The characters of "Tales of the Sakura Demons" seem to be as thoughtful, romanticized, but at the same time deep images that can stir up a real gamut of feelings and emotions. It is no secret that this series is extremely popular among girls, because it is a tangle of subtle, emotional ties that can plunge an unprepared viewer into prostration. It is difficult to evaluate this project, since it is impossible to consider it separately from the heroes. Admittedly, the first season of "Tales of the Sakura Demons" was very successful, one of the best in its season. But what happened next? Can the project be considered completed?
Some facts about the project
The anime "The Tale of Sakura Demons" is based on a number of games developed first for PS2, and after - PS3. The rights to the project belonged to the key developer of Idea Factory. The implementation of the series went to Studio Deen, known to viewers on such projects as “Khetalia”, “Login: Horizon” and other equally popular series. The company took up the matter seriously. The drawing, the atmosphere and the characters of the anime "Tales of the Sakura Demons" turned out to be practically indistinguishable from the original. The first season was well-received by critics who noted the quality of the dialogue and the voice acting of the characters.
On October 4, 2010, the first episode of 10 premiered. Since The Tale of Sakura's Demons was just a test of the pen, the story turned out to be somewhat jerky. After that, a sequel appeared in the form of OVA, and then another 2 seasons. Despite the fact that there is an opinion about the target orientation of the series for teenage girls, the project turned out to be saturated in terms of combat scenes, global actions in the setting, as well as dramatic moments. However, it is quite possible to watch the audience at the age of 13 years.
Plot features
The series "Tales of the Sakura Demons" is inextricably linked with real events that took place in Japan during the late reign of the Tokugawa shogunate and the 6-year-old existence of the Shinsengumi military police units. A girl protagonist in the course of the story learns that her father, quite possibly, had a certain relationship with the process of creating this unit and was in no hurry to share numerous secrets. Her guides in Kyoto, the capital of that period, were several wise swordsmen and supporters of long traditions.
Along with real events, the characters of "Tales of the Sakura Demons" are closely intertwined with mystical principles. So, for example, the protagonist is a purebred demon, however, like her comrades. Such a chaos in the setting allows the author to somewhat move away from the rigid framework of the historical narrative, so the series looks easy and relaxed, and the facts do not seem bland.
"Shinsengumi" in the anime "The Tale of Sakura Demons"
Shinsengumi is a real organization that is a military police force. The structure appeared in 1863 and was abolished in 1869. It should be noted that this organization was extremely ambiguous. As members of the Shinsengumi fought for the shogun against the emperor, supporters of the latter often spoke subsequently of the unit, at least dismissively.
The postulates of the structure were highly rigorous and demanding of the participant, including the seppuk if the enemy managed to escape or the shinsengumi was injured in the back.
In the series, in addition to the obvious mystical facts, as well as some manipulations with the data during education, there are no direct deviations from the sample of the real Shinsengumi. It is noteworthy that after members of the structure took the protagonist, she became the youngest participant in history. At that time, the girl was 15 years old.
Chizuru Yukimura
She was 15 years old at the beginning of the story. He wants to find his father, who disappeared upon arrival in Kyoto. Mistakenly considered him an ordinary healer. Looks like a slender brunette with brown eyes. Prefers to dress like a boy. Actually is a purebred demon. The character is calm, polite, respectable and has an amazingly persistent psyche. Being already more adult, I entered high school. He loves Hijikata, although he tries not to show it and deny his closeness in every way. In fact, the feelings are mutual, and the characters become lovers in the course of the development of the plot.
Membership in the Shinsengumi influenced the heroine in a favorable way. She served as secretary, medic, cook, fighter, deeply imbued with the rules and traditions of the structure. She is quite talented as a healer, and her key ability from demon blood is regeneration. On the belt, the girl usually wears a short blade, which she can use amazingly well. According to the feedback of fans, the character of Tizuru turned out to be amazingly bright and memorable, and therefore she often appears in the ranking of the most popular girl heroes.
Kodo Yukimuru
The father of the main character. For a long time he lived in a remote place Edo in order to protect his daughter from encroachment by the shogunate or emperor. He is an excellent doctor and healer, although the main sphere of the hero's talents lies in a different field - chemistry. By order, he created a special potion to increase the strength, speed and endurance of a person to unimaginable heights. The experiments failed, and those who regularly consumed the composition turned into vampire-like creatures with an uncontrollable psyche. He died in an attempt to save his daughter.
Toshizo Hijikata
The characters of "Tales of the Sakura Demons" in one way or another resonate with real personalities from real history. Hijikata became famous as a talented commander and skilled warrior. We can safely say that the hero in the anime did not shame his "brother". Hijikata takes the chair of the Shinsengumi squad deputy commander. He is collected, businesslike, calm.
Solves most of the issues related to ensuring the detachment and its readiness for battle. Many members of the organization are afraid of him. It looks like a slender brunette with dark eyes. Subordinates jokingly call him a demon. In fact, he is a person until he turns into a rasetsu (a consequence of the experience of Father Tizuru).
He has a very difficult relationship with the girl. On the one hand, he is very attached to her. He makes sure that the new member of the Shinsengumi does not get into serious trouble, but eventually begins to see someone more than just a comrade. In the end, falls in love with the main character, they become lovers.
Soji okita
This is also a hero who had a real prototype in the original story. He is the first captain and is a brilliant fencer, in fact, the first fighter on the attack line. Almost does not part with the blade. He is sick with tuberculosis, tries not to show weakness, but no longer counts on a cure. Being extremely weakened, he took the potion of the father of the main character, but this gave him only a surge of strength. Having spent it in full, Okita still managed to defend Tizura and Hijikatu. Once he said that he would easily kill a girl if she chose the path of resistance. Immediately before his death, he finally found his way and saw his goal. After death, the only thing left of the warrior is his katana.
Chikage Kazama
Purebred demon. Hot-tempered, arrogant. Enemy of the Shinsengumi. He hunts for the main character, because she, according to Kazama, should give birth to him a baby demon of incredible strength. He believes that demon parents can give offspring with great potential. Looks like a blond with red eyes, neat, trained in manners. He is rather selfish, but one day shows a semblance of feelings, helping the protagonist to be saved. Over time, it enters into confrontation with Hijikata, after which it dies at his hands.
Isami Kondo
The leader of the Shinsengumi. Very emotional and takes to the heart any barbs. Any business is hard for him, so he dumped them on Hijikata's shoulders. He is a great fighter, but prefers the tactical method of war, and therefore does not participate in skirmishes. However, he never ignores the obligation to prepare neophytes with weapons in their hands. In the end, he surrendered so that his subordinates could escape, he was executed for treason.
Will there be a sequel?
There is currently no accurate information regarding whether there will be an anime continuation. It is possible that the company will implement the continuation for gaming platforms, but the plot of the original series seems complete. In fact, at the moment the narrative can be conducted on behalf of only a few heroes, which significantly reduces the possibility of prolonging the plot. In addition, the Tale of the Sakura Demons manga is no longer published. In 2016, the company announced that sales of creations were completed. However, fans are still counting on a sudden turn and further development of events around the characters of "Tales of the Sakura Demons".