Reviews

Adapted from greatly talented author Tomihiko Morimi's novels with the same names, comes this show which tells a story of Japanese raccoon dogs rather known as "Tanukis". Tanukis have been significant in Japanese folklore since ancient times. The legendary tanuki is reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise and shapeshifting, but somewhat gullible and absentminded.
The author having all of the above traits of this animal in mind wrote a peculiar and entertaining tale that is sometimes heartwarming and fuzzy, or sometimes is supreme and anarchic. The story surrounds a family of tanuki, the Shimogamo family. They have the ability to transform into anything they wish, from humans to any animate/inanimate object. The family must balance between living carelessly, maintaining relationships among other tanuki families, and not getting put into a hot pot and get eaten by humans.
The characterization of the characters, their uniqueness, the wacky and deep dialogues just show the strong pen power of the author.