Mushi-Shi (Original Japanese Version) Season 1 Episode 12 One-Eyed Fish

In episode 12 of Mushi-Shi, entitled "One-Eyed Fish," the audience is introduced to a unique creature known as the Futakuchi-onna, or "two-mouthed woman." This creature initially appears as a shy and withdrawn young woman, whose distinct feature is a second mouth located on the back of her head. As the episode unfolds, the audience learns that this peculiar feature is not a natural occurrence but rather a manifestation of a parasitic mushi.

The mushi responsible for the Futakuchi-onna's condition only becomes active once its host has reached a state of extreme hunger and desperation. It then begins to manipulate its host's body, creating a second mouth and controlling it to feed itself. The mushi remains hidden, only emerging to feed on the food that the host eats through the second mouth.

The story centers around the relationship between the Futakuchi-onna and a young fisherman named Kanta. Through a chance encounter and the exchange of a meal, Kanta learns of the Futakuchi-onna's existence and becomes intrigued by her singular appearance. As the two begin to spend more time together, Kanta learns of her strange affliction and her struggle to hide it from the people of her village.

Kanta becomes determined to help the Futakuchi-onna find a way to rid herself of the parasitic mushi, and sets out to find a cure. Along the way, he encounters a wise and powerful mushishi named Ginko, who is well-versed in the ways of the mushi. Together, they discover that the mushi responsible for the Futakuchi-onna's condition is not one that can be easily eradicated.

The episode delves into themes of isolation, acceptance, and the impact of cultural beliefs on the lives of those who are different. It explores the desire to fit in, even in the face of extreme adversity, and the lengths to which people will go to keep their true selves hidden from society.

As with all episodes of Mushi-Shi, the animation and sound design are exceptional, creating a rich and immersive world for the viewer to inhabit. The characters are well-crafted and multi-dimensional, with the interactions between Kanta and the Futakuchi-onna serving as a poignant and emotional through-line for the episode.

Overall, "One-Eyed Fish" is a beautiful and haunting installment of Mushi-Shi, using the fantastical elements of its world to explore the very human experiences of love, loss, and finding one's place in the world.