REVIEW: ‘Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon’ Episode 12 – “Night of the New Moon and the Black-haired Towa”

Yashahime Episode 12 saw another return to form for the show. It also brings back the famous New Moon from its predecessor with mixed results. Yashahime follows Sesshomaru’s daughters Towa and Setsuna, who were separated at a young age when Towa was flung into the modern era. The adventure together to try and track down The Dream Butterfly that stole Setsuna’s memories. The two are often accompanied by their cousin Moroha, Inuyasha and Kagome’s daughter. The anime-only sequel is from studio Sunrise.

Towa and Setsuna are assigned another job from Kohaku. This time, they have to track down the demon Nikosen who has dried up a mountain. Unbeknownst to them, Nikosen has actually been recruited by Konton, one of The Four Perils. Still enraged over his previous entanglement with the girls, he orders Nikosen to draw them out, and take their Rainbow Pearls. While riding on Kirara, they notice Moroha investigating down below. As per usual, her latest bounty assignment matches up with theirs, so the three decide to work together. Sure enough, most living things on the mountain have shriveled and died due to some kind of poison.

Yashahime Episode 12 kicks off the action early. Setsuna takes notice that something seems off with Towa. Her demon senses aren’t as sharp as Setsuna or Moroha’s, which is uncommon after she worked to hone them. It also showcases a brief moment of growth because not only does Setsuna show concern on a logical front, but she is clearly worried about her sister. The girls get separated in the confrontation with Nikosen, Setsuna running into the other Demon Slayers, and Moroha and Towa falling down the mountain. Towa’s hair has grown and turned black, something that will be familiar to fans of Inuyasha. Luckily, Myōga the flea demon provides good comical exposition for old and new viewers. Towa loses her demon powers on the night of the full moon. Myōga theorizes that this doesn’t happen to Moroha because she is only a quarter-demon, which isn’t too out of left field. But, what is out of left field is the absolutely nonsensical explanation regarding Setsuna.

This information causes Towa to worry about her sister. If Setsuna is also powerless then she is in danger. Yashahime Episode 12 allows Moroha to take a stronger role once again, and it is welcome. Moroha looks after Towa, and her inherited spiritual powers from Kagome come into play. Showing Moroha care for Towa, and take the initiative in battle is part of what made audiences fall in love with her in the first place, and what has been missing from the show the last couple of episodes. Setsuna has reunited with the Demon Slayers. They have made a battle choice that, without spoiling, makes almost no sense to this reviewer. Setsuna is visibly worried about her sister and Moroha, once again showcasing her walls coming down as she develops bonds with her family.

Yashahime Episode 12 brings back some familiar lore from its predecessor to shake things up. It is a relatively straightforward adventure that actually utilizes Moroha as a character, and shows the developing closeness between the girls. However, certain “explanations” the show makes for events are frustrating and may feel as though the writers are grasping at straws.

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon is streaming now on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu.