Watch Mononoke

Mononoke is a Japanese animated television series that first aired on Fuji TV in 2007. The series is a spin-off of the anime anthology horror series called Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales. It features art and animation by Toei Animation and is directed by Kenji Nakamura.

The show revolves around a mysterious medicine seller, known only as the "Medicine Seller" or "Kusuriuri" in Japanese, who travels Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). He is a master of defeating "Mononoke," which are malicious spirits that inhabit human bodies and cause them to commit heinous crimes. The Medicine Seller is unique in that he does not physically fight the spirits but instead uses his knowledge of their origins and weaknesses to defeat them.

The show is structured in an episodic format, with each episode featuring a new mystery or case for the Medicine Seller to solve. He must use his intuition and deductive reasoning to uncover the truth behind each Mononoke's existence and defeat them before they cause more harm. Each episode is typically self-contained but is connected by a larger overarching plot that slowly becomes clearer as the series progresses.

The show's visual style is inspired by traditional Japanese paintings, with bold colors and geometric shapes creating a unique and distinct look. The animation is smooth and fluid, with dynamic camera angles and creative use of lighting to create a sense of unease and tension.

The main character, the Medicine Seller, is voiced by Takahiro Sakurai. He is calm and collected, with a piercing gaze and a mysterious aura that makes him an enigma to those around him. He is highly knowledgeable about the Mononoke and their origins, which he uses to his advantage when fighting them. Despite his stoic demeanor, he does possess a compassionate side, as seen by his interactions with those affected by the Mononoke.

Other notable voice actors in the series include Daisuke Namikawa as the voice of a wandering artist who often assists the Medicine Seller, Daisuke Sakaguchi as the voice of a young boy who becomes involved in one of the Medicine Seller's cases, and Fumiko Orikasa as the voice of a female swordfighter who assists the Medicine Seller in battling a powerful Mononoke.

The show's soundtrack is haunting and atmospheric, with traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen and koto used to create an eerie and otherworldly feeling. The music adds to the overall sense of unease and tension, making the show a thrilling and immersive experience.

Overall, Mononoke is an excellent example of Japanese horror and features a unique and captivating storyline with compelling characters and stunning animation. It is a must-watch for fans of the horror genre and anyone looking for a different take on anime.

Mononoke is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on July 12, 2007.