The Monogatari Japanese anime television series is based on the light novel series of the same name, written by Nisio Isin with illustrations by Vofan. The anime is directed by several directors and produced by the animation studio Shaft. The series debuted with Bakemonogatari and aired 12 episodes between July 3 and September 25, 2009, on the Tokyo MX television station. Three additional original net animation episodes were distributed on the anime's official website between November 3, 2009, and June 25, 2010. A sequel titled Nisemonogatari aired 11 episodes between January 7 and March 17, 2012.
A prequel to the original series titled Nekomonogatari (Black) aired four episodes back-to-back on December 31, 2012. Six further sequels were later adapted under the common moniker of Monogatari Series Second Season: Nekomonogatari (White), Kabukimonogatari, Otorimonogatari, Onimonogatari, and Koimonogatari aired between July 6 and December 28, 2013, whereas Hanamonogatari, which was originally meant to air with the others in 2013, was postponed and eventually broadcast separately on August 16, 2014. The "final season" of the novels were adapted as Tsukimonogatari, Owarimonogatari, Koyomimonogatari, and Zoku Owarimonogatari which aired from December 31, 2014, through June 22, 2019. An adaptation of the prequel to Bakemonogatari, titled Kizumonogatari, was announced in 2010 but delayed for six years until finally being released as a film trilogy from January 8, 2016, to January 6, 2017.
Series overview
Television series
Bakemonogatari
Bakemonogatari was directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and Tatsuya Oishi at Shaft, has animation character designs and chief animation direction by Akio Watanabe, and features music composed by Satoru Kōsaki. The season's scripts were written by Yukito Kizawa (Hitagi Crab, Mayoi Snail, Tsubasa Cat) and Muneo Nakamoto (Suruga Monkey, Nadeko Snake) of Seven Days War under the supervision of Shinbo and Shaft. Episodes 4, 6, and 9 were outsourced to other studios by Shaft: episode 4 to Mushi Production, and episodes 6 and 9 to Silver Link.
The season features six pieces of theme music: five opening themes, and one ending theme. , the ending theme, was produced by Supercell and was sung by Nagi Yanagi. Each of the opening themes was composed by Satoru Kōsaki and written by Meg Rock, featuring vocals from one of the main female characters. The first opening, "staple stable", was sung by Chiwa Saitō (Hitagi Senjougahara); the second opening, , was sung by Emiri Katō (Mayoi Hachikuji); the third opening, "Ambivalent World", was sung by Miyuki Sawashiro (Suruga Kanbaru); the fourth opening, , was sung by Kana Hanazawa (Nadeko Sengoku); and the fifth opening, "Sugar Sweet Nightmare", was sung by Yui Horie (Tsubasa Hanekawa).
Nisemonogatari
Nisemonogatari was directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and Tomoyuki Itamura at Shaft, has animation character designs and chief animation direction by Akio Watanabe, and features music composed by Satoru Kōsaki. The series' scripts were written by Yukito Kizawa (Karen Bee) and Muneo Nakamoto (Tsukihi Phoenix) of Seven Days War under the supervision of Shinbo and Shaft. Episodes 5 and 6 were outsourced to other studios by Shaft: episode 5 to Digital Network Animation, and episode 6 to Doga Kobo. Openings 2 and 3 of the series were also animated with assistance from Point Pictures.
The season features four pieces of theme music: three opening themes, and one ending theme. , the ending theme, was sung by ClariS and written by Ryo of Supercell. Each of the opening themes was again composed by Satoru Kōsaki, written by Meg Rock, and sung by members of the female cast. The first opening, , was sung by Chiwa Saitō (Hitagi Senjougahara); the second opening, "marshmallow justice", was sung by Eri Kitamura (Karen Araragi); and the third opening, , was sung by Yuka Iguchi (Tsuhiki Araragi).
Nekomonogatari (Black) Nekomonogatari (Black) was directed by Tomoyuki Itamura under the chief direction of Akiyuki Shinbo at Shaft, has animation character designs by Akio Watanabe, and features music composed by Satoru Kōsaki. Watanabe served as chief animation director alongside Shaft animator Nobuhiro Sugiyama. The season's scripts were written by Yukito Kizawa (episodes 1–2) and Muneo Nakamoto (episodes 3–4) of Seven Days War under the supervision of Shinbo and Shaft.
The season features two pieces of theme music: one opening theme, and one ending theme. , the ending theme, was written by Saori Kodama, composed by Satoru Kōsaki, and sung by Marina Kawano. The opening theme, "perfect slumbers", was composed by Satoru Kōsaki, written by Meg Rock, and sung by cast member Yui Horie (Tsubasa Hanekawa).