Based off the manga of the same name, Morohe Yoshida crafts a work with traditional shoujo tropes but adds in additional elements. These elements ranges from the spiritual God Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami (aka. Uka), dealing with personal issues, and other life conflicts that can be relatable. By this standard, we can learn from Inari as a girl who is bound for discovery. This is because her ability now allows her to transform into the physical form of any human being as she wishes at will. With an ability like that, there’s no limit to how much she can discover into another person’s life. Perhaps more importantly may also be Inari’s curious mind to discover herself with these new powers. Indeed, a shoujo series taking the concept of an identity license to not formulate it into a crisis but rather as a device should be something to think about.
To take this series to heart will take some patience as we get to know our main character, Inari. Because the show only adapts 10 episodes from the manga, the story may not expand to a point where complex plot holes will come together in packages. Rather, take the story like an anthology where each episode depicts a story involving Inari and her friends. This comes with the supernatural elements such as her ability to transform into the physical forms of others. It’s a fun gag to think about considering the possibilities you can do with it. For Inari, it might be a dream come true because of her crush on Koji. What better way than become the most beautiful girl at the school that almost everyone wants to be friends with? Despite having these possibilities, she quickly learns that her powers has limits and is not as simple as it seems. Throughout each episode, we learn that Inari uses her power not for personal gains but rather as a way to help others. This is evident in particular episodes to protect certain people from danger. We see her maturity from a clumsy girl to a young woman capable of taking responsibilities. Despite her initial self-doubt, she also begins to learn how to utilize her powers with success and praise. In retrospective, Inari’s powers gave her more than just the ability to shapeshift but also a way of discovering people both inside and outside. The show captures moments where this is explicitly well done with its performance with other characters that Inari forms relationships with. It explores various human emotions that fulfills themes such as jealousy, doubt, regret, insecurity among others. With great power comes great responsibility and Inari becomes the centerpiece of that.
As a show that focuses on romance, expect that abstraction to take on a more innocent form. Inari is a shy young girl that causes a rather embarrassing scene with her crush in the gym through her clumsiness in the first episode. It’s funny how this can be relatable since love can be blind and make people do silly things. For Inari, it’s can be more than just silly because her powers allows her to make possibilities and dreams into a reality. In fact, her dream is want to become someone special, a person of admiration, or as in the classic Yamato Nadeshiko. The character that would most closely resemble such an icon would be Akemi Sumizome. She has a pretty face, kind personality, and marvelous figure. In essence, she is both a character of admiration and envy for Inari. Yet, deep down, she has her own insecurities including her attraction to someone that makes her very insecure about herself. Despite seemingly existing in the opposite side a world, the duo forms a close relationship through discovery. Relationships are important in this show whether it’d be romantic, platonic, parental, or between siblings. It’s valuable to notice how relatable the show can be despite its fantasy elements as we see realism between certain characters.
Taking on the fantasy trope comes forth spirits, apparitions, and Gods. Uka stands out on the fantasy side with her abilities to grant wishes including giving Inari the will to transform. Possessing a kind spirit, she blurs a bit between fantasy and reality with her characteristics. She holds wisdom but is also curious about the real world with her fascinations. This is evident by her interest in otaku game (otome genres seems to be her favorites), manga, and cultural norms that often pertain with the younger people. Her relationship with Inari’s brother Toka is also quite amusing as the duo is incompatible but seems to get along through curiosity. Unfortunately, despite the insight that Uka brings into the show, she suffers a bit of characterization. We only know a little about her past and most of it is connected with Toka rather than with Inari or the others. Seemingly, she acts more like a character to test others (humans) because of her origins. Other supporting characters with fantasy attributes such as Miya and Kon suffers from personification of their selves. Most of the humans gets more insight to their relationship dynamics while the Gods features less emphasis.
Being labeled as a romantic comedy means the show should have a mixture of both. The romance aspect actually covers more than just Inari. It expands to characters including Sumizome, Koji, and even Toka. It brings a charm to this show that is innocent. There’s no extreme jealousy or complex love triangles that spans out of control. Rather, it’s simplistic and feels natural. However, some of the results of these romance angles might not satisfy fans. Bring a show together with a composition of only 10 episodes also means a suffering from development. Most of the relationships are only explored on a basic level with perhaps Inari getting the most spotlight. A more complex problem involves Sumizome as her feelings seems to rush out too quick that shows a lack of development. There’s also less emphasis on the way drama are resolved. It feels more like soap opera at some points rather than a fantasy love story. There’s less focus on dynamics but more on the drama, some which makes little sense. The strength of the comedy though does make up for this. Dialogues may feel cheesy but holds values of interest. We know that the characters are serious about their feelings and it’s easy to understand where they come from. It mixtures it in with humorous scenes such as delusions, symbolisms, and fantasy elements. It comes together in a tolerable way with fun laughs. The show also doesn’t rely on fan service to deliver its message. Instead, it’s out in the open and straight forward on most parts. Oh and how can we forget when Inari transforms into someone else to fool others?
The first word that comes to my mind to describe this show’s artwork is fantastic. It’s fantastic no just in the way of being beautiful but rather as a credible way of portraying its settings. The background reflects a charming atmosphere with the temples and shrines. Transformation scenes matches well with consistency. Additionally, the Gods all have their unique designs with their hair styles, outfits, and distinctive features. Inari’s design also captures her character as a clumsy girl who is walking steps to adolescence. Sumizome reflects exactly as a pretty girl with her figure. Even Toka is noticeable with his face expressions that defines him as a concerned brother. Elegance decorates this show on various levels and artwork fits with that title.
Soundtrack mixes on a traditional scale with its fantasy vibes. More noticeable however is the character voices as some of them adapts a kansai accent. Main characters such as Inari and Sumizome speaks in Kansai-ben, rather than traditional Japanese. It’s a distinctive trait that is quite noticeable yet can take time to get used to. Otherwise, there’s a good mixture of voice mannerisms in the show such as Inari’s spontaneous energy or Uka’s curiosity in the human world. The OP & ED songs are decorated with colorful features that depicts exactly how a fantasy setting can be when mixed with modern values.
Taken for granted, Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha is a charming show with innocence, values, and elegance. The story itself will feel a bit predictable and lack depth in characterization. However, its attributes in presenting human relationships between Gods and mortals is something hard to take eyes off of. Inari’s life of discovery is fascinating that leads to various results between many characters. Its straightforward humor isn’t rocket science but instead has its elements that will bring a keen sense to laugh. On the other hand, the romance aspect can feel a little childish. Yet, it defines innocence in not a strategic but effortless way. Sometimes, not everything needs to be complex even if you can take on the form of anyone you want. This show is simple just like how it should be.
