Onmyo Kaiten Re:verse

Onmyo Kaiten Re:Birth Verse

Characters

Takeru Narihira

MAIN

Tsukimiya

MAIN

Abeno Seimei

MAIN

Kazura

SUPPORTING

Atsunaga

SUPPORTING

Yura

SUPPORTING

Shino

SUPPORTING

Onmyou Kaiten Re:Birth Verse Season 1: A Bold, Chaotic Tapestry of Time Loops and Supernatural Swagger

Onmyou Kaiten Re:Birth Verse Season 1, an original anime from David Production, crashes onto the Summer 2025 scene with a dizzying blend of isekai, shonen action, and time-loop mechanics that dares to be different, even if it doesn’t always stick the landing. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill isekai with cookie-cutter heroes and predictable arcs; it’s a wild, visually stunning ride that juggles ambitious ideas with a protagonist who’s as frustrating as he is compelling. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this anime a polarizing yet unforgettable addition to the genre.

A World Where Heian Japan Meets Cyberpunk Chaos

The show’s setting, Denji Heian-kyou, is a masterstroke of world-building that sets it apart from the generic medieval fantasies clogging the isekai pipeline. Imagine ancient Kyoto reimagined as a futuristic metropolis where mystical onmyouji sorcery coexists with neon-lit technology and mecha-shikigami that look like they strolled out of a Gundam fever dream. The aesthetic is a love letter to contrasts—ornate Heian-era architecture clashes with glowing holographic sigils, and traditional onmyouji robes are paired with sci-fi weaponry. This fusion isn’t just eye candy; it grounds the story in a unique cultural identity that feels both reverent to Japanese folklore and audaciously forward-thinking. The Oni, monstrous creatures born from the ominous Black Mist (Yamikaoru), are designed with a grotesque yet captivating flair, evoking classic yokai while feeling fresh enough to haunt your nightmares.

The world’s lore, centered around the legendary onmyouji Abe no Seimei, adds depth, but the show doesn’t spoon-feed explanations. Instead, it drip-feeds mysteries—why does the Black Mist appear? What’s the deal with Takeru’s time-looping power? These unanswered questions keep you hooked, even as the narrative occasionally stumbles over its own ambition.

Takeru Narihira: A Flawed Delinquent with a Heart of Grit

At the center of this whirlwind is Takeru Narihira, a delinquent high schooler whose hotheaded bravado and obsession with his dream girl, Tsukimiya, make him both relatable and infuriating. Voiced with raw energy by Taihi Kimura, Takeru is no blank-slate isekai protagonist. He’s a lone wolf with a chip on his shoulder, quick to throw punches but fiercely loyal to those he cares about. His time-loop ability, triggered after a fatal encounter with an Oni, sets the stage for a Re:Zero-esque struggle where death isn’t the end but a reset button that forces him to relive his failures. Unlike Subaru Natsuki’s introspective despair, Takeru’s response is pure, unfiltered defiance—he’s less about strategizing and more about punching fate in the face.

This makes him a double-edged sword. His meathead tendencies and occasional reliance on shonen tropes (like shouting about protecting everyone) can feel repetitive, but the show leans into his flaws, showing cracks in his bravado as the psychological toll of repeated deaths mounts. By episode 5, we see a Takeru grappling with trauma and self-doubt, a refreshing shift that adds layers to a character who could’ve easily been a one-note brawler. His dynamic with Tsukimiya (Maaya Uchida), who’s less a damsel and more a skeptical, independent force, avoids harem clichés but doesn’t fully escape the “love interest as plot device” trap. Their chemistry is compelling but underdeveloped, leaving you wanting more from their fated connection.

Time Loops and Mecha Mayhem: A Narrative High-Wire Act

The time-loop mechanic is Onmyou Kaiten’s beating heart, and it’s executed with enough twists to keep you guessing. Takeru’s ability to revive after death, resetting to a point before his demise, isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a narrative engine that fuels tension and character growth. Each loop reveals new facets of the world and its characters, like the elite onmyouji Atsunaga (Kaito Ishikawa) and the brash Yura (Satsuki Yukino), whose mecha-shikigami battles are a visual feast. The show’s action sequences, blending CGI mecha with fluid hand-drawn combat, are a standout, with episode 2’s synchronized onmyouji-mecha fight being a jaw-dropping highlight. The five-element combat system adds strategic depth, though it’s introduced slowly, leaving some fights feeling more style than substance.

Where the show falters is in its pacing and narrative cohesion. Episode 1 throws you into the deep end with a barrage of plot points—isekai transport, time loops, Oni attacks, and a futuristic Heian setting—making it exhilarating but overwhelming. The rapid-fire introduction of characters and concepts can feel like a lore dump, and the show doesn’t always trust its audience to connect the dots. By episode 6, a shocking plot twist involving the Oni’s origins and Abe no Seimei’s cryptic motives adds intrigue but also underscores the show’s tendency to prioritize spectacle over clarity. It’s a high-wire act that keeps you engaged but occasionally leaves you dizzy.

Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses

David Production’s pedigree (Fire Force, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure) shines through in the animation. The character designs are crisp, with Takeru’s wild hair and Atsunaga’s stoic elegance standing out. The Oni are a visual triumph, their grotesque forms contrasting beautifully with the sleek shikigami mecha. The show’s color palette—vibrant neons against moody blacks—amplifies the cyberpunk vibe, while the historical elements ground it in a sense of timelessness. Fight scenes are kinetic, with fluid choreography and clever use of CGI that doesn’t overpower the 2D animation.

The soundtrack is a hidden gem, blending traditional Japanese instruments like the koto with electronic beats to mirror the show’s fusion aesthetic. A catchy insert song in episode 5 during Takeru’s transformation has sparked fan buzz on platforms like Reddit, though its elusive credits have left viewers hunting for answers. The voice acting, particularly Kimura’s raw intensity and Uchida’s nuanced Tsukimiya, elevates the emotional stakes, even when the script leans too heavily on shonen clichés.

Strengths and Stumbles: A Polarizing Gem

Onmyou Kaiten’s greatest strength is its ambition. It refuses to be just another isekai, weaving time loops, mecha battles, and a unique setting into a story that feels fresh despite familiar tropes. The mysteries surrounding the Black Mist, Takeru’s powers, and Seimei’s role keep you invested, while the action and visuals deliver consistent thrills. Posts on X praise its blend of drama, romance, and betrayal, with fans noting its potential to evolve into something truly special.

Yet, the show isn’t flawless. Takeru’s generic protagonist traits can grate, and the narrative’s breakneck pace sometimes sacrifices character depth for plot twists. Tsukimiya’s role feels underwritten, and the ensemble cast, while colorful, doesn’t always get enough screen time to shine. Critics on sites like Anime Feminist and CBR have noted the show’s struggle to balance its shonen and isekai halves, with some calling it “style over substance.” The 5.7/10 IMDb rating reflects this divide—fans love its energy, but others find its execution uneven.

Why It Stands Out

What sets Onmyou Kaiten Re:Birth Verse apart is its refusal to play it safe. It’s not afraid to throw curveballs, like the episode 6 revelation that flips the Oni’s role in the story, or to let its protagonist be flawed and human. It’s a show that demands patience, rewarding viewers who stick with its chaotic energy and trust its slow-burn mysteries. For every moment it stumbles, it offers something bold—whether it’s a mecha-shikigami showdown or a haunting glimpse into Takeru’s fractured psyche.

Final Verdict

Onmyou Kaiten Re:Birth Verse Season 1 is a thrilling, messy, and utterly unique addition to the 2025 anime landscape. It’s not perfect—its pacing issues and occasionally generic protagonist hold it back—but its daring blend of time loops, cyberpunk Heian aesthetics, and supernatural action make it a must-watch for fans of isekai and shonen looking for something fresh. If you’re willing to embrace its chaos and overlook its flaws, this anime offers a ride unlike any other this season. Stream it on Crunchyroll, and brace yourself for a story that’s as maddening as it is mesmerizing.

Sources:

• But Why Tho? review
• Anime Feminist review
• Black Nerd Problems reviews,
• CBR reviews,
• Reddit discussions,,,,
• X post by @minase_nayuki