It’s always nice when a show you sort of low-grade like levels up in its final run. Shabake has definitely done that. And in the process issued more proof that it doesn’t really fit the “that niche” category it superficially appears to. Generally when slice-of-life Shinto go into “plot mode” to finish their run, they lose some of their magic. But Shabake was always something different – more story-driven yes, but also with a steel edge. It resembles its protagonist – at first glance affable and not too substantial, but with something harder and more ambitious under the surface.
To be honest I had pretty much figured everything we learned this week by the end of last week’s episode. But that’s not a criticism at all. The explanation for all this simply made too much sense to be wrong – once enough pieces had been slotted into place, only one shape would complete the puzzle. I’m certainly glad Eikichi didn’t die – in fact, it was Ichitarou’s money that saved his life (in more ways than one, it will turn out). But that doesn’t change the fact that several people did die because of Ichitarou. And while in no way, shape, or form was any of that his fault, he still carries a sense of responsibility – because he’s a standup guy.
Yes, Waka-dono’s scent was the key to everything. As I surmised he is, in effect, the medicine the failed tsukumogami seeks. He’s pretty much figured all this out by the end of his visit to Eikichi, though the details will come later. Ichi is such a noble soul, seriously. He guilts his father into sending the family doctor – who Eikichi’s parents could never afford – to treat his friend. If he has to bear being treated like bone china, at least he’s learned how to leverage that into getting what he wants. Small consolation but not nothing.
Like a breath of fresh air the Mikoshi-nyuudou sweeps into Nagasakiya, bringing the refreshing scent of truth. Mikoshi-nyuudou (in youkai folklore a tall monk-like figure who gets taller the more you look up at him) is here at the behest of Ichitarou’s grandmother, and Sasuke and Nikichi look none too glad to see him. The grandmother is Ogin, whose name has been dropped before. But what’s new is the information that she is, in fact, an ayakashi – one that’s three millennia old. That doesn’t technically make Ichitarou one too, Mikoshi-nyuudou notes – such unions have happened since time immemorial, with the results being human. But humans with something special about them, to be sure.
The real crux of this, though, are the details of how Waka-dono came to be. Ogin – who Mikoshi-nyuudou refers to as Kawagoromo (a three thousand year-old fox spirit who turns into a beautiful woman) met and fell in love with Ichi’s grandfather. Many trials were endured so they could be together. But when his mother – Kawagoromo’s daughter – lost her child and was told she could never have another, she fell into despair. Ogin traded her service in exchange for the incense of the Han-gon tree, which recalled Ichi’s spirit back into the world of the living. She went to serve the Goddess Dakinten (effectively, the Buddhist incarnation of the Shinto Kami Inari), leaving her beloved behind.
I’m in awe of how elegantly all this fits – it’s superbly executed. But it obviously leaves Ichitarou with a problem. And the fact is, Kawagoromo sent Mikoshi-Nyuudou to the human world because she was concerned over what was happening as a result of her choice. What I especially love here is that someone (Mikoshi) finally calls out the injustice of how Ichitarou is being treated. He’s not a child – he’s a smart, strong, young man who deserves to live his life by his own choices. And now he must make one – hide behind the walls of Nagasakiya (and Nikichi and Sasuke) while the Ink Line rampages, or do something about it?
Well, we know which choice this principled and courageous lad will make. And it turns out to be a crucial one, because Mikoshi-nyuudou was prepared to take him back to his grandma in the world of the Gods if he’d chosen otherwise. What Ichitarou is taking on here isn’t an easy challenge but he’s stronger than he looks and smart as a whip – I suspect he’ll manage. And find a way to help his brother too, in the process. Whatever happens after that, his father and his wardens will no longer be able to imprison him the way they have for his whole life.
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