“Blind biwa player and masked dancer defy shogunate traditions through revolutionary Heike clan storytelling performances.”
Inu-Oh
犬王
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AI-powered analysis tailored to your taste
Based on your preference for character-driven stories with layered emotional arcs, this title's exploration of identity and belonging would deeply resonate. The pacing mirrors series you've rated highly, and its thematic depth aligns with your appreciation for nuanced storytelling...
However, the slow initial episodes might test your patience given your history of dropping shows that don't hook you early. The art style shift in the middle arc could also be a concern...
Synopsis
Blind biwa player and masked dancer defy shogunate traditions through revolutionary Heike clan storytelling performances.
After diving for an ancient sword in the waters where the battle of Dan-no-ura was fought and the Heike clan fell, Tomona loses both his sight and his father. Left with few options other than learning to play the biwa, Tomona gains enough skill to join a prestigious troupe of storytelling performers and takes the name "Tomoichi." Soon after, Tomoichi meets a strange person who finds joy in terrorizing others with his deformed appearance, but is surprised when the sightless storyteller treats him as an equal. The pair become fast friends and begin performing together after the stranger—who chooses the name "Inu-Ou"—discovers that he is able to hear spirits telling forgotten tales of the Heike clan. Tomoichi changes his name again to Tomoari and uses his music to promote Inu-Ou's underground dance performances, achieving incredible popularity among the masses. However, the brazen and unconventional style they develop challenges traditions that the shogunate values deeply. As the pair's fame continues to increase, they must contend with the forces of tradition that control the society around them.
What people say
Community consensus
Derived from 23 sampled reviews
What 23 viewers settled on.
Mostly aligned
σ 1.17 · some divergence
—
Not enough recommend signal yet
↑ 0.57
Running avg · Jun 2022 → Sep 2025
- 9 “The music is absolutely awesome—tracks like “kujira” and “ude tate” and both Avu-chan’s and Mirai Moriya’s vocal performances make this anime shine. While the story isn’t its strong point, that’s...”
- 10 “A euphoric celebration of creativity where cursed kids ignite feudal Japan with hair-metal anthems and Noh dance, all wrapped in Yuasa’s signature absurdity and breathtaking visuals. Every frame...”
- 8 “An excellent film whose master-class storytelling, incredible visuals, and powerful music—especially its unparalleled, artful depiction of the blind protagonist’s perception—outshine its weaker...”
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- Format 1 × 97′ eps × min
- Total runtime 1h 37m all episodes
- Aired May 2022 – ongoing
- Source Movie media type
- Rated R 17+ (violence & profanity)
- Ref. BS-15436 catalog
Produced by
- Aniplex Producer
- CoMix Wave Films Producer
- Nippon Shuppan Hanbai (Nippan) K.K. Producer
- Asmik Ace Producer
- Tohokushinsha Film Corporation Producer
- KDDI Producer
- Mixi Producer
- Open Culture Entertainment Producer
Licensed by
- GKIDS Licensor