Tsugumomo

Tsugumomo is an acclaimed Japanese anime series that ran from 2017 to 2020. Adapted from a manga series written and illustrated by Yoshikazu Hamada, the anime carries through the manga's engaging blend of fantasy, supernatural elements, action, comedy, and high school drama. The series' initial season was released in 2017, with its sequel debuting in 2020.

The story follows a high school student named Kazuya Kagami, who initially appears to be just an ordinary teenager. Nonetheless, he is dealing with the loss of his mother and carries a memento of her - an obi (a sash worn with a traditional Japanese kimono) - at all times, symbolizing his deep attachment to her. The plot turns intriguing when the obi turns out to be no ordinary inanimate object, but a Tsugumomo - a spirit inhabiting an object receiving affection and care from its owner over a long time. The obi introduces herself as Kiriha, a bold, mischievous spirit ready to protect Kazuya at all costs.

From there, Kagami’s life takes a drastic turn and he becomes entwined in a supernatural universe, woven with the unique concept of Tsukumogami, which are spirits originating from objects that have existed for one hundred years or longer. The narrative of Tsugumomo involves many beings from this universe - some friendly, some neutral, and some hostile, along with a sprinkling of Godlike beings called Amasogi which are spontaneously generated spirits from strong human desires.

Alongside the spirited Kiriha, Kagami also encounters Kukuri, a goddess who also happens to be the very last of her kind; Kokuyou, a loyal servant of Kukuri who craves her favorite jello; and Chisato, his childhood friend with a long-kept secret. Each character adds a new layer to the narrative and contributes to the humorous and touching moments the series delivers.

At the core of Tsugumomo, beneath the supernatural action and comedic romance, the story explores the themes of growth, responsibility, and the complexities of human relationships. Kagami starts as a naive youngster and is slowly pushed to mature as he faces the profound crises unfolding around him. He is seen understanding the depth of his bond with Kiriha, developing his combat skills to ward off menacing enemies, and grappling with the challenges that the dual world - the everyday mundane high school life and the supernatural Tsukumogami realm - presents.

The action sequences in Tsugumomo are dynamic and well-animated. The fight scenes are intensifying with each progressing episode as the narrative calls for Kagami to engage in combat more frequently. Not to be left behind, humor punctuates the general rhythm of the series, often delivered by Kiriha’s antics, and Kagami's interactions with the show's characters.

The series’ animation by studio Zero-G is commendable, with bright and contrasting colors enhancing the spirits’ supernatural existence and amplifying the visually-appealing action sequences. The show’s music equally builds on the experience, utilizing both traditional Japanese instruments and modern techniques to create an immersive audiovisual experience.

Overall, Tsugumomo is a well-received anime series with an interesting mix of high school drama, action-packed sequences and supernatural fantasy. Its engaging characters and their development, the humorous undertones, and the supernatural world with its unique concept of object spirits keeps the viewer's fascinated from the start to finish. It is indeed a compelling watch for anyone interested in the supernatural action genre.