Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha is the type of show where you’d come in expecting what you’ll get. The thought of ‘typical romance with a cute middle school girl’ is what most people will come into mind. And you would be right because this show is about a middle school girl named Inari Fushimi, a clumsy character with an innocent personality and heartwarming crush on her fellow classmate, Koji Tanabashi. In essence, this show is what a classic shoujo would offer – a spirited series of cuteness, fun, charms, and shape shifting. Wait, stop there. Shape shifting? Now, that’s something to take notice. Of course, Inari
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doesn’t obtain that ability after she recuses the spirit fox Kon from falling into the river. She has no idea that her life is about to change forever.
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.
Alternative Titles
Synonyms: Inari, Konkon, ABCs of Love
Japanese: いなり、こんこん、恋いろは。
More titlesInformation
Type:
TV
Episodes:
10
Status:
Finished Airing
Aired:
Jan 16, 2014 to Mar 20, 2014
Premiered:
Winter 2014
Broadcast:
Wednesdays at 01:00 (JST)
Producers:
Kadokawa Shoten, DAX Production, KlockWorx, flying DOG, Kadokawa Media House, Kyoto Broadcasting System
Licensors:
Funimation
Studios:
Production IMS
Source:
Manga
Demographic:
Seinen
Duration:
24 min. per ep.
Rating:
PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
Statistics
Ranked:
#32752
2
based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity:
#1410
Members:
165,119
Favorites:
397
Available AtResourcesStreaming Platforms | Reviews
Filtered Results: 24 / 24
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Your Feelings Categories Mar 19, 2014
Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha is the type of show where you’d come in expecting what you’ll get. The thought of ‘typical romance with a cute middle school girl’ is what most people will come into mind. And you would be right because this show is about a middle school girl named Inari Fushimi, a clumsy character with an innocent personality and heartwarming crush on her fellow classmate, Koji Tanabashi. In essence, this show is what a classic shoujo would offer – a spirited series of cuteness, fun, charms, and shape shifting. Wait, stop there. Shape shifting? Now, that’s something to take notice. Of course, Inari
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Mar 19, 2014
Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha is a sort of feel good anime. After every episode I watched, I just had this feeling of content that felt very relaxing. But of course, that doesn't mean this anime doesn't have any exciting moments. It very much does.
Inari is a normal middle school girl that lives in Koyoto's Fushimi ward. Like many girls her age, she has a tough time liking herself, which leads to her envying her good looking and friendly classmate Sumizome. Inari has a crush on her other classmate Funbabashi, but she can't seem to work up the nerve to talk to him, as compared ... Mar 24, 2014
I like to compare "Inari Konkon" with a person's first love, it's beautiful but really awkward.
Story- 6/10 Inari is your typical slice of life RomCom with a dash of supernatural tossed in. The biggest problem with the story is it tries to have too many themes, is it a romance? A comedy? About friendship? Who really knows, and most of these themes don't really play out other than friendship. The romance element was very lacking, and for a series that I supposed to be centered around romance they didn't spend much time on the relationships at all. If you're looking for a slice of ... Mar 19, 2014
At first, this anime wasn't in my "To Watch" list, in fact when I watch it, I was hoping to see some Uka fanservice, instead, I was taken away by this anime's story. This was probably one anime where its story and plot has a moral lesson, where it tells use to be careful of what you wish for or you might just get it. It also tell us that in sometimes when we do something we have to be careful or otherwise we would have made it much worse than before, frankly this is where this anime's premise revolved around as we see
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May 3, 2014
I rated "Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha" higher than I've ever rated any anime before. Why?
Story: 8/10 -I absolutely loved the story in this anime. It's very sweet and really tugs at your heart, sometimes pretty hard. It's really easy to relate to how the main character, Inari Fushimi, feels. Who hasn't experienced the desire to change for someone you love? Being jealous of others who have a better chance with them, even if you don't want to be? "Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha" expresses these things to the viewer in a way that's not obnoxious. The story is great, but it really wouldn't be where it was ... Mar 20, 2014
TL;DR
+ cute story/characters + heart-warming - dragged ending - short Story Revolves around girl called Inari and a god Uka. One day Inari wishes at shrine to become someone else, good-willed Uka wants to help her, so she transforms her. Inari soon regrets this, Uka feels guilty, magic happens and now Inari can transform to anyone she wants. This is main story in nutshell, with cute little romance growing in the background. Not amazing, but still decent. It is worth mentioning that ending warries a bit from manga, in a sense that it felt dragged out. ... Mar 19, 2014
Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha whan i started watching this anime i thought to myself this gonna be good but boy was i wrong.
Story:5/10 well i don't where to begin but here we go (Inari) is girl who can't do anything right when she's near her crush (Tanbabashi) so in frustration she goes to a shrine and make a wish to be someone else and from there our story begins but is it good for me no and i know that is just 10 episode series but come on there some interesting things going on like a human falls in love with a goddess and maybe it's ... Nov 22, 2017
Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha Is a interesting show to be honest. It doesn't do any of the stuff you would expect from show with a human getting god like powers and able to change into anyone and i mean even the fun stuff from these types of show's.
I came in expecting the MC to be more goofy and mess around more. But in this she just does nothing of interest with these powers. The characters reactions tend to be lackluster and the story feels very ham-fisted. ~~SPOILERS~~ Any drama that happens feels artificial. Such as both Uka and Inari not wanting to tell each other cause ... Jan 8, 2022
Inari Konkon shows how intimate the relationship between a god and a human can be without it being in the realm of romance at all. The mother-daughter relationship between Uka and Inari brought me to tears many times, especially in the last episode. You can truly see how much they care for each other and love each other, and how much they need each other. It was such a beautiful friendship -- and in fact, all of the friendships in this show, especially between Inari and her group of girl friends, feel so real and well developed. It really reminded me of middle school but
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Mar 28, 2014
Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha is a type of show which any of us would be expecting. A typical clumsy girl who always shows her bad side to her crush. Though, there was a mixture of a supernatural theme which made this show a little exciting.
Story:6/10 The story was all about a girl named Inari who showed the typical 'clumsiness' around her crush. Frustrated by herself, Inari wished for her to be someone else, and it was granted by Uka-sama. The story was alright, but it was a little rushed, or rather the ending was not good enough. Art: 8/10 The art was done nicely, especially with the ... Apr 25, 2014
I was pleasently surprised when I watched this anime, here's why:
Story 9/10 Welcome to the life of Inari, a girl with three friends and who is quite clumsy. She lives nearby a shrine that called the Inari Shrine. When she is in a hurry to go to school, she sees a little fox and helps it out of trouble. Then she may have a wish fullfilled by the diety of the shrine. Her wish: to turn into somebody else. Of course this will bring trouble and all that kind of stuff along. You could say this story isn't original, but I it is, go and watch ... Aug 23, 2019
Not the best. Not the worst. Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha is a series about an ordinary girl who received a wish from a deity. However, her wish wasn't what she wanted so the god gave her divine power instead. Granting her the ability to transform into whatever she wishes to transform into. Though, she must face the obstacles awaiting in front of her as a consequence for getting the divine power although she's must a mere human.
Story : 7/10 The plot's kind of a meh. I feel as if there's a lot of things missing in the plot of the story. It's not perfect. ... Nov 13, 2015
Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha was heartwarming, short, and cute. It won my heart by the second episode, with interesting characters and a beautiful plot.
The anime is about a sweet shy girl named Inari who has a hard time conveying her feelings. One day Inari witnesses her crush handing a love letter to a beautiful girl. Depressed Inari runs off to her family shrine and cries out "I wish I could be her". A fox deity who lives at the shrine appears and gives Inari a "divine power" that allows her to shape shift. The anime mainly focuses on how Inari uses this power. This is ... Jul 4, 2018 I sincerely believe that the main theme that surrounds the protagonist about her precocious romance is incredibly boring and repeated, it would only be advisable if you were under 12 years old and you were in love, as for the relationship that exists between the goddess and the girl is much more interesting that the main problem that leads them to know each other, although I think that Inari is not more than a girl too common to be so special and receive such power ... In short, it is more interesting the secondary romance between the brother of Inari and the goddess (and that ... Mar 5, 2015
One of the best feel good anime that I have seen in a long time.
Though it has only 10 episodes+1 OVA the characters manage to really capture your heart. An extremely sweet and wonderful female lead. Such a refreshing honest story. It has romance but the romance is like the foundation for a story...almost like a back story. It starts with her wanting the love of the boy she has had a crush on forever...but it actually is a story of love in a complete view. Love between friends and love for herself as well. (she starts off with low self confidence and with envy for an ... Sep 11, 2014
Overall, I really enjoyed this. I do wish it had been a few episodes longer, though. Even one more episode could have tied up the ending in what would have been, I believe, a more satisfactory ending. I think this is a great adaptation of the manga. It stayed pretty true to the story, though it was much faster paced. I really love this story for a lot of reasons, but mostly I think it has really positive role models for girls (which can be hard to find). I appreciate the inclusion of the Sumizome/Keiko, even though it didn't really develop at all. One thing
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Feb 20, 2017
If I have to pick two adjectives to describe Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha it would be: heartwarming and underrated. I have to admit I got here cause I googled "animes to watch when you are depressed" [to chear you up, not to get even worse], and I feel very lucky that this anime was in that recommendation.
And now I can just recommend it too, because its a great show! Inari is a normal girl with dreams and wishes like any ordinary girl, but with an unusual big heart, and she gets to meet Uka-sama, a godness that prefers to be on Earth watching us humans going ... Sep 9, 2018
During the year 2014, Studio TROYCA gained sufficient popularity from its collaboration with Gen Urobuchi, birthing a hub of controversyーAldnoah.Zero, unbeknownst to many during that time, TROYCA released another series during that year that went under the radar because it wasn’t co-written by the guy who was primarily known for Madoka Magica and partially for gory, tentacle lolis (Saya no Uta).
• I didn’t think that I would like Inari Kon Kon after watching the first episode, because the female protagonist is pretty much a mouth-breathing creep that envies a pretty girl that her crush likesーso much so that she wishes for a shrine God to ... Dec 25, 2019
So at first i rated this as an 8 then after i finished it i was disappointed and dropped it to 7.I don't want to give any spoilers but let's say the ending is not good it's not bad but it's the unsatisfying ending that would disappoint you and you'll fell like it wasn't worth the time.After that i read the manga because it continued after the anime and that was quite a huge difference. It had more impact more drama more romance and a very satisfying ending.I ranked it as 10 and considered to drop the anime to 6 but gave up.
To wrap everything ... Apr 2, 2014
Story: 6/10 It's a typical romantic comedy-ish. It seems that it's supposed to focus on romantic plots, but twists and moves on to another theme,friendship. It switches between the two themes frequently, so romance elements tend to lack and almost end up being dropped. That being said however, it's still enjoyable and easy to follow.
Art: 10/10 I adored the artwork. It is very well done. From the shrines to the landscapes of basic surroundings, it was really beautiful. The characters were average and nothing special, kinda basic, but it's not like they're an imitation of other anime characters. Characters: 7/10 Although the characters were kinda generic, ... |