Tsugumomo Season 1: A Deep Dive into a Supernatural Tapestry Woven with Heart, Humor, and Havoc

Tsugumomo Season 1, adapted from Yoshikazu Hamada’s long-running manga, is a fascinating blend of supernatural action, harem comedy, and emotional depth that defies easy categorization. Airing in 2017 under the direction of Ryōichi Kuraya and animated by Studio Zero-G, this 12-episode series introduces viewers to a world where everyday objects can gain sentience, gods walk among mortals, and an ordinary boy becomes an unlikely hero. This article explores what makes Tsugumomo Season 1 a unique and compelling entry in the anime landscape, dissecting its narrative, characters, themes, and technical achievements without veering into promotional fluff. Buckle up—this is a show that’s as heartfelt as it is chaotic, as profound as it is perverse.

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The Premise: A Shinto-Inspired Supernatural Saga

At its core, Tsugumomo is rooted in Japanese folklore, specifically the concept of tsukumogami—objects that gain souls after years of care or emotional attachment. The story follows Kazuya Kagami, a high school student who carries his late mother’s obi (a traditional Japanese sash) as a memento. His life takes a surreal turn when the obi transforms into Kiriha, a brash, kimono-clad tsukumogami who claims to be his protector and partner. As a “Taboo Child” who attracts supernatural entities, Kazuya is thrust into a world of gods, spirits, and malevolent amasogi—objects animated by destructive desires. Under the guidance of Kukuri, the local god, Kazuya becomes an exorcist, battling these entities alongside Kiriha and a growing cast of allies.

What sets Tsugumomo apart from other supernatural anime is its ability to balance a seemingly generic premise with unexpected depth. The show doesn’t just lean on its folklore-inspired framework; it uses it to explore themes of grief, duty, and identity, all while weaving in irreverent humor and high-octane action. It’s a show that feels both timeless and slightly dated, like a love letter to early 2000s shonen and harem anime, but with enough modern flair to keep it fresh.

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Narrative: A Slow Burn with Surprising Stakes

Tsugumomo Season 1 starts with what seems like a monster-of-the-week structure, with Kazuya and Kiriha tackling various amasogi—a possessed wig, a dating sim curse, a cologne that boosts charisma to dangerous levels. These early episodes are deceptively light, filled with slapstick comedy and ecchi moments that might make viewers think the show is just a guilty pleasure. However, around episode three, the narrative shifts gears, revealing a larger conspiracy involving Kukuri and a shadowy plot that ties into Kazuya’s mysterious past.

This gradual unveiling of a broader storyline is one of the season’s strengths. It doesn’t rush to the finish line, instead letting its characters breathe and their relationships develop naturally. The pacing allows for quiet moments—like Kazuya’s interactions with his childhood friend Chisato or his sister Kasumi—that ground the supernatural chaos in human emotion. By the time the season builds to its climactic battles, the stakes feel earned, not contrived. The show’s ability to pivot from crude humor to poignant reflections on loss (particularly Kazuya’s lingering grief over his mother) creates a tonal complexity that’s rare for its genre.

Yet, the narrative isn’t flawless. The early episodes can feel formulaic, and the show’s reliance on ecchi tropes—panty shots, accidental groping, and Kiriha’s sadistic teasing—can be jarring, especially when juxtaposed with its more serious moments. For some, this tonal dissonance is a dealbreaker, as the show swings wildly between heartfelt and crude. Still, for those who stick with it, Tsugumomo rewards patience with a story that grows richer and more cohesive as it progresses.

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Characters: A Colorful Cast with Heart

The heart of Tsugumomo lies in its characters, who elevate the show beyond its tropes. Kazuya Kagami is a standout protagonist—not because he’s a powerhouse, but because he’s relatably flawed. His inexperience as an exorcist and his nervousness in battle make his growth compelling, and his quiet strength shines in moments of emotional vulnerability, like when he reflects on his mother’s death. Yuko Sanpei (Japanese) and Howard Wang (English) bring nuance to Kazuya, capturing his evolution from a timid teen to a determined hero.

Kiriha, voiced by Naomi Ōzora (Japanese) and Sarah Wiedenheft (English), is the show’s breakout star. She’s a tsukumogami with a sharp tongue, a sadistic streak, and an unwavering loyalty to Kazuya. Her brattiness and penchant for lewd humor mask a deeper complexity—she’s both a protector and a partner, and her dynamic with Kazuya oscillates between comedic bickering and genuine care. The English dub, in particular, amplifies Kiriha’s snark, making her even more memorable.

The supporting cast adds further flavor. Chisato (Noriko Shibasaki/Megan Shipman) is the childhood friend with a subtle crush on Kazuya, offering emotional grounding. Kukuri (Yurika Kubo/Apphia Yu), the water goddess, steals scenes with her cutesy demeanor and comedic rivalry with Kiriha. Characters like Kasumi, Kazuya’s sister with a subtle brother complex, and Shirou, the charismatic student council president, round out the ensemble with quirky charm. While the harem elements are present, the show avoids overemphasizing romance, focusing instead on camaraderie and teamwork.

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Themes: Grief, Duty, and the Power of Connection

Beneath its flashy fights and ecchi antics, Tsugumomo Season 1 grapples with surprisingly heavy themes. Kazuya’s attachment to his mother’s obi is a poignant metaphor for grief, and the show subtly explores how objects can carry emotional weight. Kiriha’s existence as a tsukumogami born from that bond underscores the idea that love and care can give life to the inanimate, a concept rooted in Shinto spirituality.

The theme of duty also looms large. Kazuya’s role as a “Taboo Child” and exorcist isn’t one he chooses but one he grows into, reflecting the universal struggle of accepting responsibilities thrust upon us. His partnership with Kiriha highlights the strength of collaboration—unlike other tsukumogami wielders who treat their spirits as tools, Kazuya and Kiriha’s synergy comes from mutual respect, a dynamic that culminates in the season’s thrilling finale.

However, the show’s handling of its ecchi elements can undermine its deeper themes. The frequent sexual humor—often involving Kiriha’s sadistic teasing or awkward fanservice—feels at odds with the emotional weight of Kazuya’s grief or the spiritual undertones of the tsukumogami concept. For some viewers, this creates a tonal whiplash that dilutes the show’s impact.

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Technical Craft: A Visual and Auditory Feast

Studio Zero-G, though not a household name, delivers impressive animation in Tsugumomo Season 1. The action sequences are a highlight, with fluid choreography and creative use of Kiriha’s obi form in battle. Whether it’s weaving through enemies or transforming into a weapon, the animation captures the dynamic nature of tsukumogami combat. The show’s art style, while slightly dated with its early 2000s aesthetic, has a timeless charm that suits its folklore roots.

The soundtrack, composed by Yasuharu Takanashi, complements the action with energetic tracks and softer melodies for emotional moments. The opening theme, “METAMORISER” by Band Ja Naimon!, sets a lively tone, while the ending, “I-BrEATHE,” adds a reflective touch. Both the Japanese and English dubs are strong, with the latter standing out for its bold delivery of Kiriha’s lewd humor.

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What Makes It Unique?

Tsugumomo Season 1 isn’t perfect, but its uniqueness lies in its refusal to be just one thing. It’s a supernatural action show with a Shinto-inspired twist, a harem comedy with heart, and a coming-of-age story about grief and duty. It takes risks—sometimes to a fault—with its blend of crude humor and emotional depth, but those risks give it a distinct identity. Unlike many anime that rush their plots, Tsugumomo takes its time, letting its characters and world breathe. It’s not afraid to be silly, perverse, or profound, often within the same episode.

The show also stands out for its cultural specificity. The tsukumogami concept, while familiar in anime like GeGeGe no Kitaro, is explored here with a focus on personal bonds rather than just mythology. Kazuya’s relationship with Kiriha feels like a natural extension of his grief, making their partnership more than a plot device—it’s the emotional core of the series.

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Critiques and Considerations

No review of Tsugumomo would be complete without addressing its polarizing elements. The ecchi humor, while integral to the show’s identity, can feel excessive or mean-spirited, particularly in moments of slapstick violence or sexual harassment played for laughs. These scenes risk alienating viewers who might otherwise connect with the show’s heartfelt moments or action. Additionally, the early episodes’ monster-of-the-week format may test the patience of those seeking a tighter narrative.

The show also leaves some threads unresolved, a byproduct of adapting a long-running manga with over 18 volumes at the time of airing. While this sets up Season 2 (titled Tsugu Tsugumomo), it can leave viewers wanting more closure. Still, the season’s ability to balance its flaws with charm and ambition makes it a worthwhile watch for those who can embrace its quirks.

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Why It Resonates

Tsugumomo Season 1 is a love letter to fans of supernatural anime, harem comedies, and stories about finding strength in unexpected places. Its blend of folklore, action, and emotion creates a unique alchemy that’s hard to replicate. For every eye-rolling panty shot, there’s a moment of genuine heart—like Kazuya and Kiriha’s evolving bond or Kukuri’s adorable antics—that keeps you invested. It’s a show that dares to be messy, and in that messiness, it finds something authentic.

For viewers who can stomach its ecchi excesses and appreciate a slow-burn narrative, Tsugumomo Season 1 offers a refreshing take on familiar tropes. It’s not a flawless masterpiece, but it’s a bold, heartfelt, and wildly entertaining ride that lingers long after the credits roll. Whether you’re drawn to its Shinto-inspired world, its quirky characters, or its surprising depth, Tsugumomo is a hidden gem that deserves a closer look.