Adapted from Aki Shimizu’s Japanese manga, The Mononoke Lecture Logs of Chuzenji-sensei made its debut with episode 1 on April 8, 2025. This series unfolds in the 23rd year of Japan’s Showa era, focusing on the journey of high school student Kanna Kusakabe.
The plot ignites when Kanna’s friend witnesses a ghost at their school and becomes entangled in a notorious curse. Driven by her loyalty, Kanna embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery surrounding her friend’s terrifying experience. This search introduces her to the enigmatic Akihiko Chuzenji, her new Japanese language teacher, who is revealed to be the ghost she once sought.
The Intriguing Meeting of Kanna and Akihiko
The first episode, titled “The New Teacher With A Stern Face,”opens with Akihiko narrating the interplay between supernatural phenomena and the human psyche. Kanna and her friend arrive at their new high school, only to find another friend, Sachiko, in a frenzy.
Sachiko admits to having seen a ghost the night before while sneaking into an old school building with her boyfriend. Speculation arises about the infamous library ghost, rumored to curse anyone who encounters it. Blinded by fear, Sachiko refuses to alert a teacher, leaving her friends grappling with the unsettling tale.
On her bus ride home, Kanna contemplates how to assist Sachiko but soon encounters a man reading the same book as her. The bus ride takes a twist when she finds a lost purse, leading to a chaotic scene involving multiple passengers claiming it as theirs.
Unveiling the True Nature of the Ghost
The following day, Sachiko is notably absent from school, still paralyzed by fear. Meanwhile, Kanna and her classmates are introduced to their new teacher, Akihiko Chuzenji, who she recognizes as the man from the bus incident.
Determined to reach the bottom of the ghost story, Kanna decides to investigate the old school library during the night. To her shock, she encounters the ghostly figure once more, but it is then she meets Akihiko again.
Akihiko listens to Kanna’s story and clarifies that she has likely mistaken him for a ghost, as he has access to a concealed book preparation room adjacent to the library. This hidden space, designed for rare books, is often overlooked by students, leading to the ghostly misconceptions.
He emphasizes that many so-called mysteries can be unraveled through logical reasoning, which offers Kanna a profound sense of relief.
A New Chapter as Kanna Becomes a Paranormal Detective
In the concluding scenes of the episode, Akihiko instructs Kanna to keep the secret room under wraps. However, she realizes that she must clarify the truth to alleviate Sachiko’s fears. To navigate this predicament, Akihiko concocts a clever solution, allowing Kanna to assist her friend while maintaining the room’s secrecy.
The next day, school rumors spread that Kanna has successfully exorcized the library ghost, much to the relief and excitement of her peers, especially Sachiko.
Bashfully accepting the praise, Kanna reflects on Akihiko’s intelligent plan to frame her actions as a successful exorcism, easing her classmates’ fears while keeping the secret safe. As she embraces her newfound identity as a paranormal detective, she is greeted with a teasing glance from Akihiko that leaves her pondering the implications of her emerging reputation.
Review and Final Reflections on Episode 1
The premiere of The Mononoke Lecture Logs of Chuzenji-sensei, produced by 100studio, impressively blends humor, mystery, and supernatural elements, establishing an intriguing foundation for the series.
This episode introduces an engaging narrative that strays from the conventional school-themed supernatural mystery tropes, featuring a compelling duo—a curious student and a charismatic yet mysterious teacher.
Alongside its captivating storytelling, the show presents remarkably stunning animation that enhances the historical context and atmosphere of Japan. The voice acting is similarly commendable, bringing the characters to life with depth and authenticity.
Overall, this first episode lays the groundwork for what promises to be a unique and exciting journey into the supernatural, marking a noteworthy addition to the Spring 2025 anime lineup.