Yofukashi no Uta

Call of the Night

Characters

Nazuna Nanakusa

MAIN

Kou Yamori

MAIN

Mahiru Seki

SUPPORTING

Akihito Akiyama

SUPPORTING

Akira Asai

SUPPORTING

Kiyosumi Shirakawa

SUPPORTING

Anko Uguisu

SUPPORTING

Seri Kikyou

SUPPORTING

Arisa

SUPPORTING

Niko Hirata

SUPPORTING

Kabura Honda

SUPPORTING

Midori Kohakobe

SUPPORTING

Hatsuka Suzushiro

SUPPORTING

Chuugakkou Kyoushi

SUPPORTING

Azusa

BACKGROUND

Haruna

BACKGROUND

Kai

BACKGROUND

Tonio

BACKGROUND

Kiku Hoshimi

BACKGROUND

Matsuda

BACKGROUND

Kyouhei

BACKGROUND

Yura

BACKGROUND

Matsunaga

BACKGROUND

Mio

BACKGROUND

Call of the Night Season 1: A Mesmerizing Dive into the Nocturnal World of Vampires and Romance

Written By SON HAK.

When Call of the Night (Japanese: Yofukashi no Uta) premiered on July 8, 2022, as part of Fuji TV’s esteemed Noitamina programming block, it quickly carved out a niche as one of the standout anime of the Summer 2022 season. Adapted from Kotoyama’s manga of the same name, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Sunday from August 2019 to January 2024, this supernatural romance-comedy series, produced by Liden Films, captivated audiences with its neon-lit visuals, lo-fi soundtrack, and heartfelt exploration of youth, identity, and connection. Season 1, spanning 13 episodes, introduces viewers to a world where the night holds both freedom and mystery, centered around the unlikely bond between a restless human boy and a playful vampire girl. Here’s a deep dive into what made Call of the Night Season 1 a memorable and evocative experience.

A Tale of Insomnia and Discovery

Call of the Night follows Ko Yamori, a 14-year-old boy grappling with insomnia and a sense of disconnection from his daytime life. Feeling unfulfilled, Ko abandons school and begins wandering the streets at night, seeking something to spark meaning in his existence. His nocturnal escapades lead him to Nazuna Nanakusa, a free-spirited vampire who thrives in the moonlit hours. After a chance encounter, Nazuna introduces Ko to the exhilarating freedom of the night, sparking his fascination with her world and the idea of becoming a vampire himself. However, there’s a catch: to become a vampire, Ko must fall in love with Nazuna, a task that proves far more complex than he anticipates.

The premise sets the stage for a narrative that blends supernatural elements with the universal struggles of adolescence. Ko’s journey is not just about vampirism but about searching for purpose, grappling with identity, and navigating the murky waters of human connection. Nazuna, voiced by Sora Amamiya (Japanese) and Natalie Rial (English), is a compelling counterpart—a playful, socially awkward vampire who loves beer and crude humor but feels out of place among traditional vampire stereotypes. Her unique status as a hybrid vampire, born to a human father and vampire mother, adds layers to her character, making her both relatable and enigmatic.

A Visual and Auditory Feast

One of Call of the Night’s greatest strengths is its aesthetic. Directed by Tomoyuki Itamura, with Tetsuya Miyanishi as chief director, the anime boasts a moody, neon-soaked visual style that perfectly captures the allure of the nighttime. The cityscapes, bathed in vibrant pinks, blues, and purples, evoke a dreamlike atmosphere, while the character designs by Haruka Sagawa bring Kotoyama’s manga to life with expressive flair. The animation, handled by Liden Films, is consistently high-quality, with fluid sequences that enhance both the emotional and action-packed moments.

The soundtrack, composed by Yoshiaki Dewa, complements the visuals with a lo-fi, jazzy vibe that underscores the series’ laid-back yet introspective tone. The opening theme, “Daten” (Fallen Angel), and the ending theme, “Yofukashi no Uta,” both performed by the hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts, are standout additions. These tracks, inspired by the song that gave the series its name, are catchy and emotionally resonant, amplifying the show’s hypnotic charm. Fans on platforms like X have praised the music as a highlight, with users like @Sithrex calling the opening and ending songs their favorite part of the show.

Characters That Shine in the Dark

The heart of Call of the Night lies in its characters, who are as complex as they are endearing. Ko Yamori, voiced by Gen Satô (Japanese) and Gabriel Regojo (English), is an aimless yet relatable protagonist. His internal conflict—torn between his daytime life and the allure of the night—grounds the story in a universal coming-of-age struggle. While some viewers, as noted in IMDb reviews, found Ko’s indecision occasionally frustrating, his gradual growth and moments of vulnerability add depth to his character arc.

Nazuna Nanakusa steals the show with her irreverent charm and hidden insecurities. Despite her estimated age of 30–40, her childlike traits and rapid maturation as a hybrid vampire make her an outcast among her kind, a detail that adds emotional weight to her bond with Ko. Her playful teasing and genuine care for Ko create a dynamic that oscillates between comedic and heartfelt, making their budding relationship a highlight of the season.

Supporting characters enrich the narrative further. Akira Asai, Ko’s childhood friend, voiced by Yumiri Hanamori (Japanese), represents the pull of Ko’s past life, urging him to return to school while grappling with her own feelings about his choices. Mahiru, another friend, and Kiyosumi Shirakawa, a busybody office worker and one of Nazuna’s clients, voiced by Yoko Hikasa (Japanese) and Kelly Greenshield (English), add layers to the story’s exploration of friendship and societal expectations. The introduction of Anko Uguisu, a vampire hunter, in the latter episodes ramps up the tension, setting the stage for Season 2’s conflicts.

Themes of Love, Loneliness, and Choice

Call of the Night Season 1 excels at weaving thematic depth into its supernatural rom-com framework. The series explores the search for happiness and purpose, particularly through Ko’s insomnia and his desire to escape the monotony of his daytime life. Nazuna’s nocturnal world offers him freedom, but it comes with questions about what it means to love and what he’s willing to sacrifice. The condition for becoming a vampire—falling in love—forces Ko and Nazuna to confront their emotions, even as they struggle to define what love truly means. This emotional core resonates with viewers, as noted by Anime News Network’s Summer 2022 preview guide, which praised the series’ unique take on vampire tropes and its high production value.

The season also delves into themes of loneliness and connection. Nazuna’s status as a hybrid vampire and Ko’s alienation from his peers highlight their shared sense of not belonging, making their relationship a refuge. The arrival of characters like Akira and Mahiru, who tempt Ko back to his old life, and Anko, who threatens the vampire world, underscores the stakes of Ko’s choices. By the season’s end, when Ko and Nazuna share a kiss and reaffirm their commitment—Ko to fall in love with Nazuna, and Nazuna to become a vampire worth loving—the narrative sets up a compelling foundation for Season 2.

Reception and Impact

Call of the Night Season 1 garnered widespread praise for its fresh take on the vampire genre, earning nominations at the 7th Crunchyroll Anime Awards for Best New Series, Best Ending Sequence, and Best Romance. Fans on X echoed this enthusiasm, with @The25thNigga calling it a “10/10 season” with a “perfect ending” and @Xiphus1 ranking it among their top 10 anime, citing its relatable characters and vibrant visuals. However, some critiques, like those on IMDb, noted that the slow pacing in the early episodes and Ko’s aimlessness might not resonate with all viewers. Despite this, the series’ cult following and critical acclaim, including the manga’s 2023 Shogakukan Manga Award win, cemented its status as a must-watch.

The English dub, which premiered on HIDIVE on September 8, 2022, was well-received, broadening the show’s accessibility. Streamed on platforms like HIDIVE, Netflix, and Crunchyroll, Season 1’s availability ensured it reached a global audience, with JustWatch reporting it climbing streaming charts post-release.

Looking Ahead to Season 2

The Season 1 finale leaves viewers on a high note, with Ko and Nazuna’s mutual resolve setting the stage for deeper exploration in Season 2, which premiered on July 4, 2025. The introduction of new characters like Kiku Hoshimi and Nanakusa Haru, coupled with the ongoing threat of Anko Uguisu, promises to escalate the drama and delve into Nazuna’s mysterious past. With Liden Films and the original creative team returning, fans can expect more of the neon-drenched visuals and Creepy Nuts’ infectious music, with the new opening theme “Mirage” already generating buzz.

Final Thoughts

Call of the Night Season 1 is a captivating blend of supernatural intrigue, romantic tension, and coming-of-age drama. Its stunning visuals, memorable soundtrack, and relatable characters create a world that’s easy to get lost in, while its themes of purpose and connection resonate deeply. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant nightlife aesthetic, the quirky romance between Ko and Nazuna, or the emotional weight of their journey, this anime is a love letter to those who find solace in the night. As fans eagerly await Season 2, now is the perfect time to binge Season 1 on HIDIVE, Netflix, or Crunchyroll and join Ko and Nazuna under the moonlight.

Catch up on Call of the Night Season 1 on HIDIVE, Netflix, or Crunchyroll, and prepare for Season 2, streaming now on HIDIVE.

Sources:

• Wikipedia: Call of the Night
• IMDb: Call of the Night (TV Series 2022–2025)
• Anime News Network: Call of the Night
• CBR: Everything You Need to Know About Call of the Night Season 2
• X Posts: @The25thNigga, @Xiphus1, @Sithrex