Bakumatsu Kikansetsu -Irohanihoheto-

Written by Little_Wolf-18 on May 16, 2013 at 9:02 PM

It’s been quite a bit since I’ve seen this one, but it stayed as fresh in my mind as when I saw it first. That alone should say something.

Alright, first things first: Don’t let yourself be scared off by that crazily long title. It almost would’ve driven me away when I first stumbled over this anime (I couldn’t speak a syllable of Japanese at the time, and I had trouble even pronouncing the title, never mind putting it to memory). But, I eventually got around to watching the whole thing last winter, unable to keep my hands off the historical, and I’m darn glad I did.

“Bakumatsu Kikansetsu -Irohanihoheto-“, or in the English version “Intrigue in the Bakumatsu: Irohanihoheto”, is based on Japanese history, end of the Bakumatsu period (before the revolution--Rurouni Kenshin fans will know what I’m talking about), with a bit of fiction AKA the supernatural mixed in. (Note: “Irohanihoheto” is a famous poem, in which each letter of the Japanese period kana (syllabary, so-to-speak) was used only once in the entire poem. It was in fact used as an alphabetical order for a period of time… y’know, like the children’s song/poem “ABCDEFG”. The Irohanihoheto is still used today as a numbering of seating for e.g. theatre houses--which is kind of funny, since the protagonists of this anime include a wandering kabuki theatre troupe…)

The story at first glance is quite simple. There’s the usual good vs. evil; there’s a protagonist with the task to fight this evil; there’s his trials and tribulations to overcome; there’s people getting involved with that evil and people watching from the sidelines.

That isn’t all this anime is, however. By including the historical background (and not utterly messing it up), actual historical characters, a few enigmas/intrigues/mysteries, and characters with their individual stories (and sometimes tragedies), the plot part becomes original, quite unexpected, and involving. It helps that the mystery opens no further plot holes, and that the story, where not focusing on its supernatural aspect, is quite realistic (the characters; the theatre troupe; …). There’s quite a number of theatrical references as well--I did mention that title, didn’t I?--making the anime quite beautiful. No real knowledge of the time period is required either; it may be helpful, but it’s not necessary per se.

The downside to the plot would be that the pacing isn’t always consistent. There’s episodes with two thirds action, and then there’s episodes all talk. All of those contribute to the story in one way or another--there’s really not a single unnecessary scene in all those 26 episodes--but it may distract a bit.

The characters are very well-done. Some are quite enigmatic, all are distinguishable, compelling and quite realistic. The interpretation of actual historical figures is also interesting. The main characters and their individual stories add to the plot, and character interaction and dynamics are well-done. The only thing I’m missing really is the character development… each person literally retains their characteristics from start to end. It’s a bit disappointing in a 20+ episode anime, but w.e.

The dialogue is quite well-done--flows well, helps in getting the characterisation across better, and the voice acting is just about perfect. Even the dub isn’t bad.

The animation may not be entirely up-to-date, but it works well. The action is fluid and fast, with very good choreography. The theatre scenes are quite beautiful; and the art in itself definitely does the rest of the anime justice. Also, the soundtrack is pure gold. XD

“Bakumatsu Kikansetsu” has its flaws, but I still like it. Its plot, mysteries, and characters with their individual backstories make it quite interesting and compelling; where it may be slow, the puzzle-piecing things together definitely should keep people’s attention; and the action, art, and soundtrack only help it along. I’m actually surprised this isn’t known better. Perhaps it’s for the historical tag (history isn’t boring per se, but I guess it’s too easily associated with history lessons at school… ^^"), perhaps it’s that crazy long title, I don’t know. All I can say is that among historical and supernatural anime, this one is a gem IMO; that I count it among my favourites, despite its flaws; and that I’m surprised it doesn’t seem to be better-known. Overall, if the historical/supernatural/mystery combination interests you any, I can wholeheartedly recommend this. :)

Cheers, and thanks for the read!~