With the Japanese release finishing up this month and the US release already set for September, MVM Entertainment’s pickup of Matoi the Sacred Slayer for the UK should have it as a quick arrival there. The distributor has revealed their acquisition of the series and does indicate that they’re looking to get it out later this year, which is more likely because of how quickly the North American release is going. That release is in its original Japanese language with English subtitles from Sentai Filmworks and the UK release is expected to be the same.
The show is notable as White Fox’s first original work as opposed to an adaptation. It was directed by Masayuki Sakoi based on the scripts by Yousuke Kuroda. Mai Toda served as both character designer and chief animation director.
The Japanese cast includes Ayaka Suwa as Matoi Sumeragi, Naomi Ōzora as Yuma Kusanagi and Haruka Tomatsu as Claris Tonitolus.
The opening theme song “Chōmusubi Amulet” is being performed by Mia REGINA while the ending theme song “My Only Place” is performed by Sphere.
Plot concept: It is 2016. Matoi Sumeragi, a second-year junior high school student, works part-time as a shrine maiden at Tenman Shrine in the city of Kamaya. Ever since being separated from her mother in early childhood, Matoi has been entrusted to her grandparents on her father’s side, but three months ago, she finally began to live with her father Shingo. In those circumstances, she only wishes for a peaceful, normal life.
Her close friend and part-time workmate Yuma Kusanagi is part of the family of the shrine’s chief priest, and is a candidate to be the successor shrine maiden. For generations, her family has performed exorcisms of evil spirits. She invites Matoi to one of these exorcism ceremonies, a so-called “Divine Possession” that she will attempt.
One day, Matoi and Yuma walk from the school to the shrine as usual, but when they arrive, they are greeted by the shrine’s now damaged grounds, and Yuma’s parents have both collapsed from their wounds. Matoi’s father Shingo, a police detective, launches an investigation, and he comes upon a man who does not seem entirely sane: his only witness. When he holds down the man, Yuma begins the ritual of Divine Possession.
Something strange then happens, not with Yuma, but with Matoi. Matoi Sumeragi, who had only wanted a normal, peaceful life, takes the role of a god, and gains the power to banish evil spirits! To get her precious everyday life back, Matoi must conduct exorcisms!
