Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto Review
July 3rd, 2007 , 7:11 pm by Ayame-chan
Episodes: 26
Year: 2006
Status: Complete
Subbed by: Shinsen Subs
Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto Official Site
Rating: Great
Review: The story is set at the end of the Tokugawa era and the beginning of the revolution with a supernatural twist. The long era of the shogunate in Japan is now being replaced by the seeds of chaos, revolution and change – triggered by the intrusion of the Western world into Japan. It is during this time that the existence of the “Lord’s Head” or “Hasha no Kubi” – a supernatural entity which appears during the time of unrest and turmoil. It falls upon Yukiro Akidzuki – the legendary Eternal Assassin to seal the Head and the evil surrounding it. However, there are others who are greedy to harness it’s power for their own means. In the course of tracking down the Head, Akidzuki runs into a small theatrical troupe which is out for revenge. Amidst the mingling of stories, the political unrest and the foreign influence over a critical time in Japan, Akidzuki must carry the burden of sealing the Lord’s Head before it is too late.
Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto has a very interesting take on the Meiji Revolution. Apart from the fact that it has a supernatural element to it, it portrays the seeds of revolution in a different light from other historical anime. We can see much more the foreign influence, the numerous dealings, initial anti-Western sentiments and the complex political layers. Without compromising on the action, this anime gives a more complex look at the era and goes beyond putting it in the usual simple terms of Shinsengumi v. Choshu clan. The soundtrack is worth mentioning – it really adds to the anime and blends well. In short, Bakumatsu is certainly worth watching – so try to get your hands on it!
