Watch Noragami

Noragami is a Japanese anime series streaming on Funimation that aired from January 5, 2014, to March 23, 2014, with a second season following from October 2, 2015, to December 25, 2015. The show is based on a manga series written and illustrated by Adachitoka and chronicles the tale of a stray god named Yato and his adventures with Hiyori Iki, a mortal girl who can see and interact with the spirit world.

The story takes place in a world where gods can exist amongst humans, but only if they have enough worshippers, which grants them the power to perform miracles. Yato, who is desperately seeking followers, can grant any wish for a charge of five yen. However, Yato is not a respected deity, as he is considered a minor god with no known temple or followers. Despite his lowly status and his somewhat off-putting personality, Yato is determined to achieve his dream of becoming a widely known god with many worshippers.

One fateful day, Hiyori Iki, a high school student, stumbles upon Yato as he attempts to save a girl from being hit by a bus. In the process, Hiyori is hit and killed but miraculously, her soul becomes unattached from her body, and she becomes a living phantom. After this event, Hiyori discovers that she is now able to see and interact with the spirits and phantoms that populate her world.

After seeing Yato's abilities firsthand, Hiyori decides to seek his help to return to her original form. Yato agrees, but in exchange for his services, he requests that Hiyori becomes his new regalia — a spirit who serves and empowers a god. Hiyori reluctantly agrees but only under the condition that Yato helps her find a way to return to her human form after he fixes her problem.

As the show progresses, the trio, along with Yato's other regalia, the cursed sword Yukine, go on various misadventures, from battling evil spirits to performing tasks for the gods. Yato and Yukine's relationship, in particular, evolves from being abusive and tumultuous to a more respectful and caring one.

One of the things that make Noragami stand out from other anime is its deep exploration of Japanese mythology. The show cleverly incorporates various folklore, like the concept of tsukumogami, a type of spirit that inhabits an object that has been used for a long time, and showcases various supernatural beings, including gods and other spirits.

Aside from the lore, the show also has incredibly dynamic characters, all of whom have different motivations and backstories. Yato's character, in particular, is layered and complex, as he has a tragic past that has left deep emotional scars. Despite his carefree and often annoying personality, Yato is genuinely kind and cares deeply for his friends.

Hiyori is also an endearing character, as she is brave and determined to protect the people she cares about. Her abilities as a phantom also add excitement to the story, and her interactions with the other characters are charming.

The animation in Noragami is stunning, with impressive fight sequences and vibrant colors that capture the essence of the world. The show also has an outstanding soundtrack, with a mix of contemporary J-pop songs and traditional Japanese instruments that add to the show's overall experience.

In conclusion, Noragami is a thrilling and entertaining anime that offers a unique blend of action, humor, and Japanese mythology. The complex characters, stunning animation, and engaging storytelling make it a show worth watching, whether you're a fan of anime or not.

Noragami is a series that ran for 2 seasons (25 episodes) between January 5, 2014 and on FUNimation