The animated film “Inuō” is adapted from Furukawa Hideo’s 2017 novel “The Tale of the Heike: The Scroll of Inuō,” inspired by the Noh actor Inuō. Director Yuasa brings the story’s deep empathy for those left out of history to life with a modern touch.

In the Muromachi period, the Ashikaga shogunate removed parts of The Tale of the Heike that did not suit them, leaving only the official version. Inuō and Tomari turn the Heike clan’s hidden pain into music, symbolizing a history that could have been and encouraging us to imagine what was lost.

One of the most memorable parts is how Tomomori’s name changes. He starts as Tomona, a fisherman’s son, becomes Tomoi as a biwa player, and finally chooses the name Tomomori himself. This act of declaring “I am here” is at the heart of the story.

A New Kind of Musical Anime: Music and Voice Create a Moving Experience

It’s hard to ignore how well “Inuō” works as a musical anime. The musical numbers that start halfway through are awe-inspiring. The story, once led by the biwa, explodes with electric guitars, creating an energy similar to a rock concert.

The Excitement Created by Unique Rock Music

Yoshihide Otomo’s music mixes traditional Japanese instruments with modern rock, imagining what rock might have sounded like 600 years ago. Tomoyuki plays the biwa behind his back like Jimi Hendrix, and Inuo’s dance recalls Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” The handclaps, similar to Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” and harmonies like the Beatles fill the Muromachi skies, showing how music can cross time.

The music is so lively that you can’t help but want to clap along. When it shouts, “My name is Inu Oh,” and sings, “Rise, to the very depths, the story you tell, play it now!” the film’s message about proving your existence comes through in the music.

Mirai Moriyama and Avu-chan bring deep emotion to their singing.

Mirai Moriyama and Avu-chan from Queen Bee bring the film’s musical world to life. Moriyama’s performance is awe-inspiring, showing everything from the vulnerability of a blind youth to the energy of a rock star. His singing shifts from strong to touching, capturing the heart of Yu-yu’s story.

Avu-chan’s performance as Inu-ō stands out, with a beautiful voice that contrasts with the character’s unusual appearance. Three songs are especially memorable: “Udegara,” about a Heike warrior’s regret; “Kujira,” about a soul waiting for a future that never arrives; and “Ryūgū,” which expresses hope for a day of reward.

Avu-chan’s singing is not only beautiful but also deeply emotional. She brings Inuō to life as a unique character who loves the performing arts and gives a voice to those who have been overlooked.
By combining Otomo Yoshihide’s creative music with the talents of Moriyama Mirai and Avu-chan, the film becomes more than just animation—it feels like watching a live show.

Science SARU’s Achievement in Experimental Animation

The visual characteristics of the anime “Inuō” lie in its free and experimental animation expression, unique to Science SARU, the production company co-founded by director Masaaki Yuasa. The impression was that the expressive techniques cultivated in works like “DEVILMAN crybaby,” “The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl,” and “Ping Pong THE ANIMATION” bore splendid fruit in this work.

Taiyo Matsumoto’s Character Designs Create a Unique World

Taiyo Matsumoto, known for “Ping Pong” and “Tekkonkinkreet,” created character designs that fit perfectly with Director Yuasa’s style. The ‘scribbled’ look used to show Tomari’s blindness is a signature technique from Yuasa’s earlier work, like “Mind Game.”

The abstract visuals that appear the instant a sound is heard represent an artistic direction only possible through animation: the visual conveyance of an unseen world. Tomari’s perception of the world through sound is expressed via oil-painting-like scribbled drawings, allowing viewers to experience his sensory world visually, grasped solely through hearing.

Inuō’s body changes beautifully through dance, showing how animation can do what live action cannot. Each time a curse is broken, his arms return to normal, scales fall away, and his legs appear. This transformation is a powerful example of animation’s ability to show inner change.

Why Bold Expression Matters

Some viewers might find “Inuō” confusing because of its experimental style. The rock-inspired scenes in the second half, with electric guitars in the Muromachi period, can feel out of place for those who prefer historical accuracy.

The film’s complex story and relationships, especially those involving curses, are not always fully explained, leaving some viewers wanting more. Visually, it’s impressive, but details like why Inuō is born monstrous, or changes form, are only briefly touched on.

This film brings together everything from Yuasa’s earlier works. It combines the unique style of The Tatami Galaxy, the music from The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl, the social commentary of DEVILMAN crybaby, and the passion for music found in Surfing the Wave with You.

The film also addresses issues such as rewriting history, suppressing culture, and censoring artists—problems that remain relevant today. Its message, “If there is no one to pass on the story, it becomes as if it never existed,” feels even more critical in a time of growing information control.

The ultimate fate of Inuō and Tomari is far from bright. Tomari loses his companions one by one, ultimately returning to his original name, “Tomona,” before being executed. Inuō, too, sees his innovative sarugaku banned, forced into the rigid mold of traditional Noh theater. Yet, the music and stories they created have transcended 600 years to reach us today.
AI-generated image

Summary: A Masterpiece That Echoes with Deep Emotion

The animated film ‘Inuō’ is the peak of Masaaki Yuasa’s career, breaking new ground in animation. It honors those forgotten by history and delivers a strong, relevant message for today.

The lines “Let’s go further” and “You haven’t changed a bit” in the film reflect its own spirit. Director Yuasa’s drive to break boundaries and try new things matches the courage of Inuō and Tomari.
This film may be controversial, but its importance cannot be overstated. It is sure to be remembered as a landmark in Japanese animation.