- Genre: Action, supernatural, drama, comedy
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Bones
People think that being a God is all fun and games. You know, just because you happen to be an all powerful mystical being, loved and admired by countless people, doesn’t mean you don’t have your own problems. For instance, you could have loved ones that can betray you and let you down. You are not immune to being disappointed in yourself sometimes. It doesn’t mean that you don’t ever feel small or unworthy. But you have to put on a brave front. You’re a God after all, you have responsibilities. People are counting on you. And yet, those same people will carelessly forget you the second they no longer need you. For a lesser known God like Yato, this is a death sentence. Of course, he has to do everything he can just to scrape by. It might just be o.k. though. The greater gods are starting to recognize him now, he even has a temple. If he just keeps trying to help people out he may earn his place. But circumstances keep pushing him back to his old ways. Is it all really coincidence or is someone actively trying to bring back the god of calamity? and if so, why?
Did you guys perchance read my review of the first season? Noragami: Portrait of a Doleful God. I have a peculiar relationship with this show. I can’t help but binge it, seemingly incapable of stopping myself from watching episode after episode. The second season is the opposite. I always take it in slowly. I did still rewatch it for this review. Maybe I shouldn’t have.

Unlike most shows, the technical merits of season 2 were not a great improvement on season 1. The series does have a signature look that’s sustained but once you’re use to it, it’s much less striking. Arogoto features a considerably more action heavy narrative and thankfully, the animation sustains it admirably. Fight scenes are entertaining to watch, chase scenes are exciting! What’s less impressive is artistic consistency. It seems the tradeoff was more frequent and obvious loss of details with camera distance, as well as some very odd looking angles. It wasn’t bad enough to detract from the overall experience, but it is clearly noticeable.
The voice acting in this series was always good. I want to say it got better but I’m not sure. You see, the characters have calmed down a bit, so the performances are more subdued. This appeals more to me personally, but it isn’t an objective improvement. For me, the one clear improvement where the OP and ED. I really loved both of them. The OP is very striking with those dichromatic scenes and looks like it’s full of spoilers but is cleverly misleading. Of course I can’t deny that Hey Kids by The Oral Cigarettes is a great song. The entire thing really pumps you up and gets you ready to take in the episode full of energy and adrenaline.
Once you’re all done, the ED is just a gentle little good night. The sweet song helps sooth any emotional scars the show may have inflicted while the brightly coloured scenes are reminiscent of a fairy tail read to you before bed time, just about promising a happy ending. It’s a perfect wind down that will calm you down and get you ready for the next episode!
I truly enjoyed both. These are perfect examples of well made bookends that work in harmony with the show to enhance the narrative and not just independent show pieces.
When I write reviews I always wonder if I should be coy. Play hard to get and reserve my ultimate judgment for the end. Wait let me rephrase that a bit more accurately. I always think I should tell you at the end. That way you guys have a reason to keep reading and it’s a nice way to wrap things up neatly. But I don’t. I get too excited and spill the beans (sometimes in my summary). My poker face is so bad, I can’t even keep it up in posts. So tell me, did I like Aragoto? Did I prefer it to season 1?
I did – in every possible way. Noragami Aragoto enhances the best season 1 has to offer, irons out most of the kinks, and then gives us even more. You should watch it.
The season is essentially divided into 2 arcs, neither of which are actually about Yato. But you know those gods of calamity just can’t seem to stay out of trouble, can they? The first arc deals with turmoil within Bishamon’s house.
This arc fleshes out some elements put in place in Noragami and revisits the themes of parental bounds and responsibility. Here we finally find out what the history between Bishamon and Yato. We also get a lot more details on the symbiotic relationship between Regalia and Gods. Gods may be helpless without their Regalia but in exchange, they bear the burdens of their sins, failings and pain. This intimate exchange is a beautiful metaphor for parenthood. This mutual dependence means that they will by necessity hurt each other but each is incomplete without the other. It’s a bond that’s completely unique and irreplaceable. And this is why being a Nora (a regalia serving many gods), is such a taboo.

This arc concentrated on Yukine’s point of vue. He’s matured a lot since we last saw him but there are still some growing pains ahead. I couldn’t help but make the obvious parallel between Regalia and Yokai. (I know, I know, technically both kami and regalia are types of Yokai…bear with me) Regalia live along side humans that can’t see them. The world is just spinning along and leaving them behind. Meanwhile, Gods’ entire existence is dependent on humans, yet they rarely ever come together. Humans go about their lives, destroying the world around them and hurting each other, often without even realizing it, while Gods and Regalia run around trying to clean up the mess without even a thank you in exchange. Hoping for blind, unipersonal devotion but never creating any real connection.
In my notes I wrote that humans are to Yokai as food is to chronic overeaters. Yokai both hate and love humans. They are one of the most important things in their world. They bring sorrow and troubles, yet they can’t be avoided. Humans are vital to the survival of the Yokai world around them. At least in Noragami. This is another interesting relationship. The notion of hurting most those we love most comes up time and again. You may have noticed, I’m a sucker for the bitter sweet.
As a side note, Bishamon is a pretty crier.
The second arc moves to focus more on Yato as he gets tangled up with Ebisu. Yato has a difficult family situation as well, and it seems his father has some type of interest in the disturbance being caused by the god of fortune. In a way, this arc is almost independent of what comes before. Obviously, you may be a bit confused if you don’t know the characters but overall, it’s a stand-alone story about Ebisu’s questionable search for a better world. These episodes mercilessly toy with our expectations. Perceived antagonists suddenly reveal themselves righteous then menacing again. Loyalties are tested on very level.
![[Kenyot] Noragami Aragoto Episode 12.mkv_snapshot_10.48_[2015.12.19_11.34.26]](https://i0.wp.com/drunkenanimeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Kenyot-Noragami-Aragoto-Episode-12.mkv_snapshot_10.48_2015.12.19_11.34.26.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
There are some pretty depressing themes explored here but the emphasis on relentless action keeps the plot form ever becoming painful. We also delve deeper than ever before into traditional Japanese folklore. I don’t know about you, but I found it fascinating. It’s something I always love to see in a series. Do you guys want me to do more posts about Japanese myths or culture as they relate to particular shows? I never know if these things interest anyone other than me.
I feel a little kneecapped by the plot. Trying to properly explain exactly what I loved so much about Noragami Aragoto is likely to spoil some things which I would rather avoid. Let me try to summarize it. Aragoto mixes classic myths with modern anxieties to explain what makes the people that come into our lives special. It sprinkles humour into stoic drama and wraps it all up in thick heart pounding action. It doesn’t sugar coat anything but doesn’t dwell on the tragic. It has a really fantastic cliffhanger ending that will make you want to hold your breath until season 3 comes out, and yet the story wraps up perfectly.
I really liked Noragami Aragoto – I think you would like it too. Maybe I shouldn’t have rewatched it. Now I once again have to fight the urge to buy all the manga.
Favorite character: Kazuma, he does what needs to be done (very curious about Yato’s dad)
What this anime taught me: There’s honour in knowing how to fail
“The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind.”
Suggested drink: Daddy Issues
- Every time Yukine is in sword form – take a shot
- Every time Bishanon is naked – blusht
- Every time Yato gets no respect – take a shot
- Every time we see an eye motif – take a deep breath
- Every time anyone gets drunk – join them
- Every time anyone gets blighted – take a shot
- Every time Hiyori does a wrestling move – cheer
- Every time we see a water drop – ask yourself about the significance of water motifs in anime
- Every time we see a mask – take a shot
- Every time Yato is forgotten – reassure him through the screen
I watched about half of the first season simulcast and “dropped” it to binge later. Thanks for reminding me. Now I have two seasons to binge! I loved the summary wrap up in the last paragraph – great little succinct reasons to watch this show.
Speaking for myself, I love folklore and I love exploring how folklore (of all countries) influence and resurface in modern works. Feel free to explore any and all mythic themes. I will read and enjoy. 😀
SCORE!
this was such a good article! now I am definitely watching this! love your writing! have a nice day! 🙂
Hey, nice writeup Irina! I certainly enjoyed this show (and this season); after all, I did write a review of my own around 2 months ago 😉 After seeing the series, I’m very much hoping we get a third season at some point, simply because it feels as if there’s more to be told here in this universe and story, and perhaps moreso about Yato, who with each answered question has another 3 mysteries to him. Darn solid show, and season…and as other have said, fantastic OP. Definitely a favorite of mine!
Yeah – I think I’m the last blogger to review it. But hey – better late than never…
Indeed! Honestly, I don’t really care too much when or in what order I review shows, so long as the readers enjoy it. And I can tell you I enjoyed this 🙂
Aww thank you!
You’re welcome, one writer to another!
I only dimly remember the Ebisu arc, but the Bishamonten arc was *very* memorable.
I do love myth tie-ins.
Also, I know it’s aragoto, but I always think arigatou (these things happen when you don’t really know a language, and sometimes even if you do).
That’s exactly why I had to look up what Aragoto meant. I figured giving context to the word would make me remember it better. (Like Noragami in fact)
I agree completely Noragami Aragoto was awesome, and i hope a new season will come.
I also really feel that Aragoto stepped up from the first season (and I really loved the first season). It was everything I loved about the series but felt like it was on more solid ground and that they’d really found their footing. Still really want another season though. This story is great.
one of the greatest cliffhangers ever
Lucky me! Another review I don’t have to write because someone did it better than I would!
Working on a much more thorough review of FLCL Progressive now that I’ve seen it twice.
Someday we ought to do a collaboration.
You flatter me sir. Please go on! I am curious about FLCL so i can’t wait to see what you have to say and Yes, yes we should
I’m doing FLCL Progressive from the Adult Swim Web Site. FLCL Alternative is being released one ep. a week. So far it has less sexuality in its content. Four girls and no boys at all in ep 1, so maybe this is the shoujo-ai version. They probably don’t have the balls to do a full-on yuri or yaoi version.
I saved a short clip from the show on my Vimeo account and almost immediately got a nastygram for copyright infringement. Not sure if I want to go to the effort of challenging it. I might think it is fair use for a review that I hadn’t even done yet but I am sure that someone will disagree. If a clip is a violation, then why would a frame grab not also be a violation?
yes it would. But IP rights are holder enforceable. As long as the copyright holder doesn’t enforce their rights then it’s fine. And since to are giving free publicity to the show – they might not want to enforce those rights, you know
FLCL Progressive is done. Took 8 solid hours.
Can we just have another season of Noragami please? PLEASE? You writing this reminded me why I loved Aragoto so much. Maybe I should rewatch it soon.
Yes! We need one so bad
Awwww I also loooved this anime and the OST -< I am in for more japanese myth and folklore posts \o/
I really should put one togther soon.
Just the old language used in Norogami is so great
No joke, Hey Kids! is one of the reasons why I got into anime. I was so pumped by the song that I just thought “screw it” and went to watch the seasons 1 and 2 so I could have an excuse to listen to it 12 more times.
Also, that “kiss” and Hiyori’s disgusted reaction to it in the next episode was genuinely one of the most uncomfortable scenes in anime to me, and the reveal of who it really was just made it even more vile.
I played that song on a loop for a week