Kamisama Hajimemashita: Kako-hen

To speak about this OVA it's important to acknowledge first of all the huge difference between the manga of Kamisama Hajimemashita and it's anime adaptation. The adaptation has never been completely faithful to the manga, and the same happens with this OVA. If you haven't read the manga, this OVA is just a great addition to the anime. However, if you already read the manga, you won't be able to help feeling a little disappointed.

The OVA is very well done, just like the regular anime; good art, good cast, good rythm, good everything. The love between the main characters is reinforced and some ... secrets are revealed. BUT! (And this is a huge "But") The feels one gets in the manga are 300% more intense than in the OVA, so as an adaptation, it's just mediocre.

I'll try to explain briefly what we are missing in the OVA without giving any explicit spoiler:

First of all, the time-travel logic is far better depicted in the manga, and Nanami goes through way more hardship to accomplish her mission. Besides, with regard to the whole story, it is in this Past Arc where we are supposed to discover most of the important information about the nature of Tomoe and Nanami's relationship, as well as Tomoe and Yukiji's, which is not explaind in the OVA at all, when it really shoud have been because it is by far the most interesting part of the story and it really changes everything. (It is there where you finally say "Hey! This is clearly not Inuyasha!" ) But not trace of it in the OVA.
Last but not least, within this arc of the manga, Nanami gets to know quite well Akura-ou, who becomes a major character in the following arcs, and the absence of the Akura-ou part in the OVA, added to the fact of condensing everyone's favorite part of the manga (4 volumes of it actually) in barely 4 episodes, only makes me fear that there might not be next anime season in the future.

The past arc of Kamisama Hajimemashita has been one of the most pasionate stories I've read in a manga, and one of the most coherent time-travel stories I've ever come across. So it saddens me considerably to see it cheapened like this.

However, as I said at the begining of the review, if you haven't read the manga, go ahead, the story is undoubtably enjoyable and sweet.

Ok, i know the anime hasn't finished yet, but i have read the manga so i know how much i love it already and if you have an issue with this review just go to the next one. It is hard to talk about it without giving anything away, but ill do my best!

Story: 10/10.
This was my favourite part of the anime AND the manga so far. It shows everyone how Tomoe doesn't remember anything about Yukiji and Akuraou anymore. Nanami is forced to back into the past to help Tomoe survive by stopping an ancient contract between him and a mysterious fallen god. In ... this part of Kamisama Hajimemashita, there is lots of development between Nanami and Tomoe. The romance is up to perfection in my opinion and the comedy is still rocking like it has been for the whole series.

Art: 9/10.
The art is beautiful and full of colour and light. It is a consistent style, as in not changing in every season and the character design is wonderful.

Sound: 9/10.
The voice acting was amazing! It portrayed the characters emotions wonderfully! the back ground music was also chosen appropriately and it wasn't always one trace playing in the back.

Character: 9/10.
Especially in Nanami and Tomoe's case, the characters were astounding! When everyone heard what happened to Tomoe, he refused to let Nanami see him in that state, which i thought was exactly something Tomoe would do. And Nanami going into the past to save him was something you could expect her to do....yet ....it was also unexpected! Nice curve ball thrown at the audience :)

Enjoyment: 10/10.
Love isn't big enough a word that can express how good this anime is.

Overall: 10/10!!!!
I think the only 2 flaws that this has is that:
1. Not enough of it
2. The slow releases are so frustrating!!

I really hope you guys give this a shot! But handy hint: Watch the seasons in order!!!! don't start with this one other wise it won't make any sense. And i also think you should read the manga!

I'm a big fan of this anime series, and have read the manga, so I know what happens throughout these four episodes. On one hand I'm happy to be able to continue this series, but on the other I'm not sure how this will span out considering in the manga it is the part of this series that is the most romance filled , and so spreading it through only 4 half an hour episodes may feel rushed. Hopefully not.

Although, the story that comes along with this is really fun and sweet to watch, especially if you've watched the past episodes in the first and ... second seasons that build up to this part and builds the relationship. Which is what I think is the most enjoyable aspect of this anime; it doesn't rush. Which is why I am worried for this due to it being condensed into 4 parts.

In this you learn more about the relationship with Yukiji and Tomoe, as well as Tomoe's past. It also answers some questions from past episodes, such as the eye that was in Nanami's stomach and how/why it got there.

Still, I would recommend it to anyone for obvious reasons.

I fell deeply in love with all the episodes of Kamisama Hajimemashita from Season 1 to 2 to its OVA version. I love the development of the two main characters; from enemies to friends, and eventually, to lovers. Unlike, the many animes that I have seen, the streak of independence, wit, kind-heartedness, positivity, and charm in Nanami was a welcome change from the dimwitted and damsel-in-distress qualities that female leads in this genre have been stereotyped with. Same with Tomoe, who, though initially had difficulty wearing his heart on his sleeve, still managed to overcome the usual cold and steely demeanor, which often characterized anime ... male leads even when they are, supposedly, in the euphoric and passionate state of being in love. Though, I must admit, that compared to Takumi Usui of Kaichou wa Maid-Sama, Tomoe still came across as a bit restrained. But that's understandable, considering the different plots and conflicts from which their characters were anchored on.

Moreover, I like how some of the loose ends were tied together in the OVA version. How the premise of having just one true love for youkais was faithfully kept even when the name Yukiji cropped up. I've seen hints of how this would be resolved through Mizuki's time-turning incense and when the wind god, Otohiko, mentioned about the great intertwining bonds in Season 2 but how the two factors would come together to weave a tight story, was of course, entirely of Ms. Julietta Suzuki's doing.

For me, Kamisama Hajimemashita is one of the few anime I would never ever get tired of watching (fact is, I've watched it just a little less than a hundred times already), while hoping that there'll be more in Nanami and Tomoe's story, that it'll continue until both are old and grey.

It was so good I actually cried. (Rarely cries when watching tv shows or movies)

End of story.

I really don't want to spoil anything but this really is the sole reason I was willing to continue with the story and read the manga. The TV show arcs are a little too "slice of life" for me. I'm the type of person who likes watching love stories that have A LOT of life or death drama and those in which the girl kinda "changes" the evil male protagonists.

Hence I'm kinda a fan of the Hunger games XD. ALSO, AI TO MAKOTO, a manga from the 70s ... is soooooooo good. It deserves so much more attention. I didn't cry for that but I just love the female lead so much... then again, I often prefer male leads cuz the girls are often quite weak.

Between season 1, season 2 and the OVAS, Kako-hen is my favourite. In a shoujo anime feelings are important and these 4 episodes didn't let me down.
The problem with time-travelling is that sometimes it almost looks like the creators are trying to seem smart. They try to build a web but that web ends up full of plot holes. This time-travelling little story on the contrary was simple and concise. And when I say simple it is in a good way.
There were some little things that weren't exactlly 100% explained but if we start thinking we can easily feel the gaps (and there are ... kind people everywhere to fill you up on information about the manga)
There was just one thing that I didn't understand. Maybe a plot hole? Maybe I'm just dumb? Nanami is still a God when she goes to the past so why Tomoe can't see the mark on her forehead? First I thought it was because he was not a famillier but I think in the first season there were Yokais that could detect the mark on her. She was basically a lighthouse for all kind of greedy beings. So how in the past she could easily pass for a human? Did I miss something?
Anyway, I really liked the pace of Kako-hen, as well as the overall reactions of the characters and the dialogues.
I think this is something that anyone who likes Kamisama Hajimashita can't miss. It's not your regular dispensable OVA, this is honestly very important, a big part of the story. It's not like the majority of the OVAS on series that are there to give you a good time but that don't really add to the plot.

Well first of all, all i can say about this anime is AWESOME OMG!! LOVE IT SOO MUCH!!

*ehem* okay. Since the first time i came to know about Kamisama Kiss, i can't stop reading it. I even blame Julietta Suzuki for making it so long for me to wait for another chapter.

About the storyline, i give it 10. So outstanding. Even tough i myself know that this anime have a romantic storyline which is just the same as the other shoujo manga/anime. I just don't know. Kamisama Hajimemasita just has a special place in my heart after Tales of The Abyss. Its conflict, the romance, ... the sad part, everything just blow me out. Especially Kako-hen which tell us about Yukiji, Tomoe's first and forever love. After finding out the truth about this case i was like "What?? It cant be!!" But i was overjoyed to know the truth xDDD i give you 4 thumb Julietta-san xDD

Indeed, the art is not really good. But every art has its own value and for me, Kamisama Hajimemashita is one of that thing. Maybe i sound weird just for this thing but it's the truth!!

Their effort after finding out that Nanami only have a single time left, is just.. wow
I am also sad for you Nanami hueee

Okay i'm not giving everyone a review but a chatting like i was in love but i am not!! Well feel free to read but don't say anything. I know this is embarrassing lol

TW: S*xual assault.

I have other issues with these OVAs but my main one is that everyone talks about this anime, and no one ever mentions that in Kako-hen they make the romantic interest an abuser???? He literally 100% was going to r*pe the protagonist and that is never acknowledged by the characters afterwards????????

Only writing this because I wish I had been told before I decided to watch it.

I am just so tired and done with content, specifically content whose main audience is young girls, making light of -and even romanticizing- s*xual abuse.

Gross and unnecessary.

...

Below is the rest of my review because they won’t let me post it if it has less than 500 characters. Awesome.

The rest of the series (what came before) is very enjoyable and fun, the premise of the OVAs was interesting too, and the beginning of it was promising. I find, however, that as this story unravels there is quite a lot of back and forth; that things that didn’t need to be carried out got too long, and other things that could be explained further, never were. Hopefully, the manga handles this better.

There are some other points which made the series not as good as the previous seasons, in my opinion, such as how they handled the protagonists’ relationship. So far in the series, Nanami had made it a goal of hers to make Tomoe trust humans again and fall in love with her for who she is, and the story choices made in these OVAs feel at odds with that. Also, the characters we’ve known and love so far are left behind in order to introduce new ones that are never fully developed or given proper closure. Kamisama Hajimemashita had side characters that had such a good dynamic and were very likeable, so it is kind of sad leaving that aside this season.

The time traveling is well handled at least, there are no inconsistencies as far as I can remember, I can give it that. I also appreciate how the new female character was nice and badass and not vilified, the way shoujo sometimes does. Also, the animation is consistent with older seasons, so there are no complaints from me there, however, other than that, I honestly don’t think Kako-hen has a lot more going on for itself.

All in all, this instalment of the series, while managing to tie some loose ends, doesn’t fully deliver. It changes the tone and underdelivers in the comedy aspect, which was one of its strongest suits before. The pace and character development are… a little all over the place. Most importantly, in my opinion, they ruined the love interest by making him assault the protagonist and never apologize or have them talk about it. Unfortunately, this whole arc is a step-down for what Kamisama Hajimemashita was so far in almost every aspect, which is only made worse by the fact that this is the climax of the story and the beginning of the end.

First things first, don't expect to feel "satisfied" with the ending after watching this. Reading the manga is so much better in terms of furthering the plot with Nanami, Tomoe, and Akura-ou.

I'm somewhat disappointed that this was an OVA rather than an actual season, but despite that...and the long wait between each episode (I waited basically forever for the fourth episode to come out), the watching experience was enjoyable.

Story: 10/10
I don't dislike anything about the plot in the OVA. It truly wrapped up the main focus of what the anime was alluding to: Tomoe's past with Yukiji. It answers many questions and ... makes your head go in a complete circle only to be connected beautifully in the end.

Art: 10/10
The art style stayed consistent with the original series. Nothing really stuck out to me as "ew, that's hideous" Cherry blossoms are always on point!

Character: 9/10
Blame the gap/long wait, but I felt there was just something off about Tomoe's behavior in this one. It may be that squishing any reflections of one's character into four episodes cut back on any smooth transitions. Either way, the characters, both Tomoe and Nanami give the viewers a warm and soft feeling in their hearts.

Enjoyment: 8/10
This rating would've been higher if the OVA didn't take so long to release each episode. Honestly, my mind barely remembers what occurred in the previous episodes. If you however are just starting watch, considering it's already done, I'm sure you'll give a 10/10! :)

Overall: 9/10
Again, read the manga for any lingering thoughts and emotions you will feel at the end. I loved every single episode and can't wait for the manga to finish up!

I'm going to assume you've watched season 1 and 2 before reading this.

This OVA hands-down made the whole series for me. The series is beautiful overall, but this OVA made cheer for Tomoe and Nanami so hard.

Story 8/10

You finally see the back story of Tomoe and Nanami. I love the concept of time travel here and how everything seriously tied together so neatly!

Art 10/10

... Beautifully drawn. I love how Nanami and Tomoe are drawn. Additionally, the scenery and everything just transports me right into feudal Japan. Just beautiful!

Enjoyment 8/10

I really loved watching Tomoe fall in love with Nanami. Such a heartwarming (although idealistic) story. But hey, I'm here for the romance and idealism, not reality!

Overall 8/10

If you thought Season 1 and 2 were ok (as I did), watch this OVA. It will make you appreciate everything so much more!

[Spoilers ahead, don't read unless you've finished this completely]

These 4 episodes of OVAs undoubtedly, for me, carry this whole show. Ignoring the fact that S2 introduced the character of Kirihito (aka Akuraou) and never continued on that story, these 4 episodes were peak for me.

Don't get me wrong, I liked Season 2 and Nanami's development as a God, but we FINALLY got to see Yukiji properly. Well, not really Yukiji, but you know what I mean. The romance in this was so so good, I wish it had been a whole season instead. I feel like they could've made another season with 12 ... episodes to properly address everything, but I wasn't mad with how it ended.

Only one problem. Kamisama Kiss is built off of a time paradox, and I'm the kind of person that can't overlook these little plot holes. Right off the bat it's clear that something doesn't add up, when we see Tomoe fall in love with Nanami as Yukiji. Time. Paradox. She shouldn't have been there, it doesn't make sense. If Kamisama Kiss had properly made it so there was no plot hole (and it's a pretty big one that affects the entire story), then I'd have to properly commend the writers and creators, but that's not the case.

Time-travel is always a sticky thing to dive into. I feel like an anime has to be extra confident they can tackle and address it properly, because if you're like me, it will change the tone of the entire anime. Although Kamisama Kiss isn't centred around time-travel, it is most certainly built of the whole premise of this time paradox. If it made sense, then everything would change.

Though I can appreciate that the way the story is, is really sweet, so I can overlook it (though it will forever stay in my mind). Other than that tiny (but huge) problem, I loved the OVAs. Nanami as Yukiji looked gorgeous and there is no doubt that Yukiji was known for her beauty, they captured that so well.

The OVAs felt like strictly Tomoe and Nanami time, and I loved it. I probably enjoyed these 4 episodes more than the whole 1st season (and maybe even arguably 2nd). This was the romance I wanted in both seasons, and this is where I got it. I'm not complaining much though, because it left a really good taste in my mouth for Kamisama Kiss.

Overall, these 2 hours of Tomoe and Nanami deserve a solid 8/10. I can't stress enough how good the romance is in this.

**Edited**

After some thorough research, I realised that the one fatal flaw I named wasn't a flaw, and is ACTUALLY a proper theory that is NOT full of holes (despite what one would thing). Time paradox's are a thing, and the one Kamisama is built off of is called pre-destination (I think). That being said, time travel hurts my brain and I'm not fond of the theory of pre-destination in time travel, therefore my overall score will not change. (But definitely worth noting that I don't actually have any complaints about how they tackled time travel, I just have 3 brain cells)