Kijin Gentoushou [Season 1 Episode 1]

Kijin Gentoushou Season 1 Episode 1: A Promising Start with a Few Bumps

The Spring 2025 anime season has kicked off with Kijin Gentoushou, a fantasy series that blends historical Edo-era Japan with supernatural elements and time travel. The first episode, a double-length special, introduces us to a world where demons lurk in the shadows, and a young man named Jinta finds himself entangled in a fate far beyond his imagination.

Setting the Stage

The episode opens in the small mountain village of Kadono during the Tenpo era (1830–1844). Jinta, a stoic and somewhat reserved young man, serves as the guardian of Itsukihime, a shrine maiden. His life takes a drastic turn when he encounters a mysterious demon in the forest—one that speaks of the distant future. This encounter sets the stage for a story that spans centuries, from Edo to the modern Heisei era.

The world-building is solid, with the village’s serene atmosphere contrasting sharply with the lurking danger of demons. The episode does a great job of establishing the dynamics between Jinta, his sister Suzune, and Shirayuki, the daughter of the village’s head priest. Their relationships are layered, hinting at deeper emotional conflicts that will likely unfold as the series progresses.

Mixed Reactions to Characters

Jinta, the protagonist, has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some find him bland, with one commenter noting, “His personality is kinda boring, but he seems to get along with others, especially Shirayuki.” Others appreciate his tragic backstory—a childhood marred by abuse and abandonment—which adds depth to his motivations. His desire to protect Suzune and repay Shirayuki’s family for their kindness gives him a clear, if somewhat conventional, drive.

Shirayuki, on the other hand, has quickly become a fan favorite. Her kindness and tragic fate (yes, she dies—no spoilers, but it’s a major turning point) have left many viewers emotionally invested. One fan lamented, “WHY!!?? Why did Shirayuki have to die… Her VA is the only reason I wanted to watch this.”

Suzune, Jinta’s sister, is another polarizing figure. Some viewers find her actions frustrating, especially her manipulation by demons, while others see her as a tragic victim of circumstance. The episode’s climax, where Jinta is forced to confront her, is one of its most intense moments.

Animation: Love It or Hate It

The animation quality has been a hot topic. While some praise its atmospheric art style and fluid action scenes, others criticize it for being inconsistent. One viewer complained, “I am not expecting Demon Slayer-level animation; just making the action scenes smooth would be a lot better.” Another countered, “HOW IS THIS ANIMATION BAD? IT IS DECENT. JUST BECAUSE IT IS NOT AS HIGH BUDGET AS JJK DOES NOT MEAN IT IS BAD.”

The studio behind Kijin Gentoushou, Yokohama Animation Laboratory, has faced production delays, leading to concerns about future episodes. However, the premiere’s extended runtime and strong storytelling have given many hope that the series will overcome its hurdles.

The Time Skip and Future Potential

The episode’s most intriguing twist comes in its final moments—a sudden leap 170 years into the future. This revelation has left fans buzzing with theories. Is the modern-day miko a reincarnation of Shirayuki? Will Jinta, now imbued with demonic power, become an immortal warrior? The possibilities are endless, and the show’s willingness to take risks has earned it praise.

One fan summed it up perfectly: “A premiere with great potential that already caught my attention just from this 50-minute episode—I’ll definitely keep watching.”

Final Verdict

Kijin Gentoushou Episode 1 is a strong start, balancing world-building, character introductions, and a shocking twist that leaves viewers hungry for more. While it’s not without flaws—some clunky animation and a protagonist who needs more development—the series shows promise. If it can maintain its momentum and deliver on its ambitious premise, it could become one of the standout anime of the season.

For now, I’m hooked. Let’s see where this demon-slaying, time-traveling journey takes us next.

Rating: 8/10 – A gripping premiere with room to grow.

(Word count: 850)

(Note: This review is based on fan discussions and the first episode’s content. Future episodes may change perceptions.)