Sengoku Youko isn’t bad. With a historical setting, fantastic powers, decent action, and teenagers out to save the world despite societal differences, the anime has teen-friendly entertainment that anyone can enjoy. So far, the show is a better adaptation than mangaka Satoshi Mizukami’s other work Lucifer and the Biscuit Hammer, so fans of the artist would appreciate the dedication in adapting this story. However, with early 2024’s slate of boundary-pushing fantasy anime, the show doesn’t really stand out with its dated 2010s tropes and slightly derivative character designs. For viewers seeking for more fantasy, Sengoku Youko isn’t a bad watch, but there’s far better series currently available right now.
Synopsis
Humans and katawara are at war, but there are those on each side who join forces. Tama is a fox spirit who loves humans, while her sendou brother, Jinka, despises them. Together, they use the power of spirit transformation to defeat the monstrous katawara and put an end to the evils of this chaotic age. What destiny awaits the duo at the end of their journey?
Storyline
In year 7 of the Eiroku era, aspiring human swordsman Shinsuke encounters a fox spirit Tama and her magic-wielding brother Jinka, and walk on the same journey, despite their differences.
TLDR
It’s the standard model answer, but was world peace really an option in a feudal society?
What stands out
The character design of Jinka in his spirit transformation mode looks a tad too similar to Inuyasha, a popular historical fantasy isekai anime, albeit with a left red eye. This isn’t to say Jinka is a copy– after all, there are plenty of similar looking anime characters, and the similarities could stem from the shared understanding of design tropes– but it doesn’t help Sengoku Youko’s dated feel.
