Inuyashiki

INUYASHIKI LAST HERO

Characters

Hiro Shishigami

MAIN

Ichirou Inuyashiki

MAIN

Mari Inuyashiki

SUPPORTING

Marie Inuyashiki

SUPPORTING

Oda no Chichi

SUPPORTING

Morikawa

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Naoyuki Andou

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Fumino Inoue

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Daisho Yamamoto

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Samejima

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Nao

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Yoto Takamura

SUPPORTING

Fumino no Douryou

SUPPORTING

Shion no Sobo

SUPPORTING

Yuuko Shishigami

SUPPORTING

Sota Kawai

SUPPORTING

Oda

SUPPORTING

Shion Watanabe

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Hanako

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Ojisan

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Nakao

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Koike

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Andou no Haha

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Tetchan

SUPPORTING

Takeshi Inuyashiki

SUPPORTING

Inuyashiki: Last Hero Season 1 – A Dark and Compelling Sci-Fi Tale

Inuyashiki: Last Hero Season 1, an 11-episode anime adaptation of Hiroya Oku’s manga, produced by MAPPA and aired on Fuji TV’s Noitamina block from October to December 2017, is a gripping exploration of morality, humanity, and the consequences of power. This Japanese science fiction series, available on platforms like Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime, delivers a unique blend of emotional depth, visceral action, and philosophical questions, making it a standout in the 2017 anime season.

Plot Overview: A Tale of Contrasting Fates

Inuyashiki centers on two individuals transformed by a bizarre extraterrestrial event. Ichiro Inuyashiki, a 58-year-old office worker, leads a bleak life, ignored by his family and recently diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer. His only solace is his adopted Shiba Inu, Hanako. Meanwhile, Hiro Shishigami, a teenage high school student, is a rebellious and emotionally detached youth. One night, both are caught in a mysterious UFO crash in a park, their bodies rebuilt into powerful, human-like robotic weapons.

The series explores the stark contrast in how these two characters wield their newfound abilities. Inuyashiki, a kind but timid man, discovers he can heal and save lives, finding purpose in helping others, from curing hospital patients to protecting the vulnerable. Shishigami, however, descends into psychopathy, using his powers to commit heinous murders, from targeting classmates to entire families, simply to feel alive. His signature method—pointing a finger gun and saying “Bang!”—is chillingly effective, even through television screens.

As Shishigami’s killing spree escalates, drawing police attention and making him Japan’s most wanted criminal, Inuyashiki grapples with his own transformation while trying to stop the teenager’s rampage. The narrative builds toward an inevitable clash, raising the central question: Is humanity’s true nature good or evil? Supporting characters like Naoyuki Ando, Hiro’s childhood friend who teams up with Inuyashiki, and Mari Inuyashiki, Ichiro’s daughter with dreams of becoming a manga artist, add emotional layers to the story.

Themes and Symbolism: A Moral Dichotomy

Inuyashiki is a sophisticated exploration of moral philosophy, juxtaposing Inuyashiki’s altruism against Shishigami’s nihilism. Inuyashiki’s journey reflects redemption and civic responsibility, as he uses his powers to restore dignity to society’s outcasts, such as saving a homeless man from bullies or curing the sick. His transformation from a frail, overlooked man to a reluctant hero subverts traditional superhero tropes, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be a savior.

Conversely, Shishigami embodies the dangers of unchecked power in the hands of a broken psyche. His actions—driven by a need to feel human through destruction—critique the desensitization of youth exposed to violence and apathy. Yet, the writing humanizes him at times, showing his care for his mother, friend Naoyuki, and later Shion Watanabe, a classmate who loves him, making his descent into villainy tragically complex.

The series also critiques modern societal structures, highlighting the pressures of conformity and the alienation of individuals like Inuyashiki, whose sacrifices for his family go unappreciated. The sci-fi elements, reminiscent of Ghost in the Shell, explore the “uncanny valley” of cyborg existence, questioning what it means to be human when one’s body is a machine.

Animation and Production: A Mixed Bag with Emotional Weight

MAPPA’s animation in Inuyashiki is a highlight, with fluid action sequences and detailed cityscapes that enhance the sci-fi aesthetic. The use of CGI, while occasionally jarring, integrates well in depicting the robotic transformations and battles, drawing comparisons to Ghost in the Shell. However, some critics note that the hyper-detailed, grotesque character designs can be off-putting, aligning with the show’s intentionally unsettling tone.

The soundtrack, including the opening theme “My Hero” by MAN WITH A MISSION, complements the series’ intense and emotional moments. The voice acting, with Fumiyo Kohinata as Inuyashiki and Nijiro Murakami as Shishigami, brings authenticity to the characters’ contrasting personalities.

Reception and Impact: A Polarizing Yet Memorable Series

Inuyashiki Season 1 received praise for its emotional depth and unique premise. Reviewers lauded its ability to blend a somber slice-of-life narrative with high-stakes action, with IGN describing the first episode as a tear-jerking portrayal of Inuyashiki’s life that transitions into thrilling sci-fi. It earned an 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for Best CGI at the 2017 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, with Shishigami nominated for Villain of the Year.

However, the series is not without flaws. Some critics, like Anime Feminist, found its dark tone and graphic violence—particularly in episodes depicting sexual violence, such as the yakuza-centric “Samejima” episode—excessively unpleasant. Others noted rushed character development and one-dimensional antagonists as drawbacks. Despite this, its exploration of human nature and moral complexity resonated with many, with fans on MyAnimeList and Rotten Tomatoes calling it a refreshing departure from mainstream anime.

The manga, serialized from 2014 to 2017 in Kodansha’s Evening magazine, was a critical success, with over 3.1 million copies in circulation by April 2018 and accolades like the Daruma d’or manga at Japan Expo Awards 2016. The anime’s fidelity to the source material, combined with its intense narrative, cemented its cult status.

Content Warning and Accessibility

Inuyashiki is rated 16+ for its graphic violence, including scenes of murder and sexual assault, which may be triggering for some viewers. Episode 4, in particular, depicts a yakuza kidnapping and assault, drawing criticism for its handling of female characters. Those sensitive to such content should approach with caution.

The series is accessible on Crunchyroll with subbed and dubbed versions, offering ad-free streaming and offline viewing options through its Fan and Mega Fan plans. It was also available on Amazon Prime, though some regions report expired rights as of 2025.

Final Thoughts: A Bizarre Must-Watch

Inuyashiki: Last Hero Season 1 is a bold, often unsettling anime that tackles big questions about morality, power, and humanity through the lens of two transformed individuals. Its blend of emotional storytelling, philosophical depth, and intense action makes it a compelling watch for fans of dark sci-fi like Gantz or Psycho-Pass. While its graphic content and occasional narrative flaws may not suit everyone, its unique protagonist and moral dichotomy ensure it leaves a lasting impression. For those seeking a thought-provoking anime that challenges conventions, Inuyashiki is a must-watch.

Watch it on Crunchyroll or check availability on Amazon Prime, and prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions and robot battles.