REVIEW: ‘Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon,’ Episode 28 – “The Barrier at Mount Musubi”

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon (Yashahime) is a fantasy/adventure anime from Sunrise. With Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha arriving at Mount Musubi at the end of the last episode, the trio is now ready to take the next step in the journey. But the barrier that surrounds the Mountain may be more than they are prepared to deal with in Yashahime Episode 28.

One of the things that irks me a lot with fiction is when a situation, ability, or individual is presented with one or more rules governing it, just to have the story immediately break those rules for the convenience of the narrative. It never comes across as anything to me but sloppy writing. Like the writers came up with what felt like an interesting concept but, realizing they couldn’t resolve the situation they had created cleanly, they simply choose to ignore their creation. This frustrating situation is my big complaint with Yashahime Episode 28. 

In order to continue their search, our three protagonists pass through the barrier that surrounds Mount Musabi. While Towa and Setsuna are ensnared by the barrier’s magic, Moroha can pass through thanks to her unique nature. While trapped in the barrier the sisters are separated and poised a pair of questions. They are told that if they answer the questions wrong, they will be locked away within the barrier forever. Meanwhile, Moroha discovers a resident of the Mountain that may be able to help her free her friends.

How Towa and Setsuna overcome the questions that are posed to them is where Yashahime  Episode 28 fails in its delivery. The conclusion makes virtually no sense and feels like they are simply allowed to pass through the barrier because the episode is out of time. This tarnishes what could’ve otherwise been a solid story. Rather than having the twins learn some important truth, it devolves into little more than another episode that feels like it is there simply to get the episode count up. The series may have some future revelation linked to what happens here, but that is this story’s only chance to gain any significant meaning or purpose.

The bright spot in this episode is its highlighting of Moroha. With the bulk of the narrative rotating around Towa and Setsuna, Moroha oftentimes is left with significantly less to do from a narrative standpoint. That this episode gives the character a chance to shine is a welcome change of pace.

The visual side of Yashahime Episode 28 delivers the story’s various fantasy elements well. There is a bit of bouncing between times and locations throughout this episode, that is made manageable thanks to the clear and consistent visual designs.

When all is said and done, Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon Episode 28 delivers a story that brings some solid elements to its narrative, particularly its willingness to let Moroha have the spotlight, but ultimately falls short due to its unsatisfying conclusion. Hopefully, this incomplete feeling narrative point may be expanded upon in future stories.

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon Episode 28 is streaming on Funimation and Crunchyroll.