'The Whirlwind of Harris' review: A perfect blend of action and story

Harris's Whirlwind - A masterpiece anime that swept through the whirlwinds of youth

Overview

Broadcast from 1966 to 1967, "Harris no Senpuu" is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Chiba Tetsuya. Set at the prestigious Harris Academy, the series is a youth action drama about the troubles caused by the delinquent boy Ishida Kunimatsu and his growth, and was loved by many viewers. A total of 70 episodes were broadcast from May 5, 1966 to August 31, 1967. It was aired on Fuji TV in a 30-minute slot every Wednesday from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.

■ Story

Ishida Kunimatsu is a delinquent boy who has been expelled from many schools due to his bad behavior. The principal of Harris Academy notices his outstanding athletic ability and encourages him to enroll, hoping to develop Kunimatsu's strengths. After enrolling, Kunimatsu immediately gets into trouble, but this leads to him receiving invitations to join sports clubs such as baseball, kendo, boxing, and soccer. With his natural athletic ability and cheerful personality, Kunimatsu leads each sports club to victory and becomes popular at the school.

■Explanation

This is a youthful school action drama depicting the turmoil caused by the protagonist, Ishida Kunimatsu, a notorious thug at the prestigious Harris Academy. It is based on the manga of the same name by Chiba Tetsuya, and was aired in black and white. The name "Haris" in the title comes from Harris Co., Ltd., a confectionery manufacturer that sponsored the show. In 1971, about three years after the series ended, it was remade into a color TV anime, "Kunimatsu-sama no Otooridai," with a different production studio, staff, and some cast members.

■Cast

• Ishida Kunimatsu: Oyama Nobuyo
• Ahbo: Yoshiko Yamamoto
• Glasses: Noriko Ohara
• Yoko Asai (Ochara): Minori Matsushima
• Father: Nishi Keita
• Mother: Eiko Masuyama
• Professor Gozo Iwanami: Nobuo Tanaka
• Head teacher: Genzo Wakayama

■ Main staff

• Screenplay: Keisuke Fujikawa, Shunichi Yukimuro, Haruya Yamazaki, Tadaaki Yamazaki
• Directed by: Yoshiyuki Shindo
• Illustrations: Yoshio Nunokami, Koji Inamura
• Animation production: P Production

Theme song

• OP: "Harris's Whirlwind"
• Lyricist: Ishii Tamots
• Composer: Keiichi Awano
• Arrangement: Keiichi Awano
• Song: Gachatorians

■ Main Characters

• Ishida Kunimatsu: The main character is a troublemaker who loves to fight. However, he also has a good heart and will never bully the weak, and he soon becomes popular at school.
• Ah-bo: The younger brother of the protagonist, Kunimatsu.
• Glasses: A boy who admires Kunimatsu. He wears glasses.
• Yoko Asai (Ochara): A cute but strong-willed female student. She is Kunimatsu's classmate and is highly regarded by Kunimatsu. She also serves as the head of the Harris Academy newspaper club.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: Hurricane Boy Passes By (1966/05/05)
• Episode 2: Leave the fighting and the food to me
• Episode 3: Don't you know who the heroes of justice are?
• Episode 4: The Birth of a Reckless Pitcher
• Episode 5: The Samurai are Lovers
• Episode 6: Starving to Death
• Episode 7: The Tulip Ambassador Appears
• Episode 8: Manga Wars
• Episode 9: The Weird Foreigner
• Episode 10: If you're determined to do something, you'll go as far as you want!
• Episode 11: Blast Off in a Dirty Boat!
• Episode 12: The scoop
• Episode 13: A Little Bit of a Little Bit
• Episode 14: Iwanami trains Kunimatsu
• Episode 15: Here We Go, Here We Go!
• Episode 16: Kunimatsu's Friendship
• Episode 17: I'm going to a duel!
• Episode 18: Listen carefully, mountain man
• Episode 19: The Traveling Crow Has Arrived
• Episode 20: Run 10,000 Meters!
• Episode 21: Coward, today
• Episode 22: The Himalayas are mine
• Episode 23: Kunimatsu's last day
• Episode 24: The Deadly Seoi-nage
• Episode 25: The Bad Boy
• Episode 26: A crazy part-time job
• Episode 27: The Nobel Prize is mine
• Episode 28: Gariben vs. Garispo
• Episode 29: The Little Prince
• Episode 30: Leave it to me
• Episode 31: I am the greatest pilot in the world
• Episode 32: Let's Dance to Four Beats
• Episode 33: Track No. 25
• Episode 34: The Girl from the Land of Snow
• Episode 35: Kunimatsu's Fire Prevention
• Episode 36: Spring is a time of trouble
• Episode 37: I'm the only one who's right
• Episode 38: Bring on the new boxing club
• Episode 39: Flying Fist, Roaring Punch
• Episode 40: Duel at Shiroyama
• Episode 41: All substitutes gather
• Episode 42: The Blind Swordsman (Part 1)
• Episode 43: The Blind Swordsman (Part 2)
• Episode 44: Everyone, shave your head
• Episode 45: The Kunimatsu Volcano Eruption
• Episode 46: This is Aikido
• Episode 47: Harris Academy in Danger!
• Episode 48: Big Brother Business Isn't Easy
• Episode 49: I'm a genius
• Episode 50: Kunimatsu is Alone
• Episode 51: Kunimatsu's Last Stand
• Episode 52: I'm going back to Harris Academy
• Episode 53: Amelagh's Egg
• Episode 54: Touchdown
• Episode 55: I'll Challenge You
• Episode 56: Kunimatsu Sword Technique Fly Swatter
• Episode 57: Shiny Heart
• Episode 58: Kunimatsu gets bullied
• Episode 59: Kunimatsu and Ochara's diary exchange
• Episode 60: The Super Express to Osaka
• Episode 61: Kunimatsu and the Famous Dog Lonely
• Episode 62: Go Megaton!
• Episode 63: Friendship RH Minus
• Episode 64: Cactus X
• Episode 65: Blonde Jenny
• Episode 66: I'm going to evaporate
• Episode 67: Goodbye Lonely
• Episode 68: The Golden Cup
• Episode 69: Sahara Togo Enters
• Episode 70: Goodbye!! Ishida Kunimatsu (1967/08/31)

■ Related works

• TV anime "Mr. Kunimatsu's Passing" (1971)

■ Theme songs and music

• OP: "Harris's Whirlwind"
• Lyricist: Ishii Tamots
• Composer: Keiichi Awano
• Arrangement: Keiichi Awano
• Song: Gachatorians

■ Review

"Harris no Senpu" was a work that created an era in the world of Japanese animation in the 1960s, and its influence has not faded to this day. The character of the main character, Kunimatsu Ishida, was fresh and attractive to viewers at the time. Although he was a delinquent boy, he was portrayed as valuing a sense of justice and friendship, which resonated with many children. Furthermore, the way Kunimatsu tries out various sports and grows together with his friends is portrayed as a symbol of youth.

The appeal of this show lies above all in its storytelling. Each episode depicts a different sport or challenge, so the viewer will never tire of it. As Kunimatsu grows, the characters around him also gain more depth. In particular, unique characters such as Kunimatsu's younger brother Ah-bouya, Megane who adores Kunimatsu, and the strong-willed Ochara enrich the story.

There are also many episodes that reflect the social background of the time. For example, there are episodes that show Kunimatsu aiming for the Nobel Prize and episodes that show his interactions with visitors from overseas, providing viewers with new perspectives. These episodes not only give children dreams and hope, but also serve as an opportunity to understand the diversity of society.

In terms of music, the theme song of "Harris no Senpu" was very impressive, and the singing by the Gachatorians touched the hearts of viewers. The composition and arrangement by Keiichi Awano are an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. In addition, the background music of each episode is also used skillfully in accordance with the development of the story, playing a role in enhancing the emotions of the viewer.

The animation quality was also high, and P Productions' drawings were excellent, even considering the technical standards of the time. In particular, the depiction of the movements in the sports scenes and the facial expressions of the characters were visually very appealing and had the power to draw the viewer in.

■Recommendation

"Harris's Whirlwind" is a masterpiece anime that depicts the brilliance of youth and the power of friendship. It is especially recommended for those who like sports and youth dramas. It will also be enjoyed as a valuable resource for those who want to know the history of Japanese anime in the 1960s. It is also a must-see for parents who want to teach their children the importance of a sense of justice and friendship.

There is also a remake of this work, "Kunimatsu-sama no Otooridai," but the original "Harris no Suisen" is packed with the charm of the characters and the historical background of the time. Please enjoy comparing the two works. "Harris no Suisen" is an eternal masterpiece anime that gives viewers dreams and hope and makes them feel the brilliance of youth.