“Tougen Anki” is a work that takes the classic Japanese folktale “Momotaro” as its theme and reimagines it from a new perspective. The story overturns the image of Momotaro that we are familiar with and prompts us to deeply consider the relationship between Oni and humans. The characters in “Tougen Anki” are placed in complex positions that cannot be simply described as good or evil. In this article, we will introduce everything from the appeal of the series to pilgrimage spots in detail.
*Spoiler Alert
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Synopsis and World of “Tougen Anki”
Setting of the Story
The world of “Tougen Anki” is set in modern Japan, where Oni live in hiding.
Oni blend in with humans in their daily lives, but due to a long history of being seen as enemies, they have been persecuted and now conceal their true identities in order to survive.
The protagonist is Shiki Ichinose, who grew up unaware that he carries Oni blood. After a certain incident, he learns that he is an Oni and discovers the existence of the “Momotaro Agency,” an organization that hunts Oni, drawing him into the hidden side of the world.
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The Conflict Between Oni and Humans
At the heart of the story is the long-standing conflict between the Oni and Momotaro (the human side).
In the folktale, Momotaro has always been depicted as “justice,” but in “Tougen Anki,” that image is greatly overturned.
By reversing the positions of good and evil, the story asks readers, “What is true justice?” This is one of the series’ greatest appeals.
Characters of “Tougen Anki” | Who Are the Members of the Oni Agency and Momotaro Agency?
The appeal of “Tougen Anki” lies in its diverse and unique characters. The story mainly unfolds around two organizations.
Members of the Oni Agency
The Oni Agency is an organization made up of those with Oni blood, centered around the Oni training school “Rasetsu Academy.” Below are the main characters.
Shiki Ichinose
Source: Animate
The protagonist. He was raised without knowing he is a descendant of the Oni. He likes firearms and possesses a gun-based ability through “Blood Release,” a power that only those with Oni blood can use.
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Naito Mudano
He is an instructor at Rasetsu Academy, known for his distinctive appearance wearing roller skates and carrying an umbrella. During his time in the combat unit, he became a legend for single-handedly defeating one hundred Momotaro warriors, demonstrating overwhelming strength. He is strict with his students but also deeply compassionate.
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Jin Kogasaki
He is a student at Rasetsu Academy who wears a black mask and initially had a poor relationship with Shiki. He fights by producing spinning, blade-like blood from both arms.
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Kyoya Oiranzaka
He serves as the commander-in-chief of the Kyoto Branch Support Unit and currently watches over the students as the school nurse at Rasetsu Academy. He was a classmate of Mujina Mudano during their academy days. Outwardly, he has a lighthearted and flashy personality, but in reality, he is a serious and caring friend, making him a character with surprising depth.
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Masumi Yodogawa
He is the calm and collected captain of the Nerima Ward Reconnaissance Unit. He was also a classmate of Mujina and Oiranzaka at Rasetsu Academy. He always wears a gentle smile, but his eyes never smile, giving him a mysterious aura.
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Members of the Momotaro Organization
The Momotaro Organization is a group made up of those who carry the blood of Momotaro, tasked with monitoring and exterminating Oni. A distinctive feature is that their names all include the character for "peach" (桃 - can be read as 'momo' in kun-yomi or 'tou' in on-yomi).
Samidare Momoya
He is the commander of the Soshi Squad under the Momotaro Agency, distinguished by a scar above his right eye that looks like a gunshot wound and his thick beard. He is the one who attacked Shiki and killed his adoptive father, Takeshi.
Tsubakiri Momomiya
He is a squad captain in the Momotaro Agency, known for his blond hair and sharp, upturned eyes. His hobbies include collecting specimens and human bodies, and he sees Oni only as subjects for his experiments and research.
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Mikado Momodera
He is the vice-captain of the 21st Squad. Recognized for his talent at a young age, he was promoted to vice-captain. He is skilled at shooting and becomes friends with Shiki, not knowing that Shiki is an Oni.
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Tsukuyomi Momoka
He is the captain of the 20th Squad in charge of Nerima Ward. He wears ornaments under his eyes and is highly dependent on fortune-telling. Usually calm, He also has a combative side.
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Ousuke Momokado
He is the vice-captain of the 20th Squad. He often works together with Tsukuyomi. He has a hot-blooded personality and is sometimes calmed down by Tsukuyomi.
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Where can you watch "Tougen Anki"? Viewing options
TV Broadcast (Japan)
Nippon TV "FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT" slot
Every Friday at 11:00 PM - Nationwide on 30 stations
BS Nittere: Every Saturday at 12:30 AM
*Broadcast times are subject to change.
Streaming
Fastest domestic streaming (early access)
ABEMA: Immediately after terrestrial TV broadcast ends
Every Friday from 24:00
Unlimited streaming (subscription)
Netflix, ABEMA Premium, Anime Festa, d Anime Store, Disney+, DMM TV, Hulu, Lemino, and more
Who is "Momotaro" in "Tougen Anki"?
Momotaro's Position
In the story, the name "Momotaro" is treated not just as an individual, but as a historical symbol. In the original folktale, Momotaro was a hero who defeated the oni as a champion of justice. However, in "Tougen Anki," the act of "oni extermination" itself is suggested to have possibly been one-sided violence or persecution.
From the perspective of the oni, Momotaro is an invader who attacked their village and killed their kin. What humans call "justice" is seen by the oni as "violence" and "discrimination," and this difference in perspective is at the heart of the story.
In "Tougen Anki," Momotaro is a symbol of the power structure, justifying oppression and discrimination against the oni. The former "hero" now functions as a "ruler."
This shift shows that history and justice can have completely different meanings depending on one's point of view.
The Role of the Momotaro Organization
In the modern world of "Tougen Anki," the Momotaro Organization functions as a power structure that monitors and controls the oni. On the surface, this organization operates under the pretense of protecting public safety.
What is the Famous Momotaro Folktale in Japan? Which Prefecture is it From?
The "Momotaro" folktale, known by all Japanese people, has been passed down for hundreds of years and has long been cherished as a story that teaches children the importance of courage and justice.
Momotaro Born from a Peach
The story begins with an old woman doing laundry by the river, where she finds a giant peach. When she brings it home and tries to cut it open, a healthy baby boy jumps out from inside. The old man and old woman, who had no children, name the boy "Momotaro" and raise him with great care. Momotaro grows up quickly and eventually becomes a fine young man.
Defeating the Oni with a Dog, Monkey, and Pheasant
One day, Momotaro decides to defeat the oni who are causing trouble on an island. Setting out on his journey with "Japan's best millet dumplings" made by the old woman, Momotaro meets a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant along the way. By sharing his millet dumplings with them, they become his companions.
The four of them head to Onigashima, and together they fight the oni. Thanks to Momotaro and his companions, the oni surrender, and they are able to bring the stolen treasures back to the village.
Related Article
Okayama Prefecture Theory
There are several theories about the origin of Momotaro, but the most widely accepted is the Okayama Prefecture theory. Okayama has long been known as the "Town of Momotaro," and there are many places in the prefecture associated with the story. In Okayama City, there are numerous Momotaro statues and facilities themed around Momotaro. Places such as Kibitsu Shrine and Kinojo Castle are also said to be related to the story.
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"Tougen Anki" 5 Real-life Locations
1. Kiyomizu-dera (Anime Episode 5, Kyoto Arc)
The temple that served as the stage for the Oni Organization's Kyoto Branch is said to be modeled after Kiyomizu-dera, based on the structure of the building and the background depicted.
In the original manga, it is clearly stated that the Kyoto Branch is "under Kiyomizu-dera," but in the anime version, the name is changed and it appears as "Nyuseida Temple."
Kiyomizu-dera is open for visits from early morning until evening, and is sometimes illuminated at night depending on the season. It is accessible by bus from Kyoto Station, and there are many other sightseeing spots nearby, such as Yasaka Shrine and Gion. You can enjoy Kyoto's traditional culture along with your pilgrimage.
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from the city bus stops "Kiyomizu-michi" or "Gojo-zaka"
- Official website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/
② Hikarigaoka Station (Anime Episode 13, Nerima Arc)
The second cour of the anime is set in Nerima Ward, Tokyo. In episode 13, a station called "Hoshigariku Station (Hikarigaoka Station)" appears.
This station is believed to be modeled after the real Hikarigaoka Station in Nerima Ward.
The scenery around the station closely resembles the depiction in the anime, making it a popular pilgrimage spot among fans.
Hikarigaoka Station
- Address: 2-9-5 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Toei Oedo Line, Hikarigaoka Station
③ Hikarigaoka Park (Anime Episode 13, Nerima Arc)
Also in episode 13, there is a scene where Shiki and Jinmon have a conversation on a bench. The background closely resembles Hikarigaoka Park, so it is highly likely that this park was used as a model. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms, and in autumn, the fall foliage, with the park offering different scenery in each season.
Hikarigaoka Park
- Address: 4-1-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 8 minutes on foot from Hikarigaoka Station
- Official website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hikarigaoka/index.html
④ Hotel Cadenza Tokyo (Anime Episode 13, Nerima Arc)
The exterior and surrounding atmosphere of "HOTEL HIKARIGAOKA," where Shiki and the others stay, closely resemble the actual Hotel Cadenza Tokyo building, making it a recommended spot for anime pilgrimage.
Hotel Cadenza Tokyo
- Address: 5-8 Takamatsu, J・CITY, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 15 minutes on foot from Hikarigaoka Station
- Official website: https://www.h-cadenza.jp/
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⑤ United Cinemas Toshimaen (Anime Episode 13, Nerima Arc)
The "UNITY CINEMA" visited by Shiki and Jinmon closely resembles the exterior of United Cinemas Toshimaen, so it is believed to have been used as a model.
United Cinemas Toshimaen
- Address: 4-15-20 Nerima, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1 minute on foot from Toshimaen Station
- Official website: https://www.unitedcinemas.jp/toshimaen/index.html
＜References＞
・Anime "Tougen Anki" Official Website ( https://tougenanki-anime.com)
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