Mission: Yozakura Family

A traumatized young man must learn to become a spy--and a husband.

Source: Manga

Genre(s): Action, comedy, romance.

Category: Shonen

Platform: Disney+ (Canada)

Release Date: April 7th, 2024

Getting a Dub?: Unknown

Why I Picked It:

Spies are something I've always wanted to get into in a storytelling sense, yet I've never succeeded in finding something spy related that really, deeply gelled with me. But being a spy mixed with being a high school boy, finding up 'married' to your best friend (whom you seem to like) while also reeling with the loss of your parents and brother? That sounds like it has some emotional weight behind it that can lend some impact to the more silly spy hijinx that are likely to be present here. On top of that, add a cast of crazy siblings with unique abilities and there is the potential for something unique and funny here.

(Summary From MyAnimeList)

High school student Taiyou Asano has been socially inept ever since his family died in a car crash. The only person he can properly interact with is his childhood friend, Mutsumi Yozakura—the head of the world's strongest family of spies. Mutsumi's eldest brother, Kyouichirou Yozakura, has been overprotective of her ever since he once rendered her severely injured. His love for Mutsumi is lethal, and Taiyou is his next target. To survive, Taiyou must marry Mutsumi and become a member of the Yozakura family. Thrown headfirst into chaos, Taiyou begins his journey to become a powerful spy in order to protect his wife and uncover the dark secrets of his past and the Yozakura family.

(This is a review in progress)

Mission Yozakura Family is a quirky comedic adventure about a young man learning to become a spy and dealing with some extremely drastic changes in his life. It focuses on the growth of its main character, Taiyo, both as a spy and as a partner for his best-friend-turned-wife, Mutsumi. The idea of two high schoolers being a married couple is far from where the kookiness of this show ends, though.

Mutsumi's siblings, along with a host of other characters in this fictional universe, are born with abilities akin to the characters of something like My Hero Academia. Except, unlike those characters, these ones have powers that would be befitting of being a super-powered spy. Steel webbing that can be used to wrap someone up, the ability to ingest and neutralize poisons, a John Wick level of proficiency with fire arms, and the ability to utilize video games and hacking to do battle are among the cool things on display here. 

The show does a fantastic job of balancing this bizarre world of spy-vs-spy action while also mixing in heartfelt moments between Taiyo and Mutsumi, the various Yozakura siblings, and Taiyo's slowly unfolding quest to find out exactly what happened to his family when it becomes apparent that their deaths may not have been the accident he first assumed. 

The two big caveats I would give anyone thinking about checking this out are the reality that the eldest sibling, Kyoichiro, has a sis-con obsession with Mutsumi (he literally has a shrine to her, and constantly tries to find ways to split her and Taiyo up) while the disguise sibling has a habit of running around in the nude. This latter thing has only happened once and nothing of real consequence was shown, but it still might not be suitable for all audiences, so I'm putting it here so you can decide. 

Mission Yozakura Family is slated to be a 27 episode long, two season / cour show, so I am refraining from giving it a score at this time. That said, I've watched ten episodes at the time of this writing and have enjoyed the show quite a bit. It definitely gets a recommendation from me if you are looking for something with a healthy dose of action and comedy. 

Re:Monster Episode Discussions

 What would you do if you were reborn as a Goblin?

Source: Manga
Genre(s): Isekai, Action, Adventure
Category: Shonen
Platform: Crunchyroll
Release Date: April 1st, 2024
Getting a Dub?: Yes
Triggers: Violence, blood, sexual content, implied rape.

Summary:

After meeting an untimely death, Tomokui Kanata is reincarnated as a lowly goblin, but he’s worked up a monstrous appetite. Thanks to his new ability that allows him to grow stronger the more he feeds, his feeble status quickly changes, and he rises to become the goblin leader. With a mix of his past memories, new body, and strong stomach, he’s taking a bite out of this new fantastical world!.

Episodes

Episode 1

Reincarnated as the baby goblin Gobrou, our once human MC must figure out how to survive in a harsh, eat or be eaten world. Fortunately, he has retained the memories of his past life, and an innate skill that lets him claim the abilities of anyone or anything that he eats. Will this help him rise to the top, or will he be trampled under the rules that uphold this monstrous world?

 

Episode 2

Gobrou sets some ground rules for the Goblins when it comes to forcing themselves on human women: hands off. This leads to him becoming very popular with one red-haired human lady...and his 'long time' friend Gobmi. Later, he puts his life on the line in a fierce battle against the Red Bear. When his magic fails to take the bear out, Gobrou will have to give the battle everything he has unless he wants to become dinner.

Spring 2024 Anime Watch List

Spring anime season is just around the corner, so I figured it's time to make a post about all the things I'm going to be watching this season. This post is intended to be linked into my episode discussions section for future referencing. For my more flashy spring preview page, please click watching on the top menu bar.

A Condition Called Love 

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

Hotaru Hinase is a first-year high school student who treasures her family and friends above all else. Unable to understand romance, she decides she will be content living without the experience of falling in love.

While Hotaru is spending time at a cafe with her close friend, she witnesses the relentless breakup of a handsome honor student, Hananoi. Encountering him sitting alone in the snow on her way home, she extends her umbrella to him in a gesture of kindness.

The very next day, Hananoi appears in Hotaru's classroom, asking her to be his girlfriend. Despite being rejected, Hananoi sticks closely by Hotaru's side, performing selfless acts in hopes of pleasing her. Hotaru begins to feel emotions she had never felt before. Believing that these emotions could blossom into love, Hotaru agrees to date Hananoi.

An Archdemon's Bilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

When the sorcerer Zagan decides to participate in an auction selling the goods of the now dead Archdemon Marchosias, he expects to find items of untold power. What he finds instead is a rare white-haired slave elf named Nephilia, and he immediately spends all his money to purchase her, much to the bewilderment of those around him. However, the secret reason behind Zagan's investment was that he had actually fallen in love with her at first sight.

Unfortunately, Zagan has a problem: he is socially inept and has no idea how to express his true feelings, leading to many misunderstandings between him and his new companion. But slowly, the two begin to understand each other, and love begins to bloom.

Bartender: Glass of God

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

Hidden in the backstreets of the Ginza district is Eden Hall, a lone bar operated by Ryuu Sasakura, the prodigy bartender who is said to mix the most incredible cocktails anyone has ever tasted. However, not just anyone can find Eden Hall; rather, it is Eden Hall that must find you. Customers of varying backgrounds, each plagued with their own troubles, wander into this bar. Nevertheless, Ryuu always knows the ideal cocktail to console and guide each distraught soul.

Demon Slayer: Hashira Training Arc

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

The adventures of Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Nezuko, and the rest of the Demon Slayer cast continue. Now that Muzan is aware of the fact that Nezuko has conquered the sun, there is no doubt he will come to claim and consume her. The Demon Slayer Core must be ready to defend Nezuko, or risk the unthinkable--Muzan being able to withstand sunlight. The clock is ticking and it's time for everyone to unlock their mark. 

Grandma and Grandpa Turn Young Again

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

Shouzou and Ine Saitou have been happily married for as long as they can remember. Even in their old age with wrinkles and cracking limbs, the strength of this love is evident by their precious bond. And then, randomly one day, they wake up to find they are young again!

Despite their newfound youthful and attractive bodies, Shouzou and Ine remain the same as ever. Jiisan Baasan Wakagaeru follows the young old couple as they go about their daily lives, spend time with family, and defy the expectations of the youngsters.

Kaiju No. 8

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

Grotesque, Godzilla-like monsters called "kaijuu" have been appearing around Japan for many years. To combat these beasts, an elite military unit known as the Defense Corps risks their lives daily to protect civilians. Once a creature is killed, "sweepers"—working under the Professional Kaijuu Cleaner Corporation—are left to dispose of its remains.

Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old man, is unsatisfied with his job as a sweeper. From a young age, he has aspired to join the Defense Corps and kill kaijuus for a living. After a few failed attempts, however, he gave up on his dreams and resigned himself to the mediocrity that provided a decent paycheck. Nevertheless, when an ambitious, 18-year-old recruit named Leno Ichikawa joins his cleaning team, Kafka is once again reminded of his desire to join the military.

Following a chain of unfortunate events and an interaction with the junior sweeper, Kafka encounters a parasite-type kaijuu that forces its way in through his mouth—turning him into a humanoid monster. With his newfound powers, Kafka aims to give his lifelong dream a final try.

KonoSuba

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

Season three of the beloved Isekai comedy adventure is almost here. The dysfunctional party is back, but they may be short a member soon ’cause Kazuma is over it. Disillusioned with adventure, he wants to become a monk, but Aqua, Megumin, and Darkness call bull. However, the career dispute gets put on hold when a princess requests to hear all about their tales. Will the taste of fame at the royal castle keep them together or will this mark their farewell tour?

Mission: Yozakura Family

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

High school student Taiyou Asano has been socially inept ever since his family died in a car crash. The only person he can properly interact with is his childhood friend, Mutsumi Yozakura—the head of the world's strongest family of spies. Mutsumi's eldest brother, Kyouichirou Yozakura, has been overprotective of her ever since he once rendered her severely injured. His love for Mutsumi is lethal, and Taiyou is his next target. To survive, Taiyou must marry Mutsumi and become a member of the Yozakura family. Thrown headfirst into chaos, Taiyou begins his journey to become a powerful spy in order to protect his wife and uncover the dark secrets of his past and the Yozakura family.

My Hero Academia

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

In an increasingly darkening world, Deku and his friends in class 1A must continue to do all they can to help the rest of hero society deal with the threat of Tomura Shigaraki and All For One. With the fate of the world increasingly in the balance, will they be able to bring back stability and peace? Will Deku reach a point where he can truly say, with confidence, "I am here."? 

Re: Monster

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

After meeting an untimely death, Tomokui Kanata is reincarnated as a lowly goblin, but he’s worked up a monstrous appetite. Thanks to his new ability that allows him to grow stronger the more he feeds, his feeble status quickly changes, and he rises to become the goblin leader. With a mix of his past memories, new body, and strong stomach, he’s taking a bite out of this new fantastical world!.

Spice and Wolf

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

Lawrence is a traveling merchant selling various goods from a horse-drawn cart. One day, he arrives at a village and meets a beautiful girl with the ears and tail of an animal! Her name is Holo the Wisewolf and she brings bountiful harvests. She wishes to return to her homeland, and Lawrence offers to take her. Now, the once-lonely merchant and the once-lonely wisewolf begin their journey north.

The Misfit of Demon King Academy

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

The second cour of season two for The Misfit of Demon King Academy is almost here. It's almost time to join Anos and his friends again as their adventures continue. (Note: this description will be updated when possible.)

Unnamed Memory

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

"My wish as champion is for you to descend the tower and be my wife." Climbing a deadly tower, Oscar seeks the power of its master, the Witch of the Azure Moon. He hopes her incredible magic can break a curse that will kill any woman he takes for a wife. When the prince sees how beautiful Tinasha is, though, he has a better idea—since she's surely strong enough to survive his curse, she should just marry him instead! Tinasha isn't keen on the idea, but agrees to live with Oscar in the royal castle for a year while researching the spell placed on the prince. The witch's pretty face hides several lifetimes of dark secrets, however—secrets that begin resurfacing...

Vampire Dormitory

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 

Mito Yamamoto is a beautiful man, so much so that women swarm the restaurant he works at daily. When the restaurant owner decides that he has had enough, he fires Mito, leaving him unemployed and with no place to call home.

Soon after, Mito happens upon a cafe and receives a cut on the hand from broken glass. A strange man named Ruka Saotome takes Mito aside to presumably tend to the injury, but instead, he licks away Mito's blood, remarking that it tastes disgusting before asking Mito to leave. Later that night, Mito accidentally slips off the roof of a building and is caught by Ruka, who reveals himself to be a vampire.

Ruka explains that a man's blood tastes disgusting, and the blood of someone unloved has an even worse flavor. However, Ruka cannot drink from girls, so he has been looking for a beautiful boy to become his thrall. He proposes that Mito fill this role and that he allow Ruka's affections to "ripen" his blood. Mito accepts and begins living with Ruka in the Hijirigaoka Boys' Academy dormitory. However, there is just one problem in all this: Mito is actually a girl!

Viral Hit

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Bullied by his classmate and popular Newtube streamer Pakgo, Yoo Hobin's high school days are filled with humiliation and abuse. His troubles don't end there though; outside of school, Hobin slaves away at a part-time job to pay for his mother's hospital bills. One day, Hobin accidentally spills ramen on Pakgo's cameraman "Jiksae," tripping over a cord and disconnecting the other boy from his gaming stream. Finally fed up with his miserable lifestyle, Hobin fights back and ends up in a pathetic brawl with Jiksae.

The next morning, it is revealed that the camera from Jiksae's stream had been recording the two boys' entire embarrassing fight. Moreover, the footage was accidentally uploaded to Newtube and had gone viral overnight, earning Hobin a whopping ten million won from viewership.

Drawn to the money Newtube streaming can offer him and his mother, Hobin works together with unlikely ally Jiksae to produce more videos of him fighting and see how far Newtube streaming can take them. Taking on bullies like Pakgo and other seemingly unsurpassable opponents, Hobin will either rise to the top of the streaming world or finally meet a foe he can't outsmart.

Wind Breaker

Episodes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Haruka Sakura wants nothing to do with weaklings—he's only interested in the strongest of the strong. He's just started at Furin High School, a school of degenerates known only for their brawling strength—strength they use to protect their town from anyone who wishes it ill. But Haruka's not interested in being a hero or being part of any sort of team—he just wants to fight his way to the top!