Ippou Nippon Mukashibanashi [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

Review: Ippou Nippon Mukashibanashi – A Nostalgic Dive into Japanese Folklore

If you’re into bite-sized anime with a quirky twist, Ippou Nippon Mukashibanashi might just be your next binge-watch. This 2016 ONA (Original Net Animation) series, produced by an unnamed studio (which, honestly, adds to its mysterious charm), delivers 12 episodes of pure, unadulterated Japanese folklore with a modern comedic spin. Each episode clocks in at just 3 minutes, making it perfect for a quick laugh or a dose of cultural nostalgia.

What’s the Deal with This Anime?

The series is a retelling of classic Japanese folktales, but with a twist—think The Simpsons meets Gintama but with even more absurdity. The animation style is simple yet expressive, leaning heavily into exaggerated facial expressions and slapstick humor. It’s clear that the creators didn’t take themselves too seriously, and that’s part of the fun.

From what I’ve gathered, the show aired in Spring 2016, and while it didn’t make waves internationally, it’s gained a cult following among fans who appreciate its offbeat humor and cultural references. The lack of a high-profile studio behind it might explain why it flew under the radar, but sometimes, the best gems are the ones you stumble upon by accident.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Leave It?

Diving into online discussions, the reactions to Ippou Nippon Mukashibanashi are mixed but mostly positive. Here’s what fans are saying:

1. “Short but Sweet” – Many viewers praised the show for its brevity. At 3 minutes per episode, it’s easy to digest, and the humor lands quickly. One fan on MyAnimeList joked, “It’s like a meme in anime form—no filler, just punchlines.”

2. “Cultural Goldmine” – For those interested in Japanese folklore, this series is a treasure trove. It takes well-known tales (like Momotaro or Urashima Taro) and gives them a ridiculous makeover. Some fans admitted they learned more about Japanese myths from this show than from textbooks.

3. “Hit or Miss Humor” – Not everyone was sold on the comedy. A few critics called it “too random” or “hit-or-miss,” with some jokes falling flat if you’re not familiar with the original stories. One Reddit user put it bluntly: “If you don’t get the reference, it’s just weird.”

4. “Dub Drama” – Interestingly, there was some controversy around the English dub (or lack thereof). While the original Japanese audio is widely available, some fans expressed frustration over the absence of an official English dub. One commenter lamented, “Why do platforms gatekeep the original audio? It’s 2023—give us options!”

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re looking for a deep, plot-driven anime, this isn’t it. But if you want something light, fun, and culturally enriching (with a side of absurdity), Ippou Nippon Mukashibanashi is worth checking out. It’s the kind of show you can watch while eating lunch or waiting for your next class to start.

Rating: 7/10 – A quirky, fast-paced romp through Japanese folklore that’s perfect for casual viewing. Just don’t expect Attack on Titan levels of depth.

P.S. If you’re a sub-purist, you might have to do some digging to find the original Japanese audio—but trust me, it’s worth the effort.