Sword of the Demon Hunter Kijin Gentoushou [Season 1 Episode 1]

“Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentoushou” – A Promising Yet Polarizing Start

The highly anticipated Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentoushou finally premiered with a double-length episode, and boy, did it leave fans divided. Set in Japan’s Edo period, the anime follows Jinta, a young man tasked with protecting the shrine maiden Itsukihime in the remote village of Kadono. But things take a wild turn when he encounters a demon that speaks of the distant future, setting the stage for a time-spanning fantasy adventure.

A Strong but Familiar Premise

The first episode wastes no time diving into the world-building. We’re introduced to Jinta, his sister Suzune, and Shirayuki, the daughter of the village’s guardian. The dynamic between these characters is established quickly—Jinta is the stoic protector, Suzune is burdened by her “Demon Eye,” and Shirayuki is the kind-hearted girl caught in the middle. Fans on MyAnimeList praised the episode for its efficient storytelling, with one user noting:

“It’s a double-length special, but they managed to pack in demon-slaying, world-setting, and character introductions without feeling rushed.”

However, some viewers found Jinta’s personality a bit bland. One commenter put it bluntly:

“A lame hero and a show that promises only revenge, becoming stronger, and fights all the way. No personality altogether. Dropped already.”

Animation: Love It or Hate It

The animation quality became a hot topic among fans. While some appreciated the detailed backgrounds and fluid action scenes, others criticized it for being inconsistent. A common comparison was to Demon Slayer, with one fan joking:

“Basically Kimetsu no Yaiba but worse.”

But not everyone agreed. Another viewer defended the visuals:

“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 debate raged on, with some pointing out that the studio, Yokohama Animation Laboratory, has had production issues in the past. One fan expressed cautious optimism:

“Considering this was delayed and is by Yokohama Animation Lab… yeah, expecting more delays. But hey, at least the drawings are solid!”

Emotional Gut-Punches and Controversial Twists

The episode’s climax delivered a shocking twist—Shirayuki’s death at the hands of Suzune, who had been manipulated by demons. This moment left fans reeling, with reactions ranging from heartbreak to morbid satisfaction. One user lamented:

“NNNOOOOO !!! WHY!!?? Why did Shirayuki have to die… Her VA is the only reason I wanted to watch this.”

Meanwhile, others found the tragedy compelling:

“Damn, that went from 0 to 100 real quick. Didn’t expect the demon imouto to go full yandere.”

The time-skip reveal at the end—hinting at Jinta’s long lifespan and future battles—also sparked theories. Some speculated:

“The guy wearing a gakuran in the future must be Jinta, who lived through different eras. And the miko could be Shirayuki’s reincarnation.”

Final Verdict: A Rollercoaster of Reactions

Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentoushou Episode 1 succeeded in grabbing attention, but not without controversy. While some praised its immersive storytelling and emotional depth, others were put off by the animation and protagonist’s personality.

One fan summed it up perfectly:

“A premiere with great potential that already caught my attention. I’ll definitely keep watching.”

Whether the series lives up to its promise remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—it’s already one of the most talked-about anime of the season.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A solid start with room to grow.

Where to Watch: Currently streaming on HIDIVE.

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