Otome Youkai Zakuro

西洋化された日本において人間と霊魂が共存し、新たな省庁がその調和を管理している。

During the Westernization of an alternate Japan, humans and spirits coexist. However, some spirits have been causing trouble, and the Ministry of Spirit Affairs is established to maintain harmony. Lieutenants Kei Agemaki, Riken Yoshinokazura, and Ganryu Hanakiri are chosen to represent the humans. They are introduced to their female half-spirit partners: Zakuro, Susukihotaru, and twins Bonbori and Hozuki, respectively. While Susukihotaru, Bonbori, and Hozuki are delighted, Zakuro is disgusted with humans and their acceptance of Jesuit ideas. However, she becomes smitten with Agemaki. Shortly after, spirits Sakura and Kiri play around Agemaki, who immediately becomes nauseous and falls over. In private, Yoshinokazura advises Agemaki against working with spirits as Agemaki's fear of spirits is severe. Agemaki believes that he has no alternative because of what his father might say if he learns about Agemaki's fear. That night, Agemaki walks through the manor and is frightened by the spirits. He runs into Zakuro and hugs her. She interprets this as a romantic gesture. However, he asks her to accompany him to the outhouse because he is too scared to go alone. She becomes angry and wonders how she became smitten with a coward. In the morning, the representatives attend a flower viewing. While they are walking, a crowd stares at the spirits and whispers behind their backs. Zakuro points out that they are used to this and tells Agemaki that he is no different from the crowd. Lightning strikes the ground, and the lightning beast Raiju appears. Because Raiju is well-behaved, the spirits are unconcerned. However, Raiju attacks. Agemaki rescues Sakura and Kiri, but is too frightened to run away. The girls fight and return Raiju to a calm state. As the representatives continue their party, the spirits wonder why Raiju lost control. (Source: Wikipedia)

強烈な赤い光の印象的な描写が特徴のエピソード

キャラクターの悲しい過去が明らかにされる

キャラクター間の距離感が物語の中心テーマとして描かれる

粘着性の罠がキャラクターたちを危険な状況に陥れる

団結して前へ進む

猫が新しい家を見つける

雨の予測不能な性質は、気まぐれで変化しやすいものとして描写される

この物語のパートでは、恋愛感情の情緒的な体験が探求される

影が徐々に場を侵食していく

他者と物理的に接触した際、あるキャラクターが空虚感を味わう

迫り来る危機

最終回となる今話は、見事なフィナーレを迎える