Fukigen na Mononokean

The Morose Mononokean

Characters

Hanae Ashiya

MAIN

Haruitsuki Abeno

MAIN

Joumatsu

SUPPORTING

Tomori

SUPPORTING

Zenko Fujiwara

SUPPORTING

Manjirou

SUPPORTING

Shizuku

SUPPORTING

Nobou

SUPPORTING

Gigigi no Oyabun

SUPPORTING

Anmo-hime

SUPPORTING

Yahiko

SUPPORTING

Okina

SUPPORTING

Rippou

SUPPORTING

Koura

SUPPORTING

Mitsuchigura

SUPPORTING

Moja

SUPPORTING

The Morose Mononokean Season 1: A Whimsical Journey into the World of Yokai

The Morose Mononokean (Fukigen na Mononokean in Japanese) is a charming and heartfelt anime series that blends supernatural elements with comedy and slice-of-life storytelling. Adapted from Kiri Wazawa’s manga of the same name, Season 1 of the anime, which aired from June 28 to September 21, 2016, consists of 13 episodes produced by Pierrot+. With its unique premise, endearing characters, and vibrant depiction of the yokai world, the series offers a delightful mix of humor, emotion, and mystery. This article explores the key elements that make The Morose Mononokean Season 1 a standout supernatural comedy, diving into its plot, characters, themes, and overall appeal.

A Tale of Yokai and Debt

The story follows Hanae Ashiya, a kind-hearted but somewhat emotional high school freshman whose life takes a peculiar turn before his first day of school. While on his way to class, Ashiya encounters a small, fuzzy yokai that attaches itself to him, causing him to fall mysteriously ill. Spending his first week in the infirmary, Ashiya’s condition worsens as the yokai grows larger, draining his energy. Desperate for help, he stumbles upon a flyer advertising an exorcist and contacts the Mononokean, a mysterious tea room that appears beside the infirmary. There, he meets Haruitsuki Abeno, a stoic and morose young man who is the master of the Mononokean, a supernatural entity that serves as a gateway to the Underworld, where yokai belong.

Abeno exorcises the yokai, nicknamed “Fuzzy,” but informs Ashiya that the service comes with a hefty fee—one that Ashiya, a broke high schooler, cannot afford. To settle the debt, Ashiya becomes Abeno’s assistant, working part-time at the Mononokean to help yokai return to the Underworld. To Ashiya’s surprise, Abeno is also a classmate, and their contrasting personalities—Ashiya’s earnest enthusiasm versus Abeno’s grumpy pragmatism—set the stage for a dynamic partnership filled with bickering and growth. Together, they navigate the challenges of guiding yokai, each with unique stories and reasons for lingering in the human world.

Characters: The Heart of the Mononokean

The strength of The Morose Mononokean lies in its well-developed characters, whose interactions drive the narrative and add emotional depth. Hanae Ashiya, voiced by Yūki Kaji (Japanese) and Aaron Dismuke (English), is a relatable protagonist. His kind-hearted nature and tendency to cry easily make him endearing, while his mysterious ability to see yokai hints at untapped potential that remains unexplored in Season 1. Ashiya’s optimism and empathy often lead him to connect deeply with the yokai they encounter, making him a perfect foil to Abeno.

Haruitsuki Abeno, voiced by Tomoaki Maeno (Japanese) and Jason Liebrecht (English), is the stoic and no-nonsense master of the Mononokean. Despite his cold exterior, Abeno’s actions reveal a sense of duty and care, particularly toward the yokai he helps. Rumors in the yokai world suggest he killed the Mononokean’s previous master, Aoi, but Season 1 leaves this as a lingering mystery, adding intrigue to his character. The chemistry between Ashiya and Abeno is a highlight, with their banter providing much of the show’s humor while their growing trust lays the foundation for a meaningful friendship.

Supporting characters add color to the series. Fuzzy, the adorable yokai who returns after his initial exorcism, becomes a recurring companion, much to the delight of fans (and Ashiya’s wife, as noted in a reviewer’s anecdote). Other yokai, like the bratty fox-like Yahiko and the newt-tailed Shizuku, bring variety and charm to the episodes. The Legislator, one of the Underworld’s three rulers, is a quirky yet authoritative figure who oversees the Mononokean’s operations, adding a layer of supernatural bureaucracy to the story.

Themes and Storytelling

The Morose Mononokean Season 1 excels as a supernatural slice-of-life series, focusing on episodic stories rather than a single overarching plot. Each episode introduces a new yokai with a unique predicament, from a scarecrow-like spirit mourning a lost friend to an eel-like yokai searching for a lost wedding ring. These stories are often poignant, highlighting themes of loss, closure, and the importance of empathy. Ashiya’s determination to understand the yokai’s feelings, even at the risk of breaking Abeno’s rules, underscores the show’s wholesome tone.

While the series lacks a central narrative arc, the episodic format allows for rich world-building. The Underworld, depicted in a traditional Japanese art style, is a visual treat, bursting with vibrant colors and fantastical creatures. The Mononokean itself, a sentient tea room that shifts locations, adds a whimsical touch to the storytelling. The season concludes with a two-part finale where Ashiya loses his ability to see yokai, prompting the yokai he helped to band together to restore it. This resolution celebrates the impact of Ashiya’s kindness, tying together the season’s episodic adventures.

The show balances humor and heart effectively. The comedy stems from Ashiya and Abeno’s clashing personalities and the quirky behaviors of the yokai, while the emotional moments resonate through the yokai’s bittersweet stories. However, some viewers note that the lack of significant plot progression or character development may leave those seeking a deeper narrative wanting more.

Animation and Sound

Produced by Pierrot+, the animation in Season 1 is solid, with clean designs and expressive character models by Atsuko Kageyama. The Underworld’s traditional Japanese aesthetic contrasts beautifully with the modern high school setting, enhancing the supernatural atmosphere. The soundtrack, composed by Yasuharu Takanashi, complements the series’ tone, with the opening theme, “Tomodachi Meter” by The Super Ball, and the ending theme, “Tobira no Mukō” by Tomoaki Maeno and Yūki Kaji, capturing the show’s lighthearted and emotional spirit.

Reception and Legacy

The Morose Mononokean Season 1 received positive feedback for its charming characters and relaxing vibe, earning a median rating of “Good” on Anime News Network, with a weighted mean score of 7.078 out of 10. Fans appreciated its similarity to Natsume’s Book of Friends for its yokai-centric storytelling but noted it lacks the same depth. The series’ comedic and wholesome approach makes it accessible to a wide audience, though some criticized its repetitive episodic structure.

The season sets up intriguing mysteries, such as Ashiya’s hidden powers and Abeno’s connection to Aoi, which are explored further in Season 2 (January to March 2019). While the manga concluded in July 2021, and no third season has been announced as of 2025, the first season remains a complete and satisfying experience for fans of supernatural comedies.

Where to Watch

Season 1 is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, and can be purchased on Apple TV or Amazon Video. Funimation also released an English dub, featuring strong performances by Aaron Dismuke and Jason Liebrecht.

Final Thoughts

The Morose Mononokean Season 1 is a delightful blend of supernatural adventure, comedy, and heartwarming moments. Its episodic tales of yokai, anchored by the endearing partnership of Ashiya and Abeno, offer a relaxing and engaging viewing experience. While it may not break new ground in the genre, its vibrant world, likable characters, and emotional storytelling make it a gem for fans of lighthearted anime with a touch of the supernatural. Whether you’re drawn to Fuzzy’s fluffiness or the mysteries of the Mononokean, Season 1 is a journey worth taking.