Ep 22. Shrine in the Sea

The episode entitled "Shrine in the Sea" is the twenty-second episode of the first season of the anime series entitled Mushishi. The anime series, which was released in 2005, is an adaptation of a manga series by Yuki Urushibara. The story takes place in a world filled with supernatural creatures known as Mushi, and follows the exploits of a wandering Mushi master named Ginko.

In this episode, Ginko encounters a young girl named Tanyu who is an expert in the study and cataloguing of Mushis. She has been studying them for quite some time and is on a mission to find a special Mushi that lives in the sea. The Mushi is known for its ability to change the color of the sea around it and is rumored to have great power. Tanyu is determined to study and document this Mushi, and she pleads with Ginko to help her in her search.

The two set out on a journey to find the mysterious shrine that is said to be the home of the Mushi. Along the way, they encounter a number of obstacles and challenges, including a severe storm that damages their boat and leaves them stranded in the middle of the ocean. Despite these setbacks, Tanyu remains determined to complete her mission, and Ginko continues to offer his guidance and support.

When they finally arrive at the shrine in the sea, Tanyu is awestruck by the beauty of the Mushi and the surrounding scenery. However, as she begins to study the Mushi, she realizes that it is incredibly powerful and potentially dangerous. Ginko warns her about the risks of studying such a Mushi, but Tanyu remains determined to press on.

As she continues her research, Tanyu begins to experience strange and unusual visions. She realizes that the Mushi is communicating with her in a way that she could never have imagined. It is clear that the Mushi is trying to tell her something important, but Tanyu struggles to understand its message.

In the end, Tanyu and Ginko are forced to flee the shrine as a result of the Mushi's power. Tanyu is injured during their escape, and Ginko does his best to treat her wounds. As they recover, Tanyu realizes that her quest to study the Mushi may have been misguided. She comes to understand that the Mushis are not merely objects to be studied, but rather living beings that should be respected and protected.

Overall, the episode "Shrine in the Sea" is a beautiful and thought-provoking story that explores the complex relationship between humans and the supernatural creatures that inhabit their world. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the beauty of animation, and it is a must-see for fans of the Mushishi series.