Having finally finished my slow burn of this series all I can do is agree with other comments here. This series offers a sense of tranquillity when watching that I have rarely seen anywhere else. You just get absorbed into sometimes dreamlike atmosphere of it all. Each episode is somewhat self-contained and you really never know how it will end. Some end on a happy note, some on a sorrowful one, some are more ambiguous or bitersweet.

The message throughout is very much that Mushi are not malevolent or evil, they are just like forces of nature, and can be harmful or helpful to humans. Each story is more about how people deal with these things, with Ginko travelling around and helping where he can.

With a second season just around the corner all I can really do is repeat other people's recommendations - if you haven't already, watch this series.

Just a spectacular, beautiful and mesmerizing anime. I was initially hesitant to start this because it seemed like it wouldn't be too exciting and able to hold my interest well but I instantly became addicted. It's a very easy show to watch as each episode is a story contained within itself, has its own theme, and you really don't encounter the same thing twice. Also, not all the stories end up happily and some are just heartbreaking which lend to keeping everything fresh. The creators masterfully created this world filled and thriving with mushi that just immerses you completely. Ginko is the perfect MC for the tone and themes of Mushi-shi with his calm, gentle and understanding nature. The only complaint I had was that literally every main male and female character looks the same (I honestly couldn't tell anyone apart between 75% of the different episodes). This is definitely up there on my list and a very relaxing and magical journey that is a very easy watch.

Praise be to the Lord/Allah/Buddha/Tom Cruise/Oprah!! Mushi-shi is getting a 2nd season (a full 2 cour) that is starting this coming April. Ginko be doin' work again in 2014 and it will be glorious.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-01-04/mushishi-anime-gets-2nd-season-in-april
http://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=720487

Even though it was a bit repetitive every episode has its own charm. The soothing OST and the calm story makes this an impeccable.
Unlike any other anime, episodes of Mushi-shi not always ended on a good note which gives a realistic approach to the plot.
I would recommend everyone to watch this at a slower pace to enjoy the story at it's best.

S2 has been confirmed with today's special and will air in April. If you havn't already give the show a try; it's truely fantastic. The fist episode is one that I would recommend to anyone even if they don't want to watch the whole show or anime in general (same goes for Kino no Tabi's second episode to which this show is similar).

An incredible series of fable-like stories, rich with an eerily tranquil atmosphere. Each tale is allegorical to a sickness or some difficult living situation, which makes them very easy to relate to and get invested in despite the alien nature of the Mushi. I love that the main character isn't the protagonist of most episodes, he's just a character that you know you'll see at some point. Sometimes beautiful, sometimes heatwarming, sometimes haunting, and sometimes tragic. You never know what kind of story you'll get, but you're bound to be sucked into the incredibly realised world.

just beautifully done ,beautiful soundtrack and self contained stories guys dont give up it must be in your must watch list

Holy shit man, a new season?? After all these years?? SWEET!!

I have just watched episode 1 .. and the starting is sooo beautiful.. relaxing and peaceful and yap magical..

One of my all time favorites. Relaxing, chill, mystical, intriguing, and wonderfully magical.