Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits- [Season 2 Episode 9]

Okay, let’s dive into Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits Season 2 Episode 9—because if you’re a fan of cozy fantasy with mouthwatering food and spirit drama, this episode’s got both the warm feels and the “wait, hold up” moments we’ve come to expect (for better or worse).

First off, can we scream about Byakuya’s backstory reveal? Like, who knew this quiet, steady character once had a human bride? The way he never forgot her, even after all these years—total loyalty king vibes. Fans on MyAnimeList were losing it over this, saying it added so much depth to his character. And then there’s Takechiyo, our stubborn little spirit who refuses to eat anything except Aoi’s cooking. When she made those macarons for him, I swear I wanted to reach through the screen and grab one—Aoi’s food always looks so good, and it’s not just tasty; it’s got that spirit magic that heals and connects people.

Oh, and did you catch the Momotaro folklore nod? One fan pointed it out, and once you see it, you can’t unsee it—those little details are what make Kakuriyo feel so rich and rooted in Japanese culture. It’s cool how the show weaves in these classic tales without making them feel forced.

Another win: Aoi’s food truck Nighthawk is killing it! Her ability to make food that both humans and spirits love is such a superpower. I wish I could try her cooking—especially that borscht, which looks perfect for a cold day. Fans are raving about the food scenes, and it’s easy to see why—they’re so well-animated (even if the rest of the season isn’t) that you’ll find yourself craving snacks halfway through the episode.

But let’s not skip the elephant in the hidden realm: where is Odanna? So many fans are missing our favorite intimidating yet soft innkeeper. One comment even mentioned missing the tension between him and Aoi—like that iconic underwater palace forehead touch from Season 1? Yeah, same here. And don’t get me started on the animation complaints: a lot of viewers think this season’s art style has lost its charm, with Odanna looking less like the suave spirit we loved and more like a kid. Ouch, that’s a tough pill to swallow, but I can see where they’re coming from.

Then there’s the love triangle drama no one asked for. Ginji’s sudden confession felt so rushed, and Aoi and Odanna’s romance seems to be moving at lightning speed—like, we get it, they’re close, but why the hurry? Fans are split: some are here for the drama, others are like, “can we just go back to the food and spirit interactions?” I’m definitely in the latter camp—give me more of Aoi’s food truck and less of the messy romance subplot.

Is this season underrated? 100%. It’s been seven years since Season 1, so a lot of people forgot about it, but those who stuck around are either loving the calm, heartwarming story or side-eyeing the messy plot and repetitive dialogue. For me, I’m here for Aoi’s warm energy and the way she connects with every spirit—even the grumpy ones. Her ability to see ayakashi and live with them in peace is such a nice message, especially in a world that’s often chaotic.

And let’s not forget the cliffhanger at the end of Episode 9: a boy gets taken, and Biyakiya is planning something shady. Like, why do they always leave us hanging? I need answers now! Will Takechiyo finally eat the macarons? Will Odanna make a comeback soon? We’ll have to wait for Episode 10 to find out.

On the flip side, some fans are frustrated with the plot’s pacing. It feels all over the place, with too many subplots happening at once. One comment said the dialogue is repetitive, with Aoi repeating what others say way too often. I have to agree—sometimes it’s like, “girl, we heard that the first time!” But despite that, I still find myself looking forward to each episode because of Aoi’s positive energy.

If you’re into fantasy with heart (and tons of delicious-looking food), give this episode a watch. Just don’t expect it to be exactly like Season 1—this season has its own vibe, for better or worse. And if you’re missing Odanna as much as I am, drop a comment below—let’s commiserate together over our favorite spirit innkeeper.

P.S. If you have any fantasy anime recs similar to Kakuriyo, let me know—I’m always looking for new shows to binge! 🍜✨

P.P.S. By the way, this season’s so underrated that I feel like I’m shouting into the void sometimes—so if you’re a fellow fan, hit me up! Let’s geek out about Aoi’s cooking and Byakuya’s loyalty together. 👻🍵