Episode 9 of Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube, titled “The Girl Who Carries Happiness” or “The Fortune-Bringing Zashiki Warashi Appears!”, delves into the delicate balance between fortune and effort, introducing a benevolent spirit that brings unexpected luck to Nube’s class. This installment offers a heartwarming yet thought-provoking narrative, exploring the consequences of receiving too much good fortune without striving for it.
The Arrival of the Zashiki-warashi
The episode begins with Meisuke “Nube” Nueno, the psychic teacher with the Oni Hand, encountering a small, shy spirit known as a Zashiki-warashi. Zashiki-warashi are traditional Japanese yokai known for taking up residence in homes and bestowing good fortune upon their inhabitants. Attracted by Nube’s kindness, the Zashiki-warashi follows him to Domori Elementary School and soon begins to exert her magical influence over Class 5-3.
The students of Class 5-3 suddenly find themselves experiencing an extraordinary streak of luck. They achieve perfect scores on tests, accomplish impossible athletic feats, and win various competitions without any real effort. Even Ms. Ritsuko, a fellow teacher, finds herself drawn to Nube due to the spirit’s influence.
The Perils of Effortless Happiness
While seemingly beneficial, this influx of effortless good fortune soon begins to trouble Nube. He observes that his students are gradually losing their drive and the importance of striving for their goals. Nube realizes that when humans no longer need to exert themselves to achieve happiness, they risk becoming lazy and unfulfilled. He explains that true happiness often stems from the effort and struggle involved in achieving one’s desires.
Makoto’s Plan and a Heartbreaking Revelation
Determined to help the Zashiki-warashi move on and restore his students’ motivation, Nube initially attempts to persuade her, which only results in the spirit becoming heartbroken. It is the young student Makoto Kurita who devises a compassionate plan to assist the Zashiki-warashi. Makoto, known for his childlike appearance and kindhearted nature, suggests that to help the spirit move on, they must discover what would truly make her happy.
Through Nube’s spiritual powers, a poignant truth about the Zashiki-warashi’s past is revealed. She is not merely a yokai, but the spirit of a generous and loving little girl who tragically died of starvation or illness during wartime. Her fervent wish for her loved ones to live happy lives after her death kept her spirit tied to the world, leading her to wander eternally, providing anonymous acts of service and good fortune. It is discovered that her mother, now a hundred years old, still grieves her loss.
A Bittersweet Farewell and Enduring Themes
Nube and Makoto’s plan culminates in the spiritual reunion of the Zashiki-warashi with her long-lost mother. This act of kindness brings happiness to the spirit, allowing her to find peace and finally move on. Unlike many episodes that feature battles against evil monsters, Episode 9 stands out as a rare instance where Nube uses his powers for purely benevolent means, highlighting that not all yokai are malevolent. The episode underscores the theme that while good fortune can be welcome, true happiness and growth often come from effort, perseverance, and the connections we make.
Key Characters in Episode 9
- Meisuke “Nube” Nueno: The protagonist and psychic teacher who guides his students through supernatural encounters.
- Zashiki-warashi: A benevolent house spirit voiced by Ayana Taketatsu, who brings good luck but inadvertently causes his students to lose their drive.
- Makoto Kurita: One of Nube’s students, who plays a crucial role in understanding and helping the Zashiki-warashi.
- Ms. Ritsuko: A fellow teacher who briefly falls under the Zashiki-warashi’s influence.
Episode 9 of Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube originally aired on August 28, 2025, in Japan, and showcases the series’ ability to deliver emotionally resonant stories with deeper themes beyond typical supernatural comedy-drama fare.
