OVA
Description
"Ushio & Tora" is a supernatural action anime based on the manga by Kazuhiro Fujita. The story centers on Ushio Aotsuki, a teenage boy who discovers a mysterious and ancient spear embedded in a stone in his family's storage shed. Upon removing the spear, he inadvertently releases Tora, a powerful and ferocious yokai (demon) who had been sealed away for centuries. Tora, a beast-like creature with immense strength and a voracious appetite, initially seeks to devour Ushio but is thwarted by the spear's power, which Ushio wields. The spear, known as the Beast Spear, grants Ushio enhanced abilities and binds Tora to his service, creating an uneasy alliance between the two.

As Ushio and Tora navigate their forced partnership, they encounter a variety of supernatural threats, including malevolent yokai and other entities that threaten humanity. Ushio, driven by a sense of justice and responsibility, seeks to protect people from these dangers, while Tora, motivated by his desire to regain freedom and satisfy his hunger, reluctantly aids him. Their journey takes them across Japan, where they face increasingly powerful foes, uncover the origins of the Beast Spear, and delve into the history of yokai and their interactions with humans.

Key characters include Asako Nakamura, Ushio's childhood friend and love interest, who becomes involved in the supernatural conflicts; Mayuko Inoue, a classmate with a deep interest in folklore and the occult; and Hyou, a mysterious figure with ties to the Beast Spear's legacy. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the coexistence of humans and yokai, culminating in a climactic battle against Hakumen no Mono, a primordial and malevolent entity that poses a grave threat to the world.

The series balances intense action sequences with moments of humor and character development, particularly in the evolving dynamic between Ushio and Tora. Their relationship shifts from mutual antagonism to a grudging respect and eventual camaraderie as they face shared challenges. The anime adapts the manga's storyline faithfully, delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative that appeals to fans of supernatural and action genres.
Information
Ushio & Tora
うしおととら
Type: OVA
Anime episodes: 10
Movie/episode length: 30 min.
Date: 04/15/1992 – 04/15/1993
Categories
Genre
AdventureActionGhost StoriesHorrorComedy
Tags
Demons
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Episodes
Staffel 1
1The Fathful Meeting of Ushio & Tora
2Ishikui, the Stone Eater
3Hyou
4Scorching, Spinning Wheel
5Gamin: Tora Goes to the City (Part 1)
6Gamin: Tora Goes to the City (Part 2)
7The Mysterious Sea (Part 1)
8The Mysterious Sea (Part 2)
9Insanity of the Wind (Part 1)
10Insanity of the Wind (Part 2)
Comment(s)
Staff
  • Director
    Kunihiko Yuyama
  • Storyboard
    Takao Kato
    Kunihiko Yuyama
    Sumio Watanabe
    Masamitsu Hidaka
    Hirohito Ochi
    Takashi Ikehata
    Jun Fukuda
  • Music
    Shirō Sagisu
    Kei Wakakusa
  • Character Design
    Norihiro Matsubara
  • Chief Animation Director
    Norihiro Matsubara
  • Sound Director
    Masafumi Mima
  • Executive producer
    Masamichi Fujiwara
    Isamu Asami
    Fuminori Shishido
  • Screenplay
  • Episode Director
    Takao Kato
    Sumio Watanabe
    Masamitsu Hidaka
    Hirohito Ochi
    Takashi Ikehata
    Jun Fukuda
    Mihiro Yamaguchi
  • Original Manga
  • Art Director
    Yoshio Ito
  • Animation Director
    Toshimitsu Kobayashi
    Atsushi Aono
    Masatomo Sudō
    Kazuaki Mōri
    Ken Ueno
    Hideaki Matsuoka
    Minoru Chikita
    Koichi Kana
  • Director of Photography
    Motoaki Ikegami
  • Producer
    Hiroshi Takao
    Tatsuo Ooba
    Fumiro Ueda
Production
  • Production
    Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions
    TOHO
    OB Planning
    Toshiba EMI
  • Animation Production
    Pastel
Music
Opening
Ep. 1-6
“Brave Fighter”
Ep. 7-10
“The Beast Spear”
“Kedamono no yari”
Ending
Ep. 1-6
“Dear My Best Friend”
Ep. 7-10
“Someone is Aiming You”
“Dareka ga omae o neratteru”
Insert songs
Ep. 4
“Ichiban Hajime wa Ichinomiya" (一番はじめは一の宮)”