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A mushi, a being closely related to the essence of life, lives a more pure and basic existence then animals and humans. As such, the mushi do not always appear in shapes that are considered normal, although some are able to take on a human form. The mushi are also said to have super-natural powers. Due to their existence in a plane that is not available to most humans, the mushi live beside humans but most people are unaware of them. This co-existence is known to some, as well as becoming known to others when they are affected by the powers of the mushi.
In Mushi-shi, Ginko, a mushi master, a man who is not only aware of the existence of mushi, but assists humans who have been affected by the mushi’s presence in their lives. Ginko is the only character who is present in the entire run of the anime. In his past, he had an occurrence with a mushi which changed is life forever. If Ginko stays in one place for too long he runs the risk of attracting too many mushi for the humans to co-exist with, thus he has chosen a nomadic lifestyle. Mushi-shi follows Ginko as he walks through the country side working with the humans he has heard have had their lives affect in one way or another by the mushi. His payment for the services is taken by collecting something that was related to the mushi case he finished, then selling it to a collector named Adashino, one of the only other recurring characters.
Mushi-shi, set in an nondescript time period, gives the anime a strange out of time feel which works great in conjunction with the nature of the stories. The interaction between the lives of the mushi and the lives of humans creates an interesting look into how we view and categorize life. In a world that is not black and white, it is refreshing to watch an anime that seems to look at the world and all its inhabitants in the same manner. Mushi-shi does not take a stance on one life form as being better then the other, they are just trying to inhabit the same space. Although there are times when mushi are known to cause trouble for humans on purpose, it is also true that humans can do the same not only to each other but to the mushi.
The art in Mushi-shi not only lends to the nondescript time period but also creates an environment of beauty and mystery. This is exemplified in the backgrounds and the mushi designs. The connection between the story telling and the art is exceptional in this anime.
Along with the wonderful art and story telling, Mushi-shi is boxed in a Funimation S.A.V.E, thus making it a great financial deal as well. Getting a great anime at a great price, this is a good example of just that.
Amber Burnham has a BA in Early Childhood Education from Kendall College. She is also a regular panelist on Kichicast, the all-girl, Chicago-based podcast devoted to anime, manga, and Japanese culture. You can listen to Kichicast at kichigi.com.
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