Tougen Anki [Season 1 Episodes 1-24]

Tougen Anki: A Summer Shonen That Fizzled Out

When Tougen Anki first hit screens in July 2025, it promised a fresh take on the classic demon-slaying formula. Produced by Studio Hibari (known for their dynamic action sequences), the series follows Shiki Ichinose—a reckless teen with mixed Oni and human blood—as he navigates the ancient conflict between the destructive Oni and the Momotarou, humanity’s protectors. Set against Kyoto’s supernatural backdrop, the show blends intense battles with themes of identity and ancient grudges. But 24 episodes later, what’s left is a messy, frustrating ride that fails to live up to its potential.

Let’s start with the positives: the action. Studio Hibari delivers on the “intense action sequences” the synopsis teases. Shiki’s blood ability—when it actually gets screen time—is visually striking, and fights like the one in Episode 22 (where Shiki faces a barrage of bullets) have the kind of energy that makes shonen fun. The animation is crisp, with fluid movements and vibrant colors that pop during battle scenes. If you’re here for mindless action, you might find some enjoyment.

But here’s the catch: the writing is a disaster. Fans on MyAnimeList have torn into the show’s biggest flaw—forced drama. The core conflict between Shiki and his supposed best friend Mikado (a Momotarou) is built on a misunderstanding so thin, it’s transparent. After 22 episodes, viewers still don’t care about their “beef” because their bond feels fake. As one user rants, “They become total BFFs the first time they met… then act like childhood friends betrayed each other. It’s so contrived!” The show tries to milk tension from Mikado refusing to listen to Shiki, but it just comes off as lazy writing. Even when the plot reveals Mikado’s betrayal trauma, it’s too little, too late—no one’s invested.

Character development? Non-existent. Shiki is the only slightly endearing figure, with his goofy, reckless charm, but that’s it. The rest of the cast is forgettable. Villains like Shinya get last-minute tragic backstories that do nothing to make us empathize—“I don’t care about a POS like Momotaro,” one fan bluntly states. By Episode 22, Shinya’s death is met with cheers (“Finally, that bastard is dead!”) instead of any emotional weight. The Momotarou organization is a one-note group of zealots, and their propaganda subplot goes nowhere.

Pacing is another issue. The show drags its feet with filler and repetitive arguments, while key world-building details (like the Oni’s origins or the Momotarou’s true motives) are glossed over. As a viewer notes, “24 episodes in, and we still don’t know what’s really going on!” It’s no wonder many fans admit to “hate-watching” or sticking around due to the sunk cost fallacy—they’re too far in to quit, even if they hate every minute.

The series also struggles with tone. One minute it’s a dark supernatural drama, the next it’s a slapstick comedy. The “card story” subplot (mentioned in a scathing comment) feels out of place, and the attempts at emotional depth fall flat. When the show tries to make us feel sorry for villains like Shinya, it backfires—viewers just want them gone.

In the end, Tougen Anki is a textbook example of wasted potential. It has the bones of a good shonen—cool powers, a unique setting, and a charismatic lead—but the writing, pacing, and character work are so poor that it’s hard to recommend. If you’re 20 or under and craving action, you might stick around for the fights, but don’t expect a compelling story. For everyone else? Skip it. This is one summer anime that’s better left forgotten.

Final Verdict: 3/10—great action, terrible everything else.