Yasuri Shichika, the 7th heir of the Kyotouryuu school(bladeless), lives together with his sister Nanami on a desert island where they and their father Mutsue, who put down a rebellion started by Hida Takahito against the shogunate, were exiled to after the events of the rebellion. One day Shichika meets a gatecrasher named Togame. The shogunate entrusted Togame with a very difficult mission: she must collect twelve legendary swords owned by the legendary masters of swordsmanship. Later on Shichika agrees to help a fragile strategist and becomes her protection servant. The two set out to a journey towards the cruel fate. Will they overcome it? Find out about it right now!
Story (10/10)
Yasuri Shichika, the 7th heir of the Kyotouryuu school(bladeless), lives together with his sister Nanami on a desert island where they and their father Mutsue, who put down a rebellion started by Hida Takahito against the shogunate, were exiled to after the events of the rebellion. One day Shichika meets a gatecrasher named Togame. The shogunate entrusted Togame with a very difficult mission: she must collect twelve legendary swords owned by the legendary masters of swordsmanship. Later on Shichika agrees to help a fragile strategist and becomes her protection servant. The two set out to a journey towards the cruel fate.
The storyline looks very simple and cliché: a boy meets a girl and they start their long journey. However, Katanagatari absorbed all these cliché and made a unique fable that the majority of viewers will surely appreciate. Those who like intelligent shows will have to be very attentive to understand the storyline; however, if you appreciate spectacular battles, Katanagatari will surely offer them to you, as well. The unusual format of episodes (50 minutes per episode) ensures enough time for both spectacular battles and a good story development.
Katanagatari is truly a remarkable show to mention. Every episode our duo will have to collect a magic sword, fighting against a samurai or some other person. It may seem to one that it is simply unreal to make such story interesting and unique. Yet, Nisio Isin proved one more time that he does have a lustrous talent. Every episode features something new, and after awhile you will probably think that Katanagatari will cease to amaze you and offer you something that you have already seen. No, every episode has its aim, its new characters and features something new. I guarantee you that you will NEVER feel bored.
With that being said, the whole story-line is flawless, as it hasn’t left any unanswered question and explained everything. It will surely take you some time to understand the plot, but when you understand it, you will understand the whole uniqueness of this show.
Art (10/10)
Saying that the animation is unusual won’t be enough to describe it, but for some reason this new style works well. Without a doubt, it will take you some time to get used to it. But it won’t take you that long, after an episode or two you will appreciate the abundance of different colors and it won’t be a problem for you.
From characters to landscapes, the animation is just something you won’t find anywhere else. All characters are different and well-drawn, the action scenes are definitely odd, but for some reason you will appreciate that oddity.
Sound (10/10)
Iwasaki Taku (Kuroshitsuji, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Soul Eater) is famous for his bright talent. If you see Iwasaki as a person who was in charge of the anime’s OST, the outcome is obvious-- the world will get another masterpiece. Katanagatari is not an exception, Mr. Iwasaki took a mix of different types of music over Asia and made a splendid OST for Katanagatari. You will find some Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese elements in his OST. You will definitely like this mix, as it is something you have never heard of in your life.
Katanagatari is only available in Japanese. You will probably find some fan-dubbed versions, but choosing them won’t be a good idea. I am not trying to say that watching the subbed version for 600 minutes (50 min x 1 episode) is good either, but Katanagatari is an anime that you shouldn’t be in haste with. With that being said, Tamura Yukari (Mine, Furude Rika, Takamachi Nanoha) and Hosoya Yoshimasa (Wave, Wataya Arata, Ginti ) did one hell of a job voicing their characters and you should, no you MUST, see it in Japanese.
Characters (9/10)
The unusual format of Katanagatari ensures enough time for the character development. All characters were given enough screen-time, but the supporting characters could have been just a bit more interesting. Anyways, those who have already seen Spice and Wolf (and fell in love with its characters), will surely appreciate the Katanagatari’s duo, Togame and Shichika.
Togame is a strategist and represents the brains of Katanagatari. Using Shichika’s strength, she defeats the enemies of the shogunate. You will see her ranting about luxuries or lecturing Shichika, but at the same time, she will play a cool strategist. Without a doubt, one may find her annoying, but her temperament does make her somewhat cute. After all, she is a fragile young lady, one should look after and protect. Don’t get me wrong, you won’t see a whiny tsundere, you will see just a normal young woman.
Shichika, having set off from his island, acts somewhat foolish and needs Togame’s directions in EVERYTHING. He calls himself a weapon and he acts as a weapon doing everything what Togame tells him to do. You will see him holding Togame’s hair, defeating the enemies of the shogunate, or protecting Togame from the sun. However, as the story-line progresses, Shichika becomes more humane and his character becomes simply splendid. (Note: Shichika in the first episode and Shichika in the last episode are the two different people. If you are ready to wait, Katanagatari will reward you.)
All in all, Togame and Shichika are amazing. They love each other and that love is obvious, but you will have a feeling that they don’t even know each other. Their development is simply splendid; the changes in character that they undergo are simply unforgettable.)
Enjoyment (10/10)
The good:
1)Storyline.
2)Art.
3)Music.
4)Characters.
The bad:
I didn’t find anything bad about this show.
Overall (9,75/10)
Are you tired of mediocrity and clichés? I know how to help you! Katanagatari will take you on a long-long journey, which will make you forget about all these "anime."
Fans of Spice and Wolf, Mushishi, Kino no Tabi, and perhaps Bakemonogatari, will be glad to discover Katanagatari. If the anime’s duration is the only thing, which stops you from watching this show, just forget about it. I wish you to enjoy Katanagatari as much as I did.
