Mushi-shi is a 10 volume manga series, released between 1999 and 2008. In 2005 the series was turned into a 26 episode anime series and a 20 episode second season was released in 2014, there are also two OVAs, a live action film (Joe Odigiri is awesome 😀 ), and an anime film. In a world of fast paced action shounen series and overly fluffy shoujo romances, the episodic occult detective series, Mushi-shi, is an oddity.
I love Mushi-shi, in fact it is one of my favorite series, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve re-watched the series over the years…it’s just so calming. From the open chords of the OP to the ethereal instrumentals of the ending themes, Mushi-shi definitely puts you in the mood for something mystical.
The story takes place in an imaginary period between the Edo and Meiji periods of Japan and follows Ginko a Mushi-shi (Mushi master) as he travels Japan solving problems caused by Mushi. It’s kind of hard to explain what mushi are, but for the most part mushi are primitive creatures more akin to fungi and bacteria. Usually, they co-exist with plants, animals, and human, without much problem, in fact they are imperceptible to humans, save for a few exceptions. Mushi are an integral part of nature, and rarely interact with humans, but when they do people tend to get the short end of the stick. The stories all range from bittersweet to downright Disney, but please rest assured that every person that comes into contact with mushi are changed in some way…usually for the better.
The only constants of the series are mushi and Ginko, yet very little is known about either. With his white hair, green eyes, and western styled clothing Ginko sticks out like a sexy sore thumb. He has a rare condition that attracts a large amount of mushi to him. So in order to protect others he wanders from place to place never staying in any given town for more than a few days. He’s usually pretty easygoing, but becomes serious when people abuse either mushi or nature. Angry Ginko is also very sexy! He almost always stands on the side of mushi, and does his best to solve problems without harming them.
The slow pace can be off-putting to some viewers, but for me the relaxing moral driven episodes are perfect. I find myself getting caught up in the different stories and the unique nature of mushi…and did I mention that Ginko is hot!? The art is beautiful and the voice acting is perfect, both the dub and the original Japanese are amazing. I high recommend this series, go watch it now…like right now!
I would marry Ginko. So hot!
Mushishi is such a great series. I’m glad it’s been getting some love on other blogs. Thank you.
Also, Pinkie recommended your blog to me after I did a post about being a melanated blogger.
Mushishi is one of my favorite series, it’s just such a chill read/watch.
Also, welcome! I’m happy to meet another melanin blogger!
Awesome. It really is a chill series. I like some more understated works such as Mushishi, Haibane Renmei, or some of Ghibli’s lesser-known works.
No problem. You got yourself another follower for sure. I have multiple blogs and I did a post for my film/anime/documentary review blog.
I played a game recently that listed Haibane Renmei as inspiration, I’m completely blanking on the name rn tho.
Which Ghibli works are your favorites? And I am definitely going to check out your writing!
No way! That’s awesome. Let me know when you figure out the name because I really like Haibane Renmei.
Good question. Some of my favorites are Grave of the Fireflies, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and Spirited Away to name a few.
Still haven’t found that game again.
Oh I loved Grave of the Fireflies, it had me bawling my eyes out and Spirited Away is a forever fave (it was my first studio ghibli film). I still need to watch The Tale of Princess Kaguya tho
Okay, just curious if you remembered.
Nice! That is such a beautiful film and it’s one of the very few movies that can still make me cry. Princess Kaguya is a great one and it’s from the same director of Grave of the Fireflies.
I definitely didn’t forget!
Yes, it had me bawling my eyes out at the end! I’ll have to watch Kaguya, especially since it’s the same director!
Sure thing.
Yeah, it’s hard NOT to cry watching that movie. You’ll definitely enjoy Kaguya.