Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto

Such hypnotizing eyes....

Occasionally, there are some titles that are a mouthful - like the above. Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto. Wah lau. But this happens to be one of the good Animes i have seen recently - however it is not new though. Released in 2006 and ended in 2007 i am not sure why it took so long to reach our shores.

The story is set at the end of the Edo period where the Tokugawas are slowly losing control of what they had. Japan is going through a period of unrest and foreign interest in entering the country. Now, to enjoy this anime, you need to know a bit of japanese history otherwise you might end up being a bit confused and find the story dull.

Akizuki Yojiro is a stranger to the town of Yokohama wandering around looking for the Hasha no Kubi - a legendary harbringer of unrest and evil. This hasha no kubi exists when their is great turmoil and possess people to do evil deeds and change the course of history. In the course of looking for this "head" Akizuki meets up a kabuki troupe that is more than just kabuki troupe. Each one with a reason why they are together now.

Despite being a loner ( after all he is the eternal assassin ) he finds himself drawn back to the troupe. The story goes round to tell of how the troupe's ulterior motives are shown by way of their script writer Ibaragi Sosetsu. Turns out he is no ordinary writer this one. He is after all in pursuit of the same item Akizuki wants to destroy. Also, you will see his character being related to some of the people in the kabuki troupe. Akizuki is somewhat drawn to the troupe leader kakunajou and in the later parts of the story, she follows him on his quest for the Hasha no Kubi.

The story will weave through critical periods of the Edo history - though some i am not sure if the timing was right. I always thought Okita Soji died before Kondo Isami did- however this was slightly reversed - could be me who got the story a bit off :P

What's good about this show:
*Well- the lead character of course - never seen someone so.. erm hypnotic and good looking - ah!! fangirl! But the fact he is loner and never wanting to reach out to others and being extremely good with a sword was one of the reasons why i was pretty hooked to this anime.
* The kind of story i like - Samurai stories and i love anything in old fashioned japanese history. Realistic or otherwise.
* A romantic story line that is subtle yet nice .... :)
* Cool historical characters - be it said i am a big fan of the Shinsengumi - and i was pretty much thrilled they are in the story line.
* Some of my favorite seiyu is in this one - though he is the baddie here, the voice of Kakashi is playing Ibaragi Sosetsu.

What's not good about:
* You need to be pretty good in your historical understanding of Japan to enjoy this.
* Ok - the copy i have - subtitle sucks - why are all the japanese name in chinese *curse*

I still have not finished watching this yet - but do give it a try - i love this anime - i hope it doesnt end depressing.