Boy Ninja Fujimaru of the Wind - Exploring the appeal of good old ninja anime and its relevance to modern times

"Boy Ninja Fujimaru of the Wind": Adventure and the world of ninjutsu in the Sengoku period

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

June 7, 1964 - August 31, 1965 Every Sunday 18:30-19:00 *Episodes 32-65 (final episode) will be changed to every Tuesday 19:30-20:00.

■Broadcasting station

NET

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 65

■Original Story

Sanpei Shirato

■ Production

Toei Animation

■Works

©Toei Animation

■ Story

It's the Sengoku period. A fierce battle is taking place over the "Book of Dragon Smoke," which describes how to create a secret weapon that is said to determine the fate of the country. Fujimaru, who was raised as the son of a Fuuma ninja, is caught up in the battle and must fight against a group of ninjas who use various ninjutsu techniques and monsters who wield strange magic. The world of adventure and ninjutsu that evokes the rough winds of the Sengoku period is a story that draws viewers in.

■Explanation

This ninja anime is an adaptation of the original Ninja Senpu manga by Sanpei Shiroto, who is a specialist in ninja manga, into an action-packed adventure for children. Although it is a black-and-white work, the first few episodes were aired in color, and a three-minute ninjutsu commentary section was included at the end of the main story, which was a novel attempt at the time. This anime depicts the exploits of ninjas in the Warring States period while aiming to convey the appeal of ninjutsu to children. The ninjutsu commentary section in particular is a device to help viewers understand the depth of ninjutsu, and also contains educational elements.

■Cast

・Fujimaru of the Wind/Kiyoshi Komiyama・Tasuke/Kazuko Yoshikawa・Choro/Kayoko Yamamoto・Midori/Midori Kato・Ponkichi/Makiko Ito

■ Main staff

Original story: Rin Okitani, Soji Fukuhara
Planning: Kei Iijima, Hiroshi Onozawa, Yu Saito
・Music by Koichi Hattori ・Theme song
OP
"Fujimaru in Ninja Style"
Lyrics by Keiichi Ogawa Music by Koichi Hattori Performance by Nishirokugo Boys Choir

ED
"Fighting Ninja Boy"
Lyrics by Keiichi Ogawa Music by Koichi Hattori Performance by Nishirokugo Boys Choir

■ Main Characters

・Fujimaru the Wind A talented young ninja. He was kidnapped by an eagle as a baby, and was picked up by the village of Fuuma and raised as a ninja. However, he found out that his adoptive parents were actually villains, and became a deserter. Fujimaru's growth and fighting style are inspirational and inspiring to viewers.

- Tasuke, Choro, Ponkichi and Fujimaru's friends. The way they fight together and overcome difficulties is a symbol of friendship and leaves a deep impression on viewers.

Midori: A peace-loving girl who acts alongside Fujimaru. Her presence teaches us the importance of not forgetting hope and peace even in the midst of battle.

■Subtitle

Episode 1: Fujimaru arrives Episode 2: Duel at Okamigahara
Episode 3: Showdown at Fuuma Fortress
・Episode 4/The Pursuer
・Episode 5: The Mysterious Swordsman
Episode 6: Ghost Cave
・Episode 7/Compilation
・Episode 8: Ninjutsu Konoha Gakure
・Episode 9: Crystal Valley
Episode 10: The Mystery of Dragon Smoke
Episode 11: Madness Technique: Dark Night
・Episode 12: Ninja of Hell's Fortress
・Episode 13/The Mysterious Female Ninja
・Episode 14/Compilation
Episode 15: The Art of Insect Transformation
Episode 16: The Terrifying Windmill Shuriken
Episode 17: Ninjutsu Firefly Technique
・Episode 18/Vampire Lizard Swamp
・Episode 19: Iga-ryu Blade Dragon
Episode 20: The Escape of the Ninja Kite
Episode 21: The Child's Visit
Episode 22: The Cliff of Death
Episode 23: The Grim Reaper's Escape
・Episode 24/Compilation
・Episode 25: Ninja Gyaman Fortress
・Episode 26: Ninjutsu Face-Cutting Technique
Episode 27: Ninjutsu Lightning
・Episode 28: Dragon Smoke Volume: Grand Finale
Episode 29: The Mysterious Shipwreck
・Episode 30: Wild Goma
Episode 31: The Machine Gun Monster
・Episode 32: The Black Panther Master's Trap
Episode 33: The Black Magic of Terror
Episode 34: Duel on Phantom Island
・Episode 35: The Ninja Thief Haguro Tribe: Phantom Thief Mikazuki
・Episode 36: Ninjutsu Lightning Hiding
・Episode 37: Water Prison Hell
Episode 38: Attack on the Execution Grounds
Episode 39: Revenge at Kisaragi Castle
・Episode 40: The Boy in the Hidden Cell at Nachi Ninja Museum
Episode 41: Wall of Flames
・Episode 42: Ninja at the bottom of the water
・Episode 43: Moonlight Demon Sword
Episode 44: The Secret Medicine Plot
Episode 45: Showdown at the Dry Waterfall
・Episode 46: The Great Treasure Battle for Ninjas: Iga Flame Force
・Episode 47/Phantom Water Jet Technique
Episode 48: Wind and Fallen Leaves Technique
・Episode 49: Nanban Mythical Beast Law
・Episode 50: Ninjutsu Reflector
・Episode 51 / Koga Iron Armor Technique
・Episode 52/Ninjutsu Flame Dragon
・Episode 53/Hojo Ranpa Party Yoki Kokuto
・Episode 54/Ninja Ghost
・Episode 55: Shadow Demon and Tasuke
・Episode 56 / Vice-Boss Genki
・Episode 57 / Kashima-ryu secret sword
Episode 58: Stormy Osaka Castle
・Episode 59: Sengoku Evil Merchant: Expulsion of the Ronin
・Episode 60/Sword Hunt
Episode 61: Cannon Incident
Episode 62: Assassin
・Episode 63 / Castle of Evil
Episode 64: Ninja's Conspiracy
Episode 65: Showdown at Nanbanji Temple

■ Related works

*Three TV blow-up versions were screened at the film festival "Manga Daikoushin" (the predecessor to "Toei Manga Matsuri").
"Fujimaru the Ninja Boy and the Mysterious Arabian Doll" (released July 21, 1964)
"Fujimaru the Ninja Boy: The Phantom Magic Troupe" (released March 20, 1965)
"Fujimaru the Ninja Boy: Defeating the Giant Ape" (released July 24, 1965)

■ Review

"Boy Ninja Fujimaru of the Wind" is a work that depicts the exploits of ninjas in the Warring States period, and is an anime that aims to convey the charm of ninjutsu to children in particular. Based on the original work "Ninja Senpu" by Sanpei Shirato, this work has been adapted as an adventure drama for children, and is characterized by a story and characters that inspire and encourage the viewer.

The story centers around the battle for the "Book of Dragon Smoke," and depicts the world of adventure and ninjutsu that evokes the rough and tumble of the Warring States period. The protagonist, Fujimaru the Wind, is an excellent young ninja raised in the village of Fuuma, and his growth and fighting style will leave a deep impression on viewers. In particular, the development in which he finds out that his foster parents were villains and becomes a deserter will leave a strong impression on viewers.

Also important are Fujimaru's friends Tasuke, Choro, Ponkichi, and the peace-loving girl Midori. Their fighting side by side and overcoming difficulties are symbols of friendship and deeply move viewers. Midori's presence in particular will teach us the importance of not forgetting hope and peace even in the midst of battle.

Although this anime was originally produced in black and white, the first few episodes were aired in color, and a three-minute explanation section on ninjutsu was included at the end of the episode, which was a novel attempt at the time. The explanation section was a device to help viewers understand the depth of ninjutsu, and also contained an educational element. This allows children to learn not only about the appeal of ninjutsu, but also about its background and history.

In addition, three TV blow-up versions of this work were shown in the movie "Manga Daikoushin". These movies allow viewers to enjoy the charm of the TV series on a big screen, and will give viewers a new impression. In particular, "Boy Ninja-style Fujimaru: The Mysterious Arab Doll", "Boy Ninja-style Fujimaru: The Phantom Magic Troupe", and "Boy Ninja-style Fujimaru: Defeating the Great Ape" are must-see works for fans, as they allow you to enjoy the story from a different perspective than the TV series.

■Recommendation

"Boy Ninja Fujimaru of the Wind" is a work that depicts the exploits of ninjas in the Sengoku period, and is an anime that aims to convey the charm of ninjutsu, especially to children. It features a story and characters that inspire and encourage the viewer, and also has a ninjutsu explanation corner to help viewers understand the depth of ninjutsu. This will allow children to learn not only about the charm of ninjutsu, but also its background and history. In addition, three TV blow-up versions were screened at the movie "Manga Daikoushin," so you can enjoy the story from a different perspective than the TV series. It is a must-see for fans, and is especially recommended for those interested in ninjas and the history of the Sengoku period.