Ninja Kamui Gaiden: A hidden story and a reappraisal of its appeal

"Ninja Kamui Gaiden": The story of the lonely fugitive Kamui

■Overview of the work

"Ninja Kamui Gaiden" is a TV anime series based on the popular manga "Kamui Gaiden" by Sanpei Shirato. It was broadcast on Fuji TV from April 6th to September 28th, 1969, every Sunday from 6:30pm to 7pm. It consists of 26 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and was produced by TCJ (now Eiken). The copyright belongs to Sanpei Shirato and Eiken.

■ Story

Kamui hates the world of the ninja bound by rules and has become a runaway ninja. With his deadly ninja techniques of Izuna Otoshi and Henkei Bunto Kasumigiri, he continues his endless journey on the run, fighting deadly battles with pursuers who are closing in on him. Can Kamui, who is alone and cannot trust anyone, find peace in his days?

■Explanation

This is an animated version of Shirato Sanpei's popular manga "Kamui Gaiden." It is an ambitious work that faithfully reproduces the original's style so as not to damage it. The original manga was serialized in "Weekly Shonen Sunday," but the stock of the original manga ran out midway through the production of the anime, so the last six episodes were created as original works. However, the story is not completely original, but was created based on ideas proposed by Shirato. In 1971, after the broadcast ended, a movie version "Kamui Gaiden Tsukihigai no Maki" was released, which re-edited episodes 21 to 26 of the TV series and added some new scenes.

■Cast

• Kamui/Koji Nakata
• Nene/Masako Ikeda
• Sugaru/Nikaido Yukiko
• Sayaka/Kuri Yoko
• Immovable / Iekyu Iemasa
• Narrator: Tatsuya Shiro

■ Main staff

• Original work: Sanpei Shirato (Akame Production)
• Screenplay by Junji Tashiro
• Chief Director/Yonehiko Watanabe
• Chief Animator/Tsuneo Komuro
• Art (character design)/Shuichi Seki
• Art director: Tatsuo Ono
• Directed by Isao Yamamoto, Osamu Murayama, Kozo Takagaki, Toru Murayama, Hiroaki Okada and others
• Chief animation (episode director): Setsuo Keuchi, Toshitaka Tsunoda, Yoshihide Yamauchi, Kan Fukuda and others
• Music by Ryoichi Mizutani

■ Main Characters

• Kamui throws himself into the world of ninjas to escape from his oppressed circumstances. However, he becomes desperate at the cruel rules and becomes a runaway ninja. His only companion is Hayate the Hawk.
• A woman who lives in the village where Nenekamui once hid.
• A female ninja from the Sugaru Ninja faction. She mistakes Kamui for a pursuer and attacks him.
• Daughter of Sayakasgaru. She saves the dying Kamui and begins to fall in love with him.
• The leader of the immovable ninja group "Watarushu". He saves Kamui from peril, but...!?

■ Theme songs and music

• ED
  "Shinobi's Theme"
  Lyrics by Lee Chun-ja, Composition by Omoto Yasutaka, Arrangement by Kawaguchi Maka, and Mizuhara Hiroshi

■Detailed evaluation

"Ninja Kamui Gaiden" is a TV anime series that aired in 1969, and is known for its faithful reproduction of Sanpei Shirato's original manga "Kamui Gaiden." It accurately portrayed the dark atmosphere of the original and the loneliness of the main character Kamui, leaving a strong impression on viewers.

When it came time to turn it into an anime, the original stock had run out, so the last six episodes were produced as original stories. However, these episodes were also based on Sanpei Shirato's ideas, and care was taken not to destroy the worldview of the original. This is a great point for fans of the original work, and will surely add to the anime's unique charm.

As for the cast, Nakata Koji's voice as the main character Kamui expressed Kamui's loneliness and strength well, which resonated deeply with the viewers. Other characters such as Ikeda Masako as Nene and Nikaido Yukiko as Sugaru also livened up the story with their unique acting. In particular, Kuri Yoko as Sayaka has a voice that makes you feel her youth and purity, and she portrays her relationship with Kamui in depth.

In terms of staff, the film brought together some of the best staff of the time, including chief director Watanabe Yonehiko and chief animator Komuro Tsuneo, resulting in high-quality animation. In terms of art, Seki Shuichi's character designs and Ono Tatsuo's art direction stand out, faithfully recreating the worldview of the original work. Mizutani Ryoichi's music also adds depth to the story and plays a role in evoking the emotions of the viewer.

The theme song "Shinobi no Theme" is a song that further enhances the atmosphere of the story, with lyrics by Lee Shunko, music by Omoto Yasutaka, arrangement by Kawaguchi Makoto, and vocals by Mizuhara Hiroshi. This song plays an important role in helping the audience feel Kamui's lonely journey.

■Recommendation details

"Ninja Kamui Gaiden" is a work with a dark atmosphere and a deep story, and is a must-see for fans of the original manga "Kamui Gaiden". It is also recommended for those who want to know about the animation techniques and direction of the 1960s. In addition, it will be enjoyed by those who like stories of lonely protagonists and works depicting the world of ninjas.

After the series ended, a movie version of this work, "Kamui Gaiden: Tsukihigai no Maki", was released. This movie version is a re-edit of episodes 21 to 26 of the TV series, with some new scenes added, giving it a different appeal from the TV series. By watching it together with the TV series, you can enjoy the world of Kamui on a deeper level.

Also, be sure to check out other works by Sanpei Shirato and other anime works with a ninja theme. For example, "Cyborg 009" and "Sasuke" are also works by Sanpei Shirato, and although they are in different genres, you can feel his unique worldview. We also recommend other anime works with a ninja theme, such as "Basilisk: The Koga Ninja Scrolls" and "NARUTO". Through these works, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the world of ninjas and their charm.

"Ninja Kamui Gaiden" provides viewers with deep emotions and thought-provoking elements through the story of the lonely fugitive Kamui. Please watch this work, empathize with Kamui's journey, and experience the world of ninjas.