Spirits of the Underworld (Yomi no Tsugai) – First Impressions

The spring 2026 anime season has kicked off, and one of the debuting series is Spirits of the Underworld (Yomi no Tsugai). This marks the latest adaptation from Hiromu Arakawa, a mangaka renowned for works like Fullmetal Alchemist. Produced by Studio Bones and directed by Masahiro Ando, the series centers on the concept of Daemons, supernatural entities that operate in pairs and can only be commanded by certain humans. In our initial look at Yomi no Tsugai, we'll explore whether it has the potential to be one of the standout anime series of 2026.

Past and Present Collide

The narrative of Yomi no Tsugai begins in a remote village that, at first glance, appears to be set in a historical Japanese era, possibly the Sengoku period. Yuru, the protagonist, works as a craftsman and hunter, while his twin sister, Asa, is confined to a cell, fulfilling a mystical "duty" for the community. However, this world, reminiscent of the past, is not entirely rooted in it.

The tranquility of Yuru's village—and his perception of reality—is shattered by the arrival of a paramilitary force. This army invades the village equipped with helicopters, firearms, and modern attire. This scene is striking for its violent disruption of the feudal aesthetic and simultaneously reveals that Yuru's village is, in fact, an artificially isolated and preserved environment. The attack is not merely a display of physical might; it exposes that the figure Yuru believed to be his sister is actually a decoy. Meanwhile, the real Asa emerges as part of the invading army.

Another pivotal moment in the early episodes of Spirits of the Underworld (Yomi no Tsugai) is the activation of the "Stone Guardians." When Yuru summons them, they transform into his personal Daemons. Thus far, the story presents a conflict of interests where there's no clear moral distinction between the factions. Both the villagers and the invaders seek control over Yuru due to his lineage. Consequently, Yuru does not embark on a typical hero's journey of voluntary adventure. Instead, his path begins with a violent expulsion from his reality.

Bones is Synonymous with Quality

In terms of animation, Studio Bones consistently delivers, prioritizing fluid combat sequences. The art direction, overseen by Tatsuro Onishi, employs an organic and warm color palette for the village's daily life, contrasting sharply with the cold, metallic, and dark tones of the modern enemy forces. Furthermore, the Daemon designs eschew humanoid forms, opting for elements that blend stone and spirit, adhering to Arakawa's original artistic style. The animation showcases a moderate yet effective use of dynamic camera techniques during forest chases and aerial helicopter battles, all without becoming visually overwhelming.

The sound design in Yomi no Tsugai plays a crucial narrative role. In the series' early moments, traditional instrumentation predominates, reinforcing the atmosphere of ancient Japan. However, with the arrival of external forces, the soundtrack integrates electronic elements and faster rhythms to accompany the military and technological incursion. The sound design is meticulous in differentiating noises; the sounds of helicopters and gunfire are intentionally layered over the music to create a sense of invasion.

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With only a couple of episodes released, it's too early to definitively declare this the best anime of 2026. However, the quality of animation and direction from Studio Bones, a studio no stranger to adapting Arakawa's work, is undeniable. Therefore, this collaboration makes us confidently recommend watching the first season of Yomi no Tsugai, a manga currently being serialized.

Episode Release Schedule for the First Season of Spirits of the Underworld (Yomi no Tsugai)

The first season of Spirits of the Underworld will consist of a total of 24 episodes, divided into two consecutive parts. The first half will air weekly until June 20th, followed by a brief hiatus the week of June 27th to facilitate the transition between the spring and summer television quarters. The second half will commence on July 4th with episode 13, maintaining its regular pace until the season concludes—barring any last-minute breaks—on September 19th, 2026.

Release Dates for the First Part of Yomi no Tsugai Episodes:

• Episode 1: April 4
• Episode 2: April 11
• Episode 3: April 18
• Episode 4: April 25
• Episode 5: May 2
• Episode 6: May 9
• Episode 7: May 16
• Episode 8: May 23
• Episode 9: May 30
• Episode 10: June 6
• Episode 11: June 13
• Episode 12: June 20

Release Dates for the Second Part of Spirits of the Underworld Episodes:

• Episode 13: July 4
• Episode 14: July 11
• Episode 15: July 18
• Episode 16: July 25
• Episode 17: August 1
• Episode 18: August 8
• Episode 19: August 15
• Episode 20: August 22
• Episode 21: August 29
• Episode 22: September 5
• Episode 23: September 12
• Episode 24: September 19

First impressions of Spirits of the Underworld (Yomi no Tsugai) were made with early access provided by Crunchyroll.