Shounen Onmyouji (TV version) There are Youkai and Ayakashi galore in Shounen Onmyouji, a Japanese period anime about a young boy's quest to surpass his grandfather as an Onmyouji (a type of Japanese exorcist). Onmyouji are practitioners of Onmyodo, a Chinese-influenced, traditional Japanese study. A mixture of natural science and occultism, it is based on two Chinese theories, Five Elements, and yin and yang. Shounen Onmyouji is based on an original manga by Hikaru Yuuki, and produced by Studio Deen. Their past credits include Bomberman Jetters, and Soul Hunter, and they also collaborated with Studio Ghibli on the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away. Abe no Masahiro is the grandson of the famous Abe no Seimei, a powerful and well-known Onmyouji who works for the Imperial court. From a young age, Masahiro has been able to see ghosts and spirits, but his grandfather thinks he is to young to experience such things, and therefore blocks Masahiro's powers. Masahiro believes he has suddenly lost his spirit-spotting ability. He realises he must find another path in life, and tries being a writer, flautist and Biwa (Japanese lute) player. Masahiro becomes increasingly annoyed at being referred to as the 'grandson of Abe no Seimei'. He wants to become even more famous than his grandfather, so that people will know his name is 'Abe no Masahiro'. While contemplating what to do with his life, he meets Mokkun, a small, fox-like spirit creature that can talk. Mokkun has an impish character, and often talks to Masahiro in a sarcastic tone. Through this meeting and the events that take place soon after, Masahiro recovers his ability. He then has to protect the city from a rampaging evil spirit. Finally able to see spirits again, Masahiro decides that he will do everything possible to become an even greater Onmyouji than his grandfather.
