The Morose Mononokean is a warm, gentle supernatural anime that explores the relationship between the human world and the world of yokai with empathy and compassion. The story follows Hanae Ashiya, a high school student who is plagued by a yokai that has attached itself to him. Desperate for help, he seeks out the Mononokean, a mysterious tea room run by the grumpy but kind-hearted Abeno Haruitsuki. Together, they work as “exorcists” who help yokai return to the Underworld, resolving their unfinished business and finding peace.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in the ability to see and communicate with yokai, where the greatest strength is not in fighting but in understanding and compassion. Hanae is a quintessential underdog—an ordinary boy who is thrust into a world he doesn’t understand, but who gradually learns to use his empathy to help others. The Morose Mononokean masterfully subverts expectations by presenting what appears to be a simple exorcism series and instead delivering a warm, character-driven narrative about healing, acceptance, and the importance of understanding those who are different from us. It is a series that understands the power of kindness.
For fans of The Morose Mononokean, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part supernatural slice-of-life, part buddy comedy, part meditation on the relationship between humans and spirits. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on a protagonist who helps supernatural beings find peace, an exploration of the bonds between humans and yokai, and a willingness to tell warm, gentle stories that celebrate empathy and understanding. These shows deserve far more attention for their emotional depth, their character development, and their refusal to rely on melodrama.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of The Morose Mononokean.
1. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.3
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuki Midorikawa.
Plot Summary: Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see spirits, inherits a book from his grandmother that contains the names of spirits she had bound to her will. He decides to return the names, forming connections with the spirits.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are about a protagonist who can see yokai and helps them find peace. The focus is on empathy, compassion, and the healing power of connection. The tone is warm, melancholic, and deeply emotional, with a similar celebration of Japanese folklore.
2. Mushishi (2005)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 8.7
- Episodes: 26 (Season 1)
- Studio: Artland
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuki Urushibara.
Plot Summary: Ginko, a “Mushi-shi,” travels the countryside investigating “Mushi”—primordial, ethereal lifeforms that exist alongside humanity. His journey is one of quiet observation and understanding.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are about a wandering protagonist who helps humans and supernatural beings coexist. The focus is on understanding rather than fighting, and the tone is quiet, contemplative, and deeply philosophical. Both series share a deep reverence for the mysteries of the natural world.
3. The Eccentric Family (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Based on the novel by Tomihiko Morimi.
Plot Summary: Yasaburou Shimogamo, a young tanuki, navigates the complex social dynamics of Kyoto while dealing with the aftermath of his father’s death. The series explores the bonds of family and the search for identity.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are set in a world where the supernatural and the mundane coexist, and focus on the bonds between humans and supernatural beings. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments that define a life. The series is a blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy.
4. Kamisama Kiss (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.8
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Julietta Suzuki.
Plot Summary: Nanami Momozono, a homeless high school girl, becomes a land god after inheriting a shrine. She must learn to navigate the world of gods and spirits with the help of her familiar, Tomoe.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are about a protagonist who is thrust into the world of spirits and gods and must learn to navigate its complexities. The focus is on the bonds between the protagonist and their supernatural companions. The series is a warm, romantic comedy with a strong supernatural element.
5. Hotarubi no Mori e (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.2
- Episodes: 1 (Film)
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yuki Midorikawa.
Plot Summary: Hotaru, a young girl, befriends Gin, a spirit who lives in the forest. She can never touch him, or he will disappear. The film follows their relationship over the years.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are about the bittersweet relationship between humans and spirits, and the pain of separation. The focus is on the quiet, emotional moments of connection. The tone is melancholic and deeply moving, with a similar reverence for Japanese folklore.
6. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 10
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Notable Staff: Directed by Rie Matsumoto.
Plot Summary: In a mirrored version of Kyoto, a young girl named Koto searches for her family, accompanied by her two brothers. The city is a chaotic, surreal place ruled by a monk.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are set in a fantastical version of Kyoto and explore the bonds of family and the search for belonging. The focus is on the surreal, whimsical atmosphere and the emotional depth of the characters. The series is a visually stunning exploration of family and identity.
7. Fukigen na Mononokean: Tsuzuki (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 13 (Season 2)
- Studio: Pierrot Plus
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kiri Wazawa.
Plot Summary: The second season of The Morose Mononokean, continuing the adventures of Hanae and Abeno as they help more yokai and uncover the secrets of the Underworld.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: As a direct continuation, this season shares the same themes, characters, and narrative style. It is underrated because it is often overlooked by fans of the first season, but it provides essential character development and deepens the emotional impact of the story.
8. Barakamon (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 8.2
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Satsuki Yoshino.
Plot Summary: Seishuu Handa, a calligrapher, is sent to a remote island after an incident. He must adapt to the slow pace of rural life and the eccentric locals.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are about a protagonist who is thrust into a new environment and must learn to connect with the people around him. The focus is on the warmth of community and the joy of simple living. The series is a hilarious, heartwarming comedy.
9. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1)
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kore Yamazaki.
Plot Summary: Chise Hatori, a young woman who has been abandoned, is purchased by Elias Ainsworth, a mysterious magus. She becomes his apprentice and learns magic.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are about a protagonist who is drawn into the world of magic and supernatural beings, and must learn to navigate its complexities. The focus is on the relationships between the characters and the supernatural beings they encounter. The series is a rich, atmospheric fantasy.
10. A Letter to Momo (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 1 (Film)
- Studio: Production I.G.
- Notable Staff: Directed by Hiroyuki Okiura.
Plot Summary: Momo, a young girl who moves to a remote island after her father’s death, encounters three mischievous yokai who help her come to terms with her grief.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are about a young protagonist who encounters yokai and forms bonds with them, leading to emotional healing. The focus is on the quiet, emotional moments of connection. The tone is warm, melancholic, and deeply moving.
11. Gingitsune (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Diomedéa
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Sayori Ochiai.
Plot Summary: Makoto Saeki, a young girl who can see spirits, inherits the ability to communicate with a fox spirit named Gintaro who serves as the guardian of her family’s shrine.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are about a protagonist who can see spirits and forms bonds with them. The focus is on the warmth of the relationships and the importance of tradition. The series is a gentle, heartwarming slice-of-life.
12. Inu x Boku SS (2012)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.4
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: David Production
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Cocoa Fujiwara.
Plot Summary: Ririchiyo Shirakiin, a girl from a prestigious family, moves into a high-security apartment building for people with supernatural bloodlines. She is assigned a Secret Service agent who is also her spirit companion.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are about a protagonist who is drawn into the world of spirits and supernatural beings. The focus is on the bond between the protagonist and their loyal companion. The series is a blend of comedy, romance, and supernatural drama.
13. Otome Youkai Zakuro (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Lily Hoshino.
Plot Summary: In an alternate Meiji-era Japan, a group of young female half-spirits, led by Zakuro, must work alongside human soldiers to investigate supernatural incidents.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are set in a world where humans and spirits coexist and follow characters who work to maintain peace between the two worlds. The focus is on the developing relationships between the characters. The series is a blend of action, comedy, and romance.
14. The Helpful Fox Senko-san (2019)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.1
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Doga Kobo
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Rimukoro.
Plot Summary: Kuroto Nakano, an overworked salaryman, is visited by Senko, an 800-year-old fox goddess who wants to pamper him and help him relax.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are about a supernatural being who helps a human find peace and healing. The focus is on the warmth of the relationship and the comfort of being cared for. The series is a gentle, relaxing slice-of-life.
15. Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan (2010)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1)
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Hiroshi Shiibashi.
Plot Summary: Rikuo Nura, a young boy who is part human and part yokai, must navigate his dual heritage and lead his clan of yokai.
Similarities to The Morose Mononokean: Both are about a protagonist who is connected to the world of yokai and must navigate the complexities of both worlds. The focus is on the bonds between humans and yokai. The series is an action-packed adventure with a strong supernatural element.
Why These Anime Work for The Morose Mononokean Fans
Fans of The Morose Mononokean are drawn to stories that are warm, gentle, and deeply invested in the relationship between humans and the supernatural. They appreciate a narrative that prioritizes empathy and understanding over action, and they are invested in protagonists who help others find peace. They are not looking for dark or violent stories, but for stories that celebrate the power of kindness and connection.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Power of Empathy: Whether it is Hanae helping yokai, Natsume returning names, or Ginko understanding Mushi, these series understand that the greatest strength is not in fighting but in understanding. The focus is on the healing power of compassion.
- The Underdog Helper: The protagonists are often ordinary people who are thrust into the world of the supernatural and must learn to navigate it. They are not powerful warriors, but kind-hearted individuals who help others through their empathy.
- Subversion of the Exorcism Genre: These series reject the typical “exorcist” narrative, where supernatural beings are enemies to be defeated. Instead, they present yokai and spirits as beings deserving of understanding and compassion. They understand that the most compelling stories are those that challenge our assumptions.
These 15 anime, like The Morose Mononokean, are not afraid to be gentle. They are underrated gems that offer a warm, emotionally resonant, and deeply moving experience for viewers who are looking for stories that celebrate the beauty of connection and the power of kindness.
