Romantic and supernatural elements combine in this anime series based on the light novel-manga series by Midori Yuma. Aoi inherited her late grandfather’s ability to see the supernatural spirits—or ayakashi—who visit the human realm. After assisting one who wears a distinctive mask, Aoi is kidnapped and taken to the ayakashi world, where handsome innkeeper ogre Odanna tells her that her grandfather offered her as a wife to him in payment of a debt. She refuses to marry Odanna, preferring to work off the debt, and eventually opens a successful restaurant. Aoi encounters spirits—like shape-shifter Ginji—who become her allies, as well as others who see her as a dangerous interloper, while also constantly trying to determine who might be the masked figure she originally met. Kakuriyo boasts a few moments of suspense, but the series is mostly a fairly lighthearted portrait, with such a heavy emphasis on Aoi’s kitchen prowess it could sometimes be mistaken for a cooking show. Although the animation is routine, the show benefits from an engaging premise and a parade of peculiar characters. Presenting the first 13 episodes from the 2018 first season in a dual-language Blu-ray edition, rated TV-14, this is a strong optional purchase. [Note: Kakuriyo—Bed & Breakfast for Spirits, Part Two: Episodes 14-26 is slated for release on Sept. 3.] (F. Swietek)
Kakuriyo—Bed & Breakfast for Spirits, Part One: Episodes 1-13
(2018) 2 discs. 325 min. Blu-ray: $64.99. Funimation (avail. from most distributors). Volume 34, Issue 5
Kakuriyo—Bed & Breakfast for Spirits, Part One: Episodes 1-13
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