Ep 1. Zashikiwarashi: Part 1

Welcome to the supernatural world of Mononoke, where malevolent spirits lurk around every corner and only a supernatural specialist known as the Medicine Seller can ward them off. Mononoke season 1 episode 1, entitled Zashikiwarashi: Part 1, introduces us to this mysterious and dangerous world in the form of a two-part story that revolves around the legend of Zashikiwarashi.

The episode opens with a brief introduction of the Medicine Seller, a wandering exorcist who can see supernatural beings and specializes in dealing with malevolent spirits called Mononoke. In ancient Japan, Mononoke were believed to be the spirits of the dead or other supernatural creatures that could cause harm to humans. The Medicine Seller's job is to identify and eliminate these Mononoke, using his vast knowledge of ancient folklore and supernatural powers.

We follow the Medicine Seller as he encounters a young man named Manjirou, who has been hired by a wealthy merchant to oversee the repairs of a dilapidated old building that was once a prestigious inn. This inn has a dark history, having been the site of a brutal massacre many years prior. Despite the ominous reputation of the inn and the strange occurrences happening inside, Manjirou is determined to complete his job and earn some money.

As the Medicine Seller explores the inn, he soon realizes that the building is infested with a Mononoke known as Zashikiwarashi. This mischievous spirit is believed to bring good fortune to those who live with it, but misfortune to those who drive it away. The Medicine Seller explains that the Zashikiwarashi will become violent if it feels threatened or its presence is met with hostility.

As the Medicine Seller begins to unravel the secrets of the inn's past and present, he realizes that the Zashikiwarashi is being threatened by the merchants and their desire to renovate the inn into something more profitable. This conflict sets the stage for a thrilling showdown between the Medicine Seller and the powerful Mononoke.

Without giving away too many spoilers, Mononoke season 1 episode 1 is a masterful blend of horror, suspense, and supernatural folklore. Director Kenji Nakamura expertly weaves together elements of ancient Japanese history and culture with a thrilling supernatural narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The episode is visually stunning, with bold colors, intricate designs, and an eerie atmosphere that perfectly captures the unsettling nature of the Mononoke.

The characters are also well-developed and engaging, particularly the Medicine Seller himself. Played by Takahiro Sakurai, the Medicine Seller is a complex and enigmatic character who exudes a quiet intensity that draws you in. His interactions with Manjirou and the other characters are nuanced and multi-layered, providing a glimpse into the complex world of ancient folklore and superstition.

Overall, Mononoke season 1 episode 1 is an excellent introduction to the world of Mononoke. It is a captivating and thought-provoking episode that masterfully blends horror and suspense with ancient folklore and supernatural elements. If you're a fan of horror or Japanese culture, then this episode is definitely worth watching.