Ep 1. A Housecat, a Stray God, and a Tail

In Noragami season 1 episode 1 titled "A Housecat, a Stray God, and a Tail," we are introduced to Yato, a minor god who aspires to become the most worshipped deity in Japan. However, his lack of followers and a place to call home make it difficult for him to achieve his goal. One day, while performing odd jobs for a few yen, Yato meets a high school girl named Hiyori Iki.

Hiyori is kind-hearted and loves to help those in need, and as fate would have it, she is about to get herself into some trouble when she nearly gets hit by a bus trying to save a stranger. Her soul becomes disconnected from her body and hovers in the space between the living and the dead. In this state, Hiyori can see strange creatures that she's never seen before and has no idea how to get back to her body.

Yato sees this as a perfect opportunity to gain a new follower and volunteers to help Hiyori. He tells her that he's a god and can put her soul back in her body if she helps him with his quest to achieve greatness. Hiyori agrees and becomes a sort of middleman between the spiritual and human worlds, while Yato sets his sights on gaining as many followers as possible.

The duo sets out to find a solution to Hiyori's problem and look for a way to reconnect her soul back to her body. Along the way, they encounter a unique spirit named Yukine, who can take the shape of any weapon Yato desires. Yukine is actually the spirit of a young boy who died tragically and has become a "Regalia," a tool that allows gods to fight against evil spirits. Yato enlists Yukine's help in his mission to become the most worshipped god in Japan.

The three of them form a close bond and work together to take on various tasks to gain followers. However, their journey is not without its dangers and challenges. They face off against a powerful phantasm that nearly kills them, forcing Yato to reveal his true strength to Yukine and Hiyori. This event cements their status as a team and strengthens their resolve to overcome their obstacles.

As the first episode of Noragami, "A Housecat, a Stray God, and a Tail" sets the tone for the rest of the series. It introduces us to the main characters and establishes their motivations and personalities. The episode is well-paced, with enough action and emotion to keep viewers interested.

The animation style is fluid and dynamic, with vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds that immerse viewers in the world of Noragami. The soundtrack features a mix of upbeat and haunting melodies that add to the show's atmosphere.

Overall, "A Housecat, a Stray God, and a Tail" is a strong start to Noragami, a series that explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery. It's a show that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, with engaging characters and a compelling storyline. Fans of action, fantasy, and drama will find plenty to enjoy in Noragami.