Mushishi

They exist in the most unexpected places—be it within your eyes and ears, under the floor and roof of your house, or in the trees and flowers in your garden. They are everywhere, and yet nowhere, at the same time. Are they alive or not? Perhaps it is more apt to say they are beings who transcend the concept of life and death itself... They are mushi. Some wreak havoc in the lives of humans; others bring them deliverance from suffering. Mushi are neither good, nor evil: for just like any other creature, they are merely striving to survive in this harsh, competitive world. Ginko, a lone wanderer with a reclusive personality, offers help and guidance to those plagued by mushi. This is the tale of his travels and exploits in a wondrous world populated by these mysterious entities. Awards - Excellence Prize for Manga at the 7th Japan Media Arts Festival (2003) - Kodansha Manga Award - General Manga (2006) - 9th place on Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs List of Best Manga. - The anime adaptation further won grand prizes in the categories of Television Series and Best Art Direction (for Takashi Waki) at the 5th Tokyo Anime Awards held at the Tokyo International Anime Fair in 2006.