English Dub Review: Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon “Jakotsumaru of the Red Bone Palace”

Overview (Spoilers Below):

We open to a bandit killing some guy, only to be taken down by Jakotsumaru, son of Tokotsu, and his fan lightning powers. All three girls have arrived in the feudal era by way of Roothead and the Tree of Ages. They’ve reunited with Setsuna’s group of demon slayers, while Towa worries about how to get back to the modern era, like she promised Mei. Kyuki gets an update from an owl demon perched in the tree of ages about Moroha, who killed Tokotsu, and Jakotsumaru, who’s gathering bones to revive his father. Moroha runs off to sell her wares to the corpse dealer, while Kaede comments that she’s just like Kagome. Meanwhile, Setsuna and Towa meet with Kohaku to try to figure out where to find the Dream Butterfly, but are quickly recruited into slaying the demon that’s been stealing people’s bones. They set off with Kilala, much to Towa’s excitement and Setsuna’s annoyance. Back at the corpse dealer, Moroha is pestered figuratively by her debts, and literally by Myoga and tanuki demon Takechiyo. Towa and Setsuna encounter Jakosumaru at the bridge that night, but he unfortunately escapes their grasp. They track him to his hiding place, and meet up with Moroha, who’s there to get Tokotsu’s head and claim the considerable bounty. The three face off against the semi-revived boar demon and his hanyo offspring, while worrying that they may be fulfilling the fate that the Tree of Ages warned them about: summoning Kirinmaru, who aims to throw the world into darkness.

Our take:

While the centipede lady demon was a bit unnerving, this episode re-establishes some of the genuine horror vibes from the original series. Marianne Miller (Sword Art Online fans know them as the voice behind Recon) provides just the right amount of creepy depth delivered in a smooth tone for Jakotsumaru, giving this bone collecting villain some seriously intriguing appeal as he seeks to avenge his father, Tokotsu. This episode is also the first time we hear from Dawn M. Bennett (you may have recently heard her as Zora in Epithet Erased) as Kyūki, in a classic “anime villain standing menacingly over an orb” scene, although as one of the Four Perils, we’re sure to be hearing more from her in coming episodes. I unfortunately couldn’t find any confirmation for who the voice of corpse dealer Jyūbei is yet, but if it’s NOT Beau Billingslea, it’s someone else who’s a dead ringer for Jet Black.

In addition to bringing back some of the horror, this episode also brings back some of the sibling rivalry vibes from the original, along with (unfortunately) Myoga. I’m genuinely impressed by the characterization so far, with Towa suggesting more discussion-based solutions before battles, since she seems to be gearing up to be the strongest of the three so far. Letting Setsuna embody more of Sesshomaru’s traits directly, while Towa was raised by the Higurashi family in the modern age seems to be setting up a touch of nature vs. nurture conflict, in addition to a contrast between modern vs. traditional approaches.

There’s touches of humor when the twins do agree, like when they’re whispering to each other that Moroha is the bad guy in the Tokotsu situation, before jumping into action against the skeleton army. Additionally, Jakotsumaru’s reaction to Myoga’s exposition of Moroha’s purification abilities due to being Kagome’s offspring.

Finally seeing what Moroha can do as Beniyasha is impressive, revealing that she can use her dad’s signature move, Iron Reaver Soul Stealer. Having the twins finish off the mission with a vow to not hesitate, and Setsuna’s comment to “meet your parents, then slay your parents” is a harsh, but nicely circular reminder on how brutal life in the feudal era can be, and how it’s shaped the two characters who grew up there.

Overall, this series really seems to be hitting its stride. Between the interpersonal conflicts, constantly improving action scenes, and balance of mystery, comedy, and horror, it embodies the best of the original series, while continually proving its able to stand on its own. I’m looking forward to what’s in store for next week!