In/Spectre

In/Spectre is a captivating mystery and supernatural anime series that was broadcasted on TV Asahi in 2020. The show is an enchanting blend of romance, thriller, mythological folklore, and detective shenanigans, keeping the audience hooked with every episode. The plot follows the journey of Kotoko Iwanaga, a young girl chosen by yokai (mystical creatures from the Japanese mythologies) to serve as their “God of Wisdom” and, in turn, act as a mediator between the human and the spiritual worlds. The anime is based on the Japanese novel and manga series of the same name written by Kyo Shirodaira and illustrated by Chasiba Katase.

The story of In/Spectre begins when Kotoko, who is a mere 11-years-old, is abducted by yokai to be crowned as their “God of Wisdom.” She accepts the role under the condition that the yokai would leave the human world in peace. In exchange for her service, she loses an eye and a leg but gains the power to interact with and heal the mythical beings residing in the shadows of society. Despite being slightly uneasy with her new-found responsibility, Kotoka determines to maintain harmony between the supernatural and human worlds.

Years go by, and Kotoko has grown into a confident and astute young woman. She comes across Kuro Sakuragawa, a seemingly ordinary young man with a mysterious past. She learns that he has a special gift – he is immortal. The series takes an unexpected twist when they both team up to unravel the mysteries of the dark city. The narrative takes the viewers on a roller coaster ride full of suspense, drama, and heart-warming moments.

Together, Kotoko and Kuro delve into the city's enigmatic cases, involving everything from distraught specters to enigmatic urban myths. With the rare gift of immortality and her vast wisdom, they work to resolve these strange phenomena, not by force, but by understanding, persuasion, and negotiation. This unique approach adds a different flavor to the traditional 'action-packed' conflict solving format generally followed by many anime series.

The charm of In/Spectre doesn't come from the actual mysteries themselves but from the method by which Kotoko and Kuro resolve them. The narrative combines an impressively complex, densely layered, and sometimes convoluted storyline, challenging the audience to stay in tune with its quick pace and intellectual progression. As a God of Wisdom, Kotoko has to weave intricate tales, adding and modifying details to convince the yokai, thereby bringing about a resolution.

The animation style in In/Spectre is clean and appealing, with the character designs being distinctly memorable. The supernatural elements are vividly and imaginatively portrayed, with the yokai exuding a mix of charm and menace in equal measure. The engaging color palettes chosen for certain scenes heighten the mood and bring life to the characters and the setting.

In the realm of its characters, In/Spectre shines bright. Kotoko, with her wits and determination, stands as a strong female lead. Her interactions with the stoic and sometimes clueless Kuro provide a steady flow of humor to the series. Their dynamic chemistry is an unmatched blend of humor, mystery, and romance, carrying the anime forward.

The series is also complimented by its haunting soundtrack, heightening the sense of unease during intense scenes. The opening and ending themes are catchy, setting the right tone for the series’ exploration of the supernatural world.

In essence, In/Spectre is a refreshing blend of mystery and supernatural elements that will pull in viewers not just with its engaging storyline but also with the depth and charm of its characters. With its unique approach to storytelling, beautiful animation, and captivating music, In/Spectre extends far beyond an ordinary anime series. It becomes a beautiful portrayal of clashing realities, highlighting the complexities of coexistence and negotiation between opposing entities, and makes for an extraordinary viewing experience. As the story unfolds, the audience finds themselves not just watching but experiencing a show that blends the line between reality, mythology, and the supernatural in the most mesmerizing manner.