Spring 2021 Anime: Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood

Synopsis

Set in the year 1963, an alternate history of Japan where the Tokugawa Shogunate was never abolished thanks to the monopoly of an energy source, the “Dragon Vein”, which leads to a rather unique development in the country’s technology and science. To counter dissidents, an organization called “Nue” has been established with the aim of executing the key individuals of the dissidents.

In the time when the dissident organization, Kuchinawa, grows and strives to overthrow the current administration, the Nue that has been entrusted with its extermination is in a conflict. Follow the story of Sawa Yukimura, a woman whose family was killed when she was young, in her activities within the Nue to search for Janome, one of the executioners of the Nue and the one who is responsible for the killing of her family. 

Comments

Keinda D. Adilia (The Indonesian Anime Times)

When the project was announced, it was rather shocking as it came out of nowhere with the release date of the anime being very close to the said announcement. As it is another one of Bushiroad’s mixed-media franchise, most of the cast members are people who have already previously worked with other Bushiroad franchises. Not just that, BanG Dream! Project’s RAISE A SUILEN has taken the role of the opening and ending themes performer. Personally speaking, this is a welcome decision as it allows me to see more performances of my favourite voice actors and band from said franchises, yet I also feel skeptical about how it will attract audience outside of fans of Bushiroad franchises. It depends on how the anime will leave an impression and an impact on the audience.

The most interesting part is from the setting which begins with an alternate history timeline of Japan. This setting creates a possibility of a vast world-building which I am looking forward to seeing, but at the same time, if not utilized good enough, it will create a very wasted potential. So far, the anime is giving us a good amount of world-building which gets expanded little by little with Nue’s endeavour, while giving us small hints of Sawa Yukimura’s backstory that leads her to the path of vengeance. It is very clear that the series tries to put up a huge mystery in the very beginning for the next episodes to unravel in the future, but I am currently a bit worried about the anime’s pace because it feels a little bit slow at the first few episodes caused by this lingering mystery.  Hopefully, they don’t rush the execution for the rest of the episodes to come and utilize the potential they had.

Visually speaking, I could say this series is a rather unique one. In a monster fighting sequence which involves Sawa’s power, they make use of thick outlines to give intensity to the scene. It gives an otherworldly vibe to Sawa’s power which is very important to tip off how dangerous Sawa’s power is. 

Overall, Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood is an interesting anime to follow this season with a unique take on its plot and setting. From what I see, this is only the beginning for a bigger plot. I am really looking forward for how the story will roll from now on and curious whether this anime will leave an impact for its audience or not.

Facts and Figures

Screenshots and Trailers

The Indonesian Anime Times