Kekkaishi

Kekkaishi is a captivating anime series that was broadcasted on Canada's YTV from 2006 to 2011. The series is based on the popular Japanese manga series of the same name by Yellow Tanabe. The story centers around the adventures of two young kekkaishi – or barrier masters – Yoshimori Sumimura and Tokine Yukimura, who use their tremendous spiritual powers to protect the land around their school, Karasumori.

Karasumori School isn't a normal educational establishment. Unknown to many, it sits on mystical ground that has the inherent ability to amplify the powers of Ayakashi, supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore that roam the night in search of power. For centuries, Ayakashi have been drawn to Karasumori, seeking to harness its power, and it has become a battleground where Yoshimori and Tokine, as the school's protectors, have their work cut out for them.

Yoshimori and Tokine, both middle school students, hail from a long lineage of kekkaishi. They belong to bitter rival families, the Sumimuras and the Yukimuras respectively, both claiming to be the true inheritors of the craft. However, despite their families' rivalry, Yoshimori and Tokine have formed a close bond and work together to exorcise the Ayakashi. Their weapon of choice against these creatures is a Kekkai, a dimensional cube made of spiritual energy, which they can manipulate to trap and exterminate the Ayakashi.

Yoshimori is a seemingly lazy student by day who aspires to be a professional pastry chef. However, his demeanor changes when he puts on his kekkaishi hat. He takes his duty of protecting Karasumori school grounds very seriously and eventually becomes a highly skilled kekkaishi. Yoshimori is especially sensitive to the grief and suffering the Ayakashi cause to people, contributing to his strong sense of responsibility.

Tokine, on the other hand, contrasts Yoshimori's hotheaded nature with her cool, calm, and collected demeanor. Despite being older and more experienced, she often finds herself outmatched by Yoshimori's raw power. Nevertheless, she compensates with her superior control and strategies, proving an essential partner to Yoshimori on the battlefield. Yoshimori and Tokine's friendship is also a central theme in the series, encompassing elements of rivalry, respect, and romantic tension.

The series delves into intricate subplots involving their families and other elemental magic users, with numerous revelations about the school, their families' shared kekkaishi heritage, a secret organization named Urakai, and many formidable enemies. The series explores diverse themes, including friendship, destiny, duty, familial bonds, sacrifice, and the struggle between duty and personal dreams.

Kekkaishi boasts a rich array of supporting characters, each bringing particular strengths and quirks to the series, contributing to its depth and mood. There are the other members of the Sumimura and Yukimura families, Yagyou, a ghost hunting organization, and the spirit wolf sidekick, to name a few. These characters are integral to the story and the development of the protagonist duo, often providing comic relief, support in battles, and contributing to narrative twists.

The series seamlessly merges high-stakes battles, typical school-life scenarios, and supernatural elements. It offers viewers a balanced dosage of action, drama, and comedy coupled with heart-warming as well as heart-wrenching moments. Beautifully animated, the series excels in portraying intensive battles scenes, the intricacies of the Kekkai techniques, and the distinct characteristics of the Ayakashi.

The concept of Kekkai, a barrier created to protect, trap, or isolate, underlines the entire series and extends beyond the literal barriers produced by the kekkaishi. It reflects the mental and emotional barriers that the characters erect around themselves or the societal boundaries that restrict them. It highlights the complexities of human relationships and the constant struggle between one's aspirations and duties.

With its engaging plot, relatable characters, and impressive animation, Kekkaishi is a series that continues to captivate fans even years after its conclusion. Its layered story, traditional Japanese folklore elements, and relatable themes ensure that the series holds appeal for both younger audience and more mature viewers. While providing entertainment and action, Kekkaishi encourages viewers to think about responsibility, aspirations, and the power and meaning of boundaries.