Jigokuraku

Sentenced to death, ninja Gabimaru the Hollow finds himself apathetic. After leading a blood-soaked life, Gabimaru believes he deserves to die. However, every attempt to execute him inexplicably fails. Finally, Sagiri Yamada Asaemon, a fledgling member of a famed executioner clan, is asked to take Gabimaru's life; yet Sagiri makes no move to kill him as requested.

Insisting that Gabimaru will not die because of his love for his wife, Sagiri instead offers him the chance to obtain a full pardon for his crimes. If he can travel to the island of Shinsekyo and obtain the Elixir of Life—which supposedly grants immortality—and bring it back for the shogun, then his freedom will be assured.

But of the many who have traveled to Shinsekyo in search of the mythical Elixir, not a single person has returned sound of mind, if at all. Though unaware of the numerous dangers ahead, Gabimaru decides to accept the offer—alongside ten other death row convicts—in hope that he and his wife may finally live in peace.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gabimaru Main

Kobayashi, Chiaki Japanese

Yamada Asaemon, Sagiri Main

Hanamori, Yumiri Japanese

Yuzuriha ing

Takahashi, Rie Japanese

Yamada Asaemon, Shion ing

Kobayashi, Chikahiro Japanese

Aza, Choubei ing

Kimura, Ryouhei Japanese

Yamada Asaemon, Tenza ing

Kobayashi, Yuusuke Japanese

Tamiya, Gantetsusai ing

Inada, Tetsu Japanese

Yamada Asaemon, Fuchi ing

Ichikawa, Aoi Japanese

Yamada Asaemon, Touma ing

Ono, Kensho Japanese

Yui ing

Noto, Mamiko Japanese

Ishii, Nozomi Producer

Kawagoe, Wataru Producer, Production Assistant, Production Manager

Makita, Kaori Director, Episode Director, Storyboard

Ebina, Yasunori Sound Director

Reviews

May 23, 2025

Orangzer

Recommended

When I first started Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku, I honestly had no idea what to expect. The first episode caught my attention—it was interesting, but still left me a bit unsure about what the anime was really about. After watching, I decided to look it up and found that it falls under genres like dark fantasy and psychological thriller. That instantly gave me Higurashi or Summertime Rendering vibes—mysterious, isolated settings with strange happenings, which I really enjoy. While Hell’s Paradise shares that mysterious island theme, it’s definitely different and has a unique identity of its own.


Story :

The story of Jigokuraku (Hell’s Paradise) is full of ... wild twists. It’s the kind of anime that constantly makes you go, “What the hell am I watching?” in a good way. It's unpredictable and intense, and that sense of chaos and suspense actually works really well here. Right from the start, you're thrown into a bloodbath where criminals are forced to fight each other just to earn a chance to go on a dangerous mission. And that’s only the beginning.

The main plot follows a group of death-row convicts who are sent to a mysterious and uncharted island in search of the legendary “Elixir of Life.” But this island is not just dangerous, it’s completely bizarre. One strange and creepy thing happens after another, and the deeper the characters go, the more twisted things get. At first, it feels like a survival horror setup where they’re fighting monsters, but once Tensen-sama is introduced, everything changes. Suddenly, it's not just about survival anymore. The story dives into godlike beings, immortality, and the deeper mystery behind the island itself.

What really makes the story work is how it blends unexpected twists with surprisingly strong character development. You never know who is going to make it out alive, and every episode raises new questions. The story also digs into some fascinating philosophical and religious themes. It mixes symbols and ideas from Buddhism and Taoism, and as the story progresses, it reveals that the island was the birthplace of a new kind of religion—something that was hinted at early on but becomes clearer later. The power system, called Tao, is directly inspired by concepts like yin and yang and the Buddhist middle way. These ideas are not just for show—they actually shape how the world works and how the characters fight and evolve.

One small issue is the shift in tone. The anime starts off as a gritty survival thriller, then gradually transitions into a more fantastical and philosophical story about immortality and divine beings. While this adds depth, the change might feel sudden to some viewers who preferred the raw survival element of the early episodes & in my opinion it's interesting.

If there’s one more downside, it’s the pacing. The story moves pretty fast, and it feels like some parts from the manga might have been skipped or rushed. A few extra episodes could have helped slow things down and give more depth to certain moments. Some emotional scenes and character backstories don't always land as strongly as they could have, simply because there isn’t enough time to let them breathe. Even so, MAPPA did a great job adapting the material and keeping the story visually and emotionally engaging.

Characters :


Gabimaru, the protagonist, is introduced as a cold, emotionless assassin nicknamed “Gabimaru the Hollow.” In the beginning, he repeatedly survives execution attempts, which seems impossible, until Sagiri points out that, deep down, he still wants to live. That moment marks the beginning of his development. His goal is simple on the surface: earn a government pardon by finding the Elixir of Life so he can return to his wife and live in peace. That motive, set up in the first episode or two, drives his journey forward.

But what makes Gabimaru interesting is how that straightforward goal becomes more layered. Through his interactions with others, especially Sagiri, he slowly begins to rediscover his emotions and humanity. Sagiri helps him grow, challenging his way of thinking, while he also inspires her to confront her own struggles. Their relationship is not romantic in a typical anime sense. It is more of a deep mutual understanding, where both each other in their growth as individuals. That complexity makes their bond feel more mature and grounded.

Gabimaru’s personal growth is also symbolically tied to the Tao concept of yin and yang. He begins as someone who leans completely into violence and detachment, but over time, he learns balance, embracing comion, restraint, and empathy. It mirrors the Taoist idea of harmony through duality and adds depth to his arc.

Spoiler warning: At the end of the season, Yuzuriha suggests something huge—Gabimaru’s memories may have been manipulated by the village chief, and his wife might not even exist. That twist throws everything into question. What happens to all that development if his goal was based on a lie? That uncertainty makes his character arc even more intriguing going into the next season.

Sagiri, on her own, also has a strong arc. She starts off conflicted about her role as an executioner, especially as a woman in a profession dominated by men. Through her journey, she gains confidence and learns to accept both her duty and her comion. She becomes a more balanced and self-assured person, no longer doubting whether she is worthy to swing the sword.

Yuzuriha is another standout. At first glance, she comes off as flirtatious, carefree, and manipulative. She plays the part of someone who is only looking out for herself, always calculating how to survive with the least effort. But beneath that surface is a sharp, observant, and emotionally guarded individual. Her interactions with Senta reveal a more layered side to her, and their dynamic becomes surprisingly meaningful.

Senta initially seems annoyed or even jealous of Yuzuriha’s nature. He is someone who has always followed rules, bound tightly to his duty as an executioner, even while quietly suppressing his personal dreams and desires. Yuzuriha, on the other hand, represents the opposite—freedom, self-expression, and doing whatever she wants without being tied down by anyone. Senta begins by resenting that, but over time, he grows to respect and ire her. He realizes that while he convinced himself he was doing what he wanted, he was really just going along with what was expected of him. Yuzuriha challenges that mindset. She mirrors the freedom he never allowed himself to have, and through their connection, we see growth on both sides. While she never fully drops her guard, it is clear that she values his honesty and quiet strength in her own way.

As for the rest of the cast, the anime does a good job developing many side characters within its limited episode count. Characters like Tenza, Shion, Nurugai, and even Rokurota all get backstories that help explain their motivations. These moments are often tragic, and the show clearly tries to evoke sympathy similar to what Demon Slayer does. But the emotional impact does not always land as strongly. Some characters are introduced and killed off so quickly that there is not enough time to truly get attached. Their stories are good in theory, but the rushed execution can make them feel a bit hollow. This is where the 13 episode length really shows its limits. More time would have let these characters breathe and develop more naturally.

That said, the main cast is well written. Gabimaru, Sagiri, and Yuzuriha carry the show with strong personalities and clear growth. The antagonists, while still somewhat mysterious, seem unique and interesting in design and concept. Hopefully, we will learn more about them in future seasons.

Overall, the character writing is one of the anime's strengths. The core group feels thoughtfully developed, and while some side characters fall short due to limited time, their potential is still there. A few more episodes would have really helped flesh things out, but given the runtime, they managed to do a solid job.

Animation & Music :

The animation in Jigokuraku is well done, and MAPPA delivered a solid visual experience overall. The action scenes are fluid and intense, and the vibrant yet eerie design of the island adds to the mysterious tone of the story. However, there are moments where the character designs or animation quality feel a bit inconsistent, which both I and many viewers noticed. It’s not enough to ruin the experience, but it does stand out at times.

The opening theme is decent—it sets the tone but doesn't particularly stand out. As for the OSTs, they sound good during the scenes and fit the mood, but they’re not especially memorable and can feel repetitive at times.

The ending theme, on the other hand, is a highlight. “Kamihitoe” by Uru is soft, emotional, and beautifully tuned—it leaves a lasting impression and wraps up each episode on a strong note.


Other Factors :

Let’s talk about accessibility first—Jigokuraku is engaging right from the first episode. It immediately catches your attention and keeps getting better as the series progresses. The pacing keeps things moving, and the mix of mystery, tension, and action makes it easy to stay invested.

The power system, Tao, may seem like a cheap knock-off of the kind of power systems seen in Dragon Ball—like Ki or Chi—but it’s really not, even though they are somewhat similar on the surface. Tao is rooted in the balance of nature, drawing heavily from Taoist concepts like yin and yang. It’s not just about strength, but about harmony between opposing forces—life and death, male and female, softness and hardness. That philosophical foundation adds a unique flavor that makes Tao feel more meaningful and integrated into the story and worldbuilding. Honestly, I didn’t expect this anime to have a power system at all, so it was a cool surprise how well it was introduced.

The fights were also impressive. I liked most of the action scenes, and I didn’t expect this much fighting in a story that starts off so dark and mysterious. However, during some fast-paced moments, the choreography feels a little off—like it relies too much on still frames or doesn't flow as smoothly. Another issue is power scaling. Some characters seem to master Tao and become powerful too quickly, which feels off when you consider that antagonists like the Tensen have trained for hundreds or even thousands of years.

The show also teases a lot of deep lore. Some of it was explored in this season, but there’s clearly much more beneath the surface. I really hope future seasons take time to expand on the island’s history, the origins of the Tensen, and the formation of the strange new religion hinted at in the story.



Enjoyment & Impact :

Even with its flaws, I really enjoyed this anime very much—more than most animes. It left a strong impact on me. In fact, it’s probably the third anime after Dragon Ball and Naruto that made me curious enough to dive into the philosophy of a religion. This time, it was Taoism. I already knew some basics, but Jigokuraku made me want to explore and learn more, which is something I genuinely appreciate.

While it might not be on the same level as When They Cry or Summertime Rendering, it still did a solid job blending dark fantasy, action, and philosophical themes. It delivered a unique experience and left me excited for what comes next. I’m definitely looking forward to the next season.

Story : 4/5
Characters : 4/5
Animation & Music : 4 to 4.25/5
Other Factors : 4.25/5
Enjoyment & Impact :4.25/5

Total Score : 20.5 to 20.75/25 (82% to 83%)

Overall Rating : 8 to 8.5 (A- to A)

Reviewer’s Rating: 8

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Nov 12, 2024

MrSlamboni

Mixed Feelings

The show has an interesting setting. A group of criminals and their overseers are sent to an island that is supposed to be a mixture of Buddhist and Taoist heaven. Their goal is to retrieve the elixir of life to obtain a pardon from the Shogun. The problem is, although this island looks really pretty with all the flowers and colors, it is the farthest thing from Heaven. Everything tries to kill you in a brutal but colorful way. The animation is pretty good in that regard.

However, that's where the good stops. The characters are really boring and cliche. They are well animated, but you ... better hope they never start talking because you start to realize you are watching pretty looking trash. Almost everyone who is not a male is sexualized. Besides the original concept and good animation, I can't find much to praise.

Reviewer’s Rating: 5

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Apr 11, 2024

stonepillar

Not Recommended

What a major disappointment of adaptation from the manga. I honestly thought that the series will get a good animation considering the hype surrounding the manga. Yes, I already read the manga and it an okay series if you turn your brain off and enjoy the gore and the art. some of the flaw in the manga I thought the studio will correct it but guess not. let rate the series shall we.

PLOT (4)
The stories structure doesn't make sense. What I mean by that is the shogun want to gain immortality because there a rumor of an unknown charted island there is elixir of immortality ... that being told by people who turn into plant. The shogun send expedition to the island but fail and in second try one person alive but gradually turn into plant. So for the third expedition he send a criminal? and if they bought back the elixir the shogun will erase all their crime and be free. This not make sense because Why would the criminal give the elixir and not just drink it to gain immortality?. Oh there an executioner follow them you say, then why not just send them. There no reason to use the criminal when you have someone who are more loyal AKA the executioner.

CHARACTER (5)
The main character is a ninja that want to died at first but then suddenly he had a wife. The show really want you to think the character is deep but in reality they just one dimension personality that it would be better if the writer put more on thought on the plot instead. The best character is yuzuriha the ninja girl with a technique that will make me hard and also sagiri the main heroin for being a waifu material. Yes they the one who save this god damn show. I also like how the writer portray the villain and called the the island hell paradise, it really similar to our reality.

ANIMATION (3)
It not a berserk 2016 level of bad but it should have been better considering it create from studio mappa that create quality animation like jjk and chainsaw man. I guess they don't see the hype of the manga and give subpar animation. The only good thing is VA that really do a good job and the music are okay.

In conclusion, it got some nice idea but terrible execution, it not as great as people hype it up but I can see the appeal. Just turn your brain off, you will enjoy it if you think of it as gore shlock.

Reviewer’s Rating: 3

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