Anime Review: Onmyoji (2023)
Abe no Seimei was a documented historical person who lived during the Heian Era of Japan. He was an onmyoji, a practitioner of onmyudo, an art that combined study of astrology, the traditional Chinese elements and other natural philosophy to make predictions and influence events. Indeed, he was considered the pre-eminent master of this art and his five-pointed star symbol became the symbol of onmyudo practice in general. Rumors and legends sprung up about Seimei, that he was the son of a fox spirit, and could perform actual magic. After his death, these stories became ever more fanciful, and Abe no Seimei often pops up in Japanese fantasy media.
In this version, Abe no Seimei is something of a hermit, living alone with only two mostly humanoid shikigami (artificial constructs that act like living beings) as servants. The vicious rumors of the court, the jealousy of his fellow practitioners, and a general misanthropy make Seimei more comfortable in solitude. His peaceful retreat is invaded by Minamoto no Hiromasa, an earnest young man who is the grandson of the emperor. Hiromasa is rather naive and doesn’t listen to gossip, so is mostly unaware of Seimei’s unpleasant reputation.
The two men do not get on well at first, Seimei tricking and teasing Hiromasa, while the other steps over his borders. Still, Hiromasa is able to persuade Seimei to investigate the apparition of a demon that is slowly approaching a certain goal night by night. Ordinary exorcism does not work on it, and Seimei must discover the demon’s motivation in order to help it pass on. Hiromasa and Seimei part, intending to have nothing to do with each other ever again.
Naturally, Hiromasa is soon pushed into asking Seimei’s help again, on the grounds that he’s the only person who isn’t afraid of the wizard. Over the course of time, as they solve various magical mysteries, the two men become friends. But as Seimei warns, connections are a curse that can lead to tragedy.
Other important characters include: Lord Kanaie, a horny but high-ranking official; Lady Tsuyoko, a keen entomologist; Lady Doman, a wicked onmyoji who is effectively immortal and sets up problems for Seimei to amuse herself; Lord Atsushi, Hiromasa’s flute instructor and man of many talents; and Yasunori, Seimei’s unpleasant senior in the art and the Emperor’s official onmyoji.
This animated series takes character and setting details from the 2001 movie Onmyoji: The Yin Yang Master but quickly veers off into its own continuity. (For example, the Doman character is usually male in the stories, which Seimei refers to at one point.)
Key to this version is that “demons” start as humans who overflow with negative emotions that they have to keep suppressed, and the process of turning into a demon usually kills their human form. Understanding why the demon changed and what they really want is important to defeating or mollifying them. This also plays into the sub-theme that surface appearances are sometimes deceiving, particularly when it comes to motivations.
The characters are mostly likable or amusing…after the mandatory first episode where Seimei comes off as a total jerk in order to have Hiromasa not get along with him.
Content note: Violence, sometimes fatal, not graphically portrayed. Body horror. Extramarital sex is discussed, one character having a lot of it offscreen. Insects show up with Tsuyoko and never go away completely after that, some are scary. Alcohol abuse. Older teens should be able to handle it.
If you’re looking for a Merlin/detective character as a lead, this series has you covered. There’s room for a second season but this one is complete as is. Recommended to fantasy fans who enjoy a bit of mystery mixed in.
