Review of "Kick Demon": Incredible kicking techniques and a fascinating story

Kicking Demon - Kick no Oni -

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

October 2, 1970 - March 26, 1971 Every Friday 19:00-19:30

■Broadcasting station

TBS

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 26

■Original Story

Original story by Ikki Kajiwara and Kentaro Nakajo

■ Director

・Direction: Masao Kuroda

■ Production

Produced by Toei (animation), TBS

■Works

©Kentaro Nakajo, Noguchi Productions, Kajiwara Productions, Toei Animation

■ Story

Tadashi Sawamura, the undefeated champion of the student karate world, accepts the challenge of Osamu Noguchi, the president of Noguchi Gym, who is trying to spread Thai boxing in Japan, and fights against a Thai boxer. He wins the first match with ease, but his techniques are completely ineffective against the lightweight champion Aji Son, and he is completely beaten down. Then, fascinated by the strength of Thai boxing, Tadashi Sawamura, the kickboxing champion, knocks on the door of Noguchi Gym and becomes a Thai boxer. This is how his long journey as a kickboxer began.

■Explanation

This is an animated version of a true manga depicting the fighting history of Sawamura Tadashi, who sparked a kickboxing boom. The staff is made up of people with experience in "Tiger Mask," and the unique kickboxing action is depicted in a hard and dynamic way. The theme song is sung by Sawamura Tadashi himself.

■Cast

Tadashi Sawamura/Koji Asakura/Noguchi/Kiyoshi Kobayashi/Yoko/Minori Matsushima/Etsuko/Michiko Nomura/Hideki/Yuji Nishimoto

■ Main staff

・Original story: Kajiwara Ikki, Nakajo Kentaro ・Planning: Hatano Yoshifumi ・Production: Eto Masaharu ・Screenplay: Tsuji Masaki, Ando Toyohiro, Oshikawa Kuniaki, and others ・Direction: Kuroda Masao, Yamaguchi Yasuo, Nishizawa Nobutaka, and others ・Art: Fukumoto Tomoo, Tsuji Tadanao, Numai Hajime ・Music: Kobayashi Asei

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
・Kick Demon ・Lyrics by Osamu Noguchi ・Music by Asei Kobayashi ・Performance by Tadashi Sawamura, Mizuumi Boys and Girls Choir

・ED
・Kick no Akebono ・Lyrics by Osamu Noguchi ・Music by Ikki Kajiwara ・Performance by Tadashi Sawamura

Detailed review and recommendation of Kick no Oni

The anime "Kick Demon", which aired in Japan in the 1970s, was loved by many viewers as a work depicting the world of kickboxing. This anime is based on the life of a real kickboxer named Sawamura Tadashi, and is characterized by its realistic depiction and passionate storyline. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and background of this anime, as well as the recommended points.

The appeal of the story

The story of "Kick Demon" begins when Sawamura Tadashi, a student karate champion, discovers the strength of Thai boxing and embarks on a new path as a kickboxer. Although he easily wins his first match, he is defeated by lightweight champion Aje Song. Fascinated by the strength of the boxer, Sawamura decides to join Noguchi Gym and pursue the path of a kickboxer. This story depicts a drama of challenge and growth, setbacks and recovery, and will deeply move viewers.

Particularly impressive is the scene after Sawamura's defeat by Ahji Song. His frustration and determination are depicted so realistically that viewers cannot help but empathize with his emotions. Also, don't miss Sawamura's growth through the rigorous training at Noguchi Gym and his battles with various opponents. These scenes teach viewers the importance of "effort" and "getting back on track after setbacks."

Character Appeal

The main character, Sawamura Tadashi, is portrayed as a character with a strong will and indomitable spirit. His character showed viewers the "attitude of working hard towards your dreams" and inspired many people. Noguchi Osamu, the president of Noguchi Gym, is also an important character, whose strictness and passion support Sawamura's growth. Furthermore, the people around Sawamura, especially the female characters Yoko and Etsuko, also have a major impact on his life and enrich the story.

The voice actors are also excellent, especially Asakura Koji's passionate performance as Sawamura Tadashi. His voice perfectly expresses Sawamura's strength and passion, leaving a deep impression on viewers. Kobayashi Kiyoshi, who plays Noguchi, also impressed viewers with his portrayal of a character who is both strict and kind.

Production background and staff commitment

"Kick Demon" is based on the original manga by Ikki Kajiwara and Kentaro Nakajo. This manga is a true story of Sawamura Tadashi's fighting history, and its realistic depiction became a hot topic. For the animation, the staff was mainly made up of people with experience in "Tiger Mask," and they succeeded in portraying the kickboxing action in a hard and dynamic way.

In particular, director Masao Kuroda spent a lot of time and effort to recreate the kickboxing movements realistically. The art staff also paid close attention to detail to recreate the atmosphere of the ring and gym. Thanks to these efforts, "Kicking Demon" succeeded in letting the audience experience the world of kickboxing in a realistic way.

The appeal of music

The music of "Kick Demon" is also one of its great attractions. In particular, the opening theme "Kick Demon" is sung by Sawamura Tadashi himself, and his passionate voice touches the hearts of viewers. The ending theme "Kick no Akebono" is also a wonderful song that expresses Sawamura's passion and dreams. These songs deeply moved viewers and further enriched the worldview of the anime.

Composer Asei Kobayashi put a lot of effort into expressing the intensity and beauty of kickboxing through music. His music succeeded in making the audience feel more deeply immersed in the world of the "Kicking Demon."

Recommended points

"Kick Demon" has been loved by many viewers as a work that realistically depicts the world of kickboxing. This anime depicts the drama of challenge and growth, setbacks and recovery, and deeply moves viewers. In addition, the story, based on the life of a real kickboxer named Sawamura Tadashi, teaches viewers the importance of "effort" and "the attitude of moving forward towards your dreams."

I especially recommend this anime to anyone interested in kickboxing or martial arts. This anime depicts kickboxing techniques and strategies realistically, and will appeal to viewers. Also, the story of Sawamura Tadashi's growth will teach viewers the importance of hard work and how to bounce back from setbacks.

I also recommend this to anyone who wants to learn about the Japanese anime culture of the 1970s. "Kick Demon" reflects the Japanese anime production techniques and style of that era, allowing viewers to feel the atmosphere of that era. The theme song sung by Sawamura Tadashi himself and the realistic kickboxing action are also part of the charm of this anime.

Overall, "Kick Demon" was loved by many viewers as a work that realistically depicts the world of kickboxing. This anime depicts a drama of challenge and growth, setbacks and recovery, and deeply moves viewers. In addition, the story, based on the life of a real kickboxer named Sawamura Tadashi, teaches viewers the importance of "effort" and "the attitude of moving forward towards your dreams." Please give it a watch and experience its charm.