Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Souta Tawara returns to his hometown in Kagawa. Though his parents are no longer around, his former home and family-owned udon restaurant reminds him of the times his family was still together. Reminiscing about his childhood, Souta enters the udon restaurant and discovers a grimy young boy sleeping.
At first, Souta thinks nothing of the chance encounter and provides the boy with food and clothing. However, to his surprise, the boy suddenly sprouts a furry pair of ears and a tail! Souta soon learns that the nameless boy is actually the rumored shapeshifting tanuki that has been inhabiting Kagawa for many years. Thinking that the boy has been living a lonely life, he decides to take him in and name him Poko.
Udon no Kuni no Kiniro Kemari follows the heartwarming relationship between Souta and Poko, and through the time they spend together, Souta recalls his own past, the place he left behind for the city, and the relationship he had with his father.
In Udon no Kuni no Kiniro Kemari , Souta Tawara aimlessly returns to Kagawa prefecture following his father’s death. Known as the ‘Udon Prefecture’, this hometown of his is where his family ran a well-known udon shop, the ‘Tawara Noodles’. After deciding to temporarily stay and mend the family business, Souta encounters a seemingly abandoned young boy with a particularly fluffy hair and peculiar behavior, named Poko. But there’s a twist, Poko is not an ordinary boy, he happens to be a shape-shifting tanuki from a folklore.
Their meeting sparks heartfelt memories in Souta, forcing him on a journey of self-discovery about his past, the bridges burnt, old companions, the importance of family, and his roots. The story seamlessly weaves between adult dilemmas and innocence of childhood in a touching narrative, revealing an emotional interplay between cute tanuki magic and adult realism.
## A Beautiful Blend of Japanese Lore and Modern Life
Udon no Kuni no Kiniro Kemari is an incredibly warming story that masterfully blends Japanese folklore with contemporary life. The tale of Poko and his human companion gradually unravels in ways that are lighthearted and profound, often mirroring the delicacies of an Udon dish.
## Art and Animation
The animation is simply breathtaking. The artistic quality is phenomenal, with meticulous attention to detail in every scene. The anime’s use of colour is particularly striking, immersing the viewer completely in the series’ charming world.
## Characters
The characters are beautifully developed, realistically portrayed, and easy to relate to. Souta and Poko are the focal points; their bond endearing and their interactions often poignant.
## Music
The series is backed by an immensely soulful soundtrack, perfectly echoing its moods and scenarios, amplifying the impact of the overall narrative.
## Overall Impressions
The anime will truly capture your heart no matter what genre you typically lean towards. It’s a wonderful blend of quirky slices of life, magical realism and emotional drama. Both feel-good and thought-provoking, Udon no Kuni no Kiniro Kemari is an underappreciated gem that will have you gripped from episode one.
To rent, buy, or stream? It’s a hard decision! But no matter how you choose to watch it, you’ll find Udon no Kuni no Kiniro Kemari worth every minute of your time! I would personally recommend you buy it, because it’s one of those series you’ll want to revisit. A definite buy for a heartwarming, moving and utterly unique anime experience!
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