Onihei

Set in the Edo period of Japan, the story follows Heizo Hasegawa, a feared and respected magistrate known as 'Onihei' (Devil Heizo) for his ruthless efficiency in dealing with criminals. Despite his fearsome reputation, Heizo leads a surprisingly normal life outside of his work, caring for his concubines and their household. The series depicts his efforts to maintain order in a tumultuous era, often clashing with dangerous yakuza and uncovering supernatural conspiracies.

Onihei received a generally positive reception, praised for its unique blend of historical samurai drama with supernatural elements and its engaging protagonist. Viewers appreciated the atmospheric visuals and the mature storytelling, though some noted that the pacing could be slow at times. The series successfully captured the essence of its source material, appealing to fans of historical anime and those seeking a more grounded yet fantastical narrative.

• Praised for its mature and atmospheric portrayal of Edo-period Japan.

• Appreciated for its interesting blend of historical action and supernatural mystery.

• The protagonist, 'Onihei', is a compelling and well-developed character.

Google audience: N/A

The anime is based on a series of historical mystery novels written by Shōtarō Ikenami, first published in 1968.