Welcome to Cozy Anime Corner , your go-to place for finding the perfect anime to brighten your day! Every month I’ll highlight a comfy series with low stakes, calm vibes and people (and spirits) I wish I knew in real life. Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits- might be about ayakashi (spirits) in another world, but its biggest star is the mouthwatering Japanese home cooking crafted with love by the show’s protagonist, Aoi. She resides in an otherworldly realm, but Kakuriyo’s characters feel just as human as she does. Throw in a little bit of romance and you’ve got a fantastic series to curl up with after sharing a cozy meal with loved ones yourself. RELATED: Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits- Anime Season 2 Reveals Official Title, Director, Character Visuals Kakuriyo returns for a highly-anticipated new season this fall and it’s just as delightful as ever. Join Aoi, Odanna-sama, Ginji and the staff of Tenjin-ya as they make you feel right at home in a bed and breakfast for spirits. Opening Number “Toryanse” by Nao Toyama kicks off the second season of Kakuriyo with a lively melody that will immediately take up residence in your head. (I can’t help singing along at the start of every episode.) Just as Toyama’s comforting voice makes you smile during the cheerful tune, “Toryanse” breaks into a fierce rap that contrasts perfectly with her charming vocals in the rest of the opening. Combined with quick looks of the ayakashi that Aoi gets to know over the course of the series, a sweet song with a slightly dangerous undertone is the perfect encapsulation of her otherworldly adventures. Here's the Story Aoi Tsubaki is a college student who has the ability to see ayakashi, or spirits. One fateful day, she gives her lunch to a mysterious masked ayakashi. The ogre-god whisks her away to the hidden realm. There he reveals that he’s the Odanna-sama, the owner of a popular inn named Tenjin-ya that was once a favorite of her grandfather. He ran up quite the bill, and as he recently passed away, Odanna-sama insists Aoi pay her grandfather’s debt with her hand in marriage. RELATED: Check Out the Main Cast for the Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits- Stage Play She refuses, naturally, and instead opens a small, cozy restaurant to work off what her grandfather owed. Over plates of delicious, home-cooked meals, Aoi gets to know the denizens of the hidden realm — including Odanna-sama, who has a surprisingly kind heart beneath his prickly exterior. Coziest Character Ginji is a silver-haired nine-tailed fox spirit and the resourceful young master at Tenjin-ya. He always knows how to comfort Aoi when she needs it most. Ginji’s gentle voice explains the inner workings of Tenjin-ya, provides reassurance and defuses almost any tense situation. He’s hard-working and loyal, and he always keeps the promises he makes. RELATED: Tonari no Yokai-san Is the Hidden Gem of the Spring 2024 Season And, in his fox form, Ginji’s a poofy little ball of fluff that your arms are itching to hug tight. Ending Notes Mellow and introspective, Nao Toyama’s “Namida no Recipe” is a lovely way to end the episodes of Kakuriyo ’s second season. It captures a quiet moment of sending feelings out to a loved one, and although it’s tinged with a bit of sadness, the ending song closes on a hopeful note. It’s easy to get the sense that the heartfelt song reaches the person Toyama’s thinking of. RELATED: Elegant Yokai Apartment Life Is Haunting and Heartwarming As Aoi spends time getting to know the inhabitants of the hidden realm, they begin to feel like friends — for both her and the audience. This is one of those rare anime with a wide appeal for different kinds of viewers: those who enjoy learning about Japanese creatures of folklore, romance fans who love a good slow burn relationship, or anyone who likes a dash of political intrigue. If you need a little escape to the hidden realm during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, Aoi and her friends will always welcome you to Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits- ! Join me in the Cozy Anime Corner next month for my latest pick!
