Gugure! Kokkuri-san

Episode 6

Gugure! Kokkuri-san usually thrives on short segments in homage to its four-panel origins. This is arguably the first time the show has revolved around a single story for so long, (Kokkuri's introduction being the only other example.) Episode 6 takes a stab at an episode-length story, with the exception of an after-credits segment that stands on its own.

No, Kohina doesn't have ocular migraines, Shigaraki. Kohina sees dead people (and spirits and demons). Her sixth sense leads her to see everything from the bones of fallen warriors to baseball-sized floating eyes with bat wings. Kokkuri warns her not to make eye contact or approach any of the spirits, and Kohina's nonchalance at the spirits attacking her when she fails to do this is amusing. However, it's her friendship with a particular small floating eyeball that makes up the crux of this story.

Shigaraki, in adorable animal form at last (Kohina even remarks on the change), is the only member of the household who's in on the secret. In an echo of the similar "heal a wounded animal and befriend it in secret against parents' wishes" tale, this episode shows Kohina bonding with her new cyclops friend. There's only one problem: the little spirit has an appetite for her blood, and Shigaraki's not sure this relationship will end well.

Gugure! Kokkuri-san episode 6 manages to be just as gag-heavy as usual even when telling a single story. (A segue with Shigaraki taking Inugami for a walk helps a lot with that.) It also scores points for demonstrating more nuance to Shigaraki's previously flat character. He's lazy, sure, but not lazy enough to ignore when Kohina is in danger. He's a sleaze, but he's also trustworthy enough to keep the new "pet" secret from the others in the house when Kohina makes him promise. In true Gugure! Kokkuri-san fashion, the last joke about Kohina's true intentions in befriending the flying eyeball sends the episode off with a bang.

The post-credits Inugami short manages to showcase something besides Inugami's obsession with Kohina: Inugami's hatred for Kokkuri. We learn that it's less a personal matter and more that Inugami is a totally cynical, self-loathing cretin. It's not as funny as the story that came before it, but it's good for a couple of chuckles, if you can bring yourself to laugh at jerks. If you've been watching Gugure! Kokkuri-san this long, you'll find this episode diverting from the norm, as much for the slight character development as for the gags. Even if you're more a fan of the segment-based format that dominates the majority of the series, you'll find just enough humor in this episode to prevent your attention from wandering.

Rating: B+

Gugure! Kokkuri-san is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Amy is a YA fantasy author who has loved anime for nearly two decades.