Anime like Tougen Anki are rare gems that we don’t come across often. Yes, it’s not another demon anime with a demon lord and a chosen hero. It’s much more than that. I love how they’ve brought up a bloodline connection to the power levels. It’s crazy, guys — let’s dig in!

The Bloodline War That Changes Everything

If you grew up in Japan or have an understanding of Japanese folklore, then you must have heard the story of Momotarō — a boy who fought Oni (demons) along with his animal companions. But get this — it’s not how it seems. Tougen Anki twists the story into a much more exciting tale of Oni.

In fact, the descendants of Momotarō fear Oni because of their powerful bloodlines. And shocker — Oni are not the villains. It’s the other way around. The mention of powerful bloodlines gave me goosebumps. I love this kind of story, and the Tougen Anki anime did it so well.

Folklore Reborn: The Momotarō Twist

The old Momotarō folklore is reborn in this anime, but with a twist. Momotarō is long gone, but his descendants have forgotten their ways — and now they’ve become the villains. This kind of story, where the so-called villains are actually the oppressed ones, is always a delight to watch.

It’s the thrill of the story that keeps us stuck to the screen. I know you’ll love it.

Shiki Ichinose: The Half-Blood Rebel

Shiki Ichinose is your protagonist, torn between two worlds. He’s half Oni and half human — and it sucks for him. I know the half-bloods are usually awesome with perks from both sides, but for this one, it’s the worst — at least at first.

Imagine being part of two teams, and neither truly accepts you. So, what becomes of you? You’re an outcast. The same happens to the protagonist of Tougen Anki — Shiki Ichinose. He’s loud, emotionally raw, and fueled by a rage that feels profoundly earned. His fight isn’t for some vague concept of justice, but for the right to exist without being hated for his very blood. This makes his struggles intensely relatable and his character growth something you can’t help but invest in.

Blood as Power: A Killer Combat System

Your typical anime has a fixed set of power systems — like cultivation, chakra, mecha, tech, or magic levels. In the case of Tougen Anki, it’s the bloodline that defines your power potential. Each character’s abilities are a direct reflection of their heritage, making every clash feel deeply personal and high-stakes.

The combat is chaotic, visceral, and visually stunning, drawing favorable comparisons to the raw energy of Chainsaw Man and the strategic depth of Jujutsu Kaisen, all while maintaining its own unique, gritty identity.

Heritage, Hate, and Identity

At its core, Tougen Anki is about more than just survival or revenge. It’s about the weight of heritage — what it means to inherit power, hatred, and trauma. The anime dives into identity crises, generational conflict, and the toxic cycle of fear passed down through bloodlines.

My Thoughts — The Next Big Dark Shonen?

All the ingredients are here: a morally complex narrative, a relatable and fiery protagonist, a creative and personal power system, a distinct visual style, and profound thematic weight. Tougen Anki has the potential to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the dark shonen titans currently dominating the scene.

Is it better than Chainsaw Man or Jujutsu Kaisen? Well, that can only be decided by you. I strongly believe — and this is my belief alone — that you cannot judge an anime by someone else’s perspective. Who knows, this might be something made for you and viewers like you. Not everyone is into Chainsaw Man, and not everyone likes One Piece. Thoughts?

FAQs

What is the difference between the manga and the anime version of Tōgen Anki?
The anime gives the manga’s already killer art a fresh coat of paint and a killer soundtrack, but the story’s brutal heart remains perfectly intact.

When and where did the Tōgen Anki anime premiere / release?
It started in October 2024, ready to shake up your seasonal watchlist.

What is the “Blood Eclipse Release” / blood-ability system and how does it work?
It’s a power system where your family tree isn’t just drama, it’s your superpower, literally unleashed through your blood.

Who are the Oni and who are the Momotarō in the story (what’s the conflict about)?
The Oni are the misunderstood monsters trying to survive, and the Momotarō are the “heroes” who really just run a supernatural oppression squad. Kind of like The Boys.

Does the story lean heavily on Japanese folklore and will non-Japanese viewers understand it?
It uses folklore as a launchpad, not a cage, so you’ll get the core story of prejudice and rebellion even if you don’t know much about Oni.

What are some criticisms of Tōgen Anki that fans are talking about (pacing, character development, etc)?
Some folks feel it moves at a breakneck speed, so don’t blink or you might miss a crucial detail or two.

How many volumes of the Togen Anki manga exist, and how far will the anime cover the story?
The manga’s still going strong, and the anime likely covers a solid first chunk to get you properly hooked.

What streaming platforms carry the Togen Anki anime internationally?
You can find it streaming on the usual major platforms—check Crunchyroll or your regional favorite.

Is Tōgen Anki worth watching if I like dark shōnen like Chainsaw Man or Jujutsu Kaisen?
Yes, Togen Anki is retty close to shonen like Chainsaw Man, and Jujutsu Kaisen. And yes, it is worth watching.