Tactics

Tactics is an intriguing blend of supernatural, action, comedy, drama, mystery, and folklore, which first aired in 2004 on TV Tokyo. The show is based on a manga series of the same name written by Sakura Kinoshita and Kazuko Higashiyama.

The central character of the series is a young man named Kantarou Ichinomiya, who becomes entangled in the mystical and unseen world of Japanese yokai and spirits. Kantarou is not your ordinary individual but a folklorist, writer, and, most significantly, a spiritualist exorcist. He has a unique ability to see and communicate with mystical beings that elude ordinary human sight.

The storyline begins in the early Meiji era, where Kantarou, still a child, becomes haunted by the legend of the strongest demon-eating tengu named Haruka. Determined to find and beckon this mystical entity, he embarks on several adventures, only to succeed as an adult. Once bound to Kantarou, Haruka becomes part of his life, their relationship central to the storyline as they traverse through an array of supernatural encounters.

Haruka, despite his awe-inducing prowess and intimidating aura, suffers from a crippling amnesia, unable to recall his past or his true purpose. His interactions with his summoner Kantarou, the fox-girl Yoko, and Sugino, a white demon, while trying to navigate through his past, adds a fascinating layer to his character and the story.

The series is equally about exploring Kantarou and Haruka's fascinating relationship as it is about thrilling exorcisms and encounters with supernatural creatures. Both characters learn, grow, and change through their interactions and experiences together. Kantarou proves his worth not only by his spiritualist skills but also by demonstrating respect and understanding towards yokai, often employing wit and negotiation instead of conflict. Haruka grows from an aloof and controlled tengu to a more understanding and expressive individual thanks to his interactions with humans and yokai alike.

There’s also a gradually expanding cast of supporting characters, each with unique and varied personalities. A few noteworthy characters include Yoko, the fox demon who is both Kantarou's cook and housemaid, and Sugino, a white demon who has a love-hate relationship with our protagonist but is deeply committed to his own human wife. These distinct personalities in the supporting cast add a delightful dynamic to the character interactions in the series.

Tactics uses humor and drama in balanced doses, carefully wrapping it around the action-packed sequences and engaging narratives of Japanese folklore. Each episode is a new adventure, with Kantarou and companions solving mysteries, exorcising malevolent yokai, or helping them reach closure. Beneath its story-of-the-week pattern, a deeper plot gradually unfolds – one that revolves around the relationship between Kantarou and Haruka and also explores each character's respective past.

The animation quality is commendable, boasting a pleasing color palette that complements the show's themes and a character design that effectively portrays each figure's personality. The background art is also impressive, successfully recreating the Meiji era's historical setting infused with supernatural elements. The soundtrack, rich with traditional Japanese music, complements the episodes' atmosphere perfectly.

Indeed, Tactics weaves together intricate threads of drama, dynamic character development, mythology, and comedy into its supernatural setting. It adds some memorable character interactions, thought-provoking messages about human-yokai relationships, and intriguing mysteries around Kantarou and Haruka's past and future, leaving its audiences captivated.

While the story follows episodic exorcism adventures, it prominently focuses on the complex relationships between the characters, their past, their evolution, and how their choices shape their destinies. As Kantarou and Haruka resolve each case, they also unravel more bits about each other, revealing more depth to their own characters.

Overall, Tactics offers a fulfilling viewing experience for those who enjoy supernatural themes steeped in traditional folklore, well-crafted character development intertwined with exciting plotlines, and a balanced mix of humor, action, mystery, and drama. Additionally, it's a rich cultural dive into Japanese folklore and mythology, making it an interesting watch from a cultural perspective.