Henneko: Hentai Prince and the Stony Cat

Henneko: Hentai Prince and the Stony Cat is a captivating Japanese anime series that aired on Anime Network in 2013. It is an exciting blend of comedy, supernatural fantasy and romantic drama, based on the light novel series by Sou Sagara.

The show's intriguing title reflects the storyline's eccentric elements and offbeat humor. Despite the term 'Hentai' in the title, which can generally be associated with adult content in the anime industry, this series is a far cry from such themes. Here, it is used to describe the main character's perceived perverseness and eccentricity.

The plot focuses on a high school student named Yōto Yokodera, who is often misunderstood due to his truthful and upfront nature, earning him the nickname "hentai prince" among his peers. Yokodera is well-known for his apparent "hentai" (pervert) behavior, but there is a much deeper layer to him than meets the eye. He is actually sincere in his actions, although they are often misinterpreted due to his bluntness.

Yokodera's life takes a turn when he stumbles upon a local legend about a Stony Cat statue. The statue seemingly possesses the power to take an unwanted trait from a person and give it to someone who needs it. Hoping to change his image, Yokodera decides to make a wish to the Stony Cat.

The petulant and emotionless Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi, the show's female protagonist, also makes a wish to the Stony Cat. Though seemingly apathetic, Tsukiko is a soft-hearted individual who desires to control her emotional expressions better. To their shock, Yokodera and Tsukiko's wishes are granted almost immediately, drastically changing their lives.

Yokodera loses his ability to fabricate his feelings or lie, which only exacerbates his image as the "hentai prince." On the other hand, Tsukiko loses her ability to express her emotions at all, turning her into an emotionless young girl. This exchange of traits sets the stage for a series of hilariously misunderstanding-filled scenarios that never fail to entertain.

The anime gradually introduces a wide range of characters, each with their own unique personality and quirks, who add further complications and comic relief. Azusa Azuki, a proud and beautiful schoolgirl, and Tsukushi, the protective elder sister of Tsukiko, are just two of the many unforgettable characters in this colorful cast. Each character plays a crucial role in advancing the overall narrative and contributing to the series' humor and drama.

Though primarily a comedy, Henneko: Hentai Prince and the Stony Cat delves into some profound themes, such as honesty, identity, friendship, and the importance of emotional expression in human relationships. It explores how our character facets, even those we deem as 'flaws', build our individuality and humanity, making each one of us uniquely "us". It teaches the importance of accepting oneself and the repercussions of demanding too much change to fit into societal norms and expectations.

The series is helmed by director Youhei Suzuki and impressively animated by the J.C. Staff studio. Known for their work in popular anime such as "Toradora!" and "Food Wars!," the studio's expertise in character design and visual storytelling is evident in this show. From the vibrant color schemes to the detailed character expressions, the animation quality enhances the overall viewing experience.

The voice acting performances of the characters, particularly Yukari Tamura (Tsukiko) and Yuuki Kaji (Yokodera), complement their respective roles brilliantly. The soundtrack provides a subtle backing to the series, with a mix of upbeat and melodious tracks that match the story’s fluctuating moods.

Delivering a vivid mix of hilarity, heartfelt moments, and a dash of supernatural mystery, Henneko: Hentai Prince and the Stony Cat takes viewers on a unique ride. Above all, it presents the journey of two individuals learning to live with their changed personalities, leading to self-discovery and building unexpected friendships. Despite its quirky title, this anime is sure to resonate with audiences through relatable characters and a compelling storyline.