Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits- (Simuldub)

Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits- (Simuldub), also known as Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi in Japanese, is a supernatural anime series that beautifully intertwines elements of folklore, romance, and slice-of-life genres in a captivating narrative that takes viewers to the vibrant and mysterious world of spirits.

The series begins with the story of a young college student named Aoi Tsubaki, who has inherited a unique ability from her late grandfather—the power to see spirits, or ayakashi, a trait that has always set her apart from others. With this ability, Aoi has often found herself interacting with these otherworldly creatures that others cannot see, sometimes to her dismay. Despite feeling burdened by this gift at times, Aoi's kind nature often leads her to offer food to these spirits, many of whom are hungry and in need.

The plot takes an unexpected turn when Aoi finds herself spirited away to the Hidden Realm, the world of ayakashi, after a peculiar encounter with a masked spirit at her grandfather's memorial. This spirit reveals himself as an Ogre named Odanna, who claims that Aoi's grandfather had accrued a massive debt with him in the past, and as his granddaughter, she is obliged to repay it.

To her astonishment, the repayment turns out to be her hand in marriage. Stubborn and independent, Aoi refuses the proposal, setting the stage for the main premise of the anime—her life in the Hidden Realm, where she must figure out a way to pay off her grandfather's debt without sacrificing her freedom. To do so, Aoi decides to operate a bed-and-breakfast for travelling spirits in the ayakashi-inhabited world.

As Aoi takes on this daunting task, she is given a run-down eatery owned by Odanna, which she transforms into "Moonflower," a place where spirits can come and enjoy her delectable cooking. Aoi's culinary skills are not only a means of settling her grandfather's debt but also a bridge between her and the ayakashi, allowing her to form profound bonds with them. The relationships she crafts are at the heart of the series, as each guest at Moonflower has a story to tell, revealing the rich tapestry of ayakashi culture and mythology.

The anime delves into Aoi's day-to-day life running the bed-and-breakfast, the constant challenges she faces, and the diverse cast of characters she meets. These characters include a mischievous nine-tailed fox, a stoic yet protective guardian, and an array of other spirits, all with their own quirks and backgrounds. Through various encounters and engagements with the guests and denizens of the Hidden Realm, Aoi learns more about the spirit world's complex society, her heritage, and, unexpectedly, about love.

Kakuriyo's world-building is a highlight of the show as it crafts a visually stunning Hidden Realm, with traditional Japanese aesthetics and an air of mystique. The setting is richly developed, with various inns, temples, and landscapes that are a feast for the eyes. Its depiction of spiritual creatures is rooted in Japanese folklore, offering viewers a glimpse into traditional myths with a modern twist.

The anime's narrative is not only about repaying a debt or running an inn; it also touches upon deeper themes such as duty, family, and the meaning of self-reliance and independence. Aoi's character development is central to the story as she evolves from a young woman unsure of her place in the world to an entrepreneurial figure who gains respect gradually in the ayakashi community.

One intriguing aspect of Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits- is the juxtaposition of normal life undertakings—like cooking and managing a business—with the fantastic elements of the spirit world. This blend secures the series' position as a feel-good anime, with just enough drama and intrigue to keep the plot engaging without becoming too heavy or dark.

The adaptation from the original source material, a series of light novels written by Midori Yūma and illustrated by Laruha, stays true to the characters' development and the spirit of the story. Viewers can look forward to an anime that not only tells an enchanting tale but also offers a remarkable cast of voice actors who bring the characters to life, particularly in the English Simuldub where the voice acting is localized for an English-speaking audience.

In conclusion, Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits- is an enchanting, beautifully animated series that provides an insightful and entertaining glimpse into a world where human and spirit realms intersect. The blend of folklore, the charm of running a bed-and-breakfast, and the introspection of familial bonds, duty, and identity, all combine to create a show that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Whether you are a fan of traditional Japanese culture, romantic undertones, or simply good food, there is something in this series for everyone to enjoy.