In a nutshell, well it is a touching but strange anime about a world where Humans, Tanuki and Tengu live. It mainly follows from the perspective of the Tanuki and their way of life as they try and live peacefully in human society, sometimes causing mischief, and sometimes trying to avoid being boiled in a hot pot. Although the first impression you may get would be that it is overly a silly little anime, and this isn't exactly wrong as the anime is odd, if you take the time to sit through it you will find it to be a very sweet story as you learn more about the characters, their stories, and the world they live in.
The Story
The story, as mentioned is a odd one. In a world where Humans, Tanuki and Tengu live, the Tanuki, Yasaburou just wishes to live a fun and fulfilling life with nothing to tie him down. The story follows him and his family and friends as they live their everyday life. But perhaps Yasaburou got a bit more 'fun life' that he had planned for, as he has to deal with many trials, from silly squabbles with his cousins to serious problems such as avoiding becoming a meal for the "Friday Fellows", a group of Humans who eat a Tenuki hot pot each year. The story itself is strange but really not overly complicated.
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The Characters
The characters are all very interesting in their own ways. Yasaburou who inherited the 'idiot blood' and his father the legendary Souichirou. His fellow 'idiot' brothers Yashirou, Yajirou and Yaichirou all with their own unique 'idiotic' personalities. His proud and stubborn Tenguu mentor Akadama-sensei and the mysterious Human turned Tengu, Benton. All the characters are well developed and are in my opinion what make the anime really shine.
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The Animation and Sound
Both the animation and sound are excellent. The animation really expresses some of the beautiful settings of the anime well. The soundtrack is laid back and relaxing fitting the feel of the anime perfectly.
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Overall
Overall I really enjoyed this anime, for all its silliness, it was a sit back and relax anime which was sweet and very very touching. It is a very refreshing change from a lot of the action filled anime you see taking all the popularity of late.
Overall I would give this a solid 9/10.
But for my own personal enjoyment I would give it a 10/10.
I hope for another season some time in the future :).
