Was interested in watching this show after seeing its promotional trailer since it looked similar to last season’s “Gingitsune”, a romantic comedy with supernatural elements, full of cuteness and warm moments.
Adapted from the original “いなり、こんこん、恋いろは” manga by Morohe Yoshida, “Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha” has been a lovely show so far. Even though I compare it to “Gingitsune” which is still fresh in my memories having aired the previous season, “Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha” has more emphasis on romance.
Then again, all the comedy and silliness surrounding Inari’s powers and the various deities is reminiscent of “Kamichu!”, while the relationship between Inari and deity Uka is not unlike the bond between the Takagami brothers and Kuugen seen in “Wagaya no Oinari-sama”.
However, in no way does “Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha” feel like a simple mix of various elements taken from other franchises, instead it is a solid story set in its own proper world with elements that are familiar to seasoned anime viewers.
Not being familiar with the manga, do wonder where the story will go, since it does have the potential for some interesting choices concerning the fact that Inari has been given powers from deity Uka. Will Inari be able to life a happy but finite life as a human? Or will she become a sort of deity herself and forever remain alongside Uka?
Independent of the obvious innocent teenage romance between Inari and Kouji, the relationship Inari has with Uka is definitely one of the show’s highlights, so am quite curious to see how it will develop.
Animation by studio Production IMS is excellent, and although it isn’t extraordinary, it is perfectly fit for a slice-of-life or romantic comedy genre show such as this one, and up to par with the overall animation level seen in similar series like “Kamichu!”, “Gingitsune” or “Wagaya no Oinari-sama”.
Cute Inari is voiced by Ouzora Naomi who also voiced Sue in “Genshiken Nidaime” and Yuriga in “Ore no Nounai Sentakushi ga, Gakuen Rabu Kome o Zenryoku de Jama Shiteiru”.
Fox deity Uka is voiced by Kuwashima Houko, she previously voiced Yuki in “Space Battleship Yamato 2199”, Tomoyo in “Clannad”, Kaguya in “Shining Hearts”, Kirika in “Noir” and she also voices Scarlet in this season’s “Space Dandy”.
Nomizu Iori voices Akemi, she also voiced Funco in “Upotte!”, Nymph in “Sora no Otoshimono”, Haruna in “Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?” and Usagi in “Mondaiji tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru sou desu yo?”.
Tomboyish Keiko, who becomes Akemi’s love interest, is voiced by Ikebe Kumiko, who doesn’t seem to have many other roles credited to her name yet.
Bespectacled Chika is voiced by Sadohara Kaori who also voiced Shigu in “Upotte!”, Sandra in “Mondaiji tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru sou desu yo?” and Chocolat in “Ore no Nounai Sentakushi ga, Gakuen Rabu Kome o Zenryoku de Jama Shiteiru”.
Although both series do have key differences, “Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha” has taken over the slot that last season’s “Gingitsune” held in my weekly anime line-up as the token heartwarming slice-of-life comedy with supernatural deity shenanigans.
If you are looking for that type of series to watch, then definitely give this show a try!
