Tsugu Tsugumomo (Season Two)

Kazuya learns that there is a secret city of Tsugumomos that exist without human masters. They’re powered by the crystal of a god that they killed. That crystal is dying so they’ve targeted Kukuri as their replacement.

What did you watch?

There’s nothing quite like completely immersing yourself in a series. When I spotted this season, I had not seen the first or even heard of it. As this one intrigued me, I decided to watch the first season in preparation and was so glad I did. So, even if this season wasn’t that good, I would have felt vindicated in my decision. I got to watch this season as it aired and was surprised to discover that almost no one was talking about it. Had it slipped past everyone’s radar or had the ecchi tag caused people to avert their eyes? I guess I will have to do my part to raise awareness, so let’s get into it.

Tsugu Tsugumomo Episode 12 Kukuri attacks

What happened?

Kazuya created a club at the school to enable them to find Malison disturbances and deal with them promptly. Things seem to be working for them, although the Malison disturbances seemed unnatural and the Amasogi stronger and less predictable. It’s as if someone was creating them. Kazuya also spent some time with Sunao, the Malison cleanser from the first season that challenged him to a fight. She seems to have become quite attached to Kazuya and her mother is determined to force them into a relationship, and she’s not one to be denied.

However, everything changed when a group of Tsugumomos entered the city and came after Kukuri, believing her to be weak. She quickly showed them just why you don’t mess with a god, even a regional one. However, that led to the realisation that they are dealing with Mayoiga, a city of Tsugumomo that exist without humans. They killed a god and took her crystal and now they want Kukuri’s. Kazuya is going to have to be on top of his game if he’s to stop this new threat.

Tsugu Tsugumomo Episode 1 Kazuya fighting the Giant Panty Frog

What did you think?

This season started with an Amasogi of the week style format, although it deviated occasionally to look at the relationship between Kazuya and Sunao. However, by the middle of the season, it became clear that everything had been building towards the attack from Mayoiga and even that is just a front for a much darker danger. Kazuya’s past is really about to catch up with him. As with the first season, the episodes bounce back and forth between the fun ecchi episodes and dark psychological episodes. It does it almost effortlessly too, which is truly admirable. I really enjoyed the variety and also how the story weaved together.

Tsugu Tsugumomo Episode 2 Sunao panicked

What was your favourite moment?

The final episode was the absolute peak of the season, as it should be. Seeing Kukuri fighting with her full power was incredible, but the emergence of Kanaka, Kazuya’s dead mother was insane. She showed everyone just how powerful she was and it was terrifying. I’ve still not gotten over the death of Kukuri and Kiriha. That was so unexpected and yet completely believable. This season was fantastic, but the final couple of episodes took it to a new height. Do not sleep on this series!

Tsugu Tsugumomo Episode 12 Kanaka stops Kukuri from killing Azami

What was your least favourite moment?

I’m going to pick the exact same moment. As spectacular as it was, seeing Kukuri die and then Kiriha sacrifice herself was heartbreaking. Then, on top of the Kasumi, Kazuya’s sister jumped into the fight, sealing herself and Kanaka away for three years. Kazuya lost everything at that moment and he still needs to prepare himself to fight his mother in a battle to the death. It really was an emotional moment.

Tsugu Tsugumomo Episode 12 Kanaka uses Divine Possession to kill Kukuri

Who was your favourite character?

Everyone continued to step up their game and it’s hard to pick one person to be the standout. I will say that I am now a big fan of Sunao. I never thought I would say that after the first season but her development was incredible. I completely ship her with Kazuya and that’s crazy considering all the other wonderful characters. Sunao showed a vulnerability that complemented her ferocity as a fighter as she learnt to treat Kotetsu as a person and not a tool. It’s impressive that they were able to change my mind completely about her.

Tsugu Tsugumomo Episode 10 Sunao Training

Who was your least favourite character?

I’m going to break tradition again and mention another fantastic character, but I do think she can sit here due to what she did. Kanaka Kagami is ruthless and powerful, but is it really her? She was Kazuya’s mother and Kiriha’s former master. She was also the strongest Malison cleanser, but something terrible happened and she died. The details of her existence had been purged from Kazuya’s mind, but when he performed Divine Possession with Kiriha he regained some of his lost memories. She returned thanks to a pair of Tsugumomo twins that were also from Kazuya’s past. Seriously, watch this season!

Tsugu Tsugumomo Episode 12 Kanaka and Azami join to fight

Would you like some more?

If you like baths, then this is the series for you. It also continues on the path set in the first season with accidental boob grabs, awkward moments, and panty shots. There are some odd moments, much like the first series, but you can expect lots of great ecchi moments. On top of that, it has a deep and interesting story with lots of wonderful foreshadowing and one hell of a payoff. I’m still not over the ending and am absolutely desperate for a third season.

Tsugu Tsugumomo Episode 10 Sunao Bathing Helping Kazuya

What have you learnt?

Throughout seasons one and two, the series was constantly dropping little hints at future events and hidden pasts. The foreshadowing has been amazing and made the ending and the shock deaths that much harder to take. It’s one of those things where you should have seen it coming, but were so caught up in what’s happening now that those hints fall into your subconscious, waiting for the right moment to make the twists completely obvious – usually one second after the twist.

However, foreshadowing alone is not enough. The characters in this series were great. They were interesting and believable in the way they act. No one did things to further the plot, it always seemed to fit with their personality and goals. Of course, that furthered the plot on its own, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. The way it changed my opinion of Sunao is more than enough to show me that they’ve really thought through the actions and reactions. Did I mention that you should see this series?

Tsugu Tsugumomo (Season Two)