Alternative TitlesSynonyms: Mushi-shi Japanese: 蟲師
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 26
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 23, 2005 to Jun 19, 2006
Duration:
25 min. per episode Rating:
PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 8.871 (scored by 13197 users)
Ranked: #122
Popularity: #83
Members: 27,229
Favorites: 1,946 1 indicates a weighted score
My Info
Popular Tags
adventure drama fantasy supernatural |
SynopsisThey are neither plants nor animals. They differ from other forms of life such as the micro-organisms and the fungi. Instead they resemble the primeval body of life and are generally known as "Mushi". Their existence and appearance are unknown to many and only a limited number of humans are aware of them. Ginko is a "Mushi-shi" who travels around to investigate and find out more about the "Mushi". In the process, he also lends a helping hand to people who face problems with supernatural occurances which may be related to the "Mushi". (Source: ANN) |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Mushishi
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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Chelle
122 of 160 people found this review helpful
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23 of 26 episodes seen
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| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
"Mushishi" is an episodic anime that has only one main character~ Ginko. Ginko's purpose is to travel from town to town, researching a phenomenon called "mushi" and their effects on humanity. He also helps the different villages deal with any mushi "problems" they may encounter.
Story:
This is the SINGLE MOST beautiful and original story I have ever seen, both inside and outside the anime community. The concept of "mushi"~ an entity that is neither human, plant, or animal, that affects the daily lives of humans is intelligent and thought-provoking. How Ginko deals with these phenomenon, whether he is just researching or "treating" them is even more compelling. Mushishi's stories have great life lessons hidden within them, and they are brought to life beautifully.
Art:
Beautiful. Gorgeous. Breath-taking. What else is there to say? The scenery art for this series is some of the best I have ever seen. My only complaints about the artwork in this series, is the character art (other than Ginko's). The different characters who appear episode after episode seem to be drawn identically, but just with new clothes and a name tacked on to differentiate them from the last episode. However, this is easily over-looked because of the characters themselves (which will be discussed later.)
Sound:
Well, I'm afraid my review will fall short here. I'm afraid sound is not usually something I really pay attention to, typically. I will say, however, that the OP song is one of my favorites (if not my favorite) among all anime I have seen. Yes, it may be my age saying this, but it is reminiscent of the old 70's folk music that I love so much. It really is a beautiful song. I'm giving the sound a 10, though, based on this song, and the music I did notice through the series, which was quite appropriate for the scenes.
Character:
Aaaaaahhhh... the BEST part of the series. Ginko... Ginko... well, he's just awesome. Sometimes he may come across as one of your old "monotone" teachers/professors, but you get the feeling that he truly LOVES what he does, and the interest he has in researching the mushi is undeniable. The way he sees mushi as neither "evil or good" ... they "just exist, like we do" is a testament to his character. Another great thing about this series is the episodic characters. Other than Ginko (and a doctor that shows up in 3 episodes), all characters are only present for 1 episode. But as someone states in the forums, you come to care MORE about some of these 1 episode characters than you do for some recurring characters in other 26+ epi series.
Enjoyment:
Well, if it isn't obvious by now, I enjoyed/am enjoying this series immensely. I was not sure if I could enjoy an episodic anime with new characters introduced each episode, but I was pleasantly surprised. This series has become quite endearing to me, and has taken it's spot as my #1 favorite series of all time. All of the different aspects of this series, good as they are, individually, combine to make one hell of an awesome and original series.
Overall:
The verdict... (as if it wasn't obvious)... 10/10. This is definitely a series worth watching, and definitely one of THE MOST UNDERRATED anime series out there. Please enjoy it, soon... and let's all spread the Mushishi <3. :3 read more
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TheCriticsClub
112 of 153 people found this review helpful
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26 of 26 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
“Don’t let yourself be blinded by fear or anger.
Everything is only as it is.”
Story
Mushishi is essentially a series of stories styled after East Asian legends and folktales. In lieu of gods, spirits, and demons, the paranormal phenomena are attributed to more primitive yet no less enigmatic creatures called “mushi”. Dealing with their kind is the expertise of “mushishi”; professionals whose role may be thought of as an amalgam of healer, exorcist, biologist, X-Files investigator, and Jedi master (well, sort of). Ginko happens to be one of these mushishi and he wanders from town to town, looking for interesting cases and lending a helping hand to those adversely affected by these mushi.
As formulaic as its premise may sound, no two incidents are alike and every episode features not only different mushi but a different setting and cast as well (with Ginko as constant exception). Because of these, the series is able to experiment with various concepts and human relationships and none of the stories ever end in a predictable manner. As such, there is little room for stagnation as each tale manages to be unique and refreshing.
The title is often mentioned in the same breath as Kino no Tabi though Mushishi’s oriental setting and animistic influences give it a more distinct flavor and theme. Whereas Kino limits herself to exploring “what if” scenarios by visiting different countries, Ginko takes it a step further by providing possible solutions and emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with nature, with fellow men, and most importantly, with the self.
Characters:
While not exactly an anti-hero, Ginko’s personality is an unusual mix of benevolence tempered with common sense; a combination of “grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish one from the other.” Saving lives is part of his job but he also knows when there’s reason still to hope and when it’s time to move on. He may break his own code at times for the well-being of the majority and he’s not above fooling the gullible either just to get by. His expertise stems not only from his knowledge about mushi but also from his understanding of human nature.
Similarly, none of these supporting characters are shoved into stereotypes which plague most anime and manga. No catgirls, lecherous geezers, or single-minded youngsters (Believe it!); just regular folks in unusual circumstances due to encounters with mushi. Consequently, it doesn’t require much effort to empathize with these characters even if most only appear in their respective episodes.
Art:
Not only is the theme “everything is only as it is” evident in the content but it also permeates the manner in which the stories are presented. Mushishi doesn’t try to impress; it simply delivers. While other shows of this era tend go overboard with the fancy CG animation, Mushishi’s visuals remain spare yet aesthetically pleasing. Rather than filling up the screen with explosions and fanservice shots at every possible moment, vivid scenes of natural beauty such as raindrops falling from the heavens, cherry blossoms drifting in the wind, and sunlight penetrating the dense foliage are shown instead. Of course, the viewers are occasionally treated to fantastic scenes showing the surreal characteristics of the mushi but these are shown only when called for in the stories and nothing is done in excess. Even the character designs are relatively plain but perhaps these also contribute to the story in their own way since the audience is less likely to judge the characters based on their appearances.
Sound:
Likewise, the audio takes the minimalist approach. The soundtrack is comprised of simply melodies which are surprisingly effective in evoking various thoughts and emotions. Ranging from haunting and heart-rending to hopeful and bittersweet, the music often eliminates the need for more words in the most crucial scenes. Also worth noting is the lack of exaggerated voice acting which makes the cast sound more like real people rather than cookie-cutter characters.
Overall:
In addition to its enchanting audio and visuals, Mushishi also serves drama and thought-provoking content in balanced amounts. Its subtle content and execution never insult the intelligence and present several interesting ideas without drowning the viewers in philosophical jargon or sophistry. All in all, Mushishi truly is one of the finest anime specimen out there.
This review is the final result of a review team composed of members from the "Critics and Connoisseurs" club. The team members were:
Yuunagi - Writer
itsmee - Contributer/Editor
June - Contributer/Editor
Talamare - Contributer/Editor
Here are their individual scorings for the show:
Catogory - Yuunagi, itsmee, June,Talamare
Overall: 10, 9, 8, 9 - avg=9.00
Story: 10, 10, 7, 10 - avg=9.25
Animation: 9, 9, 9, 9 - avg=9.00
Sound: 9, 8, 7, 8 - avg=8.00
Enjoyment: 10, 10, 8, 10 - avg=9.5
In the club wide poll held for Mushishi it received an average overall rating of 9.06
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Recommendations
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One story per episode, with each episode not having much action in but still has something special about them.
They both have a similar story telling method where tales of the unusual come into everyday life. Must see if you're a fan of either series!
both are very philosophical and, for the most part, bloodless. . .two highly entertaining series that are great to watch when you want to wind down for the day. . .
These are both episodic anime that center around someone who travels from town to town and they usually wind up helping someone through a difficult situation at each stop. While Kino's purpose is only to travel and to see different countries, Ginko's is to find and research "Mushi." Both stories have beautiful animation and offer up "life lessons." Although these lessons may be a little easier to see in Kino's Journey, they're there in Mushishi, as well. Enjoy ^_^
The step up of the both animes are similar, each episode (or short arc) is it's own story and one does not need to watch them in any particular order to understand them (though I think that is the better course). The reason this is possible is because both main characters are travelers who do not take on any new companions for the duration of both series. Their histories are a mystery and little bits of both are revealed slowly in certain episodes. In addition I feel both have interesting and unique little stories for each episode that seem to have a deeper meaning and come off quite philosophic, though you don't really need to think this way in order to enjoy them. If you liked the idea, plot, characters, stories, or everything about one of these animes I am fairly sure you will love the other.
Both of these shows focus on a traveler and the people they meet along the way. In Kino's case, she's simply a traveler with no set destination. For Ginko in Mushishi, he goes around to many different places and helps those who have been effected by 'mushi', which is also his job.
They also both share the same thinking-based mature atmosphere as well, sometimes even delving deep into the way the mind works and peoples own effects on the things around them.
These two rather slow, yet extremely interesting, shows are very alike and if you liked one of them you should definitely check out the other.
Bothe animes have a separate story for each episode. Both are very deep, and focus on making the audience think. Both are quite good.
Both tell the life of a traveller who don't stay for very long on the same place.
Mushishi tends to the supernatural genre while Kino no tabi is just a fantasy genre. The main thing they have in common is that both have really deep stories and don't tend to the comedic spot.
I see so many similarities, I don't know where to begin. Both Ginko and Kino are force to give up there past lives due to something happening in their early childhood, and thus travel around the world. While Kino learns about the cultures of different places in her travels, Ginko's journey is more of one to help others affected by the mushi. Either way, both have episodal storylines. Though frankly I found myself enjoying Kino's journey more, there's no way one wouldn't enjoy both in the same way.
Episodic, sometimes philosophical about life
Story per episode, not much action, both about forced journey which was started because of some accident, similar beautiful animations, both almost bloodless. If you love one of them you'll love another one for sure.
Mushishi and Kino's Journey are about people who travel through a beautiful world, although for different reasons. They are confronted with various people and their problems, beliefs and such. Kino and Ginko are similar in their reactions to these people, as they do not want to meddle in it too much.
Both are episodic series involving a traveling protagonist that helps out the people that they come across. They both also have a very similar feeling and style to the other.
Both have a very calming feel to it and short one episode story lines and both involve traveling to different countries, but don't let that deceive you, each episode is filled with an amazing story and is concluded with an unexpected/philosophical twist that is bound to amaze you. Also the main characters are very similar in their passiveness(or sense of indifference) as well as their inability to settle down in one place.
Both series are episodic, and tied together by the travels of their protagonists. Still, they both hold together very well and have solid pacing. The two anime also frequently have a mythological or philosophical vibe to their stories. The main difference is that Kino has a more surreal kind of setting, while Mushishi's is more traditionally Japanese.
Let me start off by saying that these two are both very excellent series in my opinion. Kino's Journey and Mushi-shi possess a certain quality that draws you into their own world. Kino's Journey gives the feel of being in a slightly dark fairytale, whereas Mushi-shi draws you into what seems like a world of mythology and folklore. I strongly recommend either of these series to anyone who is interested in a story book feel to their anime.
Both animes are very philosophical. Both tell the stories of two travelers, what pushed them to travel and what happens during their journey.
With each episode being an incident from their journey.
Both anime's stories are episodic with each story arc usually contained to just one episode. In each anime the main character travels around to various towns and cities to observe what's going on and usually lending a helping hand to the residents.
Both laid back atmosphere until you get to near end of each episode leaving you to think. Both protagonists are travelers who left their formal selves as their price to where they are currently.
Both have a stand alone episode plot structure. Both have protagonists who have very good reasons for traveling. And both acquire memorable experiences wherever they go.
Kino is more apethetic and distant. Ginko helps any and every.
They both have a similar vibe of unsteady peace and they both follow the lives of people who travel far. They both focus on the observation of aspects of life (Kino's journey is more moral and mental while Mushishi is more physical and natural)
They are also both very earie and inspirational. Highly suggested!
Episodic anime, very cerebral, not much action but very, very entertaining. It's philosophical, poignant, and beautiful. One of the best shows I have ever watched.
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Both look amazing, while Mononokes art is more abstract is still manages to immerse the viewer.
Both have a medicine seller who traverses from place to place attempting to solve paranormal situations.
Same guy-dealing-with-Japanese-spirits type of anime here .. Mushi-shi does it in more of an earthy, non-ghost-story/horror way. Very pretty, feel-good anime that deals with more of the historical, spiritual Japanese folklore. No real plot, each story is pretty self-contained much like Mononoke, but even the lack of plot doesn't keep this from being good stuff! ^o^ Aaand if you're reading this on the Mushi-shi side, watch Mononoke for reverse reasons! Might want to pony up to it with watching Ayakashi first though ..
Both stories involed a man wandering around japan carrying around a wooden box and deals with supernatural entities and helps people along the way. Mononoke is a lot darker and a bit more cynical then Mushishi is, and the Medicine Seller is more of an anti hero, but that doesn't keep him from being an enjoyable, interesting character. The stories in both series are interesting, each being self contained, though Monoke tells it's stories in a series of 5 arcs. Also, Mononoke's stories are always more on the horror side of things, whereas Mushishi's are usually more emotional.
Mononoke is basically Mushishi done in a more artistic and colorful way. The Medicine Seller goes around banishing Mononoke. Ginko goes around curing mushi. So in a way, Id say its the plot and flow of Mushishi done in the style of Gankutsuou. Also, its a little be more to the horror genre then Mushishi.
Both deal with the supernatural and both have charismatic lead characters. The drawings in Mononoke will take a little getting used to. Just a little warning, some parts of Mononoke can be quite scary compared to Mushishi.
Episodic and is similar in the fact that the protagonist is a traveller and medicine seller eliminating supernatural creatures. In Mushishi it was Mushis and in Mononke it is the poor mononokes being terminated. Both are amazing shows.
Anime with Unique art? Relating to a search of mystic beings of some sorts?
You got it in these both. Although both do have their differences, if you loved one, you'll love the other. As a bonus, both protagonists are lovable (in a hot, respectable way).
The story lines are pretty similar. They both feature a male lead that travels in search of supernatural events and spirits, etc. And both are episodic type animes.
Both series concern a main character who travels around solving supernatural problems. The Medicine Seller has his mononoke, and Ginko has his mushi.
Both series features a traveling mysterious main character that deals with supernatural phenomena around. While melancholy and drama are foremost for Mushishi and mystery for Mononoke they still have a similar mood. Their artwork have different stylings, but the approach of evershifting reality and simplicity is close.
If you liked the story about a man wandering around from place to place, "saving" people from supernatural creatures, then Mononoke is for you.
But Mononoke has bizarre scenes, REALLY artistic detalis, and also...it is the DARKER version of Mushishi.
Both have a main character dealing with weird supernatural happenings.
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Opening Theme"The Sore Feet Song" by Ally Kerr
Ending Theme#01: "Midori no Za" by Masuda Toshio (ep 1)
#02: "Mabuta no Hikari" by Masuda Toshio (ep 2)
#03: "Yawarakai Kaku" by Masuda Toshio (ep 3)
#04: "Makura Kouji" by Masuda Toshio (ep 4)
#05: "Tabi wo Suru Numa" by Masuda Toshio (ep 5)
#06: "Tsuyu wo Suu Mure" by Masuda Toshio (ep 6)
#07: "Ame ga Kuru Niji ga Tatsu" by Masuda Toshio (ep 7)
#08: "Umi Sakai (Unasaka) Yori" by Masuda Toshio (ep 8)
#09: "Omoi Mo" by Masuda Toshio (ep 9)
#10: "Suzuri ni Sumu Shiro" by Masuda Toshio (ep 10)
#11: "Yama Nemuru" by Masuda Toshio (ep 11)
#12: "Sugame no Sakana (On Air Ver.)" by Masuda Toshio (ep 12)
#13: "Ichiya Hashi" by Masuda Toshio (ep 13)
#14: "Kago no Naka" by Masuda Toshio (ep 14)
#15: "Haru to Usobuko" by Masuda Toshio (ep 15)
#16: "Akatsuki no Hebi" by Masuda Toshio (ep 16)
#17: "Kyo Mayu Tori" by Masuda Toshio (ep 17)
#18: "Yama Idaku Koromo" by Masuda Toshio (ep 18)
#19: "Teppen no Ito" by Masuda Toshio (ep 19)
#20: "Fude no Umi" by Masuda Toshio (ep 20)
#21: "Wata Houshi" by Masuda Toshio (ep 21)
#22: "Oki Tsu Miya" by Masuda Toshio (ep 22)
#23: "Sabi no Naku Koe" by Masuda Toshio (ep 23)
#24: "Kagari no Gyou" by Masuda Toshio (ep 24)
#25: "Ganpuku Me Wazawai" by Masuda Toshio (ep 25)
#26: "Kusa wo Fumu Oto" by Masuda Toshio (ep 26)
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