Kuroto Nakano is completely mesmerized by Senko’s “fur” – but he’s not the only one. We all want more of Senko-san’s addictive cuteness.
The Helpful Fox Senko-san stars the protagonist Senko, an 800-year-old fox demigod (commonly known as “kitsune”) who oversees people’s health and well-being along with two other fox girls. Under orders, she leaves the spirit world and vows to take care of Kuroto Nakano, an ordinary salaryman who lives an overworked and underpaid lifestyle.
Nakano is burdened by his difficult duties and has been unwittingly surrounded by a menacing aura of darkness and negativity. As kitsunes’ mission, Senko plans to relieve stress and act as Nakano’s housewife, mother, and guardian at the same time. At first, Nakano can understand her apprehension when she arrives, but as the drama develops, so does their unusual relationship.
How did part 1 of Senko-San end?
Aired from April 2019 to June 2019 with 12 episodes, The Helpful Fox Senko-san (or Sewayaki Kitsune no Senko-san in Japanese) has touched viewers’ hearts with elements of fantasy and pleasant humour. Episode 12, titled “Still…” brings Senko and Nakano’s relationship to a satisfying end as Nakano shows signs of significant improvement.
In the spirit world, her colleague and self-proclaimed “boss” Lady Sora informs Senko that she is no longer needed. Nakano was able to successfully retain his dark aura for a considerable amount of time, and thus, Senko was advised to give up his duty of care. Senko recalls flashbacks to Kuroto’s ancestors who helped her in her time of need and later feels indebted to him, but Lady Sora reminds her that humans are not immortal and that she will end up suffering with Kuroto.
Despite this, Senko returns to Earth and vows to continue taking care of Nakano; she prepares a picnic party beneath the cherry blossom trees, and Nakano thanks her for looking after him since he was a child. In the end credits, Suzu, Senko’s incompetent and cocky guardian, appears alongside Lady Sora in the spirit world. She appears to closely resemble Senko but is not seen before the ending, leaving viewers to ponder her purpose.
What Do We Want From Part 2?
It goes without saying that introducing a new character will automatically lead to another, but the plot will need to deviate slightly for the addition to be effective. Senko and Kuroto are living together in harmony, perhaps in some unspecified relationship, but more than care and patience. Some speculation has arisen regarding Suzu, who many viewers assume is the daughter of Senko and Kuroto, although she could also simply be another kitsune disciple of Lady Sora. Either way, her role remains a mystery.
As for Lady Sora, she seems to have a bad intention, a thirst for power hidden beneath her fake kindness, which is especially evident in the way she treats Shiro for disobeying her. She has the basis to be the main antagonist, which is sure to turn the corner. Even Shiro enjoys the superiority she holds over humans, which suggests that there might be more to these fox demigods beyond beauty and soft tails.
Furthermore, The Helpful Fox Senko-san barely reveals any details about the origins of kitsune demigods. We see a few short cutscenes of Senko, Shiro, and Lady Sora using their magical wisps respectively, but the extent of their abilities is yet to be seen. Since much of the series is set on Earth, viewers only see glimpses of the spirit world, which also leaves more to be desired in that respect. Several backstory for each demigod will give some compelling insight, as well as add some depth to these established characters.
Some interactions suggest romantic interest between the two main characters. In the final scene, Kuroto invites Senko to “stick together” in the near future. Senko agrees. If Lady Sora’s warning came true, Senko would lose Kuroto forever, but perhaps this was exactly the kind of brutal torture a demigod would want. At the time of writing, the series has yet to be renewed, so while nothing is certain, kodoani can make his predictions.
