Noragami is a thrilling anime series that combines action, comedy, and drama to deliver a unique and entertaining experience. The anime is based on the popular manga series by Adachitoka and follows the adventures of Yato, a minor deity who dreams of having millions of worshippers and becoming a famous god. 

However, his ambitions are hindered by his lack of followers and the fact that he doesn’t have a shrine of his own. Along with his human friend Hiyori and his regalia (a spirit weapon), Yukine, Yato embarks on various missions to help both humans and spirits while also trying to make a name for himself in the divine world. 

With its compelling characters, engaging storyline, and stunning animation, Noragami is a must-watch for fans of anime and manga alike.

Noragami Synopsis

Noragami is a Japanese supernatural action anime series based on the manga of the same name by Adachitoka. The anime adaptation was produced by studio Bones and directed by Kotaro Tamura. 

The series consists of two seasons, with a total of 25 episodes, and was first aired in Japan from January 5, 2014, to March 23, 2014, and from October 2, 2015, to December 25, 2015, respectively.

The story of Noragami revolves around a minor god named Yato, who aims to become a popular and well-known god. However, Yato is currently living in poverty and works odd jobs such as cleaning and finding lost items for five yen. Yato’s ultimate goal is to have a shrine built in his name and have a vast number of followers who pray to him.

One day, Yato meets Hiyori Iki, a high school girl who saves him from being hit by a car. In the process, Hiyori’s soul becomes detached from her body and she becomes a “half-phantom.” As a half-phantom, Hiyori is stuck between the living and the dead, and she can see and interact with spirits and gods. Hiyori becomes determined to find a way to return to her normal life, and she seeks Yato’s help.

Together with Yato’s shinki, or divine weapon, a former spirit named Yukine, the three of them embark on various adventures to help both humans and spirits. They face various challenges, including fighting other gods and dealing with their own personal demons.

Throughout the series, we are introduced to various other gods, both friendly and hostile, and we learn about the complex hierarchy and politics of the godly world. Yato’s past is also explored, and we learn about his tragic history and the reasons behind his current lifestyle.

In the second season, the main antagonists are introduced, a group of rogue gods known as the Phantoms. These powerful beings seek to disrupt the balance of the godly world and cause chaos and destruction. Yato and his allies must work together to stop the Phantoms and prevent them from wreaking havoc on both the living and the dead.

Is Noragami worth watching?

Noragami is a well-crafted anime that has something for everyone: action, humor, emotion, and great characters. Its unique premise, complex characters, great animation, emotional storyline, humor, well-written dialogue, and excellent soundtrack all contribute to its popularity among fans.

Here are some of the reasons why people love Noragami:

Unique Premise: 

Noragami has a unique premise that blends elements of mythology, action, and humor in a way that’s rarely seen in anime. The story revolves around Yato, a god who is trying to build his own shrine and become more popular, and his adventures with Hiyori, a human girl who becomes involved in the world of gods and spirits after an accident.

Complex Characters: 

The characters in Noragami are well-developed and have a lot of depth, which makes them interesting to watch. Yato, in particular, is a complex character who is both funny and tragic, and his backstory is revealed gradually throughout the series.

Great Animation: 

The animation in Noragami is top-notch, with vibrant colors and fluid movement that bring the action scenes to life. The fight scenes are particularly well-animated and exciting to watch.

Emotional Storyline: 

Noragami has a powerful emotional storyline that deals with themes of friendship, family, and belonging. The relationship between Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine, his regalia, is a major focus of the series, and the bond that develops between them is heartwarming and touching.

Humor: 

Noragami has a great sense of humor that helps to balance out the serious moments in the series. The banter between Yato and Hiyori is particularly entertaining, and the show has plenty of lighthearted moments that keep the tone from becoming too heavy.

Well-Written Dialogue: 

The dialogue in Noragami is well-written and clever, with a lot of witty one-liners and memorable quotes that stick with viewers long after the series is over.

Soundtrack: 

The soundtrack of Noragami is excellent, with a mix of upbeat and melancholic tracks that enhance the mood of the show. The opening and ending themes are particularly catchy and memorable.

Everything that sucks about Noragami

While Noragami is a well-loved anime by many fans, it has also received some criticisms. Here are a few examples:

Slow Pacing: 

Some viewers have found the pacing of the anime to be slow, particularly in the first few episodes. The slow buildup of the story and character development can be a turn-off for some viewers who prefer a faster-paced story.

Incomplete Adaptation: 

The anime adaptation of Noragami only covers a portion of the manga, which can leave viewers with unanswered questions and an incomplete storyline. This has led to frustration among some fans who were left wanting more.

Lack of World-Building: 

Some viewers have criticized Noragami for not fully exploring the world and mythology it is based on. While the anime does touch on the world of the gods and spirits, it doesn’t provide a lot of detail or explanation, which can be confusing for some viewers.

Character Development: 

While the characters in Noragami are generally well-developed, some viewers have criticized the lack of development for some of the supporting characters. This can make them feel one-dimensional and less interesting compared to the main characters.

Clichéd Elements: 

Some viewers have pointed out that Noragami contains some clichéd elements commonly found in other anime, such as the “chosen one” trope and the use of character archetypes. While these elements may not detract from the overall enjoyment of the anime, they can be seen as unoriginal by some viewers.

It’s worth noting that these criticisms are subjective and not everyone will agree with them. Overall, Noragami remains a well-loved anime with a dedicated fanbase.

Final thoughts on Noragami

Noragami is a popular anime that has captivated audiences with its unique premise, complex characters, great animation, emotional storyline, humor, well-written dialogue, and excellent soundtrack. 

Despite receiving some criticisms for slow pacing, incomplete adaptation, lack of world-building, limited character development, and clichéd elements, Noragami remains a beloved anime that has won over fans worldwide. 

Its blend of mythology, action, and humor, along with its heartfelt exploration of themes like friendship, family, and belonging, has left a lasting impact on viewers and made it a standout anime in the genre. 

If you’re looking for a captivating anime with plenty of heart, Noragami is definitely worth a watch.

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