Yuusei Kamen [Episode 20]

Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen Episode 20 Review – Action-Packed Chaos with a Shocking Twist

Let’s cut to the chase: Episode 20 of Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen is a wild ride that finally delivers the action fans have been craving—even if it’s messy, confusing, and packed with moments that’ll make you go, “Wait, what just happened?” From Kurou’s badass beatdowns to Kuon’s controversial choices, this episode has more drama than a high school cafeteria fight. Let’s break it down.

First off, the action. After weeks of slow build-up, we finally get some legit battles. Kurou, the no-nonsense general from Tuskuru, storms onto the scene and absolutely wrecks Haku’s team. Fans are losing it over his skills—one user called him “badass” and “no pushover,” and honestly, they’re not wrong. Watching him take on Haku, Kuon, and the gang like they’re training dummies is both satisfying and a little embarrassing for our main crew. The fight scenes are dynamic, even if some viewers think Kurou was “goofing off” (seriously, how did he let them escape that easily?).

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Kuon. Oh, Kuon. She’s been a fan favorite since the start, but this episode has people splitting into two camps: “Kuon is a hero” and “Kuon is a traitor.” Here’s the tea: She’s fighting against her own country, Tuskuru, to help Haku and his crew blow up a supply depot. Some fans are furious—one commenter ranted, “She’s a traitor! Your soldier even cried for you!”—while others defend her, saying she’s just trying to end the war. The confusion is real: Why is she siding with the enemy? Is it for love? For peace? The show isn’t clear, and that’s part of the problem. But hey, at least she’s not boring anymore.

Then there’s the comedy. Oh, the comedy. It’s so out of place it’s almost impressive. Imagine a serious war scene where people are dying, and suddenly Haku is crawling through the dirt like a toddler trying to steal cookies. One fan summed it up perfectly: “The silliness and comedic moments interjected during the middle of serious/dramatic scenes like the battles are really off-putting. Reminded me of Yona of the Dawn where the comedic moments didn’t fit whatsoever.” Yeah, it’s that bad. But weirdly, some viewers loved it—like the person who laughed at Haku’s “hilarious” crawl to the supply house. To each their own, I guess.

Now, the big twist: The Emperor of Yamato is dead. Cue gasps from the audience. This is the kind of cliffhanger that makes you hit “next episode” immediately. Fans are speculating left and right—did he get assassinated? Die of old age? Is it a fake-out? One user even joked, “No more idiotic war? I can hope anyway…” But let’s be real—this war is far from over. With the Emperor gone, who’s going to take charge? Will Tuskuru finally get a break, or will things get even worse? The theories are flying, and it’s exciting to see where the story goes next.

But let’s not ignore the flaws. The pacing is all over the place—one minute we’re in a brutal fight, the next we’re watching Kuon and Haku bicker like an old married couple. The plot is confusing for new fans (and even some veterans). One commenter admitted, “I’m so confused with the plot, big time o-o Don’t get me wrong, it’s entertaining and I like it a lot but I just feel that the characters don’t take War very seriously…” And let’s talk about the animation—some scenes are so choppy you’d think they ran out of budget halfway through. But hey, at least the characters are expressive, right?

Overall, Episode 20 is a mixed bag. It’s got great action, shocking moments, and enough drama to keep you hooked. But it’s also messy, confusing, and has some of the most out-of-place comedy you’ll ever see. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll love it. If you’re new? Good luck following along. But one thing’s for sure—this episode leaves you wanting more.

Final Verdict: 7/10. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step up from the previous episodes. Let’s just hope the next one answers some of our burning questions (and maybe gives Kuon a better character arc).

What did you think of Episode 20? Let us know in the comments below!