Is Naze Ikiru: Rennyo Shōnin to Yoshizaki Enjō Finished?#
If you are wondering whether you can jump into Naze Ikiru: Rennyo Shōnin to Yoshizaki Enjō and get a complete story, the answer is a bit complex. While the initial film provides a focused narrative on Ryōken’s spiritual awakening, it is actually the starting point of a larger series of anime films.
If you only watch the first film, you will see Ryōken’s transition from a man consumed by despair and hatred for the clergy to an apprentice of the holy priest Rennyo. However, to get the full spiritual journey and the complete resolution of the themes presented, you will need to follow the sequels. The series continues to expand its narrative through subsequent films, meaning the overall story arc is ongoing through 2025.
If you want to start this journey today, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
What is this anime about?#
Naze Ikiru: Rennyo Shōnin to Yoshizaki Enjō is a deeply philosophical and spiritual story. It follows Ryōken, a young man who has lost everything. After a tragic incident takes away his hope for his unborn child, he falls into a dark void of suffering and misfortune, directing his anger toward temples and monks.
Everything changes when Ryōken encounters the preachings of Rennyo, who shares the wisdom of the monk Shinran regarding the fundamental question: “Why do we live?”
Themes and Appeal#
This anime is best suited for viewers who enjoy:
- Spiritual Exploration: The story focuses heavily on Buddhist teachings and the search for meaning in life.
- Overcoming Trauma: Ryōken’s journey from despair to hope is a central emotional pillar.
- Historical Drama: The setting involves the struggle of religious sects in Kyoto and the eventual move to the Hokuriku region.
Because the series is based on religious books such as Jinsei no Mokuteki and Unlocking Tannisho, it appeals to those who enjoy meditative storytelling rather than fast-paced action. For those who want to dive deeper into these philosophies, you can buy the related religious books here.
Recommended Watch Order#
Navigating this series is straightforward as it follows a linear chronological path. You can refer to the relationship tree on this page for a visual guide, but here is the breakdown:
Release Order & Recommended Order#
For most viewers, the release order is the best way to experience the story:
- Naze Ikiru: Rennyo Shōnin to Yoshizaki Enjō (2016)
- Tannishō o Hiraku (2019)
- Shinran Jinsei no Mokuteki (2025)
Completionist Order#
For those who want the absolute full experience, including all extras, we recommend following the release order listed above. This ensures you experience the evolution of the animation and the unfolding of the philosophical teachings as they were intended to be revealed.
For Source Material Enthusiasts#
If you don’t mind supplementing the anime with reading, we suggest watching the films in order while reading the corresponding religious texts mentioned in the news—specifically Jinsei no Mokuteki and Unlocking Tannisho—to gain a more profound understanding of the theology presented in the films.
If you’ve found this guide helpful and want to keep our research going, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi!
Final Tips for New Viewers#
Because this series consists of films rather than a weekly episodic series, it is a relatively low-time commitment but offers high emotional and intellectual rewards. If you enjoy the art style or the historical depiction of the priests, you might also want to browse for official merchandise to commemorate your journey through these teachings.
Naze Ikiru: Rennyo Shōnin to Yoshizaki Enjō • anime • 2016-05-21
└─(sequel)→ Tannishō o Hiraku • anime • 2019-05-24
└─(sequel)→ Shinran Jinsei no Mokuteki • anime • 2025-02
