xxxHOLiC◆Kei

Kimihiro Watanuki's life was never really normal. But in addition to his ability to see spirits, this sequel to xxxHOLiC finds him still slaving away for Yuuko, the bizarre owner of a strange shop, who promised to rid him of this ability. However, this otherworldly woman can only do so when he has worked enough to earn his wish. Such is the way for anyone who finds their way into the shop to have their request granted: a compensation equal to their wish must be paid.

In this odd shop that straddles the world of the living and the dead, Watanuki finds himself doing household chores for the seemingly lazy Yuuko and her companions, while also helping out clients. Along with his classmates, supposed romantic rival Shizuka Doumeki and his crush Himawari Kunogi, Watanuki deals with the many misfortunes surrounding Yuuko's customers, as well as those that closely follow him and his friends.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Ichihara, Yuuko Main

Ohara, Sayaka Japanese

Watanuki, Kimihiro Main

Fukuyama, Jun Japanese

Doumeki, Shizuka Main

Nakai, Kazuya Japanese

Kunogi, Himawari Main

Itou, Shizuka Japanese

Modoki, Mokona Supporting

Kikuchi, Mika Japanese

Zashiki-warashi Supporting

Mutou, Sumi Japanese

Mugetsu Supporting

Maru Supporting

Kojima, Kazuko Japanese

Tsuyuri, Kohane Supporting

Hidaka, Rina Japanese

Kudou, Kazahaya Supporting

Kananiwa, Kozue Producer

Morishita, Katsuji Producer

Tanaka, Junichirou Producer

Sudou, Naomi Producer

Reviews

Feb 18, 2024

MxS7HGS

Recommended

XXXHOLiC Kei serves as the sequel set in a high school backdrop infused with Japanese mythology. This season intertwines its plotlines more tightly, offering humorous character interactions. Prior viewing of the original series is recommended for optimal understanding.

The characters retain their core traits from the previous season while gaining deeper dynamics. Doumeki's grandfather's involvement in Watanuki's dreams adds intrigue, and Himawari's presence casts a foreboding shadow over Watanuki's life. Yuuko continues her whimsical exploitation of Watanuki, aided by the increasingly selfish Mokona. Newcomers like the seductive spider queen Jorogumo and the mysterious Kohane Tsuyuri contribute unique backgrounds and interactions to the narrative.

XXXHOLiC Kei introduces longer, ... interconnected story arcs, offering a more concentrated narrative experience. Themes of fame, love, and despair emerge prominently, enriching the show beyond its supernatural elements. The exploration of darker themes, such as the exploitation of Kohane's abilities, adds depth to the storyline.

While XXXHOLiC Kei maintains the art style and fidelity of its predecessor, its visual quality is limited to 480p, which is disappointing considering the beauty of its art design.

The intro music echoes that of the first season, possibly performed by the same band. The new outro is enjoyable, featuring Mokona's whimsical presence in the credits.

XXXHOLiC Kei surpasses its predecessor with its focused narrative and enriched character development. It offers a compelling mix of supernatural elements, Japanese folklore, and thematic depth, making it a must-watch for genre enthusiasts. Whether attracted to its unique art style or intrigued by its thematic exploration, viewers seeking a departure from typical anime tropes will find XXXHOLiC Kei a refreshing and captivating continuation of the series.

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Aug 27, 2022

Animelover875

Mixed Feelings

Ahh, xxxHolic: Kei. A fitting sequel of the series introducing consistent plots, like ones about Watanuki's eye, Doumeki's grandfather, Himawari's true self, and more. What could possibly go wrong? Well, let's consider to start with that the season only has 13 episodes; this somewhat puts it on a timer to wrap up old plot threads, something that it honestly...doesn't really take the time or care to do properly. Most of the characters are still the same as they were, with Doumeki making Watanuki freak out and him gushing over Himawari still being consistent elements. Despite a hope that you know, some people may have hoped ... to actually develop their friendship. Some other storylines weren't really fully explained or seemed forgotten, like what exactly happened with Haruka. And other times, the story felt that somehow it was able to squeeze filler into it. Case in point: An episode that expects one to learn the moderately complex game of Japanese mahjong. Not something universally relatable in a story about spirits, nor even appropriately fitting into the theme. There were some good episodes, but it felt like some of this was old hat. The revelations surrounding certain characters led to some interesting results, and Kohane's storyline was gripping, if troublesome and full of unfortunate implications that weren't really resolved. If given more episodes to develop, I believe this could've made a great series, given a little more care put into the writing. 6/10.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Aug 27, 2008

chinaboat

Not Recommended

First let me say I truly enjoyed the first season and the art is just as striking but Kei is a total waste of characters with tremendous potential. - Try this out: the rain sprite, the Ame-warashi, standard mood is bad but she always sees the good in people; the vestal sprite, the Zashiki-warashi, is innocent and virginal she lives on pure, as in virginal, energy and is very susceptible to evil energy; the beautiful human spider, Jorougumo thrives on that evil energy; almost all the other secondary characters are just as vivid and unique - and CLAMP doesn't do a damn thing with them. ... To top it off the lead female, Yuuko, could have been one of the great females in anime but they turn her from the super dominant, supernatural witch of the first season into an insipid drunk whose only purpose is exposition.

Almost every episode had the making of two or three story arcs. The writers of "xxxholic kei" seem to be the type who when asked, "How did you like that elephant that just walked by?" reply, "What elephant?"

To someone who watched all the first season episodes at least twice the second season is an insult.

Reviewer’s Rating: 4

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hauntingly gorgeous (TV)

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Seinen Anime that feels like Josei

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	Poll: xxxHOLiC - Kei Episode 13 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Pokedude97 - Jul 19, 2008	61 replies	by enax »» Aug 21, 3:29 AM
	Poll: xxxHOLiC - Kei Episode 3 Discussion ( 1 2 ) radiantfire - Apr 18, 2008	71 replies	by pakstudent7788 »» Aug 6, 2023 11:32 PM
	Where can I find the original 4:3 version? Leblunk - Dec 1, 2022	2 replies	by Leblunk »» Feb 16, 2023 3:20 PM
	English Dub? PrimalWrath - Jul 14, 2010	9 replies	by MeMeBakugo »» Nov 9, 2022 1:21 AM
	Poll: Who do you think Watanuki will/should end up with? sugarplumfairy - Jun 5, 2008	25 replies	by Animelover875 »» Aug 27, 2022 10:18 AM

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