Chuuzenji-sensei Mononoke Kougiroku: Sensei ga Nazo wo Hodoite Shimau kara [Season 1 Episode 1]

Review: Chuuzenji-sensei Mononoke Kougiroku: Sensei ga Nazo wo Hodoite Shimau kara – Episode 1

A Mysterious Start with a Quirky Duo

The first episode of Chuuzenji-sensei Mononoke Kougiroku: Sensei ga Nazo wo Hodoite Shimau kara (or The Mononoke Lecture Logs of Chuzenji-sensei: He Just Solves All the Mysteries) kicks off with a blend of school life, supernatural hints, and detective-style problem-solving. Set in post-war Tokyo (specifically 1948, as some fans passionately pointed out), the show introduces us to Kanna, a high school girl with a strong sense of justice, and Akihiko Chuuzenji, an enigmatic teacher who seems to have a knack for unraveling mysteries.

Right off the bat, the dynamic between Kanna and Chuuzenji is the highlight. Kanna is earnest and determined, while Chuuzenji is calm, collected, and almost unnervingly perceptive. Fans on MyAnimeList and other forums have already latched onto their chemistry, with comments like, “Their duo is going to be fun to follow!” and “I love how expressive the characters are, especially our leads.”

The Mystery: Lighthearted but Intriguing

The episode revolves around a ghostly rumor haunting Kanna’s friend. What starts as a typical high school ghost story quickly turns into a logical puzzle, thanks to Chuuzenji’s sharp mind. Unlike darker supernatural anime like In/Spectre, this show leans more into light detective work, which some viewers found refreshing. One fan described it as “a philosophical Scooby-Doo,” while another joked, “You thought you were here for ghosts? Nah, here’s some detective work instead.”

The mystery itself isn’t groundbreaking—some fans called it “run-of-the-mill”—but the execution keeps things engaging. Chuuzenji’s methodical approach contrasts with Kanna’s emotional investment, making their interactions a joy to watch.

Visuals and Atmosphere

The art style is clean and expressive, with a slightly nostalgic touch that fits the post-war setting. However, not everyone was sold on the visuals. One critic noted, “It feels too bright compared to the darker tone of the original novels.” Meanwhile, others praised the OP (by HoneyWorks feat. KAF) and ED (by Sizuk) as “decent” additions that set the mood well.

Fan Reactions: Mixed but Mostly Positive

The episode sparked lively discussions online. Some viewers were pleasantly surprised:
– “This wasn’t at all what I expected, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise.”
– “I’m excited to see the next ep—it was so so good!”

Others had reservations, especially those familiar with the Kyōgokudō novel series (which this anime serves as a prequel to). One fan lamented, “This is bad, even on a production level. Drop.” Meanwhile, history buffs got into heated debates about the accuracy of the post-war timeline (“1948 was NOT ‘right after the war’!”).

Final Thoughts: A Promising Start

While Chuuzenji-sensei Mononoke Kougiroku might not reinvent the mystery genre, its charm lies in the lead duo and their quirky dynamic. If you’re looking for a light, detective-style anime with a sprinkle of supernatural flair, this could be your next watch. As one fan put it, “It’s quirky slice of life, and I like the main character.”

Rating: 7.5/10 – A solid debut with room to grow. Looking forward to more mysteries (and maybe some ghosts) in the next episode!

What did you think of the first episode? Let me know in the comments!