Have you heard of the manga "Oda Cinnamon Nobunaga" that has been gaining attention lately? It's a comedy gag manga drawn by Megurogawa Una. It has a unique premise in which famous generals from the Sengoku period are reincarnated as dogs in modern-day Japan... but it's also full of charm, with heartwarming banter between the dogs, historical trivia, and gags that will make you chuckle. It's even been announced that it will be made into a TV anime in January 2020, so it's only set to get even more exciting. In this article, we'll introduce the plot of "Oda Cinnamon Nobunaga." If you haven't seen the manga yet, be sure to check it out now!
Synopsis Part 1☆ The Honnoji Incident, 1582
The story begins with the famous "Honnoji Incident." "Fifty years of human life is like a dream compared to the eternity of the world." As Honnoji Temple burns, Oda Nobunaga mutters, "Is this the end...?" Having used any means necessary to achieve his goals and persevering in his cruelty, Oda Nobunaga is swept away by the whirlpool of history, saying, "Perhaps in the next life I will be reduced to a dog..."
You really will be reincarnated as a dog!
The scene then shifts to Nobunaga in a Japanese household, where he is in the doghouse. He has truly been reincarnated as a dog. He lives in this life as a cute Shiba Inu with bushy eyebrows. What's more, he still has vivid memories of his past life as Nobunaga. Even when he rolls around saying, "I should have called myself the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven in my next life too!!," it just looks like a dog playing.
Synopsis Introduction Part 2☆ His current name is "Cinnamon." And his owner is a high school girl!
The title of this story is "Oda Cinnamon Nobunaga," but he has now been reincarnated as a dog in Japan, now named "Cinnamon." His owner is a high school girl named "Oda Ichiko," an ordinary high school girl who always says she wants a boyfriend. In fact, Nobunaga (Cinnamon) once worked at a pet shop, but his rebellious attitude made him unpopular, and he was rescued by this dog just before he was put down. She said, "This brazenness is cute," and rescued Cinnamon. However, at first, he was unhappy about being kept by a young woman, even though she was his benefactor, and given such a strange nickname.
But surprisingly, he doesn't seem all that opposed!?
Nobunaga (Cinnamon) is enjoying his daily walk. He initially laments his decline, imagining his former glory. However, now he's in the form of a dog. He's not looking bad, and is simply enjoying his walk as a dog. He also drinks water and seems to enjoy spending time with his owner.
Seeing a Shampoo Hat...
Nobunaga is surprised to find shampoo hats for sale during his walk. Nobunaga, recognizing the ruffled collar of the Southern Barbarians (which Cinnamon calls "neck frills"), mistakenly believes the shampoo hat is cutting-edge fashion. Thinking it looks cool, Nobunaga appeals to his owner. For some reason, Nobunaga is thrilled to have one purchased for him, but he ends up having to take a bath (which he hates) and get shampooed in the shampoo hat.
Synopsis Part 3☆ Even famous generals of the past are transformed into "dogs"!?
In fact, Oda Nobunaga wasn't the only one to be reincarnated as a dog. His former companions were also kept as dogs at home! One day, Nobunaga and his owner, Ichiko, went to a dog run for the first time. Having never seen a dog run before, Nobunaga assumed it would be a really cool place, but upon arriving, he was disappointed to find it was just a dog farm.
Nobunaga shouts, but...!
He immediately shouts, "I'm Nobunaga!!" That said, when a dog barks, all it sounds like is "Aaoon!" so there's no way he'll know who it is, he thought with a sigh, but then he unexpectedly met a great general. "Is that voice Lord Nobunaga? It's been a long time!" A fluffy white dog appeared before Nobunaga and said, "So you too have been reborn as a dog!" Nobunaga seemed unsure who it was. He mistook him for Mori Ranmaru or Naoe Kanetsugu, but was unable to guess, until finally Nobunaga himself told him that it was Takeda Shingen. His bushy tail barely retained a trace of his former appearance.
There are still plenty more friends!
In fact, the dog run is home to many famous generals who fought alongside Nobunaga in the past. In addition to Takeda Shingen, there are also Date Masamune, Uesugi Kenshin, Imagawa Yoshimoto, Kuroda Kanbei, and more... Even Nobunaga seems surprised, exclaiming, "Really?!" From here on, other dogs make their appearance, and the story progresses with even more excitement.
Synopsis Part 4☆ The arch rival, Akechi Mitsuhide...!!
One day, the dogs gathered at the dog run to talk about the Honnoji Incident. When Takeda Shingen asked, "Who ultimately led the rebellion?" Nobunaga replied, "It was Akechi Mitsuhide, wasn't it?" However, Shingen said there were various theories.
Is it not Akechi?
The Akechi Mitsuhide theory is strong because Oda Nobunaga's close aide, Mori Ranmaru, said, "It appears to be Akechi," but it's said that Nobunaga never actually saw Akechi in person. In the history episodes, there's been much discussion about the true mastermind behind the Honnoji Incident. Akechi Mitsuhide's motives for rebellion are unclear, and despite various theories, no definitive conclusion has been reached. Some have speculated, "Was there someone behind the scenes manipulating him?" or "Who was it?"
What about Hideyoshi...
There's also a theory in history that Toyotomi Hideyoshi was the mastermind. There's a scene in the story where Takeda Shingen asks Nobunaga, "What about Hideyoshi?" Nobunaga also has a vague memory of this, so in the end we never find out... However, Nobunaga says that he dislikes Akechi, even if he doesn't know if he started a rebellion or not. He dislikes Akechi because he is more handsome and popular with women than he is, but it's mostly a personal grudge. However, Nobunaga later meets a character who is like the reincarnation of Akechi Mitsuhide...
The voice actors in the anime version are amazing!
In fact, the anime version, which will begin airing in January 2020, boasts an impressive cast! The lead character, "Oda Cinnamon Nobunaga," will be played by Ken'yu Horiuchi (introduced as Inuo Horiuchi on the official website). Furthermore, "Date Boo Masamune" will be played by Toshio Furukawa (introduced as Toshio Inukawa). Furthermore, "Takeda Lucky Shingen" will be voiced by Tetsuaki Genda (Tetsuaki Inuta), and "Uesugi Julian Kenshin" will be voiced by Tomokazu Sugita (Naoji Sugita). The fact that it includes the word "dog" (dog) makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Recently, an additional cast member, Kazuhiko Inugami, was announced as "Kuroda Charlie Kanbei." Of course, it's Kazuhiko Inoue... With a lineup of veteran voice actors, this is sure to be a must-see for voice acting fans.
[Oda Cinnamon Nobunaga] Summary!
That's the synopsis for "Oda Cinnamon Nobunaga"! Former renowned generals of their time are reincarnated as cute dogs and lead leisurely lives. The historical gags interspersed throughout the story will also have you chuckling. This is a work that both history buffs and dog lovers can enjoy. Recently, due to the shared name "Cinnamon," the character has even collaborated with Sanrio's popular character, Cinnamoroll! This is sure to make him even more popular. The TV anime, which will begin airing in 2020, features a stellar cast of voice actors, so I can't wait for it to air. I'm looking forward to it!
