment: Fine, nice comedy, unemotional drama, not enough romance, but very specific scenes make this season not wholly boring

Final Score: 6/10

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Aug 24, 2018

Captain_Tomcat

Not Recommended

this is nothing but cliche's, and plot holes with dry slap stick comedy and half assed romance(queue the laughter track). don't waste your time watching this stupid anime. it was simple and straight forward trash. i went into this hoping it would carry at least the mediocre content of the of the former and instead it drops all of the romantic development from the previous season and starts over again. as if we want to watch the same cringe inducing bantering that took them too long to realize their feelings all over again. the main charicter is pathetic and useless wearing obvious plot armor made ... of enchanted diamonds. a summary of this anime: something bad happens, the main character says we should help, the supporting character says grr i don't want to, they slap each other a few times and then the support give in and they magically find a way to fix things. rinse and repeat.

Reviewer’s Rating: 3

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