Mushishi is a mystery slice of life. Each episode tells a story about Mushi affecting the everyday life of people all around. Mushi are a sort of being that are not plant nor animal, good nor evil. They're a sort of spiritual being that only certain people can see, that purely just try to survive more than anything, which can sometimes negatively affect those around them. Ginko, a Mushi-shi (a sort of Mushi shaman) goes from town to town, investigating these happenings, studying the Mushi, and helping people along the way.

Mushishi is not an "everybody wins" show. It shows that there isn't always a happy ending in life. Some people die. Some people are forced to live with some unfortunate circumstances due to the Mushi. Ginko doesn't have all the answers, but he does what he can. Sometimes he directly helps. Sometimes all he can do is sit, listen, and sit in the back lines and see how things play out.

This show is beautiful.

The art style fits the mood of each episode. It's a soft art style, which great detail going into the backgrounds. The soundtrack is equally gorgeous, always managing to fit the scene. The soundtrack is rather somber for the most part, but so is the show. Though it has one of the most happy and relaxing openings I've heard in some time that
I always find myself singing along with.

One thing I really loved about this show is how each episode ends. There's no cliffhangers like most shows that make you watch the next episode. It's episodic. At the end of each episode, either the problem is resolved, or it's not. And they move on. At the end of each episode, you're just left with thoughts of what just happened. And some of them are just really sad!! Tears would likely be dropped. But yeah, the appeal isn't necessarily to see what happens next, but what else is going to happen. What's the next Mushi going to be like? Will Ginko be able to help? Will the next village be able to help itself? The story isn't centered around Ginko, either. It's about the people he encounters. I'd say it's not a great show to marathon, but rather take your time with. Just watch 1/2 episodes at a time and you'll be good.

Mushishi is a show that you'll know if you would enjoy it after one episode. I feel it doesn't follow the three episode rule. You get what the show is going for in just one episode. If you feel the pacing is too slow, this show is not for you. If you don't feel interested in the mystery, this show is not for you. But if you get a chance to watch, and you find it equal parts intriguing and relaxing, then I feel you're really going to enjoy it.

Personally I rate the whole thing the anime,ova,movie combined a solid 9-9.5/10

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