a boy and his pets

Shounen Omyouji 1! is similar to Tactics and Yami no Matsuei, but sadly, with lesser boy-love vibes.

- plain production, design, music.
+ Masahiro and Mokkun are somewhat cute together.
+ It appears some cute shikigamis and spirits and such will join the cast.
+ Jun Fukuyama, Akira Ishida, Junko Minagawa, Kenichi Suzumura and various other popular seiyuu are on the cast.

Quick impression~ Masahiro is the grandson of a famous omyouji, but currently cannot become a omyouji since he cannot see spirits and monsters. Mokkun, a small rabbit-like mononoke, befriends Masahiro and in the first episode, all is settled. Mokkun turns out to be a shikigami, Guren/Touda, sent by Masahiro's mischevious grandfather to help Masahiro break the seal on his sixth sense (which was placed there by the grandfather). It looks like Masahiro will meet more shikigami and exorcise more demons. There is also a boring looking love-interest. This is somewhat a cute show, but nothing special in the execution, but I might watch for the fluff.

Another unexpected find...

Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto 1! I'm hoping this has a shortened title somewhere.

+ Great animation, nice design and production.
+ Pretty opening with a nice song from FictionJunction YUUKA
- Forgettable ending.
- Uncertain about the story.

Quick impression~ The design of this show feels like Samurai Champloo without the hip-hop and extreme characterizations. I'm not sure about the specifics of the story other than the time period is during the end of Edo. It was the time when long peaceful Tokugawa Dynasty began to be overshadowed triggered by the arrival of Westerners. During the upheaval, when youths were seeking for new age, there was an existence that brought turmoil and chaos. It was called Hasha no Kubi, or the Head of Conqueror. It was said that the person who could obtain the head awoke in revolution time could rule over the whole country. On the other hand, there was another shadow existence called Eternal Assassin. They have been destined to fight Hasha no Kubi in order to seal. Both had been fighting each other behind the history. Their fights have affected the history involving those who wanted the power. ~from the anime database. The first episode was very intriguing and well-made, so I'll end up watching this one. I'm guessing this is in the serious samurai genre, but there are 2 kids in the show that seriously look like aliens.