Mushishi
Tags: paranormal

Plot synopsis:
Mushishi is set in an imaginary time between the Edo and Meiji periods, featuring some 19th-century technology but with Japan still as a "closed country". The story features ubiquitous creatures called Mushi (蟲) that often display what appear as supernatural powers. It is implied that there are many more lifeforms more primitive than "normal" living things such as animals, plants, fungi and bacteria, and Mushi is the most primitive of all. Due to their ethereal nature most humans are incapable of perceiving Mushi and are oblivious to their existence, but there are a few who possess the ability to see and interact with Mushi. One such person is Ginko (ギンコ), the main character of the series voiced by Yuto Nakano in the original version and by Travis Willingham in the English dub. He employs himself as a Mushi Master (蟲師, mushi-shi), traveling from place to place to research Mushi and aid people suffering from problems caused by them.
The series is an episodic anthology in which the only common elements among episodes are Ginko and the various types of Mushi. There is no overarching plotline. The most frequently seen character is an otherworldly-looking man named Ginko, who is a rare sort of person who attracts mushi, which inspires a lifestyle of constant wandering. He also smokes in order to keep the mushi away. In terms of personality, Ginko is generally laid back and focused on his work. However, he can be very serious when it comes to protecting people from mushi. He also often stresses that the mushi are not evil, but merely trying to survive like everyone else. A majority of the stories do not focus on Ginko, but rely on him as a catalyst to move the story forward by diagnosing or curing mushi-related illnesses and phenomena.

Review: Mushi-Shi (2005) from Japan is a brilliantly written and thought-provoking anime series, with lots of surprises in store for you if you are patient and open minded.With Mushi-Shi you will refreshingly NOT see your typical anime cutesy big-eyed girls having crushes on boys, shallow harem sex stories that get old fast, or violent, senseless samurai blood letting.
As the teachers used to tell us in school, "You will need your thinking caps for this one." At first you think you are watching a series about a life force called "mushi", and a traveling man named Ginko who is studying them, but the episodes all have moral tales to teach that transcend the outline of the basic stories.
The mushi are really incidental and act as catalysts to the dynamics of personal relationships.For instance, in the incredible "A String from the Sky" episode the story isn't really about the mushi string that captures the girl, flinging her into the sky; the real lesson being taught is the essential trust that has to exist between a man and woman who claim to love each other.
In "One Night Bridge" the episode really isn't about a mushi bridge that appears once every twenty years; rather the story is about a love so powerful between a young girl and boy that even the experience of death cannot truly break the devotion of their relationship.There are also surprising touches of humor in the stories and the main character of Ginko, both of which help bring some levity to serious situations taking place in most of the episodes.I watched in both Japanese with English subtitles and then all over again in the English dub, and I ended up liking both equally.
Each episode is basically a stand alone segment, with different characters interacting with Ginko, who is the traveling "Mushi Master" out to help them, if he can, extricate themselves from the mushi's influences.I rented the series from Netflix.
There is nothing in Mushi-Shi that children ten years of age or older couldn't watch.
Mushishi is an episodic anime comprised of 26 parts.
Each episode stands alone from the rest and often the only common denominators in the stories are the presence of Ginko, the main character, and occasional appearances of his friend, Adashino-sensei.
At the same time he helps those who come into contact with these entities: it seems many types of mushi are parasitic in nature and there are unfavorable results when they cross paths with humans.
It was refreshing in that it was so serene to watch  the art is beautiful, the atmosphere is peaceful, and yet the series was able to create excellent tension when it was called for.
The stories within it are intriguing and one is left with a sense of wonderment when all is said and done.However, I was left yearning for more from the series.
As a result, you have to be patient while watching the series and enjoy it for what it is; its pacing is so different from other animes that you might be more familiar with.This series has easily become one of my favorites, and I hope it receives more recognition outside of Japan  recognition that it so plainly deserves.9/10.
describing the meaning of mushi-s without emerging some false ezoteric- extraterrestial blabla is almost impossible, probably thats why this masterpiece of anime remained quite unknown.
amazingly visualized, breathtaking beauty of life, as it flows mysteriously and appear in different manifestation, like animals, plants, and mushis creating a wonderful and complex ecology.
it just picks you up from the world around for 23 minutes, and shows some real values using the average, common people to show the greatness of humans, and mushis, and above all: life.
How on Earth did I end up here, smack bang in a middle of this wide-eyed& reason-free land taken over by some mysterious creatures, called sweetly but completely unlikely, errr - "Mushi"?..
Half way through the first episode (23 minutes or so each, btw, including the obligatory long sing-along intro) and I knew I was caught hook line and sinker on the simple but haunting beauty of the whole thing.
Watched 10 episodes by now, head filled with strange yet strangely believable, and, um, highly desirable world of Mushishi, with its magical scenery, just-so characters and non-judgemental story lines delivered with quiet ease and confidence by someone who knows what they are talking about.
Being a huge fan of Anime i was looking for a really interesting anime to watch.
Mushi-shi is one of my now all time favourite anime series.
Mushi-shi is a pure jewel and also emits all the right messages about nature and life.
Anyone looking for a gripping anime with great stories.
It takes place in almost feudal Japan (they seem a lot more liberal and have access to some technology like microscopes and the mushishi talks about genetics in one episode) and follows Ginko, a man that can see the strange lifeforms that are all around us, called Mushi.In the end the episodes are rarely tense, with no or almost no violence.
Unlike most mushishi (a sort of mushi hunter/doctor), Ginko, the lead character, seeks only to restore the balance between normal life and mushi life.The anime itself takes place for only 26 episodes, all self contained, you could watch any of them in any order without losing any continuity.
The manga is of course much longer and you can read it online.The calm music and the elements of traditional Japanese life and history are most welcome for a leisurely time when you want to relax and take your mind of things..
Ginko the Mushi-shi travels around japan encountering Mushis.
Mushis are creatures that are neither animals or souls, they are living things between them.
Its not just about the Mushis or the Mushi-shis, Its about Human emotions and love.A must watch anime.
While there's nothing totally wrong with the former type of anime, Mushishi really sets itself apart from the others - with a very melodic and abrupt opening, calm atmosphere and music throughout the show, as well as minimal dialogue that is quite monotone.The story is a very interesting one that explores the world inhabited by creatures dubbed "Mushi", which surround us and are much more complex than any standard organism.
In each episode, Ginko meets individuals who have been affected by the Mushi in some way.The dub is surprisingly great and lacks the melodramatic and over-the-top voice acting that other anime tend to have, so I would definitely recommend it just as much as the original.
I'm about three episodes into Yuki Urushibara's masterpiece, "Mushishi" and I must say, its incredible.
The show itself does not have much of a main plot, but focuses on each episodes individual story- an episodic format much like that of hit-TV series, "Supernatural."The animation is completely stunning- its almost ethereal green colour pallet is captivating, and was what originally got my hooked.
Packed with interesting characters, and a perfectly suited soundtrack that could lull anyone into a blissful sleep, Mushishi has proved itself to be very strong artistically.But Mushishi is more than just your typical pretty looking anime combined with a nostalgia inspiring soundtrack, it actually has some really interesting content, and a creative idea.
Despite the episodic nature of the show, I still find myself compelled to keep watching the next episode.Mushishi has me hooked, even my girlfriend who is not exactly an anime fan, it thoroughly enjoying it.
The new Mushishi volume is identical to the two sisters episode 11 and 12(or special if you like) from season 2 by the way..
There's certainly a proper amount according to most animes, but the stories contained in these episodes leave you begging for more!
Each episode is longer than it really is--the timing and pace keeps the viewer's attention, but it makes 22 minutes seem so much longer, without dulling the experience of watching.
I almost cried at the end of the aforementioned episode, and I'm not the type of person to cry in -any- visual media production (but they would've been tears of amazement--not of sadness.).Again, the only reason why I gave this a 9 instead of a 10 was because I'd like to continue watching new episodes forever, and this one does have its last episode.It's a great time while you're watching, and this is actually one of the few animes which I'll gladly let the opening music/credits play.
Everything about this anime is beautiful--the art style, the music, the ambient sounds, the stories, the characters, etc.
Watch this when you're feeling disconnected from nature, or anytime to enjoy the art of this creation..
One of the best anime I have ever had the pleasure to watch.I would preface this with a simple, "Brilliant", if I didn't have to write more lines...One of the best anime I've seen in my entire life, I'm looking for the DVD version now, bc I need it..
If you love a beautiful graphics and great soundtrack in anime I recommend this Mushi-Shi anime to watch, I've ever seen like this!!!
A mind-blowing, and beautiful anime series.
The pacing is slow, and there isn't a lot of action, yet it turns out to be very gripping and suspenseful nonetheless.Story: Episodic, without any type of overall link between the different encounters of the protagonist other than the protagonist himself and the occasional explanations about some of the phenomenon throughout the show (and some characters).
Yet, each and ever episode contains its own individual story that all prove to be very gripping, and often somber.
Each episode presents different characters from all around the regions Ginko travels to, and each has their own issue that is Mushi-related.
The many twists and turns the episodes take leave the viewer at the edge of their seat and constantly engaged even if the show isn't super fast-paced and action-packed.Art: The artwork is often very beautiful.
The sound ultimately creates the type of atmosphere the show would intend for with each given situation.Character: Ginko is an amazing protagonist.
The other characters introduced can be very brash, other times tragic, or many other things across the spectrum which works well for each of the scenarios and situations in each episode.
Whether a fan of anime or not, one could find so many reasons to adore this series and be captivated by it..
Beautiful and Intriguing Animation which makes me Sleepy.
It's one of the most beautiful anime i have come across, the water color style usage is very similar to what we see in Studio Ghibli movies, it goes perfectly well with the rich flora and fauna theme.
The anime don't have a central plot instead each of the episodes focuses on the mysterious beings called Mushishi, these creatures are intriguing, creepy and beautiful at the same time.
The episodes have hardly any dialogs instead relies on great background music,the whole style is so calming it actually makes me sleepy most of the time.
Whats the biggest plus point for the anime is the only negative it has - the extra calming effect, took me ages to finish the anime as i could never get myself to watch back to back, instead cherished each individual episode..
"Feeling myself so strongly seduced by both the light and the darkness is something that I never want to forget..." - Yuki Urushibara, author of the Mushishi mangaThe Japanese anime series "Mushishi" has a very special place in my heart, so I wanted to dedicate several lines about it since a long time.
And now I reconnect with the real idea behind the emotion which pushed me to explore this beautiful and emotional piece of Japanese animation.
And we can clearly feel why.It is not important how we get it - it is interesting that no matter of our own level of perception, we all, the viewers understand emotionally every chapter, every episode of this journey through the people and their life between the darkness and the light.
We as viewers do not know how, but we feel sympathy to the heroes in each story, because they live like us and have experience so similar to the real life that we simply accept through out hearts.And here we come to the conclusion that this both naturalistic and imaginary style of representing life is an elegant symbol of humanism.
Absolutely one of the most beautiful animes I've ever seen.
Each episode contains a story,they're like tales, which will make you start thinking more.Sometimes, It might be a little confusing and it requires you to focus in order to understand it , but it will never cease to amaze you.
Now of course there are some episodes and some things which I didn't really like and that's why I gave it a 9/10, but the stories and the messages Mushishi transmits, are the reasons why you mustn't lose it.If you haven't seen it yet, DO IT NOW!!.
Beautiful anime..
Mushishi is a very episodic anime with each episode depicting a case or a problem or something related to the creatures known as Mushi, which are special creatures present everywhere but only a selected few can see them.
I really don't like episodic things but Mushishi somehow managed to make each 20 mins an interesting and beautiful tale, some better than other obviously.
There is a very unique beauty in this anime, regarding nature/life etc, which is more complemented by beautiful art and great soundtrack.
If only it wasn't this much episodic, I most probably would have loved it way more.
Every episode of this anime make me feel thrill.
1) Because of the Graphics 2) Because of the mystery about the main character 3) Because of the sound effectsIf you love a Great graphics in anime I recommend this anime to watchThis anime is full of trivia for Example: About the pillow.
And in addition per episode of this anime has a unique story.
But the thing is that mushishi puts all its' force in depicting beautiful Asian scenery full of life.
And at the core of that life are the 'Mushi'.Mushi are not animals, and they are not plants.
And those who gathers lore about the mushi and knows how to treat them are the mushishi.I actually got the feeling of watching a horror movie when i saw this, the only thing was that there was no horror.
Still, the mood was there, but in a kind and gentle way.The series follows a mushishi named Ginko and his travels and missions in the land.
I don't know if this is something coming from the authors own view of life, but it makes room for a feature where nature is the emotional basis, and it stands strong on the feelings that you get from marvels that lie within the silent whisper of the wind among trees.You encounter characters that all are affected by these mushi.
Many of the stories are built on things we notice in nature around us but find it hard to explain, like shooting stars, the end of the rainbow and the fact that a third of your soul remains within your pillow when you leave bed as it is where all your dreams live.The series moves in a slow gentle pace, where the music never gets too eager and nothing ever gets too exciting in manners of rush or panic.
It might somehow even be sleep inducing, but in a good way, like the swaying of the trees or a cold snowy night where everything is silent but the sparkling fireplace.Of course, it's up to anyone to have their own thoughts about it, but I think that the series wants to tell us that there is more to life than just being human.
There is beauty in more than just you and me.I was expecting to find some sort of greater story that would unfold towards the end of the series, but that never came.
There was never any certain resolution to the series, only the soft mushishi music with its' hypnotical drums, and when you had watched the last episode you knew that everything in the world of the mushi would keep on going as it had ever done before.
I never got the feeling of saying goodbye to characters i'd miss, but was happy to have been able to come along on the journeys in this world so full of life and wonders..
Mushi-shi is a captivating entity in the realm of anime that shows that slow-paced films can be absolutely fantastic if you do everything just right.With fantastic visuals presented by a lesser known anime company ARTLAND, the world of the mushi-shi is brought to life with a truly intellectual perception and drive the contents of its unusual mystery to a level of great integrity and appreciation.Mushi-shi is smart, well-written and interesting to watch, succumbing its viewer with the profound elegance that the mushi-shi are, neither human nor plant, they are life in its purest form and as the world will go on, we will one day discover that the cure lies in the curse..
Mushishi is basically a ghost spirit story of the most unique kind.
A man named Ginko travels Japan searching for the most interesting and original spirits that dwells in folk lore.
The movements of each character to the way eyes meet in the conviction of each person's mannerism.A plus is the music that matches each story.
To them it's all part of the grand scheme of things for simple minds to not figure out in order to keep their quiet life balanced.To others like Ginko it is an opportunity to find the strange fascinating as well as keeping a safe distance to observe and not to construe too forward into the unknown world of spirits or ghosts.
Mushishi is full of original and well kept stories for the mind to wander later on as if to say...
'What if?" Excellent series, great music, and wonderful content for those who love a good ghost story.