Ayakashi - Japanese Classic Horror
Synopsis:
The dark and brooding Ayakashi is composed of three horror stories: the narration of a young woman named Oiwa who was abandoned and betrayed by the one she truly loved, leading her to curse all who stood in her way; a story of two star-crossed lovers – a human and a forgotten god – and their struggle to have a future together; and the tale of an evil and malicious demon who is haunting and murdering a family for unknown purposes. Though different in animation style and tone, each story shares a similar theme: the darkness of the human heart.
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Mononoke
- TV (12 eps x 24 min)
- 2007
- Summer 2007
In feudal Japan, evil spirits known as mononoke plague both households and the countryside, leaving a trail of fear in their wake. One mysterious person has the power to slay the mononoke where they stand; he is known only as the Medicine Seller, and he vanquishes the mononoke using the power of his Exorcism Sword. However, in order to draw his sword he must first understand the Form, Truth and Reason of the mononoke. Armed with a sharp wit and keen intellect, the Medicine Seller wanders from place to place, striking down the mononoke in his wake.
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8 people think you'd like this because...
add recIf you really enjoyed the last arc of Ayakashi, or the general feel of the stories, you should check out Mononoke. Mononoke is a twelve episode series based around the Medicine Man in the last arc of Ayakashi. The stories are still dark and are about popular Japanese monsters and spirits.
"Mononoke" is a continuation of the last arc from series "Ayakshi", entitled "Bakeneko". So, if you liked Kusuri uri and the unique style of animation of this story, you must watch it! :)
Mononoke, a spin-off of the third arc of Ayakashi entitled 'Bake Neko' continues where Ayakashi left off, with high quality art nouveau animation and an intelligent level of psychological horror rare to the genre.
Both Mononoke and Ayakashi give a glimpse of Japan's horific traditions, folklore and belief. In both, several independent stories are shon, that introduces the viewer to different traditional monsters or demons, therefore these anime have a similar feeling and tense ambiance.
To watch one you have to watch the other. The main character of Mononoke is in the very end of the series of Ayakashi. Both series have somewhat disturbing themes behind every episode. The artstyles are like a flip-flop between realistic to an LSD induced trip.
I would recommend you watch Ayakashi first.
If you like Ayakashi you will probably enjoy Mononoke (it's continuation of the first series). Both series are constructed of stories told in a few episodes, rather than of one long story. They have unique visual style, complex plot and similar, exceptional feeling.
Ayakashi - JCH and Mononoke both contain tales of horror that will keep you on the edge of you seat. They each have unique animation styles that whether you love or hate it- you will still be intrigued. Mononoke is based off the last story arc in Ayakashi, so if you enjoyed one you'll want to continue the ride with the other.
Both anime are tales of horror that will keep you wanting more and Mononoke delivers on that as it is based off the last story arc in Ayakashi, so if you enjoyed the quirky art in the last arc you'll love Mononoke.
Requiem From The Darkness
Alt titles: Hundred Stories, Kousetsu Hyaku Monogatari
- TV (13 eps)
- 2003
Momosuke is a young man with a dream: to travel Japan and collect one hundred stories. He journeys from place to place, searching for tales of the paranormal and bizarre, hoping to collect tales to publish in his book. However, the calm of Momosuke's life soon is shattered by a chance meeting with three sinister beings: Mataichi the priest, Nagamimi the bird-caller, and the beautiful Ogin. Soon, Momosuke learns that there might be more to his newfound comrades than first meets the eye...
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5 people think you'd like this because...
add recHundred Stories and Ayakashi are incredibly similar. The animation in the last arc of Ayakashi is a lot like Hundred Stories, but more so, the plot in both is incredibly messed up and dark. Again, this recommendation works the best for the LAST arc in Ayakashi, but overall both of these are amazingly disturbing horror stories that won't disappoint. If you liked one, you will definitely like the other.
Both Requiem from the Darkness and Ayakashi are dark and mysterious, and have animation and sound that is in tune with the horrific themes explored. Both are must-sees for fans of the horror/mystery genre.
Both set many centuries ago, Requiem and Ayakashi rely on a story teller to recount their tales of ghosts and horror. Rooted firmly in ancient Japanese and asian mythology, the complex tales are retold drawing you deeper into the story.
If youenjoy one, you are sure to enjoy the other, although I would also recommend a 101 in Japanese folk tales.
Jigoku Shoujo
Alt titles: Hell Girl
Has someone done something to hurt you or the ones you love? Are you seeking revenge? Rumor has it that there’s a website that can service your needs. Titled “Hotline to Hell”, it contains a form that can be accessed only at midnight. Type in a name, and the Hell Girl will carry out your bidding – for a price. For though your appetite for revenge will be satisfied, your soul will also be condemned to hell after you die. But who is the Hell Girl, and does she care whether your revenge is justified? Apparently not, as long as she gets more souls…
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4 people think you'd like this because...
add recAyakashi and Hell Girl are must sees for fans of the horror/mystery genre. Both anime will leave you gasping at the design and detail, and horrified at the choices man makes and the power he seeks.
Both Ayakashi and Jigoku Shoujo have the same slow pace, soft horror elements, and quiet emotional aspect. If you liked the ambiance in one, you'll also like the other.
Both Jigoku Shoujo and Ayakashi - JCH are basically collections of horror stories centered around cruelty and revenge. While they both unmistakably contain horror elements, they are much more focussed on the suffering of humans rather than blockbuster horror gimmicks to make you jump from your chair or uncontrollably vomit. Whoever is looking for more revenge stories with a supernatural horror twist, look no further! This one is just that.
These two episodic series show the effects that a vengeance, full of grudge and sorrow, summoning supernatural powers, could bring to the life of who want revenge and who are the objective of it.
Memories
- OVA (3 eps)
- 1995
This set of 3 fantastic stories will take you from the haunting delusions of a space explorer, to a bio-chemical threat with the power to wipe out all of Tokyo, and finally to a day in the life of a young boy who lives in a world ruled by cannons. These stores will capture you with their intrigueing storylines and awe inspiring artwork.
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3 people think you'd like this because...
add recBoth Ayakashi and Memories are a selection of three short stories told within their own genres. Both aim to examine these chosen themes through different types of animation for each short story, and are good introductions to either love or malice.
Memories and Ayakashi are both short series of three stories. Although different in setting, style and feeling, both of them are intriguing and can keep you wondering about what's going to happen next.
Each anime has several different stories within their genre. Memories takes on the sci-fi part where Ayakashi takes on horror. Both are sure to please if you are interested in either genre and just wanting to sit down for a quick story that will leave you satisfied.
Mermaid Forest TV
Alt titles: Ningyo no Mori TV
- TV (11 eps)
- 2003
Legend says that if the flesh of a mermaid is consumed, the body becomes immortal. However, with the small chance of immortality comes a high chance of being poisoned, morphing and mutating into a monster beyond comprehension. Yuta is a wanderer: one of the few who has eaten the flesh and survived, and lived to tell about it -- for 500 years. By chance, Yuta meets a young woman named Mana who also shares the same fate, and together, they wander the land, searching for a mermaid who can free them from their immortal lives.
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3 people think you'd like this because...
add recMermaid's Forest and Ayakashi are both made up of a dark and grim arc of stories that have a very similar tone and feel. Though there are a great deal of horror series out there, very few capture my attention and truly seem disturbing; Mermaid's Forest and Ayakashi are two of them. If you liked one, check out the other.
Although very different storywise, both series have a tendency to explore the darkness of human feelings and obsessions. This is saying a lot, for a great deal of aspects linked to the above are dealt with in both shows. If you are, like me, a fan of such sinister horror stories where, besides a great deal of suspense, you are sometimes left with a feel of sadness and disgust due to their intensity, I’d recommend you watch both these series!
Both anime have a very dark and creepy feel to them while bring unique stories to the table. Both have a wide range of characters that are sure to make you love or hate them but all in all enjoy the ride. If you liked one check out the other.
