Katanagatari: A NisioIsiN Masterclass No One Talks About Anymore
The Monogatari Series blew up in popularity, particularly after the Studio SHAFT-produced anime adaptation of NisiOIsiN's supernatural mystery novels in 2009. Since then, there have been a few other titles by the author that have enjoyed time in the spotlight, with gorgeous anime adaptations.
Series written by NisiOIsiN that have had anime adapations include the Fall 2021 series, Pretty Boy Detective Club, as well as a masterclass by the author that goes unmentioned – Katanagatari, a series that isn't actually related to the similarly named installments in the Monogatari Series, but features several elements that are characteristic of a quintessential NisiOIsiN work.
A Beginner's Guide To The Monogatari Series
Katanagatari is set in Edo Japan, a landscape lush with vibrant sword fighting styles. Shichika Yasuri, the last head of the Yasuri Clan, practices a unique form of sword fighting in Japan – Kyotо̄ryū; a swordless sword fighting style. The user wields their very body as a blade, but the Kyotо̄ryū school is hidden away deep in the mountains of a certain Japanese island.
Shichika lives in exile on Fushо̄ Island together with his sister Nanami, until a strategist named Togame arrives, claiming to be looking for twelve unique swords called «Deviant Blades», crafted by the legendary swordsmith, Shikizaki Kiki. Sent by the shogunate, Togame sees Shichika's strength as a valuable asset but does not want to blindly follow their orders, having grand ambitions of her own. Together, Shichika and Togame set on an adventure travelling across Japan in search of the Deviant Blades, but face the overwhelming strength of the various enemies they encounter.
The name Katanagatari follows the same trend as those from author NisiOisiN's
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