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"Ghostory" redirects here. For the album by School of Seven Bells, see Ghostory (album).
"Nisemonogatari" redirects here. For the Edo period book, see Nise Monogatari.

Monogatari
Cover of the first light novel Bakemonogatari, featuring Hitagi Senjōgahara
物語
Genre
Light novel
Written byNisio Isin
Illustrated byVofan
Published byKodansha
English publisher
ImprintKodansha Box
MagazineMephisto (2005–2006)
Pandora (2008)
Bessatsu (2013)[5]
Original runAugust 10, 2005 – present
Volumes29 (List of volumes)
Anime television series
First Season
Directed by
Produced by
  • Atsuhiro Iwakami
  • Mitsutoshi Kubota
  • Masayuki Haryu (#1–15)
  • Takuya Matsushita (#16–30)
Written by
  • Composition:
  • Shaft[d]
  • Akiyuki Shinbo
  • Scripts:
  • Yukito Kizawa
  • Muneo Nakamoto
Music bySatoru Kōsaki
StudioShaft
Licensed by
Original networkTokyo MX, MBS, TV Saitama, tvk, TV Aichi, Chiba TV, TVQ Kyushu, TVh, BS Japan
Original run
2009–2012
  • Bakemonogatari:
    July 3 – September 25, 2009 (TV)
    November 3, 2009 – June 25, 2010 (ONA)
    Nisemonogatari:
    January 8 – March 18, 2012
    Nekomonogatari (Black):
    December 31, 2012
Episodes30 (List of episodes)

First Season arcs:

  1. Bakemonogatari (15 episodes)
  2. Nisemonogatari (11 episodes)
  3. Nekomonogatari (Black) (4 episodes)
Anime television series
Second Season
Directed by
Produced by
  • Atsuhiro Iwakami
  • Mitsutoshi Kubota
  • Takuya Matsushita
Written by
  • Composition:
  • Shaft[d]
  • Akiyuki Shinbo
  • Scripts:
  • Yukito Kizawa
  • Muneo Nakamoto
Music by
  • Satoru Kōsaki (#1–23)
  • Kei Haneoka (#24–28)
StudioShaft
Licensed by
  • AUS: Hanabee
  • NA: Aniplex of America
  • UK: MVM Films
Original networkTokyo MX, MBS, TV Saitama, tvk, TV Aichi, Chiba TV, TVQ Kyushu, TVh, Tochigi TV, GTV, BS11
Original run
2013–2014
  • Nekomonogatari (White):
    July 7 – August 4, 2013
    Kabukimonogatari:
    August 18 – September 8, 2013
    Otorimonogatari:
    September 22 – October 13, 2013
    Onimonogatari:
    October 27 – November 17, 2013
    Koimonogatari:
    November 24 – December 29, 2013
    Hanamonogatari:
    August 16, 2014
Episodes28 (List of episodes)

Second Season arcs:

  1. Nekomonogatari (White) (5 episodes)
  2. Kabukimonogatari (4 episodes)
  3. Hanamonogatari (5 episodes)
  4. Otorimonogatari (4 episodes)
  5. Onimonogatari (4 episodes)
  6. Koimonogatari (6 episodes)
Anime television series
Final Season
Directed by
  • Akiyuki Shinbo[i]
  • Tomoyuki Itamura (#1–36)[j]
Produced by
  • Takuya Matsushita
  • Atsuhiro Iwakami (#1–36)
  • Mitsutoshi Kubota (#1–36)
  • Tatsuya Ishikawa (#37–42)
  • Kazuki Sōmiya (#37–42)
  • Tomoki Yunoguchi (#37–42)
Written by
  • Composition:
  • Shaft[d]
  • Akiyuki Shinbo
  • Scripts:
  • Yukito Kizawa
  • Muneo Nakamoto
Music by
  • Kei Haneoka (#1–17, 29–42)
  • Satoru Kōsaki (#18–28)
StudioShaft
Licensed by
  • AUS: Hanabee
  • NA: Aniplex of America
  • UK: MVM Films
Original networkTokyo MX, MBS, TV Saitama, tvk, TV Aichi, Chiba TV, TVQ Kyushu, TVh, Tochigi TV, GTV, BS11
Original run
2014–2019
  • Tsukimonogatari:
    December 31, 2014
    Owarimonogatari I:
    October 3 – December 19, 2015
    Koyomimonogatari:
    January 10 – March 27, 2016 (ONA)
    Owarimonogatari II:
    August 12–13, 2017
    Zoku Owarimonogatari:
    May 18 – June 22, 2019
Episodes42 (List of episodes)

Final Season arcs:

  1. Tsukimonogatari (4 episodes)
  2. Owarimonogatari I (13 episodes)
  3. Koyomimonogatari (12 episodes)
  4. Owarimonogatari II (7 episodes)
  5. Zoku Owarimonogatari (6 episodes)
Original net animation
Off & Monster Season
Directed by
Produced by
  • Akiko Yodo
  • Tatsuya Ishikawa
  • Yoshiyuki Shioya
  • Maho Nishibe
Written by
  • Composition:
  • Shaft[d]
  • Akiyuki Shinbo
  • Scripts:
  • Miku Ōshima
Music by
  • Satoru Kōsaki (#1–6)
  • Yuria Miyazono (#6.5)
  • Kei Haneoka (#7–14)
StudioShaft
Licensed byCrunchyroll
Released
2024
  • Orokamonogatari:
    July 6, 2024 ("Tsukihi Undo")
    Nademonogatari:
    July 13 – August 10, 2024
    Wazamonogatari:
    August 17, 2024 ("The Beautiful Princess")
    August 24–31, 2024 ("Acerola Bon Appétit")
    Shinobumonogatari:
    September 14 – October 19, 2024
Episodes14 (List of episodes)
Related media
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Monogatari (物語; "Story") is a Japanese light novel series written by Nisio Isin and illustrated by Vofan. The plot centers on Koyomi Araragi, a third-year high school student who survives a vampire attack and finds himself helping girls involved with a variety of apparitions, ghosts, beasts, spirits, and other supernatural phenomena, which often serve as proxies for their emotional and mental issues. Since November 2006, Kodansha published 29 volumes in the series under its Kodansha Box imprint. All of the series' story arcs share the common title suffix -monogatari (物語).

Shaft has animated the Monogatari series several times since 2009. The "first season" of the anime adaptation consists of 30 episodes, which were broadcast in Japan between July 2009 and December 2012. The second season consists of 28 episodes broadcast between July and December 2013, and the "final season" consists of 42 episodes broadcast between December 2014 and June 2019. A prequel anime film trilogy, Kizumonogatari, was released in 2016 and 2017. An anime adaptation of the "Off Season" and "Monster Season" novels aired from July to October 2024. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Oh! great and titled Bakemonogatari, was serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine from March 2018 to March 2023.

Synopsis

[edit]

Setting

[edit]

Most heroines have an item that symbolizes their spectres, such as Hitagi's stapler (the claw of a crab), Mayoi's backpack (the shell of a snail), Suruga's arm (the arm of a monkey), Nadeko's hat and jacket (the head and skin of a snake), and Karen's black and yellow tracksuit (the colors of a bee). Although it incorporates elements of fantasy, horror, and action, the series primarily focuses on relationships and conversations between its characters, which make heavy use of Nisio Isin's signature word play and metahumor.

Premise

[edit]
See also: List of Monogatari characters

The Monogatari series revolves around Koyomi Araragi, a third-year high school student who has almost restored his humanity after briefly becoming a vampire during spring break. One day, a classmate of his, the reclusive Hitagi Senjōgahara, falls down a flight of stairs at school into Koyomi's arms. To his surprise, he discovers that Hitagi weighs almost nothing, in defiance of physics. Despite being threatened to keep away, Koyomi offers his help and introduces her to Meme Oshino, a strange middle-aged man living in an abandoned cram school who helped reverse his vampirism. Once Koyomi helps solve Hitagi's problem, she decides to become his girlfriend.

As the series progresses, Koyomi finds himself involved with other girls afflicted by "oddities" (怪異, kaii; lit. "strangeness"): a child named Mayoi Hachikuji; his underclassman Suruga Kanbaru; Nadeko Sengoku, a friend of his sisters; his classmate Tsubasa Hanekawa; and his own younger sisters Karen and Tsukihi. To deal with the apparitions, which feed on human emotions and often take forms symbolically represented by animals, Koyomi relies on supernatural guidance from Oshino and, later, from Shinobu, the once-powerful blonde vampire who attacked him and later assumed the appearance of an eight-year-old girl.

Production

[edit]

As Nisio Isin's previous work, the Zaregoto series, had been accepted as a light novel, he decided to write the first Monogatari short story, "Hitagi Crab", with a more formal approach in mind.[6]: 43  It was not a simple transition from light novels to formal literature, but rather an experiment to see if he could write a light novel without illustrations.[6]: 43  However, by the series' third story, "Suruga Monkey", it was decided that illustrations would be included in publication, and he changed his approach accordingly.[6]: 43  He has stated that the atmosphere between Kizumonogatari and Nisemonogatari differed due to his knowledge that the latter would be adapted as an anime.[6]: 45 

Media

[edit]

Light novels

[edit]
Main article: List of Monogatari novels

The Monogatari series was first written by Nisio Isin as a series of short stories without illustrations for Kodansha's literary magazine Mephisto.[7][8] The first three stories were printed in the magazine's September 2005, January 2006, and May 2006 issues, respectively; they were later collected in a light novel volume entitled Bakemonogatari (化物語; "Monster Tale", lit. 'Monstory') on November 2, 2006.[8] A second volume of Bakemonogatari, containing two new chapters, was released in December 2006.[9] Both volumes were published under the Kodansha Box imprint and featured original art by Taiwanese illustrator Vofan, who would illustrate all following releases.

A prequel story to Bakemonogatari entitled "Koyomi Vamp" (こよみヴァンプ, Koyomi Vuanpu) was published in the February 2008 issue of Pandora magazine. It was later released as a light novel volume entitled Kizumonogatari (傷物語; "Scar Story") in May 2008.[10] The next story arc, Nisemonogatari (偽物語; "Fake Story"), was released as two volumes in September 2008 and June 2009.[11][12] The first volume of Nekomonogatari (猫物語; "Cat Story"), subtitled Kuro (黒; "Black"), was released in July 2010, and consists of a prequel story to Bakemonogatari entitled "Tsubasa Family" (つばさファミリー, Tsubasa Famirī).[13]

The second Monogatari saga, referred to as the "Second Season", released between 2010 and 2011, delves further into Koyomi's relationship with each of the heroines. The second volume of Nekomonogatari, subtitled Shiro (白; "White"), was released in October 2010.[14] It was followed by five story arcs published in five volumes: Kabukimonogatari (傾物語; "Slope Story") in December 2010,[15] Hanamonogatari (花物語; "Flower Story") in March 2011,[16] Otorimonogatari (囮物語; "Decoy Story") in June 2011,[17] Onimonogatari (鬼物語; "Demon Story") in September 2011,[18] and Koimonogatari (恋物語; "Love Story") in December 2011.[19]

The third Monogatari saga, referred to as the "Final Season", released between 2012 and 2014, deepens the history of the character Ōgi Oshino, a supposed relative of Meme Oshino. It is composed of four story arcs published in six volumes: Tsukimonogatari (憑物語; "Possess Story") in September 2012,[20] a collection of 12 short stories entitled Koyomimonogatari (暦物語; "Calendar Story") in May 2013,[21] three volumes of Owarimonogatari (終物語; "End Story") in October 2013, January 2014, and April 2014,[22][23][24] and Zoku Owarimonogatari (続・終物語; "Continued End Story") in September 2014.[25]

The fourth Monogatari saga, referred to as "Off Season", released between 2015 and 2017, contains side stories focusing on various characters. It is composed of four story arcs published in four volumes: Orokamonogatari (愚物語; "Fool Story") in October 2015,[26] Wazamonogatari (業物語; "Karma Story") in January 2016,[27] Nademonogatari (撫物語; "Nadeko Story") in July 2016,[28] and Musubimonogatari (結物語; "Last Story") in January 2017.[29]

The fifth Monogatari saga, referred to as "Monster Season", released between 2017 and 2021, follows Koyomi's life as a university student. It is composed of six story arcs published in six volumes: Shinobumonogatari (忍物語; "Endure Story") in July 2017,[30] Yoimonogatari (宵物語; "Evening Story") in June 2018,[31] Amarimonogatari (余物語; "Surplus Story") in April 2019,[32] Ōgimonogatari (扇物語; "Fan Story") in October 2020,[33] and two volumes of Shinomonogatari (死物語; "Death Story") in August 2021.[34][35]

The sixth Monogatari saga, referred to as "Family Season", began in 2023. So far, only one volume has been published: Ikusamonogatari (戦物語; "War Story") in May 2023.[36] Tsugimonogatari (接物語; "Connecting Story") is so far the only announced sequel in this season, with its release date scheduled to October 2025.[37][38]

In 2015, Vertical licensed the novel series for English release.[39] The company began its paperback line with Kizumonogatari on December 15, 2015,[40] and later released the Bakemonogatari novels in three volumes: the first in December 2016, the second in February 2017, and the third in April 2017.[41] As of December 2020, the novels in the series up to Zoku Owarimonogatari have been translated.[42]

The English audiobook version of Kizumonogatari was released on May 25, 2016, by Bang Zoom! Entertainment with narration done by Keith Silverstein, Eric Kimerer, and Cristina Vee.[43] The audiobook for Nekomonogatari (White) was released on April 9, 2019, with narration done by Cristina Vee, Eric Kimerer, and Erica Mendez.[44] The audiobook for the three volumes of Bakemonogatari was released on March 24, 2020, with narration done by Eric Kimerer, Cristina Vee, Erica Mendez, and Keith Silverstein.[45]

The Japanese audiobook version of the entire series began release by Kodansha via Audible on February 17, 2021. Each novel features narration by the voice actors/actresses of the anime adaptation. It released one novel each month until June 16, 2023, with the second volume of Shinomonogatari.[46][47]

Anime

[edit]
Main article: List of Monogatari episodes

An anime adaptation of Bakemonogatari was announced in April 2008,[48] and broadcast between July 3 and September 25, 2009, on Tokyo MX.[49] The 15-episode series was animated by Shaft and directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and series director Tatsuya Oishi, with series composition by Shinbo and Shaft staff under the collective pen name of Fuyashi Tō,[50] character designs by Akio Watanabe based on Vofan's original concepts,[51] and scripts edited by Yukito Kizawa and Muneo Nakamoto.[52] The music for the series was composed by Satoru Kōsaki.[51] Only the first 12 episodes were broadcast on television; the remaining three episodes were distributed on the anime's website between November 3, 2009, and June 25, 2010.[53] At Sakura-Con 2012, Aniplex of America announced that it had acquired Bakemonogatari for release in North America.[54] All 15 episodes were released on Blu-ray with English subtitles on November 20, 2012.[55]

An 11-episode anime adaptation of Nisemonogatari aired from January 8 to March 18, 2012, produced by the same staff as Bakemonogatari, but with Tomoyuki Itamura replacing Tatsuya Oishi as director. A four-episode anime television series adaptation of Nekomonogatari (Kuro) (猫物語(黒); "Cat Story (Black)") aired back-to-back on December 31, 2012.[56] Two Blu-ray and DVD compilation volumes were released: the first on March 6, 2013, and the second on April 3, 2013.[56] A 26-episode anime television series titled Monogatari Series Second Season, spanning five of the six novels from Nekomonogatari (Shiro) (猫物語(白); "Cat Story (White)") to Koimonogatari,[57] aired between July 7 and December 29, 2013.[58][59] Aniplex USA later released the Blu-ray on April 22, and June 24, 2014.[60] Kabukimonogatari and Onimonogatari featured Naoyuki Tatsuwa and Yuki Yase as series directors for those respective arcs under Itamura and Shinbo.[61] Five episodes of the Second Season, adapting the Hanamonogatari story arc from the novels, were delayed from the original broadcast due to production issues and aired as a marathon on August 16, 2014.[62]

A four-episode adaptation of the first novel of the third series, Tsukimonogatari, aired in a marathon on December 31, 2014.[63] A 13-episode anime television series adapting two more novels of the third series, titled Owarimonogatari, aired between October 3 and December 19, 2015. A series of three films adapting the prequel novel Kizumonogatari were produced, with the first one, Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu, premiering on January 8, 2016,[64] the second film, Kizumonogatari Part 2: Nekketsu, premiering on August 19, 2016,[65][66] and the third and final film, Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu, premiering on January 6, 2017.[67] A web anime series adapting Koyomimonogatari became available for download on the App Store and Google Play from January 9, 2016.[68] A seven-episode anime television series, an adaptation of the third Owarimonogatari novel, aired on August 12 and 13, 2017.[69][70] An adaptation of Zoku Owarimonogatari was released in theaters on November 10, 2018[71] and as two Blu-ray and DVD volumes on February 27, 2019 and March 27, 2019. It aired on TV as six episodes between May 18 and June 22, 2019.[72]

In January 2024, an adaptation of both "Off Season" and "Monster Season" was announced, with chief director Shinbo, character designer Watanabe, and studio Shaft returning. Midori Yoshizawa is directing.[73][74][75] It aired on Abema from July 6 to October 19, 2024.[76] Crunchyroll licensed the series.[77] A new episode of Off & Monster Season was announced in July 2025.[78]

The anime adaptation does not follow the order of the novels. Kizumonogatari was planned to be released in 2012[79] after Bakemonogatari, but due to production issues, it was delayed until 2016.[80] Hanamonogatari was originally planned to be animated in its original place from the novels,[81][80] but it got postponed to air after Monogatari Series Second Season.[82] In the Blu-ray box set of Monogatari Series Second Season though, Hanamonogatari is listed as the third arc.[83] Koyomimonogatari in the novels was released before Owarimonogatari, but in the anime adaptation, it was released on the App Store and Google Play app after Kizumonogatari I and Owarimonogatari.

Music

[edit]

The several opening themes were written by Meg Rock and composed by Satoru Kōsaki and Mito, featuring vocals of the main characters.[52] The ending theme for Bakemonogatari, "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" (君の知らない物語; lit. "The Story You Don't Know"), was produced by Supercell and released on August 12, 2009, featuring vocals Nagi Yanagi,[84] and peaked at No. 5 in the Oricon singles charts.[85] The ending theme for Nisemonogatari is "Naisho no Hanashi" (ナイショの話; lit. "Secret Story") sung by ClariS and written by Ryo of Supercell.[86] The ending theme for Nekomonogatari (Black) is "Kieru Daydream" (消えるdaydream; lit. "Vanishing Daydream"), written by Saori Kodama, composed by Satoru Kōsaki and performed by Marina Kawano.[87] Monogatari Series Second Season features four ending songs: "Ai o Utae" (アイヲウタエ; lit. "Sing of Love"), produced by Jin (Shizen no Teki-P) and performed by Luna Haruna for Nekomonogatari (White) and Kabukimonogatari; "Sono Koe o Oboeteru" (その声を覚えてる; lit. "Remembering Your Voice") by Kawano for Otorimonogatari and Onimonogatari;[88] "snowdrop" by both Haruna and Kawano for Koimonogatari;[89] and "Hanaato -Shirushi-" (花痕 -shirushi-) by Kawano for Hanamonogatari. Monogatari Series Final Season features five ending songs: "Border" by ClariS for Tsukimonogatari, "Sayonara no Yukue" (さよならのゆくえ; lit. "Future of Goodbye") by Alisa Takigawa for the first season of Owarimonogatari, "whiz" by TrySail for Koyomimonogatari, "Shiori" by ClariS for the second season of Owarimonogatari, and "azure" by TrySail for Zoku Owarimonogatari.[90] The ending theme song for Monogatari Series Off & Monster Season is "Undead" by Yoasobi.[91][92]

Utamonogatari

[edit]

The collection of theme songs, Utamonogatari (歌物語), released on January 6, 2016, ranked at No. 1 on Oricon's weekly album chart at the time selling over 66,000 copies.[93][94] It was the fifth anime theme song collection to top the Oricon's weekly album chart since 2010's One Piece Memorial Best album.[95] It also sold over 100,000 copies and was certified as a Gold Disc by Japan Record Association.[96] Disc 1 features the opening and ending themes for Monogatari First Season: Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari, and Nekomonogatari (Black). Disc 2 features the opening and ending themes for Monogatari Second Season: Nekomonogatari (White), Kabukimonogatari, Hanamonogatari, Otorimonogatari, Onimonogatari, and Koimonogatari.

Disc 1[97]
No.TitleVocalsLength
1."staple stable"Chiwa Saitō4:33
2."Kaerimichi"Emiri Katō4:04
3."Ambivalent World"Miyuki Sawashiro4:15
4."Ren'ai Circulation" (恋愛サーキュレーション)Kana Hanazawa4:12
5."Sugar Sweet Nightmare"Yui Horie4:27
6."Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" (君の知らない物語)Nagi Yanagi5:40
7."Futakotome" (二言目)Chiwa Saitō4:23
8."Marshmallow Justice"Eri Kitamura4:13
9."Platinum Disco" (白金ディスコ)Yuka Iguchi4:14
10."Naisho no Hanashi" (ナイショの話)ClariS4:19
11."perfect slumbers"Yui Horie4:26
12."Kieru daydream" (消えるdaydream)Marina Kawano4:38
Total length:53:24
Disc 2[97]
No.TitleVocalsLength
1."chocolate insomnia"Yui Horie4:36
2."happy bite"Emiri Katō4:09
3."Ai o Utae" (アイヲウタエ)Luna Haruna4:09
4."the last day of my adolescence"Miyuki Sawashiro4:22
5."Hana Ato -shirushi-" (花痕 -shirushi-)Marina Kawano4:30
6."Mōsō♡Express" (もうそう♡えくすぷれす)Kana Hanazawa4:21
7."White Lies" 3:23
8."Sono Koe o Oboeteru" (その声を覚えてる)Marina Kawano4:06
9."fast love"Chiwa Saitō4:35
10."Kogarashi Sentiment" (木枯らしセンティメント)Chiwa Saitō and Shin-ichiro Miki4:35
11."snowdrop"Luna Haruna × Marina Kawano5:09
Total length:47:56

Utamonogatari 2

[edit]

The second collection of theme songs, Utamonogatari 2 (歌物語2), released on May 10, 2019, sold over 16,000 copies in its first week and was ranked at No. 1 on Oricon's weekly album chart.[93] It feature the opening and ending themes of Monogatari Final Season: Tsukimonogatari, Owarimonogatari I and II, and Zoku Owarimonogatari. It also feature the ending theme of Koyomimonogatari, the two ending themes of the Kizumonogatari's trilogy and the opening theme for the mobile game PucPuc.

Disc 1[98]
No.TitleVocalsLength
1."Orange Mint" (オレンジミント)Saori Hayami4:34
2."border"ClariS4:26
3."decent black"Kaori Mizuhashi4:39
4."mathemagics"Marina Inoue4:04
5."Yūritsu Hōteishiki" (夕立方程式)Marina Inoue4:41
6."mein schatz" 4:04
7."Sayonara no Yukue" (さよならのゆくえ)Alisa Takigawa3:58
8."terminal terminal"Emiri Katō4:29
9."dreamy date drive"Chiwa Saitō4:42
10."dark cherry mystery"Kaori Mizuhashi3:51
11."SHIORI"ClariS4:11
12."07734"Hiroshi Kamiya3:46
13."azure"TrySail4:27
14."whiz"TrySail4:27
15."étoile et toi [édition le bleu]"Clémentine5:53
16."étoile et toi [édition le blanc]"Clémentine ＆ Ainhoa5:58
17."wicked prince"princess à la mode3:57
Total length:76:07

Manga

[edit]
Main article: Bakemonogatari (manga)

A manga adaptation of the series, illustrated by Oh! great, started in Kodansha's magazine Weekly Shōnen Magazine on March 14, 2018.[99] Vertical began releasing the manga in North America in October 2019.[100] The manga concluded on March 15, 2023, and released its 22nd and final tankōbon volume in Japan on May 17.[101] The final English-language volume was released on August 20, 2024.[102]

Other media

[edit]

A drama CD titled Original Drama CD Hyakumonogatari (オリジナルドラマCD　佰物語, Orijinaru Dorama Shīdi Hyakumonogatari), a reference to the parlor game Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai, was released on August 3, 2009. The script was written by Nisio Isin and is bundled with the CD.[103] A PlayStation Portable visual novel titled Bakemonogatari Portable (化物語 ポータブル) developed by Bandai Namco Games was released on August 23, 2012.[104][105]

Good Smile Company has made several nendoroid petit figures for the series, releasing them as separate sets. The first set contains the characters Koyomi Araragi, Hitagi Senjōgahara and Tsubasa Hanekawa.[106] The second set contains Suruga Kanbaru, Mayoi Hachikuji and Nadeko Sengoku[107] and the third set contains the Araragi sisters Karen and Tsukihi, as well as Shinobu Oshino.[108] The company also made a line of separate, 1/8 scale figures of Hitagi Senjōgahara,[109] Suruga Kanbaru,[110] Nadeko Sengoku,[111] Tsubasa Hanekawa,[112] Mayoi Hachikuji,[113] Karen Araragi,[114] Tsukihi Araragi,[115][116] Shinobu Oshino,[117] Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade (from Kizumonogatari),[118] Nadeko Sengoku in her Medusa form,[119] and Yotsugi Ononoki.[120][121] They have also made figma figures of several of the characters: Koyomi Araragi,[122] Hitagi Senjōgahara,[123] Mayoi Hachikuji,[124] Suruga Kanbaru,[125] Nadeko Sengoku,[126] and Tsubasa Hanekawa.[127] They have planned to make the Araragi sisters, Karen and Tsukihi. Alter, Bandai, Kotobukiya, and others have made figures of some of the other characters as well.

Reception

[edit]

The light novel series ranked sixth in the 2009 issue of the light novel guidebook Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! published by Takarajimasha.[128] It later went on to rank as high as second in 2010,[129] and 2017 issues, with the latter in the tankōbon category.[130] In the 2019 issue, in the tankōbon category, the series ranked third.[131] In the 2020 issue it was revealed the top 10 light novels of the past decade, and the series ranked in the 10th place.[132] Koyomi Araragi ranked sixth in the Best Male Character in 2009,[128] second in 2010,[129] seventh in 2011,[133] third in 2012,[134] and sixth in 2013.[135] Meanwhile, Hitagi Senjōgahara ranked seventh in the Best Female Character in 2009,[128] fourth in 2010,[129] eighth in 2011,[133] and seventh in 2012.[134]

The anime adaptation won the Users' Special Award in the 2nd annual DEG Japan Awards/Blu-ray Prizes.[136][137] Over one million DVDs and BDs of Bakemonogatari and Nisemonogatari have been sold combined as of September 2012.[138] Across its 27 volumes, the series has sold over two million DVDs and BDs as of October 2015.[139] The Tokyo Anime Award held in 2017 selected Bakemonogatari as the best anime released in 2009.[140]

Barbara Greene in her article "Haunted Psychologies: The Specter of Postmodern Trauma in Bakemonogatari" states that the series critiques otaku consumption and the objectification inherent in consumer capitalism, using its fragmented narrative and visual style to reflect the collapse of traditional narratives in postmodernity. Otaku are drawn to moe-kyara, stylized characters that allow for personal meaning-making, but this consumption ultimately perpetuates a cycle of suffering without resolution. She concludes saying that Bakemonogatari portrays a world where meaning is constructed but never truly fulfilled, serving as both a product of and a commentary on the traumas of postmodern consumer culture.[141]

Christopher Smith's article "The Text Inside Us: Text on Screen and the Intertextual Self in Bakemonogatari" examines how the anime Bakemonogatari uses disruptive on-screen text to create a Brechtian alienation effect, emphasizing the intertextual nature of the characters' thoughts, memories, and desires. By employing archaic Japanese orthography and integrating text deeply into the narrative, the anime not only highlights the constructedness of its story but also situates its themes within Japan's modern historical context. Smith argues that Bakemonogatari serves as a self-reflexive commentary on subjectivity in the postmodern world, suggesting that identity is not an authentic, isolated construct but rather an intertextual creation shaped by social and historical forces.[142]

References

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Monogatari (series)

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Monogatari is a Japanese light novel series written by the author known as Nisio Isin under his palindromic pen name and illustrated by Vofan, with the first volume, Bakemonogatari Part 1, published by Kodansha in November 2006. The series, which as of November 2025 consists of 30 volumes, is structured into multiple "seasons" and arcs that explore interconnected supernatural tales centered on protagonist Koyomi Araragi, a high school student who aids various girls afflicted by mysterious "oddities" in a rural Japanese town during the 21st century. Known for its verbose dialogue, psychological depth, wordplay, and blend of horror, comedy, and romance, the narrative delves into themes of adolescence, identity, and human weaknesses through episodic stories that often revisit past events from different perspectives. The series originated as short stories serialized in Kodansha's Mephisto magazine from 2005 to 2006 before being compiled into full novels under the Kodansha Box imprint, with ongoing releases that have expanded into prequels, sequels, and side stories like Kizumonogatari and Owarimonogatari, including the latest volume Tsugimonogatari released in October 2025. Nisio Isin, born in 1981 in Japan's Kansai region, drew inspiration from his earlier works and contemporary urban legends to craft the franchise, which has sold millions of copies in Japan and been translated into English by publishers like Vertical and Kodansha USA starting in 2015. Internationally, the light novels have garnered acclaim for their innovative storytelling and linguistic flair, contributing to Nisio Isin's reputation as one of Japan's most prolific and bestselling authors. The Monogatari series gained widespread popularity through its anime adaptations produced by Shaft and Aniplex, beginning with the 2009 television series Bakemonogatari, directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and featuring distinctive visual styles, stylized dialogue sequences, and voice acting by talents like Hiroshi Kamiya as Araragi. Subsequent anime seasons, including Nisemonogatari (2012), Monogatari Series: Second Season (2013), the Final Season (2019–2020), and Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season (2024), along with theatrical films like the Kizumonogatari trilogy (2016–2017), have been released globally via platforms such as Crunchyroll, amassing a dedicated fanbase for their experimental animation and faithful yet interpretive approach to the source material. Additional media expansions encompass manga adaptations, drama CDs, video games, and stage plays, solidifying Monogatari's status as a multimedia phenomenon that examines the supernatural through intimate, character-driven narratives.

Overview

Setting

The Monogatari series is primarily set in the fictional town of Naoetsu, a provincial suburban area in contemporary Japan that serves as a backdrop for everyday high school life. The narrative unfolds during modern times, emphasizing the routines and social dynamics of students at Naoetsu Private High School, where the protagonist navigates typical adolescent experiences amid an otherwise ordinary environment. This suburban setting grounds the story in relatable urban fantasy, portraying a Japan where mundane daily activities coexist seamlessly with hidden supernatural undercurrents. Central to the world's framework are "oddities," supernatural entities akin to apparitions or yokai that manifest alongside human reality and often stem from collective myths, beliefs, and emotions. These oddities typically appear as altered phenomena or monsters (bakemono, meaning "changed thing") that attach to individuals, disrupting their lives through physical or psychological afflictions tied to deeper personal issues. For instance, they can impose a metaphorical or literal "weight" on victims, representing emotional burdens or imbalances that weigh down the afflicted, such as loss of physical mass symbolizing suppressed trauma. This integration of oddities into everyday existence highlights the series' blend of urban fantasy with slice-of-life elements, where supernatural events subtly infiltrate suburban normalcy. To counter these oddities, specialists serve as nomadic experts who diagnose, balance, and resolve the imbalances they cause, acting as intermediaries between the human and supernatural realms. Figures like Meme Oshino exemplify this role, employing knowledge of oddity lore to exorcise or negotiate with them, often restoring equilibrium without fully eradicating the entities, as oddities derive strength from human perception and cannot be separated from it. Through such interventions, the specialists alleviate the "weight" imposed on victims, allowing them to reintegrate into daily life while underscoring the interconnectedness of psychological states and supernatural manifestations. Koyomi Araragi's own partial vampirism introduces him to this hidden world, serving as a gateway to encountering oddities and specialists.

Premise and Plot Structure

The Monogatari series centers on Koyomi Araragi, a third-year high school student in the town of Naoetsu who survives a vampire attack and retains faint supernatural remnants while assisting various girls afflicted by "oddities"—supernatural apparitions tied to their personal afflictions—often under the guidance of the enigmatic specialist Meme Oshino. The narrative employs a monologue-heavy, dialogue-driven format, with Koyomi serving as the primary narrator whose internal reflections frame encounters and resolutions. The story unfolds across multiple interconnected arcs organized into seasonal groupings, each emphasizing episodic resolutions of oddities while building overarching relationships and lore. The First Season, primarily Bakemonogatari, introduces the core premise through standalone arcs focused on individual characters' supernatural issues, such as Hitagi Senjougahara's weightlessness caused by a crab oddity or Mayoi Hachikuji's perpetual lost state from a snail apparition. The Second Season expands on familial and relational dynamics, including Nisemonogatari arcs like Karen Araragi's bee affliction and Tsukihi Araragi's phoenix rebirth, alongside side stories in Kabukimonogatari and Nekomonogatari (White) that revisit earlier characters. Subsequent seasons deepen the timeline's complexity with non-linear storytelling, diverging between release order and chronological events. The Final Season, encompassing Owarimonogatari, Koyomimonogatari, and related volumes, incorporates time manipulation and resolutions to lingering mysteries from prior arcs. The Off Season shifts to post-high school slice-of-life vignettes in works like Orokamonogatari, Nademonogatari, and Wazamonogatari, exploring the girls' independent struggles after Koyomi's graduation. Monster Season escalates confrontations with major antagonists through arcs such as Shinobumonogatari, followed by the Family Season (2023–2025), which further examines interpersonal bonds through arcs such as Ikusamonogatari and Tsugimonogatari. This arc-based structure creates discrepancies between release and chronological order; for instance, Kizumonogatari—detailing Koyomi's initial vampire transformation—serves as a prequel released after the First Season but set before it, enhancing the series' layered flashbacks and retrospective narration.

Creation and Development

Author and Writing Process

Nisio Isin, pen name Nisio Isin (西尾 維新, Hepburn: Nishio Ishin), is a Japanese novelist born in 1981 who debuted at age 20 with the mystery novel Kubikiri Cycle (2002), earning the 23rd Mephisto Prize from Kodansha. He adopted the pen name Nisio Isin—stylized as NISIOISIN to highlight its palindromic nature—to seamlessly blend conventions from mystery novels and character-driven light novels across his works. The Monogatari series originated as short stories serialized in Kodansha's Mephisto magazine from 2005 to 2006 before being compiled into full novels, with Bakemonogatari in 2006 published under Kodansha's Kodansha Box imprint, marking Isin's entry into supernatural light novels while retaining his signature stylistic flair. Isin's writing process emphasizes verbose, rhythmic dialogue rich in puns and wordplay, often incorporating meta-narrative elements that deconstruct language and character perspectives to explore inner monologues and interpersonal dynamics. His influences from mystery and horror genres infuse the series with intricate plotting and psychological depth, merging supernatural oddities with introspective character studies that probe themes of identity and aberration. This approach results in a distinctive prose that prioritizes conversational rhythm over traditional action, allowing for layered revelations through banter and self-reflection. By November 2025, the series comprises 29 volumes, including the latest release Tsugimonogatari in October 2025, which continues the Family Season arc. Initially structured as individual arc-focused volumes, the writing evolved post-2014 toward seasonal compilations that group multiple interconnected stories, enabling non-linear storytelling and expanded ensemble narratives in later seasons like Off Season and Monster Season. The covers, featuring evocative illustrations by Vofan, complement Isin's textual experimentation with visually striking depictions of the characters.

Publication History

The Monogatari light novel series commenced publication under Kodansha's Kodansha Box imprint with Bakemonogatari, released in two volumes in late 2006. The first volume appeared on November 1, 2006, followed by the second on December 1, 2006. This initial entry was succeeded by Nisemonogatari across two volumes in 2008 and early 2009, with Kizumonogatari published on December 28, 2012, marking the core of the First Season. The series expanded significantly in the early 2010s, transitioning to a seasonal anthology structure that organized stories into distinct arcs. The Second Season volumes include Onimonogatari, released on September 30, 2011, which topped Oricon charts with over 121,550 copies sold in its first week, and Koimonogatari on December 20, 2011. Subsequent seasons, including the Final Season's Owarimonogatari (2014–2015) and the Off Season starting with Orokamonogatari in October 2020, further diversified the narrative, bringing the total to over 28 volumes by the end of 2024. International releases began with Del Rey's English editions of early volumes in the late 2000s, transitioning to Vertical (an imprint of Kodansha USA) from 2016 onward, with Bakemonogatari Part 1 debuting on December 20, 2016. Commercial success has been a hallmark, with the series achieving cumulative sales exceeding 8 million copies by 2023, driven by consistent chart performance and fan demand. Post-2023 releases, including Monster Season volumes like Shinomonogatari (2022–2023), contributed to updated figures surpassing this milestone. As of November 2025, the latest volume, Tsugimonogatari, was released on October 16, 2025, as the second volume of the Family Season, extending the series to 29 volumes.

Adaptations

Light Novels

The Monogatari light novels are written as illustrated prose fiction, featuring detailed artwork by Taiwanese illustrator Vofan, who provides cover art and interior illustrations for each volume. Published by Kodansha under their Kodansha Box imprint, the series consists of multiple volumes grouped into seasonal arcs, with each volume typically compiling two to five self-contained story episodes and averaging around 250-350 pages in length. Vofan's contributions emphasize the supernatural and character-driven elements, often depicting the protagonists in stylized, ethereal poses that complement the narrative's blend of mystery and humor. The content is organized into distinct arcs, each titled after a central character and their associated supernatural oddity, such as "Hitagi Crab" in the first volume, which explores the protagonist Hitagi Senjougahara's affliction, or "Mayoi Snail" involving the lost spirit Mayoi Hachikuji. These arcs form the building blocks of larger seasonal collections, like Bakemonogatari for the first season, allowing for episodic storytelling while advancing overarching character development and lore. Each volume concludes with afterwords from author Nisio Isin, offering meta-commentary on the writing process, thematic inspirations, and playful reflections on the series' structure. Unique to the series are its stylistic elements, including extensive footnotes that provide additional context or humorous asides, intricate wordplay rooted in Japanese puns and linguistic twists, and unreliable first-person narration primarily from the perspective of protagonist Koyomi Araragi, which injects subjectivity and irony into the recounting of events. This narration often blurs the line between reality and perception, enhancing the psychological depth of the supernatural encounters. In English, the translations are handled by Vertical (an imprint of Kodansha USA), with releases up to Zoku Owarimonogatari (the conclusion of the Final Season) as of 2020; as of November 2025, English translations by Kodansha USA remain limited to the Final Season, with no releases for Off Season or later arcs. Digital editions are available through platforms like BookWalker for broader accessibility.

Anime

The Monogatari anime series, produced by Shaft, consists of multiple seasons adapting Nisio Isin's light novels into a visually distinctive supernatural drama. The adaptations began with Bakemonogatari in 2009 and have continued through 2024, totaling over 100 episodes by 2025, blending episodic storytelling with nonlinear narrative elements. Shaft's stylistic approach, featuring innovative animation techniques and dialogue-heavy scenes, has become a hallmark of the series. The anime's release history spans several seasons and formats. Bakemonogatari, the first season, aired from July to November 2009, comprising 15 episodes that introduce protagonist Koyomi Araragi and his encounters with various oddities. This was followed by Nisemonogatari in January 2012, a 11-episode continuation focusing on Araragi's family dynamics and further supernatural arcs. The Monogatari Series: Second Season, released from July to December 2013, consists of 26 episodes divided into five arcs (Nekomonogatari: Shiro, Kabukimonogatari, Otorimonogatari, Onimonogatari, and Koimonogatari), expanding on character backstories and relationships. The Monogatari Series: Final Season was released in stages from 2015 to 2020, primarily as original video animations (OVAs) and films, including the Kizumonogatari trilogy (three theatrical films in 2016–2017) and episodes for arcs like Owarimonogatari, Koyomimonogatari, and Zoku Owarimonogatari. The anime adaptation of the Off Season and Monster Season arcs is titled Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season, with its first cour of 14 episodes airing from July 6 to October 4, 2024, adapting arcs such as Orokamonogatari, Nademonogatari, Musubimonogatari, Shinobumonogatari, and parts of Monster Season. Blu-ray releases for Off & Monster Season have been issued progressively from December 2024 to June 2025, covering the first cour.

Recommended Watch Order

Due to the series' nonlinear timeline involving flashbacks, prequels, and interconnected arcs, viewers often follow either release order, chronological order, or a hybrid recommended order for optimal narrative coherence and thematic progression. Release order follows the airing sequence: Bakemonogatari (2009), Nisemonogatari (2012), Monogatari Series: Second Season (2013), Monogatari Series: Final Season OVAs and films (2015–2020), and Off & Monster Season first cour (2024). Chronological order prioritizes in-universe timeline, starting with the Kizumonogatari trilogy (set before Bakemonogatari), followed by Bakemonogatari, Mayoi Jiangshi OVA (2015), Nekomonogatari: Kuro OVA (2012), and the main seasons in sequence, integrating Off & Monster arcs appropriately. This totals approximately 104 episodes plus films by the end of Off & Monster Season first cour, emphasizing the series' interconnected timeline of oddity-related events. A hybrid order, commonly recommended by streaming services and fan communities, integrates chronological elements into the release structure for first-time viewers. This approach, as outlined by Crunchyroll and discussed on platforms like Reddit's r/araragi and MyAnimeList forums, places Hanamonogatari (a 5-episode OVA released in 2014) after episodes 1–11 of Monogatari Series: Second Season (covering the arcs up to Otorimonogatari). Although Hanamonogatari occurs later in the chronological timeline, this placement enhances thematic coherence by concluding the emotional arcs of Second Season's first half before proceeding to the latter episodes (12–26). If interrupting the season feels disruptive, it can alternatively be viewed after the full Second Season, but the mid-season insertion is the intended spot per community consensus. The full hybrid sequence is:
  1. Bakemonogatari
  2. Kizumonogatari trilogy
  3. Nisemonogatari
  4. Nekomonogatari: Kuro
  5. Monogatari Series: Second Season episodes 1–11
  6. Hanamonogatari
  7. Monogatari Series: Second Season episodes 12–26
  8. Tsukimonogatari
  9. Owarimonogatari (parts 1 and 2)
  10. Koyomimonogatari
  11. Owarimonogatari part 3 (as Zoku Owarimonogatari)
  12. Mayoi Jiangshi
  13. Off & Monster Season
In July 2025, Aniplex announced a second cour for Off & Monster Season along with a new standalone episode, though no specific release date was provided as of November 2025; these will continue adapting remaining arcs toward the series' conclusion.

Manga

The Monogatari series has received a manga adaptation primarily through Bakemonogatari, illustrated by the renowned artist Oh! Great (also known as Ito Ōgure), who is celebrated for his dynamic artwork in titles like Air Gear and Tenjō Tenge. Serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine from March 2018 to March 2023, the manga adapts the initial arcs of the series, centering on high school student Koyomi Araragi's encounters with supernatural "oddities" affecting various girls. This adaptation faithfully captures the core premise of dialogue-driven supernatural mysteries while condensing the narrative for a visual medium. Oh! Great's artistic style introduces more action-oriented visuals compared to the light novels' text-heavy focus, emphasizing fluid fight sequences and exaggerated expressions to heighten the series' blend of noir and fantasy elements. The manga adds detailed illustrations for the oddities—such as the crab-like weightlessness afflicting Hitagi Senjōgahara—making abstract concepts more tangible and visually striking than in the source material. These enhancements provide a stylistic variation that prioritizes kinetic energy, distinguishing it from the novels' introspective monologues. Published in 22 volumes in Japan, with the final volume released in March 2023, the series has been licensed for English release by Kodansha USA under their Vertical Comics imprint, starting with Volume 1 on October 1, 2019, and concluding with Volume 22 on August 6, 2024. By 2025, the English edition covers the complete run, allowing readers to experience the adapted arcs in full. No other full manga adaptations of subsequent Monogatari arcs, such as those in the Off Season, have been announced as of late 2025.

Music

The music of the Monogatari series, primarily associated with its anime adaptations, consists of a rich collection of opening and ending themes, original soundtracks (OSTs), and compilation albums that integrate vocal performances by voice actors and collaborations with notable artists. These elements are composed mainly by Satoru Kosaki of MONACA, with contributions from others like ryo of supercell, emphasizing eclectic styles ranging from pop to experimental tracks that underscore the series' dialogue-heavy narrative. The anime seasons feature over 50 opening and ending songs, many serving as character-specific themes performed by the relevant voice actors to deepen immersion in the supernatural and psychological motifs. For instance, the opening theme for Bakemonogatari (2009) is "Staple Stable," performed by Chiwa Saitō as Hitagi Senjōgahara, blending upbeat rhythms with thematic lyrics reflective of the character's stoic demeanor. Other notable examples include "Ren'ai Circulation" by Kana Hanazawa (Nadeko Sengoku) from the same season and "Naisho no Hanashi" by ClariS, a collaboration with ryo of supercell, which served as an ending for Nisemonogatari (2012). These themes often debut in specific anime arcs, such as the multiple endings in Bakemonogatari tied to individual character episodes. Compilation albums capture these vocal tracks, including Utamonogatari: Monogatari Series Theme Songs Compilation Album (released January 6, 2016), which collects openings and endings from Bakemonogatari through Monogatari Series: Second Season, and its sequel Utamonogatari 2 (May 10, 2019), extending coverage to later entries like Owarimonogatari. These albums function as character song collections, featuring performances by the cast alongside full versions of themes originally aired in the anime. OST releases span the series' timeline, starting with Bakemonogatari Gekihanongakushu (October 28, 2009), which includes instrumental tracks supporting the visual style, up to ongoing volumes through 2024. Recent developments include the Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season OST collections, with initial volumes like icecream° & Orokamonogatari Music Collection released on December 18, 2024, incorporating new compositions by Kosaki that reference prior soundtracks. Collaborations continue with artists such as ClariS and ryo (supercell), evident in enduring tracks like "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" from Bakemonogatari. In 2025, updates for the Off & Monster extension feature new singles and collections, such as Nademonogatari Music Collection II & Atogatari (February 5, 2025) and Banshi no Theme & Shinobumonogatari Music Collection I (April 2, 2025), alongside the theme song "UNDEAD" by YOASOBI (released July 1, 2024, with cover versions in early 2025). Throughout the series, the music plays a crucial role in enhancing the stylistic monologues and visual metaphors, with recurring motifs and layered sound design amplifying the blend of humor, horror, and introspection in the adaptations.

Other Media

The Monogatari series has expanded beyond its core light novels and anime adaptations through supplementary audio and digital media, including drama CDs and mobile applications that feature voice acting, original content, and interactive elements tied to the novels' supernatural themes. Drama CDs for the series include the Bakemonogatari sets released in 2009 and 2010, which consist of audio adaptations of novel scenes performed by the anime's voice actors. A prominent example is the Hyakumonogatari Original Drama CD, released on July 28, 2010, containing 100 short stories scripted by Nisio Isin, accompanied by a booklet with illustrations by Akio Watanabe. The Nisemonogatari drama CD, released in 2012, similarly features voice actor performances of key scenes from the novel, emphasizing the series' dialogue-heavy psychological interactions. Video games based on the series include Bakemonogatari Portable, a visual novel released for PlayStation Portable in 2012, which incorporates story elements and character interactions from the early arcs. Mobile apps have also been developed, such as Monogatari Series: Puc Puc in 2018, offering puzzle-based gameplay and narrative teasers drawn from the novels' premise of supernatural encounters involving core characters like Koyomi Araragi. In 2025, merchandise tied to Off & Monster Season included detailed figures of key characters and collaborations, such as apparel lines with Uniqlo, reflecting the ongoing popularity of the franchise's visual style. Post-2020 expansions featured content integrated into mobile apps, previewing upcoming plot developments through interactive elements.

Themes and Style

Narrative Techniques

The Monogatari series employs a distinctive first-person narration style, primarily through the perspective of protagonist Koyomi Araragi, which features extensive monologues filled with tangents, puns, and wordplay that delve into character psychology and linguistic nuances. These monologues often digress into seemingly irrelevant observations, such as detailed descriptions of everyday objects or fan service elements, before circling back to the core emotional revelations, creating a stream-of-consciousness effect that emphasizes the narrator's unreliability and self-awareness. Additionally, the narrative frequently breaks the fourth wall, with characters directly addressing the audience or commenting on the storytelling process itself, enhancing the series' meta-fictional layer and inviting readers to engage with the text's artificiality. The series' chronology is notably non-linear, incorporating flashbacks, parallel timelines, and thematic rearrangements that disrupt traditional progression to heighten dramatic irony and retrospective insight. For instance, arcs in Owarimonogatari utilize nested narratives and alternate perspectives to revisit past events from new angles, allowing for evolving interpretations of character motivations without adhering to a strict timeline. This structure, driven by character-specific viewpoints that shift across seasons, prioritizes emotional and philosophical exploration over linear plot advancement, as confirmed by author Nisio Isin in discussions of his character-focused writing process. In the anime adaptations by Studio Shaft, these novel techniques are visually amplified through influences from visual novels, including frequent static shots that linger on compositions to mimic reading pauses, and overlaid text that reproduces key monologues, puns, or dialogue excerpts in bold, stylized typography. A signature element is the "head-tilt" motif, where characters tilt their heads at exaggerated angles—often 110 degrees or more—to underscore moments of emphasis, confusion, or revelation, aligning with Nisio Isin's penchant for linguistic and perceptual distortions. The manga adaptations maintain this consistency by adapting the novels' verbose style for the visual medium. Across formats, these techniques ensure a unified emphasis on conversational interplay and narrative reflexivity, adapting the source material's essence while leveraging each medium's strengths.

Supernatural and Psychological Elements

The supernatural elements in the Monogatari series, known as "oddities," serve as metaphors for characters' psychological traumas and emotional burdens, drawing from Japanese yokai folklore while integrating modern psychological concepts. For instance, in the Hitagi Crab arc, the crab oddity manifests as a deity that removes the afflicted person's physical weight, symbolizing the suppression of emotional trauma to facilitate forgetting painful experiences without fully resolving them. This affliction ties directly to the character's mental state, representing repression as a coping mechanism for abuse and loss, where the weightlessness reflects a detachment from one's identity and relationships. Similarly, the snail oddity in the Mayoi Snail arc embodies themes of loss and isolation, with the spirit causing perpetual disorientation that mirrors the afflicted's internal confusion and inability to find emotional refuge after familial abandonment. These oddities blend traditional Japanese urban legends and yokai mythology—supernatural entities born from human beliefs and fears—with psychological concepts of trauma and repression, portraying afflictions as externalizations of repressed anxieties that cannot be confronted directly. Characters' mental states, such as isolation from societal expectations or struggles with self-identity, are inextricably linked to these supernatural manifestations; for example, the oddities often arise from desires that harm interpersonal bonds, like rivalry or unrequited affection, forcing characters to navigate their psyches through encounters that expose vulnerabilities in relationships. The series' supernatural rules, where oddities persist only through human acknowledgment, underscore this psychological interplay, emphasizing how belief sustains emotional afflictions. In later seasons, such as Off Season and Monster Season (as of 2024), the focus evolves toward family dynamics as a lens for psychological exploration, with oddities highlighting dysfunction and the quest for reconnection amid trauma. Resolutions in the series prioritize emotional catharsis over mere exorcism, as characters achieve fleeting relief through confronting suppressed feelings and rebuilding ties, rather than eradicating the supernatural entity outright—evident in arcs where personal truths about family override objective realities, fostering growth in identity and bonds.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

The Monogatari series has received widespread acclaim from critics for its innovative fusion of supernatural storytelling with introspective character studies, particularly through its distinctive dialogue and visual presentation. Reviewers have praised the sharp, verbose exchanges crafted by Nisio Isin, which blend philosophical musings, humor, and emotional depth to drive the narrative forward. Studio Shaft's adaptation, under director Akiyuki Shinbo, is frequently highlighted for its avant-garde aesthetic, employing dynamic camera angles, abstract backgrounds, and rapid editing to mirror characters' psychological states and enhance thematic resonance. This stylistic boldness has been credited with elevating the series beyond conventional anime tropes, positioning it as a landmark in genre experimentation. The anime adaptations garnered significant recognition in the late 2000s and early 2010s, including high placements in Animage's Anime Grand Prix polls from 2009 to 2013, where Bakemonogatari ranked second overall in 2009 and won categories such as best opening theme and female character for Shinobu Oshino. On aggregator sites like MyAnimeList, the series consistently scores above 8.0, with Monogatari Series: Second Season at 8.76 and Bakemonogatari at 8.32, reflecting sustained critical and viewer approval for its narrative ambition. The light novels have also been nominated for prestigious awards, underscoring their literary impact within Japan's publishing landscape. Critics have noted drawbacks, particularly the dense wordplay and linguistic puns that can overwhelm newcomers unfamiliar with Japanese nuances, often rendering translations less impactful and alienating casual audiences. Additionally, the non-linear structure across arcs has drawn complaints for uneven pacing, with some episodes prioritizing stylistic flourishes over plot momentum, leading to moments of disorientation amid the series' sprawling timeline. Recent installments, such as the 2024 Off & Monster Season, have been lauded in professional reviews for demonstrating matured thematic exploration, with critics appreciating how the arcs build on prior character developments to depict growth and introspection. Reviews from early 2025 further commend the season's seamless continuity, praising its ability to weave loose ends from earlier entries into cohesive, emotionally resonant narratives without sacrificing the series' signature eccentricity.

Popularity and Cultural Impact

The Monogatari series has attained widespread popularity through its light novels, anime adaptations, and related media, amassing a dedicated global fanbase. The light novels, written by Nisio Isin and published by Kodansha, have collectively sold millions of copies, with early estimates placing the total circulation at 4.5 million by 2016, reflecting sustained demand driven by the series' intricate storytelling. As of late 2025, recent volumes continue to perform well, with Tsugimonogatari ranking in the top weekly light novel sales charts. The anime adaptations, produced by Shaft, have further amplified this success, with the initial seasons' Blu-ray and DVD volumes exceeding 1 million units sold in Japan by late 2013. The 2024 premiere of MONOGATARI Series: OFF & MONSTER Season on platforms like Crunchyroll marked a peak in viewership, introducing the series to new international audiences via streaming services and contributing to its post-2020 growth. This season, adapting the "Off Season" and "Monster Season" arcs, saw high engagement, with the series ranking prominently in global anime charts during its summer run. In 2025, announcements for the extension of the Off & Monster Season, including a second cour, and related merchandise such as pop-up shops, have sustained fan interest. Culturally, Monogatari has left a lasting impact on anime and manga communities, pioneering a dialogue-heavy narrative style that emphasizes verbal wit, psychological depth, and visual flair, influencing subsequent works with similar conversational intensity, such as those exploring character introspection akin to Neon Genesis Evangelion. Iconic elements like character head-tilts and pun-laden exchanges have spawned enduring memes across online platforms, while the series' female leads have inspired widespread cosplay at conventions worldwide, from Comiket in Japan to Anime Expo in the U.S. The franchise's blend of supernatural themes and everyday drama has fostered large online communities and global adaptations, solidifying its role in shaping modern anime culture.

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  17. https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9167
  18. https://lndb.info/light_novel/Monogatari_Series/vol/537
  19. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-10-05/nisioisin-onimonogatari-light-novel-tops-chart
  20. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-11-30/top-selling-light-novels-in-japan-by-series-2016/.109355
  21. https://kodansha.us/2019/06/05/monogatari-ebooks-nisioisin/
  22. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/guides/2024/3/10/monogatari-watch-order-and-full-timeline-guide
  23. https://www.reddit.com/r/araragi/comments/1ajwnmi/why_is_it_important_to_watch_hanamonogatari_in/
  24. https://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=1987738
  25. https://kodansha.us/2019/09/25/bakemonogatari-nisioisin-ohgreat/
  26. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=22694
  27. https://www.cbr.com/bakemonogatari-manga-differences-light-novels-anime/
  28. https://bakemonogatari.fandom.com/wiki/Differences_between_Monogatari_Series_Novels%2C_Manga%2C_and_Anime_Adaptations
  29. https://kodansha.us/series/bakemonogatari-manga/
  30. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-01-18/monogatari-series-off-season-monster-season-novels-get-anime/.206608
  31. https://vgmdb.net/product/1757
  32. https://vgmdb.net/album/55148
  33. https://vgmdb.net/album/28892
  34. https://vgmdb.net/album/84712
  35. https://music.apple.com/us/album/bakemonogatari-gekihanongakushu-original-soundtrack/1439324785
  36. https://vgmdb.net/album/145342
  37. https://vgmdb.net/album/146740
  38. https://vgmdb.net/album/148428
  39. https://vgmdb.net/album/20413
  40. https://bakemonogatari.fandom.com/wiki/Hyakumonogatari
  41. https://eatmonogatari.wordpress.com/2018/08/22/new-monogatari-mobile-game/
  42. https://seizonsenryaku1.wordpress.com/2017/10/24/nisio-isin-interview-nisio-isin-daijiten-translation/
  43. https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/27/20828051/bakemonogatari-studio-shaft-best-anime
  44. https://iopn.library.illinois.edu/journals/jams/article/view/869
  45. https://asianmoviepulse.com/2024/12/anime-analysis-monogatari-series-off-and-monster-season-2024-by-midori-yoshizawa/
  46. https://nerdist.com/article/the-wild-rambling-world-of-monogatari/
  47. http://animegrandprix.blogspot.com/2011/05/33-annual-anime-grand-prix-2010.html
  48. https://myanimelist.net/anime/17074/Monogatari_Series__Second_Season
  49. https://myswordisunbelievablydull.wordpress.com/2014/09/01/monogatari-series-analysis-mindful-self-indulgence/
  50. https://wrongeverytime.com/2025/01/10/monogatari-off-monster-season-episode-2/
  51. https://tanoshimi.xyz/2016/09/02/best-selling-light-novels/
  52. https://us.oricon-group.com/news/6697/
  53. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2013/12/3/monogatari-anime-series-has-sold-1-million-dvdbd-units-in-japan
  54. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/1/18/monogatari-series-returns-with-off-and-monster-seasons-anime-adaptation-for-2024
  55. https://www.instagram.com/p/DE5l1Z1tCc4/?hl=en
  56. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2022-08-03/the-skeptic-guide-to-monogatari/.187165
  57. https://beneaththetangles.com/2016/11/01/secret-stars-anime-bakemonogatari-hitagi-crab/
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