Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati-hen

At True Cross Academy, Rin Okumura unknowingly comes across the first signs that something is amiss; ordinary people have been gaining the ability to perceive the invisible creatures that roam the human realm, Assiah. While Rin sees this as an opportunity to make a new friend, his twin brother, Yukio, is more burdened than ever. Swamped with his education, exorcist duties, and teaching position, Yukio has remained silent about his awakened powers, unable to understand their scale or significance.

While Rin and his friends prepare for the annual Exorcist Certification Exam, the True Cross Order has uncovered the first artificial gate to the demonic realm of Gehenna. Witnessing its size and the advanced technology that made it possible, the exorcists realize they are now dealing with the Illuminati, an extremely wealthy and powerful organization. Moreover, the inscrutable Illuminati have planted three spies in the True Cross Order—and one may be hiding among the aspiring exorcists sworn to protect mankind from the demonic threat.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Okumura, Rin Main

Okamoto, Nobuhiko Japanese

Okumura, Yukio Main

Fukuyama, Jun Japanese

Pheles, Mephisto Supporting

Kamiya, Hiroshi Japanese

Kuro Supporting

Takagaki, Ayahi Japanese

Kirigakure, Shura Supporting

Satou, Rina Japanese

Fujimoto, Shirou Supporting

Hirata, Hiroaki Japanese

Moriyama, Shiemi Supporting

Hanazawa, Kana Japanese

Shima, Renzou Supporting

Yusa, Kouji Japanese

Suguro, Ryuuji Supporting

Nakai, Kazuya Japanese

Kamiki, Izumo Supporting

Kitamura, Eri Japanese

Kamei, Hiroshi Producer

Matsumoto, Miho Producer

Tanaka, Wataru Producer

Aoki, Makoto Producer

Reviews

May 8, 2024

torsan88

Recommended

After I finished watching the third season, of my second most favorite series I ever watching, it was entertaining and a lot of things have happening, maybe because I am ao no exorcist fan or it is that I enjoy the series a lot? And I can understand why it got low rating than other seasons, maybe because they changes of another studio or maybe storyline wasn’t that hyped or interesting for anyone, but one thing they actually did, is that they following the manga and not adding fillers episodes in as they did in the first season, which is amazing things, and yes I ... know they remove some scenes from the manga, but they still make equal in anime series as the manga series is, and animation was amazing made, I’ve I can understand some people didn’t like it and also a little bit of 3D scene in the series, but I don’t see any problem with it, I am still enjoying the series as it was, as a Ao no exorcist fan, the season three was enjoyable and have amazing moments in it, and for those who are not fan of the series, I hope you like the series somehow, in the end I did enjoy the third season of Ao no exorcist series and I am looking forward to next season of Ao no exorcist!

Thank you!

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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Jul 17, 2025

pitusad0rada

Mixed Feelings

After years of silence, Ao no Exorcist returns with its third season—Shimane Illuminati-hen—bringing along a heavier, darker tone and long-awaited narrative revelations. But with that, also comes a fragmented pacing and inconsistent emotional weight.

This arc shifts the spotlight to Izumo and the dark secrets of her past, adding layers to a character who had remained mostly in the shadows. The Illuminati emerge as a more concrete threat, and we’re introduced to key lore elements tied to the overall mythology. There’s intrigue, world expansion, and some long-overdue answers.

Unfortunately, the storytelling suffers from structural issues. Flashbacks are often mistimed, and exposition-heavy segments interrupt the natural flow of ... events. While some character dynamics deepen—particularly the camaraderie among the main team—the season struggles to maintain a consistent tone or momentum.

Visually, the series retains its recognizable aesthetic, but animation quality dips in key moments. The direction lacks punch, especially in emotionally charged scenes that needed more impact.

Musically, the new opening and ending are solid, and the soundtrack continues to support action and tension well, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Ultimately, Shimane Illuminati-hen feels like a necessary bridge rather than a standalone triumph. It sets the stage for something bigger, but as a season, it wavers between payoff and setup.

Final verdict: For loyal fans, it's a must-watch continuation. But newcomers or casual viewers may find themselves overwhelmed or underwhelmed—depending on how much they remember or expect.

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Oct 10, 2024

million_boxes

Not Recommended

I always had a soft spot for blue exorcist but this season was a disappointment unfortunately.

The animation was quite lifeless despite it being higher quality in terms of resolution and smoothness. I did love the demonic possession dance. But the og manga material carried a lot of weight in making it hauntingly beautiful, while the extra adaption scrapped by while being inflicted with many the flaws mentioned above.

There are some very good ideas in this season. Izumo's whole arc is very interesting, but it really faltered on the execution to the point of making her unbearably annoying when she doesn't have to be! ... The problem is that it depicted her as growing up around some really shitty people who're supposed to care for her but didn't, and this trauma carried over into her cutting herself off from her friend group. This just didn't make sense because they already went through a lot together. They've had this sort of arc SO many times before. It just takes a bit more effort tying everything together, but this the anime did NOT do.

Instead, it felt like a back and forth between the main group whacking the evil doctor's experiments, then cut to evil doctor (which, honestly, adds no value past a point), then cut to Izumo/her mother being tortured (again, unnecessarily repeated), cut to her isolating herself. I found myself skipping rapidly past everything only to kinda stop and enjoy the climax eps.

Another thing is the show lost its best bits: their friend group is really wholesome and the clear highlight, but izumo's mental state and the betrayal will-they-won't-they (no spoilers) of it all meant we didn't get to enjoy it. The thing with Rin and Yukio is always interesting and occasionally wholesome but here it's both vague and decidedly grim. Lastly, Rin's more contemplative and sad side always adds some much needed levity that gave him a step up from the annoying mc archetype. But with the show focussing on izumo, it significantly cut his development back and he is...very. annoying.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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	Poll: Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati-hen Episode 4 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Jan 27, 2024	69 replies	by Kristiwazhere »» Dec 8, 7:50 PM
	Poll: Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati-hen Episode 3 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Jan 20, 2024	70 replies	by Kristiwazhere »» Dec 8, 7:00 PM
	Poll: Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati-hen Episode 12 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Mar 23, 2024	65 replies	by Maine150 »» Sep 8, 12:23 AM
	Poll: Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati-hen Episode 10 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Mar 9, 2024	52 replies	by Vysarine »» Aug 30, 3:53 PM
	Poll: Ao no Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati-hen Episode 9 Discussion Stark700 - Mar 2, 2024	47 replies	by Vysarine »» Aug 30, 3:21 PM