Noragami is a Japanese anime series adapted from the manga of the same name by Adachitoka. The anime, produced by Bones has garnered a significant fanbase for its unique blend of action, comedy, and supernatural elements.
The story follows Yato, a minor god who dreams of having millions of worshippers and his own shrine. To achieve this, he offers to solve people’s problems for a mere five yen. Yato is essentially homeless and spends his days wandering and taking odd jobs. His life changes when he meets Hiyori Iki, a high school girl who saves him from an oncoming bus but gets herself into an accident, causing her soul to frequently leave her body.
Hiyori becomes a half-phantom, her soul able to separate from her physical form, and seeks Yato’s help to return to normal. Alongside them is Yukine, a young wandering spirit who becomes Yato’s regalia (a weapon used by gods made from the soul of a deceased human). Together, they face challenges from phantoms, other gods, and their personal struggles.
Main Characters
Yato:
The titular character, a minor god who performs various odd jobs for five yen. Despite his carefree and often childish demeanor, Yato has a dark past as a god of calamity.
Hiyori Iki:
A high school girl who becomes a half-phantom after saving Yato. She is determined, caring, and seeks to help Yato and Yukine despite her own problems.
Yukine:
Yato’s regalia, who takes the form of a katana. He struggles with his identity and the pain of his past life, but gradually matures through his interactions with Yato and Hiyori.
SEASONS
NORAGAMI SEASON 1
The first season of “Noragami” introduces viewers to the world of gods, spirits, and phantoms through the eyes of its main characters: Yato, Hiyori Iki, and Yukine.
Key Events
Introduction of Yato and Hiyori:
The series starts with Hiyori’s accident and her subsequent transformation into a half-phantom. She hires Yato to fix her condition, thus beginning their journey together.
Yukine’s Struggles:
As Yato’s new regalia, Yukine has difficulty adjusting to his new existence. His behavior and internal struggles cause problems for Yato, leading to a significant arc where Yukine’s actions affect Yato’s health.
Development of Trust:
The season focuses on the development of trust and friendship between Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine. They confront various phantoms and other supernatural challenges, strengthening their bond.
Yato’s Past:
Hints of Yato’s dark past as a god of calamity are revealed, adding depth to his character and setting up future storylines.
Climactic Battle:
The season culminates in a confrontation with a powerful antagonist, Rabo, another god of calamity who seeks to revive Yato’s violent past. The battle tests the newfound trust and strength of the trio.
Themes
Redemption and Growth:
Yato’s journey from a forgotten god to a protector and friend highlights themes of redemption and personal growth.
Identity and Purpose:
Both Yato and Yukine struggle with their identities and purpose, exploring what it means to be a god and a regalia.
Human Connections:
Hiyori’s relationship with Yato and Yukine emphasizes the importance of human connections and the impact they have on the supernatural world.
Reception
Season 1 of Noragami was well-received for its engaging storyline, character development, humor, and action sequences. The dynamic between the main characters and the blend of supernatural elements with everyday life captured the interest of many viewers, leading to the production of a second season, “Noragami Aragoto.”
Air Dates: January 5, 2014 – March 23, 2014
Episodes: 12
NORAGAMI ARAGOTO (SEASON 2)
“Noragami Aragoto,” the second season of “Noragami,” delves deeper into the backgrounds of the characters, particularly focusing on the complex relationships and past conflicts of the gods. The season is divided into two main arcs: the Bishamon Arc and the Ebisu Arc.
Key Events
Bishamon Arc:
Bishamon: A powerful war god who harbors a deep grudge against Yato due to a tragic event in the past where Yato killed her regalia. This arc explores her perspective and the reasons behind her animosity.
Kazuma: Bishamon’s trusted regalia, who secretly maintains a bond with Yato, complicating the relationships further.
Conflict: The tension between Bishamon and Yato escalates into a full-blown conflict. Bishamon’s numerous regalia, some of whom become corrupted, add to the chaos, leading to dramatic and emotional confrontations.
Resolution: The arc resolves with Bishamon and Yato coming to a better understanding of each other’s actions and motivations, highlighting themes of forgiveness and redemption.
Ebisu Arc:
Ebisu: Another god who becomes central to the plot. He seeks to control phantoms for the betterment of humanity, a controversial and dangerous pursuit that puts him at odds with other gods and the heavens.
Yato’s Past and Nora: More is revealed about Yato’s past, including his relationship with Nora, a regalia who once served him and continues to influence his actions.
Yato’s Father: Introduced as a mysterious and malevolent figure manipulating events from the shadows.
Climactic Battle: The gods, including Yato, confront the forces of heaven to save Ebisu, leading to intense battles and significant character development for Yato, who starts to embrace his identity and role as a god more fully.
Themes
Forgiveness and Redemption:
The arcs focus on characters coming to terms with their past actions and seeking forgiveness and redemption.
Identity and Purpose:
Yato’s struggle with his identity as a god and his desire to change is further explored, especially in relation to his past deeds and his connection with Nora and his father.
Friendship and Loyalty:
The bond between Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine grows stronger, emphasizing the importance of friendship and loyalty in overcoming adversities.
Reception
Noragami Aragoto was praised for its deeper character development, engaging plotlines, and the intense emotional and action sequences. The exploration of the characters’ backgrounds, especially Yato and Bishamon, provided a richer narrative experience, making it a well-received continuation of the series.
Air Dates: October 2, 2015 – December 25, 2015
Episodes: 13
Animation Studio
Bones Inc. is the animation studio of Noragami and Noragami Aragoto. Bones Inc. is a prominent Japanese animation studio known for its high-quality production and contribution to various popular anime series. Founded in 1998 by former Sunrise staff members, including Masahiko Minami, Hiroshi Osaka, and Toshihiro Kawamoto, Bones has established itself as a significant player in the anime industry.
Notable Works
Bones has been involved in the creation of several well-regarded anime series and films, including:
Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: Acclaimed adaptations of Hiromu Arakawa’s manga, known for their compelling stories and strong character development.
My Hero Academia: A highly popular series based on Kohei Horikoshi’s manga, following the journey of young heroes in training.
Mob Psycho 100: An adaptation of ONE’s manga, notable for its unique animation style and emotional depth.
Wolf’s Rain: An original series praised for its intricate plot and beautiful animation.
animation.
Style and Strengths
Bones delivers fluid and dynamic animation, particularly in action sequences. The studio often pays great attention to detail and character expressions, which enhances the overall storytelling. Their productions typically feature:
High-Quality Animation: Smooth and detailed animation that stands out, especially in action scenes.
Strong Character Designs: Memorable and well-crafted character designs that resonate with audience.
Engaging Storytelling: A knack for choosing or creating compelling narratives that appeal to a wide range of viewers.
Openings and Endings
GOYA WA MACHIAWASE By Hello Sleepwalkers (Opening Season 1)
HEART REALISE By Tia (Ending Season 1)
KYOURAN HEY KIDS!! By The Oral Cigarettes (Opening Season 2)
NIRVANA By Tia (Ending season 2)
MAL Score
SEASON 1 : 7.95
SEASON 2 : 8.15
