One of the most talked-about anime from the winter 2020 season, Kyokou Suiri brings us the story of a girl capable of bridging two worlds. While it sounds like a grand premise, the show’s magic lies not in flashy visuals, but in intellectual and mental duels.
Adapted from the manga by Shirodaira Kyou and illustrated by Katase Chashiba, Kyokou Suiri is a blend of Comedy, Romance, and Supernatural elements, packed into 12 episodes and animated by Brain’s Base studio. The pacing of the anime, focusing nearly the entire season on a single arc, makes it a unique, slow-burn experience.
What’s the Story?
When Kotoko was a child, she was kidnapped by yokai, mythical creatures blending human and animal traits, and given a unique ability to mediate between their world and that of humans. However, this power came at a cost—an eye and a leg. Now, years later, Kotoko helps solve yokai conflicts, all while falling for Kuro, a man gifted with supernatural healing abilities due to his own encounter with yokai. Together, they face the challenge of maintaining balance between the real and the supernatural worlds.
The core conflict begins with the appearance of “Steel Lady Nanase,” a specter that threatens this balance. Kotoko, aided by Kuro and his ex-girlfriend Saki, embarks on a mental chess game to stop this apparition, leading to clever and intense moments of intellectual warfare.
What Makes Kyokou Suiri Stand Out?
At first glance, Kyokou Suiri might seem like your typical supernatural romance, but its true brilliance lies in the script. The story’s strength is not in its action scenes, but in its dialogue and mental battles. The tension and excitement come from Kotoko’s ingenious verbal sparring, making it a refreshing watch for fans of cerebral anime. The plot is well-paced, carefully unraveling as each episode builds the narrative with a meticulous focus on strategy over physical action.
Another highlight is the strong character development, particularly Kotoko. The show’s three-act structure—the introduction, the bridge of action, and the final arc—gives the viewer a clear timeline of character interactions. Though Kotoko’s growth is evident, it doesn’t demand an emotional investment; instead, the characters evolve naturally through the storytelling.
The Downside: A Slow Burn
However, Kyokou Suiri’s emphasis on narrative can be both a strength and a weakness. While the script is captivating, the slow pacing—especially as the entire season revolves around the Steel Lady Nanase arc—can feel tedious for viewers not fond of long-winded explanations and intricate plot details. Additionally, despite Kotoko’s charm, it’s hard to form strong emotional connections with the rest of the cast. Kuro and Saki, while essential to the story, lack the depth needed to truly resonate, and Rikka, as the main antagonist, has motivations that remain elusive, making her hard to empathize with.
Final Thoughts
Kyokou Suiri shines as an anime with a brilliant script and a simple yet powerful narrative. Its focus on existential dilemmas, paired with well-crafted, albeit slightly aloof, characters makes it a fascinating watch for those who appreciate intellectual plots. The animation and character design are appealing without overshadowing the true heart of the show—its dialogue. Though not for everyone, Kyokou Suiri is worth recommending for its unique take on supernatural romance.
My personal rating? An 86/100. While its script quickly earned a spot among my favorites, certain elements lacked the emotional pull to fully captivate me. However, the ending, performed by the legendary Mamoru Miyano, is an auditory delight that alone might push the score up to 91/100.