In a world full of action or fantasy adventure anime, a series like Yōkai Apartment no Yūga na Nichijō (Elegant Yokai Apartment Life) is a breath of fresh air. This slice-of-life story seamlessly blends supernatural elements with everyday life, creating laughter and warmth for viewers of all ages. In this article, our editorial team will take you through every aspect of this series, which hides deep insights within its simplicity.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins when Yushi Inaba, a high school student, needs to find a new place to live after his school dormitory burns down. Being an orphan and not wanting to burden his relatives, he decides to rent a suspiciously cheap apartment for only 25,000 yen called Kotobuki-so. However, upon moving in, he discovers that the place is a gathering spot for supernatural beings—ghosts, yokai, and mononoke—who live peacefully alongside humans. Initially frightened, Yushi gradually adapts thanks to the kindness of his otherworldly neighbors and finds that this place is his true 'home.' The series follows Yushi's daily life as he learns to coexist with his peculiar neighbors, facing various issues related to school, friends, and relationships, all while the heartwarming theme of cross-species friendship remains central.
Voice Acting and Characters
Although it's an anime voiced by professional seiyuu, the emotional delivery is excellent. Atsushi Abe as Yushi Inaba naturally conveys confusion, fear, and gradual openness to new experiences. Meanwhile, Yuichi Nakamura, voicing Mizuki Hase (the werewolf uncle), adds charm with his warm and mature tone. Miyuki Sawashiro as Akine Kuga, a classmate who becomes a close friend, feels bright and relatable. Each character has a distinct personality, from the grumpy ghost grandpa to the mischievous demon girl, making interactions engaging and consistently funny.
Direction, Animation, and Music
Produced by Shin-Ei Animation, known for family-oriented anime, the visuals are beautiful in the style of 2010s Japanese anime, with vibrant colors. The character designs and apartment interiors are detailed, conveying warmth and age. The soundtrack by Yasuharu Takanashi (composer for Fairy Tail, Naruto Shippuden) brings the series to life, with the opening theme 'Kokoro no Kagi' and ending theme 'Iro no Nai Sekai' providing a calm feeling that fits the theme. Directed by Shinji Takamatsu, who has experience from Gintama, the storytelling pace is enjoyable and never boring, even for a slice-of-life series.
Editorial Analysis
Yōkai Apartment no Yūga na Nichijō is not just a supernatural comedy anime; it also weaves in life philosophy and the meaning of 'family' that is not limited to blood ties. The coexistence of humans and yokai symbolizes acceptance of differences and living together in society. The series also addresses adolescent growth, dealing with loss and loneliness, but finding emotional shelter from those around them. Although there is no intense plot or major twists, its simplicity and warmth are its strengths, allowing viewers to relax and connect with the characters. For those looking for an anime that provides good feelings and thoughtful messages, this series is a must-watch.
Verdict
Yōkai Apartment no Yūga na Nichijō is an anime suitable for those who enjoy slice-of-life and want to watch something heartwarming. Although it lacks action or a dense plot, its lovable characters and embedded life lessons make it one of those anime worth trying at least once, especially if you're looking for a story that feels like coming home.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Diverse and charming characters that viewers can bond with
- +Heartwarming story with thoughtful messages
- +Beautiful soundtrack and opening/ending themes that match the atmosphere
- +Relaxing storytelling pace, not stressful
👎 Cons
- −Slow plot progression; only suitable for slice-of-life fans
- −Some episodes lack clear focus, feeling drawn out
- −Graphics may feel outdated for fans of modern anime
Top Cast
FAQ
The series has 26 episodes in one season, aired in 2017.
In Thailand, it is available on streaming platforms like Netflix (some countries) or Crunchyroll (with Thai subtitles), and possibly other licensed channels.
It is suitable for all ages. The story is heartwarming with no violence or inappropriate content, but young children may need parental guidance to explain about yokai.
Yes, the series is adapted from a manga by Koji Yamamoto, and there is also a light novel. The manga is still ongoing.
The English title Elegant Yokai Apartment Life is a translation of the Japanese title 'Yōkai Apartment no Yūga na Nichijō,' which means 'Elegant Daily Life in a Yokai Apartment.'
