Mieruko-chan

Mieruko-chan

Aired: 2021-10-03

Status: FINISHED

Ratings: 72/100

Genres: Comedy, Horror, Slice of Life, Supernatural

Tags: Ghost, Female Protagonist, Primarily Teen Cast, Primarily Female Cast, Youkai, Urban Fantasy, Body Horror, School, Seinen, Nudity, Gods, Bullying

Total Episodes: 12

Duration: 24 min

Studio: AT-X

Source: MANGA

Format: TV

Season: FALL

Release Year: 2021

Season No: 1

Director: Yuuki Ogawa

Watch:Twitter, Official Site, YouTube, iQ, Bilibili TV, Crunchyroll, Netflix

Synopsis

She can see dead people…she just chooses to ignore them. That’s Miko’s plan, anyway, but it doesn’t seem to be working for her in this love letter to the horror genre that will send shivers down your spine—and occasionally tickle your funny bone. (Source: Funimation)

Trailer

Characters

Miko Yotsuya

MAIN

Yulia Niguredou

MAIN

Hana Yurikawa

MAIN

Junji Rousoku

SUPPORTING

Nazo no Bakemono

SUPPORTING

Arai

SUPPORTING

Isozaki

SUPPORTING

Ogawa

SUPPORTING

Hitoe

SUPPORTING

Kido

SUPPORTING

Hitomi

SUPPORTING

Ishihara

SUPPORTING

Saikai Kyoushi

SUPPORTING

Zen Touno

SUPPORTING

Mao

SUPPORTING

Morino

SUPPORTING

Takahashi

SUPPORTING

Zen no Manshon no Rinjin

SUPPORTING

Mitsue Takeda

SUPPORTING

Kainushi

SUPPORTING

Yamazaki

SUPPORTING

Fukushima

SUPPORTING

Hasegawa

SUPPORTING

Kyousuke Yotsuya

SUPPORTING

Arai

SUPPORTING

Mieruko-chan Season 1: A Haunting Blend of Horror and Comedy

Mieruko-chan Season 1, which aired from October 3 to December 19, 2021, is a unique anime that skillfully blends horror, comedy, and slice-of-life elements, captivating audiences with its fresh take on the supernatural genre. Adapted from Tomoki Izumi’s manga series, serialized on Kadokawa’s ComicWalker since November 2018, the anime was produced by Studio Passione and directed by Yuki Ogawa, with scripts by Kenta Ihara and character designs by Takahiro Kishida. Consisting of 12 episodes, this horror-comedy follows Miko Yotsuya, a high school girl who suddenly gains the ability to see terrifying ghosts and spirits, and her struggle to maintain a normal life by ignoring them. With its chilling atmosphere, heartfelt moments, and clever humor, Mieruko-chan Season 1 became a standout in the Fall 2021 anime lineup.

Plot and Premise

Mieruko-chan centers on Miko Yotsuya, voiced by Sora Amamiya (Japanese) and Alexis Tipton (English), an ordinary high school student whose life takes a terrifying turn when she begins seeing grotesque spirits invisible to everyone else. These apparitions, often asking, “Can you see me?” range from unsettling to downright nightmarish, with intricate designs that amplify the horror. Miko’s strategy is simple yet challenging: pretend they don’t exist. By maintaining a poker face, she hopes to avoid drawing their attention and protect herself and those around her, especially her cheerful best friend, Hana Yurikawa (Kaede Hondo), who unwittingly attracts spirits due to her vibrant aura.

The series follows Miko’s daily life as she navigates school, friendships, and encounters with spirits, balancing fear with determination. Alongside Hana, other key characters include Yuria Niguredou (Ayane Sakura), a petite classmate who can also see spirits but craves recognition as a psychic, and Kyousuke Yotsuya (Yumiri Hanamori), Miko’s protective younger brother, oblivious to her supernatural struggles. The narrative introduces secondary characters like Mitsue Takeda, a fortune teller intrigued by Miko’s abilities, and Zen Tohno, a substitute teacher haunted by his own dark past, adding depth to the story.

The season builds toward a climactic arc involving Zen, revealing that the cat spirits trailing him stem from his abusive mother’s actions, not his own. Miko uses her connection to mysterious shrine spirits to save him, sacrificing her three chances of protection. The finale leaves viewers with unanswered questions—such as the origins of Miko’s ability and the shrine spirits’ intentions—setting the stage for a potential second season.

Themes and Style

Mieruko-chan excels in blending horror with humor, a combination that sets it apart from typical anime. The horror is rooted in Miko’s constant fear of the grotesque spirits, amplified by Studio Passione’s atmospheric sound design and detailed monster designs, which draw from Tomoki Izumi’s manga. Jump scares and eerie visuals create genuine tension, while the comedy arises from Miko’s deadpan reactions and the absurdity of her pretending nothing is wrong. The series also weaves in heartfelt moments, such as Miko’s efforts to protect Hana and her bond with Yuria, showcasing themes of friendship, courage, and resilience in the face of fear.

However, the show has faced criticism for its use of fan service, with some viewers finding shots of Miko and Hana distracting or unnecessary. While not overwhelming, these moments occasionally detract from the story’s emotional weight. Despite this, the anime maintains a balance, with episodes that shift seamlessly between scares, laughs, and touching character interactions.

Reception and Impact

Mieruko-chan Season 1 was well-received, earning a 7.53/10 on MyAnimeList and a 4.7/5 on Crunchyroll based on over 13,000 reviews. Critics praised its “rock-solid horror fundamentals” and ability to deliver “sincere, heartwarming moments” alongside comedy, with ANN editor Nicholas Dupree ranking it fifth on his top anime of 2021. The detailed ghost designs and atmospheric sound effects were highlights, though some, like Allen Moody from THEM Anime Reviews, called it an “interesting failure” for its repetitive formula. On X, fans lauded the anime’s adaptation of the manga’s art and its unique horror-comedy blend, though some noted the added fan service as a departure from the source material.

The series’ popularity is reflected in its manga sales, with over two million copies in circulation by October 2022, and its Blu-ray sales of approximately 1,400 copies per disc in the first week, a solid figure for 2021. Its social media presence, with nearly 100,000 followers on its official Twitter, underscores its dedicated fanbase.

Production and Availability

Directed by Yuki Ogawa, known for his work on Hunter x Hunter (2011), and scripted by Kenta Ihara (Vinland Saga), Mieruko-chan benefits from a talented team. The animation by Studio Passione brings the manga’s intricate ghost designs to life, complemented by a haunting soundtrack. The opening theme, with its deceptively cute tone, contrasts the eerie content, enhancing the show’s unique vibe.

The anime is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Apple TV, with both subbed and dubbed versions. It has been praised for accessibility, with Crunchyroll offering it for free with ads during October 2021 as part of a horror-themed lineup.

Looking Ahead

While Mieruko-chan Season 1 adapts volumes 1–3 of the manga (up to chapter 23), the ongoing manga, with 12 volumes as of March 2025, provides ample material for future seasons. Fans have speculated about a second season, potentially covering volumes 4–6, which introduce new characters like Shindou Romm and delve deeper into Miko’s abilities. However, as of October 2023, no official announcement has confirmed a second season, though a live-action film is slated for June 6, 2025, in Japanese theaters.

Conclusion

Mieruko-chan Season 1 is a compelling mix of horror, comedy, and heart, offering a fresh take on the supernatural genre. Miko’s struggle to maintain normalcy amidst terrifying visions resonates with viewers, while the show’s ability to balance scares with humor and emotional depth makes it a memorable watch. Despite minor flaws like fan service, its strong reception and rich source material make it a must-watch for fans of horror-comedy anime. For those eager to continue the story, the manga picks up at chapter 24, promising more chilling adventures.

Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or a fan of character-driven stories, Mieruko-chan Season 1 delivers a hauntingly entertaining experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Catch it on Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Apple TV, and brace yourself for a spooky yet heartfelt ride.