Tengu, Oni, and Friendship: A Deep Dive into the Anime 'Tactics'

Tengu, Oni, and Friendship: A Deep Dive into the Anime 'Tactics'

Author: CTDev September 8, 2025 Duration: 17:38

In this podcast, we take a closer look at the anime series Tactics. We explore its unique Taisho-era setting and the relationship between Kantarou, a folklorist who can see spirits, and Haruka, the legendary Oni-eating Tengu he befriends. We'll discuss the deep roots of Tengu and Oni in Japanese folklore, comparing their traditional myths to how they are portrayed in the show. Join us as we analyze how the anime uses these ancient stories to explore themes of loneliness, identity, and the bond that forms between a human and a powerful supernatural being.

Tags:Tactics anime, Tengu, Oni, Japanese folklore, yōkai, Kantarou Ichinomiya, Haruka, anime analysis, supernatural anime, mythology


Ever wonder where the most compelling characters in your favorite stories truly come from? Kami and Canon-Anime and Manga Lore and Japanese Folklore traces the threads connecting contemporary animation and graphic novels back to their ancient origins. Each episode unpacks a specific myth, legendary creature, or historical archetype-like the cunning yokai or revered kami-and then follows its evolution directly into modern plotlines and character designs. You’ll hear specific examples from popular series, breaking down how a centuries-old folktale about a fox spirit might inform a pivotal manga arc, or how the ethos of a samurai legend echoes in a protagonist’s journey. This isn't just a surface-level comparison; it's a detailed exploration of cultural storytelling that gives these modern works their profound depth and resonance. Created by CTDev, the podcast is built for anyone who loves the rich worlds of anime and manga but has felt curious about the deeper foundations beneath them. The conversation moves seamlessly from the epic to the intimate, offering a new lens through which to appreciate both the old stories and the new. Tune in to discover the hidden mythology woven into the frames and pages you already love, and you might just find your next favorite series waiting in the past.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Kami and Canon - Anime and Manga Lore and Japanese Folklore
Podcast Episodes
Japanese Folklore and Urban Legends in Yamishibai [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:39
In this podcast, we take a closer look at the anime Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories. We discuss its unique art style, which is based on traditional kamishibai paper-scroll storytelling. We'll explore the different typ…
The Soul of Shaman King [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:19
In this podcast, we take a closer look at the anime Shaman King and the real-world beliefs that shape its story. We'll discuss how the series uses Japanese folklore, from the classic samurai ghost, or yūrei, like Amidama…
Beyond the Contract: A Look into the Folklore of Rental Magica [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:49
In this podcast, we're discussing the anime Rental Magica. We'll look past the magician-for-hire business to explore the deep roots of Japanese folklore within the series. We'll talk about the Shinto traditions of Mikan,…
Exploring the Lore of Ghost in the Shell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:48
In this podcast, we take a closer look at the complex world of Ghost in the Shell. We discuss the different timelines, from the original manga to the films and the Stand Alone Complex series. We'll also talk about the ke…
Hell Girl: From Vengeful Ghost to Internet Service [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:16
In this podcast, we explore the anime Hell Girl (Jigoku Shōjo) and its roots in Japanese folklore. We look at the traditional vengeful spirit, the onryō, and discuss how the series transforms this figure into a modern, w…
The Folklore of Durarara!!: An Analysis of Celty and Saika [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:06
In this podcast, we take a look at the supernatural elements within the anime Durarara!!. The discussion focuses on two key figures: Celty Sturluson, the Irish Dullahan, and Saika, the cursed Japanese sword. We explore t…
The Magic of Tokyo Ravens: Onmyōdō and Shikigami [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:08
In this podcast, we explore the magical world of Tokyo Ravens. We'll talk about the real history behind Onmyōdō, the ancient Japanese practice of divination and magic, and the folklore of Shikigami, the spirit servants.…
Folklore, Family, and Fear in Ghost Stories (Gakkou no Kaidan) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:54
In this podcast, we take a closer look at the anime Ghost Stories (Gakkou no Kaidan). We explore how the series draws from a rich history of Japanese folklore, including traditional yōkai and yūrei, to tell its story. Th…