Watch Child of Kamiari Month

Child of Kamiari Month is a 2021 Japanese anime film that delves into the rich tapestry of Shinto mythology and Japanese folklore, intertwined with a tender narrative of personal growth and emotional healing. Directed by Takana Shirai and produced by Liden Films, the movie invites viewers on a magical journey imbued with cultural depth and heartwarming storytelling.

The film's protagonist, Kanna Hayama, is a young girl who has a deep passion for running, an interest that she shared with her mother. After the tragic loss of her mother, Kanna finds herself struggling with the weight of her grief, which also affects her once joyful pursuit of running. Her life takes an extraordinary turn when she becomes aware of her unique heritage and her connection to the gods, or "kami," of Japanese mythology.

Kanna learns that she is the descendant of a deity lineage, which comes with the cryptic responsibility of performing an ancient and significant ritual. This ritual, which takes place during the Kamiari Month – a time when all the gods gather in the mythical Izumo province – is of great importance to the celestial beings of Shinto belief.

As she embarks on her journey, she encounters a mystical rabbit named Shiro, who becomes her guide and companion. Alongside Shiro, Kanna meets an array of characters, both human and divine, that help unveil the vastness of her cultural heritage. One of them is Yasha, a spirited boy who becomes her unlikely friend and ally. Together, they traverse terrains inspired by the beauty and diversity of Japan’s landscapes and face challenges that test their resolve and determination.

The film is lauded for its meticulously crafted animation that captures the essence of Japan’s scenic beauty, from the lush forests to the tranquil countryside, transporting viewers into a world where nature and the spirit realm converge in visual harmony. The animation also pays homage to traditional Japanese art and aesthetics, showcasing elements such as torii gates, which mark the transition from the physical world to the sacred.

The realm of kami is imaginatively portrayed, with deities drawn from Shinto lore being represented with a modern yet reverent touch. These kami come in various shapes and forms, each embodying different aspects of nature and spirituality. The interactions between humans and these deities are depicted with nuance and sensitivity, highlighting cultural reverence for the natural world and ancestral customs.

The voice cast brings the characters to life, with Mia Sinclair Jenness voicing Kanna in the English dub, infusing the character with both vulnerability and resilience. Mark Allen Jr. voices Yasha, lending a mix of humor and depth to the character, while Luci Christian gives a whimsical charm to Shiro the rabbit. The trio's performances capture the emotional spectrum of the story, from the light-hearted moments of camaraderie to the intense passages of Kanna's inner battles.

The thematic core of Child of Kamiari Month revolves around coping with loss, finding oneself, and the journey toward emotional healing. Kanna's grief is a central piece of the narrative, treated with gentleness and respect. Her character growth is organically intertwined with the magical elements and tasks she faces, suggesting a broader message about the endurance of the human spirit and the transformative power of embracing one’s heritage and personal challenges.

Importantly, the film also explores the universal themes of family, friendship, and belonging, which are narrated through the lens of Japanese culture but resonate on a global scale. The bonds Kanna forges throughout her quest, both with the friends she makes and the spiritual connection she nurtures with her mother's memory, are essential to her development and the unfolding of the plot.

Child of Kamiari Month has received recognition not only for its captivating animation and enchanting storyline but also for its respectful portrayal of Japanese cultural elements, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in an experience that is both educational and emotionally engaging. It strikes a balance between entertaining adventure and profound introspection, making it a film that can be appreciated by both young audiences and adults.

In conclusion, Child of Kamiari Month is a film that masterfully blends fantasy with real-world themes, creating an evocative narrative set against the backdrop of Japan’s rich cultural traditions. It invites viewers to follow Kanna's poignant adventure as she learns to navigate her grief and discovers the power and beauty within herself and the world around her. This anime film offers a touching, mythologically-charged exploration of what it means to come of age in the face of life's trials and tribulations.

Child of Kamiari Month is a 2022 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.