REVIEW: ‘Tougen Anki’ Episode 15 — “Found You”

Tougen Anki Episode 15, “Found You,” sees the Momotaros’ plans to confront Shiki begin to bear fruit. As Mudano (Hiroshi Kamiya, Heaven Official’s Blessing) and the class move to rescue Jin (Koutarou Kishiyama, My New Boss is Goofy), the Momotaro work out the details to bring a large force to bear against the seasoned Oni and his class of neophyte students. 

Tougen Anki Episode 15 opens with the continuing negotiations between the Momotaro groups. As the two factions discuss their terms for cooperation, the narrative dives deeper into the unrelenting violence and narcasism that seems to permeate the group as a whole. Threats, bluster, and derision are layered thick as the sides verbally clash before reaching an agreement. Only Mikado (Shunichi Toki, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves) seems to have a shred of sanity. 

Framing Shiki’s newfound friend with such a situation feels like an attempt to elevate the young man. After all, if he can be as reasonable as he seems to be, while being surrounded by all this violent insanity, he’s gotta be a good guy, right?

Negotiations continue onward, starting Tougen Anki Episode 15 in a verbal clash.

However, this doesn’t work out. Rather, it just raises unanswerable questions about how good the character can really be. After all, he helps these psychos hunt down and kill people. Is he really that much better if he’s not willing to directly kill innocent people, but he aids others in doing so?

While the Momotaro debate and threaten each other, Tougen Anki Episode 15 sees Mudano and his class prepare to rescue their wayward member. However, they will have to do it largely unaided, as neither the Battle Unit nor Recon Units can be risked to help. 

Despite nuance often failing in this series, this moment plays incredibly well in Tougen Anki Episode 15. When Shiki (Kazuki Ura, Blue Lock) and the others learn that the units won’t help Jin because he opted to put himself in danger, it is presented as a callous choice. One that is devoid of humanity or compassion. 

Decisions made highlight the complexity of the situation, exploring varying shades of grey.

However, as the reasoning is explained to the students, it is revealed that the choice is made from a place of caring. It’s just that, rather than caring about the individual the narrative focuses on, the concern is for the faceless masses of Oni we don’t see. Jin was told to stay indoors. He left of his own free will; therefore, the whole will not be left vulnerable to protect him. Which feels like the Right thing to do, even if it isn’t the thing the characters may want. 

When the rescue team arrives at the building where Jin is being held, we get a great moment from Mudano as he tries to teach one of his students, Juji (Natsuke Hanae, NieR Automata ver 1.1a). As the group arrives at the building where their missing companion is being held, Juji steps up to scan the building for intel. However, due to the density of people and structures around, his ability proves less than useful, forcing more experienced individuals to step in. 

This moment of failure leaves Juji questioning his ability to contribute to their cause. Rather than let him wallow, Mudano steps in to encourage his charge skillfully. He explains to him that while his ability failed here, that doesn’t mean it will always.

He reveals that the Oni who picked up his slack were once far weaker with their abilities, but put in the time to strengthen them, becoming the powerful agents they are today. Juji can do that, too, or he can beat himself up and feel bad. The choice is his. 

While Tougen Anki Episode 15 allows for moments of inspiration, the humor is still a mixed bag.

The fact that Mudano leaves it up to Juji to decide his fate is a key element that anime pep talks often fail at. Frequently, such moments end with the mentor figure demanding the best from their student to motivate them. By leaving it up to his pupil, Mudano invites the possibility that Juji will take the less desirable route, but if he makes the right choice, his resolve will be all the stronger because it was HIS choice to make. 

Alongside the inspirational moment, Tougen Anki Episode 15 also laces in a fair amount of humor. A few moments land well, while others grate as obnoxiously loud personalities hurl insults presented as jokes. This mixed success rate in humor makes this element hard to appreciate, even though it is probably at its best so far in the series. That’s just a low bar at this point. 

As Tougen Anki Episode 15 wraps up, the group manages to release Jin without incident. However, it’s clear to all that a trap is about to be sprung. As Shinya (Chiharu Sawashiro, Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway) watches them through Jin’s eyes, it’s apparent that the next episode will feature the explosive confrontation the past several entries have been building up to. 

Tougen Anki Episode 15 delivers some thoughtful character moments, wedged between some familiar annoyances. Hopefully, the good of this episode can carry forward and become more prominent than the bad that has monopolized the series’ time thus far. 

Tougen Anki Episode 15 is streaming now on Netflix.

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