Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Edogawa Nishiguchi Ayakashi Clinic
First Impressions
I stumbled upon "Edogawa Nishiguchi Ayakashi Clinic" recently, and it immediately charmed me with its premise. A clinic catering to ayakashi, or supernatural creatures, in modern-day Tokyo? Sign me up! The shoujo and slice-of-life tags also hinted at a heartwarming story, and I was eager to dive in and get to know the characters.
What Works Well
The heart of this novel lies in its characters and the overall cuteness factor. The female lead, Nanakida, is instantly likable. Her inner thoughts are relatable, and I found myself rooting for her. The dynamic between Nanakida and Mr. Tengo, one of the love interests, is also a major highlight. Their interactions are blunt yet caring, and their personalities complement each other well.
The inclusion of yokai folklore is another strong point. I'm a sucker for stories that incorporate Japanese mythology, and "Edogawa Nishiguchi Ayakashi Clinic" seems to do it seamlessly. The different ayakashi that appear add a layer of depth and intrigue to the world.
Areas of Concern
My biggest concern echoes that of another reader - the translation status. Knowing that the translation is currently stalled dampens my enthusiasm significantly. The prospect of getting invested in a story only for it to be dropped is disheartening, and it's something potential readers should be aware of.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, there's a tiny spoiler I came across that I feel I should address. Apparently, Mr. Tengo gets drunk and makes a rather... interesting proposition to Nanakida. While this scene might be amusing for some, it could also be off-putting to others. Just a heads-up!
Final Verdict
Despite my worries about the translation, I still think "Edogawa Nishiguchi Ayakashi Clinic" has a lot to offer. The cute characters, heartwarming slice-of-life elements, and incorporation of yokai folklore make it a promising read. If you're looking for a lighthearted and fun shoujo novel with a supernatural twist, this might be right up your alley. Just be mindful of the translation situation before diving in too deep. My final rating is a tentative 3.5/5, with the potential to rise significantly if the translation continues.
