The 2024 anime adaptation of the 2020 console game, Tensui no Sakuna-hime (Princess Sakuna of the Divine Rice), is a delightful surprise. For those unfamiliar with the source material—much like myself—this series is a breath of fresh air, perfectly blending fantasy, farming, feeling, and fighting.
The story centers on Sakuna, a spoiled harvest goddess living a life of leisure in the divine palace. Her comfortable existence is shattered when she is banished to Hinoe Island, a land teeming with demons, and forced to embrace the harsh reality of rice cultivation. Adventure, magic, and life lessons await her. If you are ready for a truly unique fantasy experience, grab your bowl of white rice and delve into this review of Sakuna.
(Note: The series will be abbreviated as Sakuna below. Spoilers for the anime may be present.)
Story
Score: 7/10 — Good
In the dual-layered world of Yanato, consisting of the Lofty Realm (Gods) and the Lowly Realm (Humans), disaster strikes when a small group of humans trespasses and consumes Sakuna’s prized heavenly rice. In a fit of fury, Sakuna accidentally causes an explosion, leading the head goddess, Kamuhitsuki, to mete out punishment: Sakuna and the humans are exiled to demon-infested Hinoe Island.
Now, Sakuna must embrace her role as a harvest goddess, cultivating rice frugally while simultaneously investigating the source of the demons and searching for clues regarding her powerful, missing parents (a harvest goddess and a god of war). The core of the story is Sakuna’s evolution from a pampered princess to a wise, peaceful deity who channels her father’s warrior spirit when necessary.
The initial six episodes offer a relaxing, almost slice-of-life experience focused on survival and the demanding process of rice farming. The second half shifts focus to grander conflict, centering on the defeat of island demons led by the hateful human Ishimaru and the ancient demon lord Omizuchi. This narrative shift, while significant, never felt jarring. The final battle and conclusion, though slightly unpolished, left a largely satisfying impression, and the overall lore and world-building are commendable.
Sakuna may not offer groundbreaking themes, but the classic messages are executed with powerful emotional clarity. Key ideas include self-improvement, the appreciation of simple living, courage, and cooperation. Most saliently, the series champions the belief that peace is a treasure worth protecting, contrasting it with the destructive cycle of hatred. The story is simple, but its impact is undeniable.
Visuals
Score: 7/10 — Good
Animated by the respected P.A. Works (Angel Beats, Shirobako), Sakuna‘s visuals are reliably high quality, despite the studio splitting its resources across three short anime in Summer 2024. While not “stunning,” the art and animation are certainly more than adequate.
For those who appreciate highly stylized visuals, Sakuna is a treat. The bright, rich color palette is lovely, particularly in the peaceful rice farm settings. The monster designs are standout—from the adorable little kappas to the undeniably cool Ashigumo. While the use of 3D animation for the sprawling rice fields was a minor drawback, the bulk of the action remains satisfyingly 2D. The settings and backgrounds are genuinely beautiful, and the character designs are charming, earning Sakuna a solid score.
Audio
Score: 8/10 — Excellent
The audio experience is a definitive highlight. Composer Yoshiaki Fujisawa delivers a beautiful, immersive instrumental soundtrack that showcases his talent. The opening song, “Harebare!” by Ikimonogakari, is an inspiring, upbeat rock anthem featuring gorgeous strings and compelling female vocals—a truly fun track. The ending song, “Origami” by Little Glee Monster, provides a peaceful, soothing counterpoint, rounding out a strong musical delivery.
The Japanese voice-acting is equally superb. Naomi Oozora stars as Princess Sakuna, giving a memorable performance that encapsulates the goddess’s spoiled, yet rapidly maturing personality. Though known for diverse roles (including Satania in Gabriel Dropout), her work here is deeply engaging. Rika Kinugawa (Kokorowa) and the rest of the supporting cast are equally impressive, cementing the high quality of the audio domain.
Characters
Score: 7/10 — Good
While not the most outstanding aspect, the characters are certainly satisfactory and highly enjoyable. The concepts are interesting, and the best part is the genuine, positive change they undergo. The initially unlikeable humans, and especially Sakuna, exhibit excellent character development, transforming into dear, relatable individuals.
Despite the one-dimensional portrayal of the villain Ishimaru, the personal connection I felt for the cast elevates this score. My favorites—Sakuna, Kokorowa, Kinta, and Tauemon—show significant individual growth and engaging interactions. Tauemon’s dedication to peace is heartwarming, and Kokorowa’s journey to overcome envy and restore her friendship with Sakuna is particularly touching. These are characters that stay with you long after the final episode.
Personal Enjoyment
Score: 8/10 — Excellent
My enjoyment was exceptionally high. For one, Sakuna powerfully resonated with my own inner “harvest spirit,” evoking a nostalgic connection to gardening and being close to the earth. Beyond that, the series charmed me completely with its vibrant visuals (including its cute and cool creatures) and relaxing music.
The memorable cast was a major draw. From the poetic secret identity of Yui to the admirable intelligence of Kokorowa and the relatable, sassy humor of Sakuna herself, every character contributed to a uniquely fun viewing experience. The backstories of Tauemon and Ishimaru, though brief, were fascinating. This unusual anime is a rewarding watch.
Overall Score: 7.4 out of 10.0 Bowls of Rice
An overall score in the 7s denotes a “good” anime by this metric, yet not quite “excellent.” While Sakuna was a highly enjoyable watch for me, I recognize its niche appeal. Its score on MyAnimeList (6.74 as of Sep 2025) suggests general reception was mixed.
If you are not interested in wholesome stories, classic themes, and an unusual focus on farming, Sakuna may not be for you. However, if you cherish good character growth, unique fantasy settings, the simple pleasure of harvesting, and a sassy goddess, this anime is a must-watch.
