Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto

The series is set in the events that followed the aftermath of Ryoma Sakamoto's assassination. The hero of the series, Akizuki Yujiro, carries a sword which glows when it is near its supernatural quarry. The target which is known by the name of the "Lord's Head" apparently has something to do with the conflicts at the close of the Bakumatsu era. It is Akizuki's task to seal this head using the sword. Along the way he meets a theatre group led by Yuyama Kakunojo. The group's quest for revenge against one man inevitably ties up their destiny with Akizuki. Their playwright, Ibaragi Soutetsu, plays a key role in the series when he reveals his true motives.

The series is riddled with historical events that might confuse viewers who are not knowledgeable about this period in Japanese history. Granted, there is a narrator and the events don't weigh heavily on the outcome of Akizuki's quest. The building up of the tension is slow (for me at least) and Soutetsu's motives become obvious towards the middle of the series. Both Akizuki and Yuyama remained mysterious so there was no time for me to sympathize with their cause.

Akizuki's skills are overplayed. Confrontations are delayed and he couldn't live up to his reputation.  The concept of an vengeful spirit isn't bad but the series lacked something. I'm giving this 26-episode series a 6 out of 10 rating.