“Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru” or “A Corpse is Buried Under Sakurako’s Feet,” is a 12 episode psychological, mystery anime. The story follows high schooler Tatewaki Shoutarou as he finds himself pulled into mystery after mystery as he works with a renowned osteologist (studier of bones), Kujo Sakurako.
Each investigation the two find themselves involved in normally happens after they find human bones. Sakurako uses both her fascination and knowledge of bones and almost Sherlockian observation skills to walk the viewer through each step of the solution. Shoutarou does not have any specific abilities that make him stand out, but he provides a frame for Sakurako to bounce ideas off of. Their teamwork is banter-based with Shoutarou having to drag Sakurako’s wants back to societal standards (i.e. telling her she couldn’t keep a human skull she found on the beach).
Overall the series was very interesting even though it’s incomplete; each mystery was well thought out and you can see the passion behind the work. It has an almost enthralling power about it. After one episode you want to know more. Even a topic focused on human remains can become beautiful by telling the stories of the human they once were. It’s not just the bones that the show focuses on, it’s the human life that happened and ended.
Though there were many supporting characters, they were very well characterized and weren’t one-dimensional, many even got their own episodes with Shoutarou and Sakurako being the supporting members. The show examines the loss each character experienced and it becomes their reason for living on and helping others. This provides a way for the audience to relate to these characters.
The art and animation is one of the show’s highlights. The colors and music correspond to the mood of the episodes and the scenes flow by smoothly. Tense moments are tense and cliffhangers are used wisely. Though each episode typically involves a different investigation, it doesn’t feel choppy, each episode makes you want to watch the next just to see what else is going to happen. It is very possible to binge watch the entire season.
If you’re interested in a quick mystery-esque show that’s not afraid to hit you where it hurts, this show is for you.
Article by guest contributer Carrie Capel.