9.023 minSeason 1 • Episode 12
LatestWith his calligraphy exhibition entry finished, Handa wants to return to the island and the people he cares about there. Unfortunately, his mom is dead set against it. How will he convince her to let him go?
After punching a famous curator in the face for criticizing his work as "textbook and lifeless," Handa Seishuu is sent to Gotō Island to calm his nerves and find new inspiration for his calligraphy. Growing up in the city all his life, though, Handa must adapt to country life while meeting an assortment of quirky people during his tenure.
Writing
Naru's chaotic dialogue feels improvised by actual demon children.
Score
Fiddle-heavy soundtrack that somehow makes rural Japan feel like home.
Acting
Suzuko Hara's Naru voice performance is unhinged perfection.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Iyashikei ('healing') anime peaked here—this subgenre prioritizes emotional restoration over plot, and Barakamon perfected the recipe.
The manga author Satsuki Yoshino actually visited Gotō Islands for research; Naru's house is modeled on a real location fans now pilgrimage to.
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