Tenjou Hen: Utsu no Miko (1990)

An enthralling period fantasy/epic set in the Asuka period. Its numerous sources of inspiration, in relation to the religious lore, makes it somewhat difficult to fully grasp for a westerner mind. Still, the work is still approachable enough when simply followed as a linear story. While the animation is now dated, the gorgeous art direction and the ceremonious original soundtrack absolutely immerse one into what is a spiritual odyssey in an enchantingly beautiful but unfair paradise realm. Very well balanced themes and plot execution. One of its major fault is introducing characters in media res without prior buildup... That makes it uneasy to fully relate to them, have you not read Keisuke Fujikawa's light novel. Nevertheless, Tenjou Hen: Utsu no Miko being relegated on the oubliette of the medium is a major injustice.