REVIEW: ‘Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon,’ Episode 34 – “Battle of the New Moon, Part 1”

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon (Yashahime) is a fantasy/adventure anime from Sunrise. Having resolved the conflict between Mayonaka and the town, Setsuna and the rest of the demon hunters move on to new challenges. Meanwhile, Towa continues to travel with Rion and Riku while Moroha searches for a way to defeat the Full Moon Raccoon Dog in Yashahime Episode 34.

With Setsuna’s dreams having been recently restored, this full moon is her first where her demon powers are being drained by the lunar phase. Having not properly prepared for this occurrence, she is caught in a vulnerable position and finds herself dependent on her comrades to keep her safe from those who would take advantage of her weakened state. While Towa is better prepared for the loss of her abilities, she soon finds herself in no less danger when an old adversary comes calling in her moment of weakness. But while Towa’s struggle feels like the most relevant aspect of Yashahime Episode 34‘s plot, it isn’t where the show spends the bulk of its time.

This episode’s focus is squarely on Moroha and her continuing attempts to help Takechiyo free his people from the Shogun who has usurped control of his clan. While they prepare for their confrontation with their opponent the two are told the story of how the Shogun came to power and why Takechiyo was exiled, as well as the part that Moroha’s parents played in the whole affair.

This extended look into the past of one of Yashahime‘s more persistent side characters is an enjoyable one. It answers a lot of questions concerning the situation that Moroha has been faced with over the past couple of episodes, while strategically leaving critical details out for the group to discover in what I’m sure will be a far more dramatic fashion. In this way, it manages to hopefully set up an exciting confrontation for the next episode.

Of equal interest is the position Yashahime Episode 34 leaves Towa in. With her powers currently denied her, it will be interesting to see how the series will have Towa overcome the dangers this episode presents her with. It is a unique situation for the protagonist to confront and it would be a shame if the story doesn’t fully utilize the opportunity it presents.

The visuals throughout this episode deliver its split narrative skillfully. All the fantastical elements scattered throughout the episode are delivered in a way that feels consistent with the world the show continues to build. Stealing the show, however, is some beautiful lighting work in Towa’s part of the narrative. The lighting utilized at this moment creates a gentle feeling about it, even though the source of the light is not friendly. This creates an interesting visual and narrative clash that highlights how deceptive appearances can be.

When all is said and done, Yashahime Episode 34 delivers a solid story that works hard to set up what comes next, managing to craft a solid story while also delivering a significant amount of world-building is tricky. Happily, the two elements are balanced well here.

Yashahime Episode 34 is streaming on Funimation and Crunchyroll.