Shabake [Season 1 Episodes 1-13]

Shabake: Edo’s Ghostly Detective Agency Delivers Spooky Fun with a Side of Mystery

If you’re scrolling for your next anime obsession this fall, let’s cut to the chase: Shabake is the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed. Studio Bandai Namco Pictures’ latest historical fantasy series, based on Megumi Hatanaka’s novel, blends Edo-period charm, supernatural sidekicks, and a murder mystery into a vibe that’s equal parts cozy and creepy—and fans are eating it up.

First off, let’s talk about the setup. Ichitarou, the sickly heir to a big Nihonbashi store, isn’t your average protagonist. He’s got two spirit pals: Sasuke, an inugami (dog spirit), and Nikichi, a hakutaku (mythical beast). These aren’t just random ghosts—they’re like his supernatural bodyguards, sent by his dad to watch over him. But when Ichitarou sneaks out one night and stumbles on a murder, his sheltered life gets flipped upside down. Suddenly, he’s not just the fragile young master—he’s a detective, with his spirit buddies right there to help.

The first episode hits that sweet spot between slice-of-life and mystery. One minute, you’re watching Ichitarou hang with his ghost pals; the next, he’s face-to-face with a killer. Fans on MyAnimeList are loving the mix: “The first episode was much better than I thought it would be,” says one user. “Mixing the supernatural of the Yokai in the Edo period and a murder investigation was a great idea.” Another adds, “It just works”—and honestly, that’s the vibe. It’s not trying too hard; it’s just a solid story with cool elements.

Now, let’s get into the visuals. The animation is a mix of 2D and 3D, and while some shows mess that up, Shabake pulls it off. “The mixture of 3D and 2D actually worked very well,” a fan notes. The art style is clean, with muted colors that fit the Edo setting perfectly. And can we talk about the OP and ED? Kujira’s opening theme is catchy, and the ending has this unique, almost retro feel that’s got people talking. “So far the best OP & ED this season,” raves one viewer.

But what really makes Shabake stand out is its heart. Ichitarou’s relationship with his spirit friends is adorable—they’re not just sidekicks, they’re family. And the show doesn’t over-explain the supernatural stuff; it lets you figure things out as you go. “I like that they don’t over-explain things and let us discover how the spirits work,” says a fan. That subtlety makes the world feel more real, even with all the ghosts.

Sure, not everyone’s sold yet. Some say it’s a slow start, or that the story isn’t super impressive right away. “Bit too early to tell,” one user admits. “There’s basis for a good show here but they ended the episode with a bit too many questions.” But most fans are willing to stick around. “I’ll still give it a couple more eps because so far there’s nothing to really complain about,” another adds.

If you’re into historical fantasy with a twist, Shabake is definitely worth checking out. It’s got the charm of We Rent Tsukumogami (another Hatanaka adaptation) but with its own spooky flair. And let’s be real—who doesn’t want to watch a sickly rich kid solve murders with ghost dogs and mythical beasts?

So grab your snacks, dim the lights, and dive into Shabake. It’s not perfect, but it’s fun, it’s stylish, and it’s got that “just one more episode” energy. Whether you’re here for the mystery, the ghosts, or just the cool Edo vibes, this show’s got something for everyone. Don’t sleep on it—your new favorite anime might just be a spirit-filled murder mystery away.