Engaged to the Unidentified

"Engaged to the Unidentified" is a 2014 anime series that creatively merges the slice-of-life, comedy, and romance genres to create a compelling narrative that is aired on the Anime Network. This anime wonderfully encapsulates a unique blend of traditional family values, teenage uncertainty, transcendent love, and supernatural mysteries.

The storyline revokes around Kobeni Yonomori, a normal high school girl leading a regular life until she turns sixteen. On her sixteenth birthday, she uncovers a family secret that was kept hidden for years, her engagement that was arranged by her late grandfather. According to the arrangement, she is set to marry Hakuya Mitsumine, a boy from a remote village in the mountains, who moved to Tokyo along with his younger sister Mashiro. Apparently, Hakuya saved Kobeni’s life when they were children but she lost all her memories of the incident in the accident. As she tries to learn more about her past, she also comes to realize Mashiro and Hakuya’s supernatural secret. They both are members of the “Uma” clan and possess traits distinctive to it.

The novelty of "Engaged to the Unidentified" is best seen through its characters and the development they undergo throughout the series. Kobeni starts off as a typical sweet, innocent, and blushing bride-to-be who is surprisingly calm realizing the unusual direction her life has taken. Hakuya, in contrast, comes across as a quiet and stoic character with an indifferent attitude towards life, but he secretly harbors deep feelings for Kobeni. Then there's Mashiro, Hakuya's younger sister, who despite being only nine years old, confronts her responsibilities with diligence. Her personable nature gives an adorable touch to this anime. Nobeni’s elder sister, Benio Yonomori, brings a comedic relief to this show. She is a student council president and is widely popular with voracious affection for little girls, especially Mashiro.

The dynamic between the characters and the subtle nuances of their relations contribute to the majority of the show's humor, drama, and intrigue. Mashiro and Benio add hilarity to the series with their contrasting characters and interactions. The gradual build-up of Kobeni’s and Hakuya’s relationship shows the slow pace yet steady progression of feelings. The clever narrative weaves various supernatural elements without allowing them to overshadow the human aspects of its story. Moreover, Mashiro struggles to keep her Uma lineage a mystery which brings a lot of comical mishaps and adventures.

Aside from the characters, the supernatural element has been carefully introduced and handles brilliantly, ensuring that it doesn’t consume the slice-of-life aspect of the anime. This intriguing blend of supernatural with ordinary life instances provides a charming uniqueness to the series. The excitement about discovering more about the mysterious Uma clan, their connection to Kobeni, and Hakuya’s loyalty towards her adds anticipation and excitement to the series that keeps the viewers hooked throughout the series.

"Engaged to the Unidentified" is fascinating with its intriguing mix of ordinary high-school life, supernatural elements, and the looming mystery about the past. It can be viewed as an allegory to real-life situations where young adults navigate through uncertainties and surprises that life throws at them, making it very relatable for its audience. The vividly drawn characters, vibrant animation, and stirring music also lead to a wholesome viewing experience.

Ideal for anyone who enjoys a great blend of comedy, romance, and supernatural elements, "Engaged to the Unidentified" presents a captivating narrative of love, family and teenage life, with a supernatural twist. With colorful visuals, an upbeat soundtrack, distinctive characters, and an engaging plot, it's an anime experience that'll tickle your funny bone while keeping you on the edge of your seats, making it a viewing not to be missed.