Animal 1 - A thorough review of fascinating animal stories

"Animal 1": A monumental example of Showa-era sports anime

In 1968, the TV anime "Animal 1" was broadcast. This work is based on the original manga by Kawasaki Noboru, and is a school sports anime with a wrestling theme. It was broadcast for six months from April 1st to September 30th, 1968, and a total of 27 episodes were produced. It was produced by Mushi Production and Fuji Television, and directed by Sugiyama Taku.

story

The protagonist, Higashi Ichiro, is a boy who lives on the Daruma boat "Higashi Maru" with his father and six younger siblings. Ichiro transfers to a junior high school in Sumida, Tokyo, and on his first day, he and third-year student Arabata defeat two rampaging bulls that have burst into the school. The two's excellent athletic ability attracts the attention of various clubs, and Arabata joins the boxing club. Meanwhile, Ichiro is unexpectedly thrown down by the slender third-year student Yamahiko Masaru, and becomes very interested in the wrestling club of which Yamahiko is captain. Competitive, clumsy, and extremely weak when it comes to girls, Ichiro's school life begins.

Commentary

"Animal 1" is an animated version of the original work by Noboru Kawasaki, winner of the Shogakukan Manga Award. The story of a small protagonist who discovers his natural talent through wrestling and aims to compete in the Mexico City Olympics has inspired and inspired viewers. The title "Animal 1" comes from the nickname "Animal" of Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Nagatake Watanabe (freestyle/featherweight). Watanabe is the only one of the five gold medalists to have achieved the feat of perfect excellence without losing a single point.

The original work is a wrestling manga serialized in Shonen Sunday by popular manga artist Kawasaki Noboru, known for "Star of the Giants," and the music was composed by Tamaki Hiroki, who also worked on "Oedo Sousamou." The characters are played by Takeo Tomoharu (later Nakao Ryusei) and Tomiyama Kei, who would later go on to star in the voice acting world. Although it is a "sports-oriented" anime, it is also an entertaining work that is packed with episodes of family love between the father and seven siblings, as well as comedic moments. Following "Vampire," Mushi Production Shoji is in charge of production, and Mushi Production is in charge of the actual production.

cast

• Azuma Ichiro/Takeo Tomoharu
• Jiro Azuma/Kei Toyama
• Saburo Azuma/Tomoe Kitagawa
• Azuma Shiro/Kitamura Koichi
• Togoro/Isamu Tanonaka
• Rokuro Azuma/Yoshiko Yamamoto
• Nanako Higashi/Hako Kuriha
• Higashi Kosuke/Amemori Masashi

Main Staff

• Original work: Noboru Kawasaki, serialized in "Shonen Sunday"
• Director and Production Supervisor: Taku Sugiyama
• Producers: Tatsuo Ikeuchi, Koji Bessho (Fuji Television)
• Assistant producer: Yoshikiri Kishimoto
• Director of photography: Hisataka Oiwa
• Art Director: Isamu Kageyama
• Developing: Toyo Developing Lab
• Source: Yasuo Mikami
• Edited by Masashi Furukawa
• Music by Hiroki Tamaki
• Performance/Ensemble 57
• Effects and recording: Aoi Studio
• Sound Director: Susumu Aketagawa
• Technical Director: Asahi Tsuchiya
• Produced by Mushi Productions, Fuji Television

Main Characters

• Higashiichiro: The eldest of seven siblings. He lives without a mother on a boat with his father and siblings. He joins the wrestling club at his new school and, despite his small stature, has a powerful fighter.
• Azuma Jiro: The second son. He has a shaved head.
• Azuma Saburo: The third son. He is tall and has a gentle personality.
• Azuma Shiro: The fourth son and the most intelligent of his siblings. He not only helps his younger brothers, but also helps his older brother with their homework.
• Togoro: The fifth son. A glutton.
• Azuma Rokuro: The sixth son, the most rowdy and mischievous of his brothers.
• Nanako Higashi: A reliable mother figure to her siblings.
• Higashi Kosuke: The brothers' father. A big man with a beard.

subtitle

• Episode 1: Animal 1 is the killing number
• Episode 2: Damn Wrestling!
• Episode 3: Don't touch the tea!
• Episode 4: Little Mother
• Episode 5: Carry Me On
• Episode 6: Don't cry, big brother
• Episode 7: I Can't Lose
• Episode 8: Chipi is Chipi
• Episode 9: Don't let the boss eat you
• Episode 10: The Biggest Dog in History
• Episode 11: I'm a Captain Candidate
• Episode 12: The Night Before the Battle
• Episode 13: A Great Rival
• Episode 14: Captain Six Goes to the Sea
• Episode 15: This is Animal Rotation!
• Episode 16: Go Animal Six
• Episode 17: Ultra Grandpa Has Arrived
• Episode 18: I'm Going West
• Episode 19: It's a Fighting Festival!
• Episode 20: Professional Wrestling vs. Amateur Wrestling
• Episode 21: 48 Meter Duel
• Episode 22: Farewell, Friend
• Episode 23: Train your brother
• Episode 24: Blow Away the Typhoon
• Episode 25: The Captain's True Identity
• Episode 26: The Tainted Hero
• Episode 27: Fly into the Mexican Sky

Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Animal 1 no Uta" was written by Kimiko Takei, composed and arranged by Hiroki Tamaki, and sung by Eiko Shuri. The ending theme "Nanako no Uta" was written by Kimiko Takei, composed and arranged by Hiroki Tamaki, and sung by Etsuko Hamura.

Appeal and evaluation of "Animal 1"

"Animal 1" is known as a monumental example of Showa-era sports anime. The growth of the main character, Ichiro Higashi, through wrestling touched many viewers. It also contained many episodes of family love and comedy, and was supported by a wide range of viewers.

The anime was produced by Mushi Productions and Fuji Television, and was a high-quality production under the direction of director Taku Sugiyama. The music by Hiroki Tamaki, who was in charge of the music, was also an important element in enhancing the appeal of the work. The cast also included many names who would go on to have a prominent role in the world of voice acting, making this a work not to be missed by voice acting fans.

Recommended points for "Animal 1"

"Animal 1" is a wrestling-themed sports anime that gives viewers inspiration and courage. The main character, Ichiro Azuma, has a small physique but puts on a powerful fight, which has resonated with many people. It also contains many episodes about family love and comedy, and has been supported by a wide range of people.

Furthermore, the film is packed with elements that enhance its appeal, such as the high-quality animation produced by Mushi Productions and Fuji Television, the music by Hiroki Tamaki, and a cast of people who would later become famous voice actors. As a monumental example of Showa-era sports anime, it is a work that you should definitely see at least once.

summary

"Animal 1" is a school sports anime with a wrestling theme, based on the original work by Kawasaki Noboru. The growth of the main character, Azuma Ichiro, through wrestling touched many viewers. It also contains many episodes of family love and comedy, and has been popular with a wide range of people. The high-quality animation produced by Mushi Production and Fuji TV, the music by Tamaki Hiroki, and a cast of people who would later become famous in the world of voice acting, are just a few of the elements that make the work so appealing. As a monumental example of Showa-era sports anime, it is a work that everyone should definitely watch at least once.