Common Sense Media Review
Kids face danger, sharp words in augmented reality sci-fi.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Den-noh Coil
What's the Story?
In DEN-NOH COIL, Yuko Okonogi (voiced by Fumiko Orikasa) and her classmates use special glasses to see the cyber world of Den-noh space. Den-noh material makes up a whole world of augmented reality, in which the kids find virtual pets, gemstones they use as currency, and blob-like creatures called "illegals" who corrupt the Den-noh world with computer viruses. When Yuko, affectionally called Yasako, moves to Daikoku City at the same time as Yuko Amasawa, aka Isako (voiced by Houko Kuwashima), she's caught up in unraveling mysteries about urban legends, disappearing children, and lost memories from her own past.
Is It Any Good?
This cyber sci-fi drama features rounded characters, creative world-building, and a thoughtful interrogation of virtual reality's role in the world. What's captivating about Den-noh Coil is it's futuristic setting with adorable Den-noh creatures, exciting (but mostly harmless) virtual combat, and a treasure trove of mysteries on how the world become like this. The series also does a good job of portraying complicated relationships between children who see each other as both rivals and friends. Character development is subtle, but the children do become more supportive of one another as they grow closer during their search for the truth.
The main downfall is that the show is a little slow-paced and tends to ask questions more than it reveals answers. As a result, the themes can easily go missed, since they take a back seat to the multiple subplots. Also, while the young characters are relatable, they aren't necessarily strong role models.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about augmented reality. The children in the show have glasses that help them interact with a cyber world. How does this improve their lives? How does it harm them? How does this relate to technology in our world?
Families can talk about teasing in peer friendships. How would it feel to be frequently teased by a friend or classmate? Can a healthy friendship involve teasing between friends? When does teasing become bullying?
Families can talk about money habits. The kids often talk about how much things cost or how much money they've lost. What are good strategies for saving, spending, and tracking money?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 12, 2007
- Cast : Houko Kuwashima , Fumiko Orikasa , Sachiko Kojima
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : STEM , Adventures , Friendship
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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