REVIEW: ‘Mission: Yozakura Family’ Episode 1 — “The Cherry Blossom Ring”

The Mission: Yozakura Family Episode 1 packs a punch, introducing viewers to a world of spies, secrets, and unexpected alliances. The longstanding manga series dates back to 2019, thanks to Hitsuji Gondaira and Weekly Shōnen Jump. The story follows the life of Taiyo Asano, a boy grappling with the recent loss of his family. His only solace is found in his childhood friend, Mutsumi Yozakura, who offers him support during this trying time. Now, producer Silver Link brings their story to life in a brand new anime series.

From the opening of Mission: Yozakura Family Episode 1, it’s evident that Taiyo (Reiji Kawashima) is haunted by the fear of losing loved ones again. Despite the support of his classmates, he gravitates towards Mutsumi (Kaede Hondo), who exudes a maternal aura of care and concern. Their relationship is refreshingly platonic, debunking any notions of immediate romance and instead emphasizing the genuine care Mutsumi holds for Taiyo. Unfortunately, not everyone around the duo sees their relationship this way.

Among the onlookers lurks the unsettling figure of the school’s vice principal, Mr. Hirukawa. During a conversation between Tayio and Mutsumi, he inserts himself with a barrage of disturbing comments reminiscent of stereotypical older elderly anime characters. Inside his office, Mr. Hirukawa’s unsettling behavior escalates as it becomes apparent he has been secretly collecting photographs of Mutsumi Yozakura throughout her life. The situation escalates from unsettling to downright terrifying when Mr. Hirukawa confesses to warding off potential suitors from Mutsumi. Before Taiyo can be subjected to further threats, he is abruptly whisked away from the scene.

It’s revealed that Mr. Hirukawa is, in fact, Mutsumi’s brother, Kyoichiro Yozakura (Katsuyuki Konishi). Kyoichiro has set his sights on Taiyo because someone is targeting his sister, Mutsumi. What Taiyo soon uncovers is Mutsumi’s hidden truth—she belongs to a family of spies, each with their own unique personalities and specialties.

Among them, Kyoichiro reigns supreme as the most skilled and formidable.  His protective instincts escalate Mutsumi’s demonstrated care for Taiyo to an unprecedented level of vigilance. However, Kyoichiro’s unwavering dedication not only places Taiyo in jeopardy but Mutsumi as well. With Kyoichiro’s formidable power and unwavering determination, Tayio’s safety hangs in the balance, leaving the rest of the Yozakura family to rally together and shield him from harm.

Credit to Mutsumi, She doesn’t wish for Tayio to feel obligated to join the Yozakura family solely for protection from Kyoichiro. Understanding Tayio’s pain and challenges as his childhood friend, she empathizes deeply. Unfortunately, they find themselves with little choice if they aim to keep Tayio safe from Kyoichiro’s threats. In a riveting demonstration of the series’ power dynamics and action-packed potential, viewers witness a sibling confrontation that transcends a mere pillow fight. It is brief but brings just enough of Silver Link’s animation prowess to show that exciting fight scenes will abound in the series.

Eventually, viewers realize that Taiyo’s only recourse is to marry into the Yozakura family, solidifying his role in their world. Despite the whirlwind introduction to a world of espionage, complete with superhuman abilities and lethal adversaries, Taiyo fearlessly steps up to protect Mutsumi when she’s in jeopardy. Like Mutsumi and the entire Yozakura Family, Taiyo demonstrates unwavering dedication to safeguarding those dear to him.

There’s a profound lesson in the strength found in relying on others and the concept of found family. Taiyo, having suffered the loss of his own family, initially wishes to navigate his grief alone. However, circumstances compel him to embrace a new familial unit and embark on the journey of healing.

Even in his moments of isolation, Mutsumi stands steadfastly by his side as his childhood friend, underscoring the significance of bonds beyond blood relations. It’s a reminder that connections forged outside of familial relations can offer profound care and protection, even in the face of formidable adversaries like Kyoichiro.

Mission: Yozakura Family Episode 1 delivers an engaging introduction to a world brimming with espionage, intricate family dynamics, and extraordinary abilities. Taiyo emerges as an easy-to-root-for protagonist, navigating the complexities of loss and newfound alliances with the Yozkura family. Given the colorful cast, there will surely be a character for everyone to latch on to. With just the right blend of intrigue and action, the series ignites curiosity about the spy world and sets the stage for whatever the storyline is ahead.

Mission: Yozakura Family Episode 1 is streaming exclusively on Hulu and Disney+, and new episodes are released every Sunday.