Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai

In the Kingdom of Yamauchi, people have the ability to transform into three-legged crows known as yatagarasu. While the men plot over daily governance, women compete for the hand of Wakamiya, the crown prince who was selected as the Kinu, the servant to the Mountain God. Four young women arrive at the court to join the competition, including one named Asebi.

While the kind and innocent Asebi sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the other women, the crown prince has to fight for his place in the clan. Despite being born both to a concubine and as a second son, the royal priests still chose Wakamiya to be the Kinu over his older brother. This decision created a rift between the siblings while enraging Wakamiya's stepmother in the process.

When Yukiya, one of the teenage sons of the village chief, is sent to the palace to become Wakamiya's new attendant, the prince is not pleased in the slightest. However, Yukiya's presence at the imperial courts is no mere coincidence.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Wakamiya Main

Irino, Miyu Japanese

Yukiya Main

Tamura, Mutsumi Japanese

Hamayuu Supporting

Nanami, Hiroki Japanese

Sumio Supporting

Takeuchi, Eiji Japanese

Shiratama Supporting

Kugimiya, Rie Japanese

Masuho no Susuki Supporting

Fukuhara, Ayaka Japanese

Natsuka Supporting

Hino, Satoshi Japanese

Asebi Supporting

Honizumi, Rina Japanese

Samomo Supporting

Yorita, Natsu Japanese

Natsumihiko Supporting

Kase, Yasuyuki Japanese

Kyougoku, Yoshiaki Director, Episode Director

Tange, Yuuji Sound Director

Kawatsura, Shinya Episode Director

Kogawa, Yoriyasu Episode Director

Reviews

Nov 11, 2024

MewsicMagic

Recommended

The Raven Does Not Choose It's Master is by far the most impressive hidden gem I've ever seen. An anime that despite it's masterfully produced story, plot and pacing still manages to stay at the bottom of the popularity barrel. The short recommendation at the start is if you enjoy political maze plots, mystery vibes or even just watched something like "The Apothecary Diaries" and liked it for the "political" or mystery type parts of it. There is no reason on this earth you shouldn't watch this.


Let's hit things off with the story and plot, the actual setting or even idea isn't especially unique (at ... least at first glance) it's mostly a pretty standard historical political setup. And that's where the show's "maybe" one weak point ends. Nearly everything else is about this show is outstanding. From the perfect and beautiful pacing and setup to the masterfully planned story and plot. You can figure some stuff out ahead of time by paying attention and using your head. In fact I did figure out some major plot points before they were revealed and was still impressed by this show. The story and plot take center stage the whole way through and they don't disappoint. I really did try to find more flaws with this story and plot that I can mention but gave up as there wasn't a point trying harder to find them.


Next are the characters, overall they're quite good. Certain characters might've felt rather shallow and lacked the same "depth" others did but I don't blame this show for any of it. They're generally entertaining and won't make you feel as if they're lacking or "bad" characters. The characters aren't really the focus for this show as the story and plot take the spotlight with the characters more so being "plot devices" in a sense. However they all fulfill their roles in the story and plot excellently and due to how outstanding the story and plot are it ends up providing characters that are good all the same.


The production was overall quite good. The animation wasn't top tier by any means but it was more than good enough to fulfill it's purpose and where necessary such as in high motion scenes it hardly ever felt too "cheap" or lacking in motion. The art while also nothing outstanding more than fulfilled it's purpose. The voice acting is up to the standard you'd expect from Japan's anime industry. Music and audio could feel a little simple or lacking at times but it was good enough to do the job. Overall it's quite a sufficient production but it's nothing that gonna shock you by how good it is or be a selling point for the show (e,g Demon Slayer).


I won't go into any more detail as spoilers would ruin the whole show but simply put this is a near masterpiece and one that has sadly sat overlooked for it's time since release. If you are looking at this show wondering if you'd like it or thinking about whether you should or shouldn't watch it. Do it, don't even think otherwise, In the event you don't like it a generic isekai wouldn't have done you much better anyways. And in the event you do like it you'll be so glad you gave it a shot. The Raven Does Not Choose It's Master has become a show I can feel earned it's 10/10 by proving itself to be a cut above the rest and having it's 20 episodes to show for it.

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Aug 19, 2024

_cl0wn_t0wn

Mixed Feelings

Preliminary (15/20 eps)

If I'm being honest, so far, this show has been a bit of a nothing burger. I kinda have no idea what's going on most of the time, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued. But that intrigue has yet to really lead anywhere. I enjoy the characters, they have unique personality's and it's interesting to see the story from many different POV's if not a bit confusing at times. The anime it's self looks great, all the characters have very distinct designs, and the scenery is always very detailed. Also, the opening is a banger, not only that but it's beautiful ... to watch, I never skip it. The concept is really cool, I like learning about the folklore that different places have. But the story just get's so convoluted, so fast, that I feel like the mystical aspects of the show don't really get their time to shine, within all of the drama. Which I think is a shame.
Overall, I think this show loses itself in it's own mystery's. It wants to keep you interested by keeping you guessing, but there's so much going on at the same time, that it feels like the mystery's were either pointless or, never fully resolved, before we're being moved on to the next dilemma. And suddenly I have no idea what the hell is happening anymore. But hey, I'm still along for the ride.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Oct 9, 2024

BlueVergeofDeath

Not Recommended

Preliminary (9/20 eps)

I don't recommend. Not gonna lie, kinda disappointed since I really like the first 2 episodes. The world, the lore, I like all of them. But then, nothing. I find myself doing something else while watching. There is nothing wrong or bad with the anime but at the same time there is also nothing stands out, except maybe the excellent opening and ending as in it's really fit and set the mood for the show. I can't really describe it, but try to at least watch 7 episodes if you are interested. If even after that you still feel that hollowness then I would recommend ... to just drop it because I'm quite sure future episodes won't change a thing.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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	Poll: Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai Episode 20 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Sep 21	67 replies	by AngelofFrost »» Nov 15, 1:51 PM
	Poll: Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai Episode 2 Discussion Stark700 - Apr 13	43 replies	by DestroyerOfDoom »» Nov 4, 8:46 AM
	Poll: Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai Episode 13 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Jun 29	64 replies	by Ittan_Momen »» Nov 1, 9:57 PM
	Poll: Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai Episode 7 Discussion Stark700 - May 18	33 replies	by amirsayeed »» Oct 25, 11:45 PM
	Poll: Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai Episode 11 Discussion Stark700 - Jun 15	31 replies	by tinker3bellz1 »» Oct 20, 8:38 PM