Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha.

Inari Kon Kon

Characters

Inari Fushimi

MAIN

Uka-no-Mitama-no-kami

MAIN

Kon

SUPPORTING

Roro

SUPPORTING

Kouji Tanbabashi

SUPPORTING

Shishi

SUPPORTING

Ootoshi no Kami

SUPPORTING

Chika Marutamachi

SUPPORTING

Akemi Sumizome

SUPPORTING

Shirou Tanbabashi

SUPPORTING

Oomiya-Nome no Kami

SUPPORTING

Yatagarasu

SUPPORTING

Keiko Sanjyou

SUPPORTING

Amatermasu Oomikami

SUPPORTING

Touka Fushimi

SUPPORTING

Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha Season 1: A Heartwarming Blend of Fantasy, Romance, and Self-Discovery

Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha (also known as InaKon), a 10-episode anime series that aired from January to March 2014, is a delightful adaptation of Morohe Yoshida’s supernatural shoujo manga. Directed by Toru Takahashi and produced by Production IMS, this charming series combines elements of comedy, romance, slice-of-life, and fantasy, set against the picturesque backdrop of Kyoto. With its relatable protagonist, endearing characters, and a touch of divine magic, Season 1 of Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha offers a lighthearted yet meaningful exploration of self-acceptance, friendship, and the complexities of young love.

A Whimsical Premise Rooted in Kindness

The story follows Inari Fushimi, a clumsy and shy middle school girl with a big heart and an even bigger crush on her cheerful classmate, Kouji Tanbabashi. Inari’s life takes a fantastical turn when she saves a fox pup from drowning in a river while taking a shortcut through a local shrine. The pup turns out to be Kon, a familiar of Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami (Uka-sama), the goddess of the Inari Shrine. In gratitude, Uka grants Inari a wish, which leads to unforeseen complications. To rectify the situation, Uka bestows upon Inari a fragment of her divine power, granting her the ability to shapeshift into anyone by uttering the phrase “Inari, Konkon” (a nod to the sound foxes are thought to make in Japanese folklore).

This newfound power, while exciting, brings both opportunities and challenges. Inari hopes to use it to get closer to Kouji, but she soon learns that love and self-confidence cannot be achieved through transformation alone. As she navigates her divine gift, Inari attracts the attention of other supernatural beings, forms a heartfelt friendship with Uka, and grapples with the responsibilities of her powers, all while juggling school life and friendships.

A Relatable Protagonist and Memorable Cast

Inari Fushimi, voiced by Naomi Ozora, is the heart of the series. Her clumsiness, average intellect, and overwhelming shyness make her a relatable figure for many viewers. Despite her insecurities, her kindness and optimism shine through, driving her to help others even when it puts her in awkward situations. Her journey of self-discovery—learning to accept herself rather than relying on her powers—is a central theme that resonates deeply.

The supporting cast adds depth and charm to the story. Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami, voiced by Houko Kuwashima, is a compassionate yet playful goddess who becomes Inari’s friend and confidante. Her own struggles, including her strained relationship with her brother Ootoshi-no-Kami and her duties in the divine realm, add layers to her character. Kon, the tiny fox familiar (voiced by Sayuri Hara), is both adorable and loyal, often serving as Inari’s voice of reason, though her inexperience in transformation leads to humorous moments.

Inari’s human friends also shine. Chika Marutamachi (Maru), a fujoshi with a guarded personality, and Keiko Sanjou, a tomboyish friend, bring humor and warmth to the group dynamic. Akemi Sumizome, who harbors her own feelings for Kouji, faces her own emotional journey, particularly in realizing her deeper feelings, which adds a poignant touch to the series. Kouji Tanbabashi, the object of Inari’s affection, is kind and hardworking, though his obliviousness to Inari’s feelings creates both comedic and heartfelt moments. Inari’s older brother, Touka, who can see Uka and disapproves of her closeness to Inari, adds an intriguing sibling dynamic, while his interactions with Uka hint at deeper connections explored in the manga.

Themes of Love, Friendship, and Growth

Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha balances its supernatural elements with grounded themes of adolescence. Inari’s unrequited love for Kouji drives much of the plot, but the series avoids overemphasizing romance, focusing instead on her personal growth. Her shapeshifting ability, while initially seen as a solution to her shyness, often leads to unintended consequences, teaching her that true confidence comes from within. Episodes like the shrine festival and the beach trip highlight her efforts to connect with Kouji and her friends, blending lighthearted comedy with moments of emotional introspection.

The series also explores friendship, particularly through Inari’s efforts to mend tensions between Maru and Akemi during their beach trip. Akemi’s realization about her own feelings adds a layer of complexity, addressing themes of identity and acceptance. The bond between Inari and Uka is another highlight, as their shared experiences—such as dealing with overprotective older brothers—create a touching, cross-dimensional friendship.

The fantasy elements, rooted in Shinto mythology, add a magical layer to the narrative. The Celestial Plains, where gods like Amaterasu Ohmikami (the sun goddess) oversee Inari’s powers, introduce stakes that go beyond her school life. These divine interventions, such as Inari’s test in the Celestial Plains and Uka’s struggles with her divine duties, underscore the consequences of wielding god-like power as a human.

Animation and Sound: A Mixed Bag

The animation, handled by Production IMS, is generally solid, with vibrant character designs and expressive artwork that capture the characters’ personalities. The Kyoto setting is beautifully rendered, with the Inari Shrine and its surroundings providing a serene, culturally rich backdrop. However, some fans have noted the use of CGI in certain scenes, such as the Celestial Plains and moments involving fox spirits, which can feel jarring against the 2D animation. While intentional, these choices sometimes disrupt the visual flow.

The sound design fares better, with a soothing soundtrack that complements the series’ tone. The opening theme, “Kyo no Koi Iroha” by May’n, is upbeat and catchy, while the ending theme, “SAVED” by Mikako Komatsu, adds an emotional touch. The voice acting, particularly Naomi Ozora’s portrayal of Inari’s earnestness and Houko Kuwashima’s warm yet conflicted Uka, enhances the series’ emotional depth.

Reception and Legacy

Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha Season 1 received generally positive feedback for its charm and accessibility. On MyAnimeList, it holds a weighted mean score of 7.435 (Good+), with fans praising its lighthearted comedy and relatable characters. However, some criticized its short length and unresolved romantic threads, as the anime covers only part of the manga, leaving viewers curious about the full story. The series has been compared to Kamisama Kiss for its shoujo-fantasy blend but stands out for its focus on self-acceptance over romance.

Available on platforms like Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime, the series (including its OVA) remains a hidden gem for fans of shoujo and supernatural anime. Its short runtime makes it an easy watch, though some viewers may feel it ends too soon, with certain plot points—like Touka and Uka’s relationship—left open-ended, encouraging readers to explore the manga’s 55 chapters for closure.

Final Thoughts

Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha Season 1 is a sweet, easygoing anime that blends humor, heart, and a touch of divine magic. Its relatable protagonist, vibrant cast, and meaningful themes make it a standout for fans of shoujo and slice-of-life stories. While its animation has minor flaws and the romance remains understated, the series excels in depicting friendship and personal growth against a beautifully crafted Kyoto backdrop. For those seeking a lighthearted yet poignant tale of a young girl navigating love, friendship, and newfound powers, Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha is a delightful watch that leaves you with a warm, relaxed feeling—and perhaps a curiosity to visit the manga for more.

Where to Watch: Available on Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV (as of July 2025).

Recommendation: Perfect for fans of Kamisama Kiss or those looking for a short, heartwarming anime with a touch of fantasy. Best enjoyed by viewers who appreciate character-driven stories over intense romantic resolutions.