Shonen Onmyoji (The Young Spirit Master) is a charming, heartfelt supernatural anime that blends Japanese folklore, action, and coming-of-age drama. The story follows Masahiro, the grandson of the legendary onmyouji Abe no Seimei, who is determined to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps despite being told he lacks the talent. Accompanied by his loyal spirit companion Mokkun, Masahiro must prove himself while facing increasingly dangerous threats from the spirit world, learning valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the true meaning of strength.
The series is defined by its core themes: a power system rooted in traditional Japanese spiritual practices and the bonds between humans and their spirit companions, where true strength comes from the heart rather than raw talent. Masahiro is the ultimate underdog—a young boy who is overshadowed by his legendary grandfather and dismissed by those around him, but who refuses to give up on his dreams. Shonen Onmyoji masterfully subverts expectations by presenting what appears to be a simple action series and gradually revealing a deeper, more emotionally resonant narrative about legacy, self-discovery, and the power of believing in oneself. It is a series that understands the weight of a famous name.
For fans of Shonen Onmyoji, finding similar anime can be a challenge. The series occupies a unique space—part supernatural action, part coming-of-age story, part meditation on Japanese spiritual traditions. Yet, many underrated series share its core DNA: a focus on a young protagonist who must live up to a great legacy, an exploration of the bonds between humans and spirits, and a willingness to blend action with emotional depth. These shows deserve far more attention for their creativity, their character development, and their refusal to provide easy answers.
Here are 15 underrated anime that capture the spirit of Shonen Onmyoji.
1. Tokyo Ravens (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: 8-Bit
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Kouhei Azano.
Plot Summary: Harutora Tsuchimikado, a boy from a prestigious onmyouji family, lacks the ability to see spirits. His life changes when his childhood friend Natsume re-enters his life, dragging him into the world of magical warfare.
Similarities to Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about onmyouji—practitioners of Japanese spirit magic—and feature protagonists who are heirs to a great legacy but must forge their own path. The focus is on the bonds with spirit companions and the challenges of living up to family expectations. The series is a blend of action, drama, and political intrigue.
2. Kekkaishi (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 52
- Studio: Sunrise
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Yellow Tanabe.
Plot Summary: Yoshimori Sumimura and Tokine Yukimura are two teenage “Kekkaishi”—warriors who use magical barriers to protect their school, which sits atop a powerful spiritual site. They must balance their duties, their rivalry, and their growing feelings for each other.
Similarities to Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about young warriors who protect the human world from spiritual threats using traditional Japanese magical techniques. The focus is on the bond between the two leads and the challenges of their duty. The series is a warm, action-packed adventure with a strong emotional core.
3. 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 Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about a protagonist who can see spirits and must navigate the relationship between the human and spirit worlds. The focus is on empathy, compassion, and the healing power of connection. The tone is warm, melancholic, and deeply emotional.
4. The Morose Mononokean (2016)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.3
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
- Studio: Pierrot Plus
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kiri Wazawa.
Plot Summary: Hanae Ashiya, a high school student plagued by a yokai, seeks help from the Mononokean, a mysterious tea room run by Abeno Haruitsuki. They work together to help yokai return to the underworld.
Similarities to Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about a young protagonist who helps spirits and yokai find peace. The focus is on the partnership between the protagonist and the more experienced specialist, and the bonds formed through their work. The series is a warm, gentle exploration of the relationship between humans and spirits.
5. Ghost Hunt (2006)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.7
- Episodes: 25
- Studio: J.C. Staff
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Fuyumi Ono.
Plot Summary: Mai Taniyama becomes involved with the Shibuya Psychic Research Center, a team of investigators who solve paranormal cases. The team uses both scientific methods and spiritual powers.
Similarities to Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about a team of specialists who investigate and resolve supernatural incidents. The focus is on the diverse abilities of the team members and the bonds they form. The series blends mystery, horror, and character-driven drama.
6. 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 Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about a young protagonist who is thrust into the world of spirits and must learn to navigate its complexities. The focus is on the bond between the protagonist and their supernatural companion. The series is a warm, romantic comedy with a strong supernatural element.
7. 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, Soushi Miketsukami, who is also her spirit companion.
Similarities to Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about a young protagonist from a prestigious family who must navigate 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.
8. 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, humans and spirits coexist, but tensions are rising. A group of young female half-spirits, led by Zakuro, must work alongside human soldiers to investigate supernatural incidents.
Similarities to Shonen Onmyoji: Both are set in a world where humans and spirits coexist and follow a group of individuals who work to maintain peace between the two worlds. The focus is on the developing relationships between the half-spirit girls and the human soldiers. The series is a blend of action, comedy, and romance.
9. 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 Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about the bonds of family and the search for belonging in a world that is often strange and confusing. The focus is on the quiet, everyday moments that define a life. The series is a blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy.
10. 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 Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about a protagonist who bridges the human and supernatural worlds, helping to resolve conflicts and find understanding. The focus is on empathy, compassion, and the healing power of connection. The tone is warm, melancholic, and deeply philosophical.
11. Noragami (2014)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.9
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Studio: Bones
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Adachitoka.
Plot Summary: Yato, a minor god who dreams of having his own shrine, performs odd jobs for five yen. He is aided by his “Regalia,” a spirit weapon named Yukine, and a human girl named Hiyori.
Similarities to Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about a protagonist who works with spirits and gods to help others. The focus is on the bonds between the protagonist and their companions, and the challenges of their work. The series is a fun, action-packed adventure with a strong emotional core.
12. Beyond the Boundary (2013)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Kyoto Animation
- Notable Staff: Based on the light novel series by Nagomu Torii.
Plot Summary: Akihito Kanbara, a half-human, half-youmu boy, meets Mirai Kuriyama, a girl who can manipulate blood. They become involved in the world of supernatural beings and the warriors who hunt them.
Similarities to Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about a group of individuals with supernatural abilities who work together to deal with supernatural threats. The focus is on the bonds formed between the characters and the emotional weight of their battles. The series is known for its beautiful animation.
13. Ga-Rei: Zero (2008)
- Streaming Availability: Funimation
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: AIC Spirits, asread.
- Notable Staff: Directed by Ei Aoki.
Plot Summary: Kagura Tsuchimiya and Yomi Isayama, two young women who fight supernatural threats as part of a government agency, find their bond tragically torn apart when Yomi is consumed by a demonic force.
Similarities to Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about a government agency that deals with supernatural threats, and the bonds between its members. The focus is on the emotional weight of their battles and the sacrifices they must make. The series is a dark, emotional drama.
14. Blue Exorcist (2011)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
- Rating: MAL: 7.5
- Episodes: 25 (Season 1)
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Notable Staff: Based on the manga by Kazue Kato.
Plot Summary: Rin Okumura discovers he is the son of Satan, but instead of embracing his demonic heritage, he vows to become an Exorcist and defeat his father. He enrolls at True Cross Academy.
Similarities to Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about a young man who must overcome his heritage and prove himself as a protector of humanity. The focus is on the bonds with his companions and the challenges of his training. The series is a blend of action, comedy, and drama.
15. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
- Rating: MAL: 8.0
- Episodes: 45
- Studio: Pierrot
- Notable Staff: Based on the novel series by Fuyumi Ono.
Plot Summary: Yoko Nakajima is transported to a vast world inspired by Chinese mythology. She discovers she is the destined ruler of one of the twelve kingdoms and must grow into her role.
Similarities to Shonen Onmyoji: Both are about a young protagonist who must grow into a position of responsibility and prove their worth. The focus is on the internal journey of the protagonist and the development of their character. The series is an epic, intellectually rigorous exploration of power and responsibility.
Why These Anime Work for Shonen Onmyoji Fans
Fans of Shonen Onmyoji are drawn to stories that are warm, heartfelt, and deeply invested in character development. They appreciate a narrative that blends supernatural action with emotional depth, and they are invested in the journey of a young protagonist who must overcome the expectations placed upon them. They are not looking for simple action or escapism, but for stories that make them care about the characters.
The anime listed above all share this fundamental DNA:
- The Weight of Legacy: Whether it is Masahiro’s famous grandfather, Harutora’s prestigious family, or Rin’s demonic heritage, these series understand that living up to a great legacy is both a burden and an opportunity. The protagonists must find their own path while honoring their past.
- The Bond with Spirits: These series are built around the relationships between humans and supernatural beings. The focus is on the loyalty, trust, and love that can form between different worlds.
- Subversion of the Action Genre: These series use the framework of the action genre to explore deeper emotional and psychological themes. They understand that the most compelling battles are not fought with weapons, but within the human heart.
These 15 anime, like Shonen Onmyoji, are not afraid to be heartfelt. They are underrated gems that offer a warm, emotionally resonant, and deeply entertaining experience for viewers who are looking for stories about the power of belief, the bonds of friendship, and the courage to forge one’s own path.
