Posted by OP Sequence
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OP: 「tiny lamp」 by fhána
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「十五代目と銀太郎」 (Jū Go-Daime to Gintarō)
“The Fifteenth Generation and Gintaro”
Sometimes you discover a series so weirdly nostalgic that you can’t help but want more.
There is magic in Gingitsune, a magic that’s kind of hard to pinpoint if you’re relatively new to anime or otherwise not usually interested in these sorts of premises. This is, as much of the season has already proven to be, rather “old school”, for want of a better term, and personally, I find it charming in a way I haven’t found many recent series to be. After all, this isn’t a show that’s concerned with weaving a majestic plot, nor is it really an eye candy series of any type (unless you count some of the very pretty animation, though it’s a come and go situation), nor is it really a complete slice of life experience. This is an animal of a different breed, reminiscent of the melancholy Natsume Yuujinchou, though not quite that heavy. I don’t think many of us will watch Gingitsune and consider it a defining moment of our anime watching experiences; this is a series that lives and breathes in the moment, not quite subdued, but definitely pleasant and refreshing if you prefer something a little less jarring on the senses.
The story revolves around our young heroine, the cheerful Saeki Makoto (Kanemoto Hisako), the Oracle at an Inari shrine, and her Herald/partner Gintaro (Miki Shinichiro), a silver fox that only Makoto can see. The first episode does a good job at introducing our main protagonists and setting the tone, as well as in setting up the relationship between Makoto and Gintaro, which is something of a cross between a familial relationship, a close friendship, and a work partnership, a dynamic that works quite nicely in favor of the atmosphere. Gintaro clearly cares a lot for Makoto, whom he’s been with since she was four years old, and Makoto definitely relies on Gintaro a little too much for her own good. But overall the relationship is sweet and somehow very relaxing to watch unfold, something I’m sure we’ll see more of in the future.
Overall, then, this is the sort of series with a sort of “problem of the week” vibe to it, and I can see some sort of overarching plot line developing from the absence of Gintarou’s Herald partner (they’re meant to come in pairs), but for now, at least, this is the story of a young girl and her fox, and how they work together to help those who live near them and depend on their ability to communicate with one another, whether they are aware of it or not.
Note: There are currently no plans to cover Gingitsune on Random Curiosity this season.
ED Sequence
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ED: 「月光STORY」 (Gekkou Story) by SCREEN mode
Preview
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I wasn’t planning on picking up this show, but do you guys think I should? Is the source material any good?
I don’t know about source material, but I think you should give it a try. The first episode felt like a nice little OVA to me, with a good introduction, some development and a proper conclusion. The characters’ archetypes are nothing new but they are well portrayed and potentially interesting.
It’s early to tell if this will be a very good show nobody watched, it can easily turn out just an average slice of life. The only thing I can tell you is that I enjoyed the first episode pretty much, because I found a bit of everything I was looking for: likable characters, fun moments, a bit of a tension and heartwarming scenes.
I like it.
it is very similar to Natsume, yet expresses other sides in that concept (like the difference between Aura and Chuunibyou). we could see that on the main characters have sorta the same “ability”, but Saeki is much more energetic, lively and so.
however something did feel very “light” with the story around the first episode. some sorta regular stupid problem of teenage girl, whereas Natsume was a bit,,deeper in its values. but I think it’s only for the first episode. we could see interesting stuff to come by from the OP.
I also must say that the fantasy element was merged well in the series. it combines well to the story/characters/animation features. make everything feel lively and kinda magically but not too much.
what I like in Gingitsune as well as Natsume, is that they prove us that anime doesn’t have to be so much sophisticated with its story or must have “super-duper” animation as KyoAni/Shaft/PA. we just need lovely characters and decent animation. exactly what I enjoy from Gingitsune.
I am not that surprised that Gingitsune is good, I expected it. but clearly it can be “susprise of the year” anime.
i don’t read the source material but immediately latched on after the first episode. i kind of see this as a relaxing anime to counter the other plot heavy stuff this season. it’s got characters i can easily care for and know i won’t have my heart broken or anything. it does its job well, and i think this is going to be something i’ll be looking forward to every week.
This is the third anime I’ve seen that features a girl with short hair and voiced by Kanemoto Hisako for this year. Not that it’s a bad thing.
Not to mention the uncanny resemblance to Kotoura Haruka from “Kotoura-san”, who also happens to be voiced by Kanemoto Hisako. Is there any chance of Kotoura being a shrine maiden at some point in her life?
Maybe they are related?
TQ
I finished watching the episode with a big smile on my face while stumbling to describe the feeling I got from it.
Then I came here and Kairi’s first sentence of the review is:
Which is exactly what I wanted to say, but couldn’t put into words. Bravo.
I hope someone can cover this ; A ;
I know that the fall season is chock full of nice shows but… it would be nice if somebody did
How old school are we talking? i.e. Any particular old school shows this is reminiscent of?
Kamichu!
Dat Ghibli feel
This anime will be overlooked, unfortunately.
I think of it as the “Tamayura” of this season.
Not too bad – at first I though of Nekogami Yaoyorozu, but this is a little
more serious, and definitely seems to be aimed at a younger audience.
Fun to watch although I’m not expecting too much plot other than episodial stories.
I’ll watch it for a couple or more episodes, but I kind of like the first episode a bit too.
I understand though that it won’t be covered. Lots of interesting animes for this Fall.
I’m definitely in for the whole season, after having a great fun watching this episode.
The first thing that came to my mind when I read the synopsis was, “Oh, Kamichu!”.
Maybe not “old school”, but it maybe the reason why Gingitsune feels so nostalgic. Plus, both of them feature a girl who can see Shinto gods, so there’s that.
This has been in Ultra Jump for a long time, so there’s no lack of source material, although TBH, I haven’t read it much. The anime looks good, though, so I may just go through my pile of old UJs and catch up. This and Non Non Biyori will be two of the shows I go to for my slice of life/d’awww battery recharge. (Non Non Biyori has some great moments in it. XD)
Now if only Amanchu would get an anime, then I’d be set…
Not bad for an introductory episode, but typical anime cliches like characters ending their thoughts with “or something like that” really prevents me from enjoying it to its fullest.
Uh huh. So people using phrases that are actually common in real life ruins shows for you. Sucks to be you, I guess.
I’m liking this allot more than I thought I would, but Gin is so chill.
I agree is does have that SoL daily problem vibe, but there is also a lot of room for plot with the whole Gin’s missing partner bit.
I was kind of suprised when I found out this will be a 2 cour show (21 eps for some odd reason), I was expecting it to be one cour.
I like this moment :
https://randomc.net/image/Gingitsune/Gingitsune%20-%2001%20-%20Large%2039.jpg
Me liked the First Episode. I put it on my Watch list
And i foresee, that the Soul of this Anime, is the “Bond” and “Small talk” with the Girl and the Messenger of the Gods. Please, try to act as best you can, episode 1 was good Seiyu play
i like animes like this that knows how to take its time. i enjoyed the animation from start to finish, saeki is the cutest girl with a pure heart and there’s just something about genuinely good people trying their damnedest to help others out that strikes a chord with me. i also love it when japanese mythos play a big part in the story for whatever reason and so i believe this show is going to be one i’ll closely follow. thanks for covering it, even if it’s just for the first episode. 🙂
I’m gonna watch this just to take break from all the other frenetic shows this season. It’s really nice to watch something that’s so relaxing from time to time.
The main character reminds me so much Kotoura. It’s quite refreshing. I was quite touched.
TQ
Well, it’s over 🙁
I have no idea how far the manga went, but I hope there’s material for a second season. The show was sweetily great, and some scenes were astonishing (the intro of episode 5 for instance), but this last episode was kinda weak.
I Agree with you