※プロモーションを含むことがあります
In this episode, we see a new dynamic forming between Miko, Hinako, and Shiori. The battle between the two yokai—Miko and Shiori—comes to an end, and the story shifts into a new phase.
This Monster Wants to Eat Me Episode 6 review
It initially looks as though Miko, in her fox-yokai form, is about to eat Hinako. But in reality, she bites off two of her own tails. When a fox yokai cuts off their tails, their yokai powers decrease accordingly. With her powers weakened, even if she smells Hinako’s blood—something that normally triggers a predatory response in yokai—she can remain calm. Miko bit off two of her own tails to suppress her instinct to devour Hinako.
Miko and Hinako reaffirm their friendship, and at school, we see the three—Shiori, Miko, and Hinako—talking together, showing a new kind of relationship forming between them. Hinako says she’s glad Miko is a yokai, because yokai live long lives. Since Miko’s lifespan far exceeds a human’s, the time she spends with Hinako would feel like only a brief moment, and Hinako believes she won’t be lonely. Hearing this, Shiori shows a slightly lonely expression.
In the latter half of Episode 6, Shiori invites Hinako to the beach. Miko agrees with the idea, and although Hinako isn’t enthusiastic at first, she ends up going. Miko, however, cannot join them. She was originally a deity tied to the land, and after losing two tails, her divine power changed, making it impossible for her to travel far from the area.
Shiori and Hinako visit a seaside park, but Hinako’s expression darkens when passing families remind her of her trauma. Shiori gently places her hat on Hinako’s head to block her view. They shop, drink refreshments, and spend time enjoying the ocean. But the weather begins to change. Countless hand-like shapes emerge from the sea, and Episode 6 ends on this ominous cliffhanger.
Thoughts & Analysis
Miko bites off two of her six tails, reducing her power as a yokai while increasing her power as a deity. As I mentioned in my Episode 5 review, Miko isn’t a nine-tailed fox—she has six tails. Now, after biting off two, she’s down to four.
Related: This Monster Wants to Eat Me Episode 5 Review & Analysis
As Shiori points out, reducing one’s tails—symbols of a fox yokai’s rank—is an unthinkable act. Yet Miko does it anyway to suppress her urge to eat Hinako. This shows just how deeply Miko cares for her.
Later, the three have a little snack party on the school rooftop. Through their conversation, Hinako’s desire for death becomes even more apparent. Until now, she held back because she didn’t want to make Miko sad. But once she realizes that Miko is a yokai with a long lifespan, and that her own life is just a fleeting moment to Miko—and that Miko has many other important people besides her—Hinako begins thinking that it might be fine if she dies. Her intense longing for death becomes clear. Shiori’s lonely reaction to this is also concerning and may be foreshadowing future events.
In the second half, Hinako and Shiori visit Futami Seaside Park, a real location in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. The area has restaurants and other spots to enjoy. My article in Japanese documents my own This Monster Wants to Eat Me pilgrimage there, so feel free to read it if you’re interested. As seen since Episode 1, every time Hinako sees a happy family, her trauma is triggered. It shows how deep her wounds are—and how much she loved her own family.
The scene where Shiori places her straw hat on Hinako to shield her from painful sights is incredibly touching. It shows how important Hinako is to Shiori as well. Watching them enjoy their little trip is heartwarming, but with the sudden rain and the eerie presence rising from the sea, it looks like next week will bring some major trouble.
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