Sengoku Youko is One of 2024's Underrated Shonen Anime

Key Takeaways

Sengoku Youko is a hidden gem amidst fierce competition in 2024’s shōnen anime lineup.
The show gains momentum after a slow start in season 1, delivering emotional and captivating storytelling.
While not visually impressive compared to other shows, Sengoku Youko’s animation and production show passion and effort.

As a lifelong anime enthusiast who’s seen more than their fair share of shōnen series, I can confidently say that 2024 has been an exceptional year for this genre, but amidst the fierce competition, one show has managed to carve out its niche – Sengoku Youko.

It’s unfortunate that the show Sengoku Youko aired when it did, as it seems to be overshadowed by an incredibly strong lineup of shōnen anime in 2024. This year is bursting with excitement for fans, with revivals of timeless classics such as Dragon Ball and Ranma 1/2, new seasons of beloved staples like Demon Slayer and Re:Zero, and fresh series like Dandadan and Shangri-La Frontier that have already garnered significant attention.

One downside to a year of fantastic shows is that anime that would have normally been well-received tend to get buried. For viewers still looking for more shows to watch though, Sengoku Youko is at least worth a shot. The first season aired from January to April 2024, with the second season quickly following suit in July and is still ongoing.

What Is Sengoku Youko About?

An Action Fantasy Anime Set in Feudal Japan

Sengoku Youko is One of 2024's Underrated Shonen Anime

As a captivated fan, I’d rephrase it as: “I’m immersed in the thrilling world of ‘Sengoku Youko’, where I join a band of daring adventurers navigating Japan’s tumultuous Warring States era, around the mid-1500s. The series is intriguingly connected to a genuine historical figure who appears in season 2. The narrative spins around our journey across Japan, maintaining harmony between humans and mystical beings called Katawara. In essence, it shares a spirit akin to the captivating anime, ‘Inuyasha’.

The main characters in season 1 are:

Tama Youko, an altruistic fox Katawara devoted to achieving world peace.
Jinka Yamato, a human who hates other humans, but is loyal to Tama, his sworn elder sister, who keeps him in check.
Shinsuke Hyoudo, a wandering ronin who sees Tama and Jinka’s power and decides to team up with them in the hopes of getting stronger himself.
Shakugan, a cheerful human/Katawara hybrid who befriends and joins the group after being rescued by them.

Prepare for some significant alterations in season 2 as Sengoku Youko takes a page from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and reworks its primary characters. Remarkably, they managed to execute this change smoothly.

The Plot Starts Slow, but Once It Picks Up, It Never Goes Back Down

Get past Season 1, Episode 6 and Strap In

Certainly, Sengoku Youko isn’t without its flaws, and one possible reason it didn’t gain immediate popularity might be due to the slower pace in the initial episodes of season 1. The show’s introduction of its world could have been more comprehensive, as it failed to provide clear explanations about the magical beings, their rules, and the working mechanisms of the world’s power structure. Combined with the pacing issues, the first half of season 1 seemed disjointed, like a series of unconnected events lacking a discernible pattern or purpose. While there were some noteworthy moments, it didn’t seem as though these events were building towards a larger narrative, which is suitable for slice-of-life anime but unexpected in a shōnen genre.

Following episode 6, it seemed as though a new team of writers took over, as each subsequent episode felt noticeably distinct yet perfectly so. The narrative all of a sudden became more significant and impactful; it also developed a clear direction, and the characters became more multi-dimensional. Initially, the first six episodes didn’t provide much motivation to empathize with the main characters, but starting from episode 7, you could easily become invested in a character within a single episode, only for that character to be written out just as swiftly. The emotional impact of Sengoku Youko, particularly in season 2, is truly remarkable.

It’s unfortunate that the slow beginning might lead some viewers to abandon the show prematurely, as they may not realize the richness it offers later on. However, if you persevere and watch at least seven episodes, you’ll find that your patience will be rewarded with a storyline that’s engaging and worth your time. The plot and writing of this shōnen anime, particularly from episode 7 onwards, elevate it above mediocrity, making it one of the most captivating love-and-loss stories in the genre this year.

Sengoku Youko’s Visual and Audio Presentation Is Good, Not Great

And That’s Totally Fine

While it may not rival some of the highly anticipated shōnen series like “Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc,” “Dragon Ball Daima,” or “Dandadan” in terms of visual quality for 2024, “Sengoku Youko” is still a decent and enjoyable watch. Comparing a more modest production like “Sengoku Youko” to those shows might not be entirely fair. The fight scenes display impressive movement and thoughtful choreography, even though some less significant fights seem to have been simplified. Nevertheless, the effort, love, and passion invested in the creation and animation of “Sengoku Youko” are evident, and it’s by no means an eyesore.

Both series of Sengoku Youko were animated by White Fox, who are also working on the third season of Re:Zero, which appears to have received more resources due to its improved visuals. Remarkably, they succeeded in making Sengoku Youko look as impressive as it does despite being occupied with another project simultaneously.

In terms of audio quality, it’s not particularly remarkable. The sound effects, the voices, and the original soundtracks are all functional, but they don’t stand out in any exceptional way.

Sengoku Youko is now available to stream on Crunchyroll and Ani-One Asia.

2024-11-08 21:06

Sengoku Youko is One of 2024’s Underrated Shonen Anime