Tensui no Sakuna-hime: Kokorowa Inasaku Nisshi [Episode 1]

“Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin” Returns with a Cozy Farming Special—And Fans Are Obsessed

If you’re a fan of the original Tensui no Sakuna-hime (or its game counterpart Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin), you know the vibe: a mix of chill farming, snarky goddess energy, and that warm, “I’m right there in the fields” feeling. So when the two-part TV special Tensui no Sakuna-hime: Kokorowa Inasaku Nisshi (Kokorowa’s Rice Farming Journal) dropped its first episode, fans were ready to dive back into the world of gods, grain, and goofy robots. And let’s just say—they weren’t disappointed.

First, a quick recap for anyone who might’ve missed the original: Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin follows Sakuna-hime, a lazy goddess who gets banished to a human island and has to learn to farm rice to earn her way back to the heavens. The special, which premiered in February 2024 (as part of a two-episode spinoff), shifts focus to Kokorowa—a fan-favorite character known for her love of gadgets and, well, more gadgets. And from the first scene, it’s clear this episode is all about her chaotic charm.

The episode kicks off with Kokorowa wandering through a cozy new village, her farming robots clinking behind her. Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to gush about the setting: “That new house/field is very charming too. Not as charming as the first one but very charming. Would live in,” one user wrote. The art style stays true to the original—soft, earthy tones that make you feel like you’re breathing in fresh country air—with a fun twist: Kokorowa’s high-tech toys. Think robot helpers that plant rice, tiny drones that check crop health, and even a goofy little machine that… well, let’s just say it doesn’t last long (RIP robot friend).

But it’s not all sunshine and automated farming. Midway through, a swarm of bugs invades the village’s rice fields, and suddenly, the gang has to pivot from “chill farming” to “bug apocalypse mode.” “Whose bugs on the ship spell disaster. Hope our pair of goddesses can deal with it,” one fan commented, already hyped for the next episode. The tension is light—this is still a cozy anime, after all—but it adds just enough stakes to keep things interesting.

What really makes this episode pop, though, is the character dynamics. Sakuna and the crew are back, and their banter is as sharp as ever. “I’m glad Sakuna-hime and the others are back. Only two episodes, but it’s better than nothing. As entertaining show as before,” another user wrote. But the star of the show is Kokorowa. Her “goofy little laugh when she gets a little cocky” had fans melting: “I love kokorowa and her goofy little laugh when she gets a little cocky hehehe,” one commenter gushed. She’s the perfect mix of genius and chaos—always tinkering, always making you smile.

Of course, fans have questions. The original anime is based on a video game, and many were hoping for hints about a new Kokorowa-focused game. “I was hoping to have a new trailer for the Kokorowa game, but we have next week Kokorowa walking with her gears in a small alley,” one user admitted, though they added, “If this is a teaser, I like the prospect of we as Kokorowa developing better farming automatons, in her game.” Others are just sad the special is only two episodes: “Too bad this only has 2 episodes, I kinda want an entire season,” a fan lamented.

But even with the short run time, the episode feels like a warm hug. It’s not trying to be anything grand—it’s just a group of friends (and gods) hanging out, farming, and dealing with the occasional bug problem. As one fan put it: “I like to watch some anime, I like to talk about some anime… but more than anything I love to live my life, anime is an enjoyable and entertaining addition onto my life but it’s not my whole life.” That’s the magic of Sakuna—it’s not a show that demands your full attention; it’s a show that fits into your life, like a nice cup of tea after a long day.

So, if you’re looking for something to watch that’s low-stakes, high-charm, and full of heart, Kokorowa Inasaku Nisshi Episode 1 is a must-see. It’s a love letter to the original, a showcase for Kokorowa’s chaos, and a reminder that sometimes the best stories are the ones about growing rice (and robots) with your friends.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch the scene where Kokorowa’s robot malfunctions. It’s the kind of silly, relatable moment that makes this show so great. And hey—here’s hoping we get that full season soon. Fingers crossed!