The appeal and evaluation of Norakuro Eiken's version: A deep review of the first episode

"Norakuro": The appeal and history of a classic that has been loved since before the war

■Overview of the work

"Norakuro" is a TV anime series based on the popular manga by Suiho Tagawa, which was broadcast on Fuji TV from October 5, 1970 to March 29, 1971, every Monday from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. The series, which consisted of 26 episodes and 52 episodes, entertained audiences in 30-minute slots. It was produced by Eiken with production cooperation from Senkosha, and the copyright belongs to Suiho Tagawa, Kodansha, and Eiken.

■ Story

Norakuro, a stray dog ​​who is a bit of a joker and goes at his own pace, struggles every day with the Fierce Dog Regiment. He often fails, but when the time comes, he shows his outstanding vitality and leads the regiment to victory. The story of Norakuro's adventures and growth has continued to provide laughter and emotion to viewers.

■Explanation

"Norakuro" is based on a popular manga by Tagawa Suiho, which was serialized in the magazine "Shonen Club" published by Dai Nippon Yubenkai Kodansha (now Kodansha) from 1931. Before and during the war, it was made into a black-and-white animated feature film, but in 1970 it was made into a color animated television series and became hugely popular. The main character, Norakuro, belongs to the dog army "Fierce Dog Regiment" and excels with his natural courage and drive. In addition, Miko-chan, a nurse original to the anime, adds a touch of color to the army life of an army of mostly male dogs, capturing the hearts of viewers.

■Cast

・Norakuro: Nobuyo Oyama ・Big Man: Shingo Kanemoto ・Glasses: Yoshiko Ota ・Humble: Kaneta Kimotsuki ・Miko-chan: Yoshiko Matsuo ・Bull: Masashi Amemori ・Mall: Goro Naya

■ Main staff

・Original story: Suiho Tagawa (Kodansha edition)
Chief Director: Toru Murayama Chief Animator: Toshitaka Tsunoda Animation Director: Tsuneo Komuro Art Director: Keiji Kamezaki Music: Hidehiko Arashi

■ Main Characters

Norakuro: A private in the Dog Regiment. He is an orphan, but he is a cheerful and energetic boy.
Miko-chan: A nurse sent to the Fierce Dog Regiment. Norakuro has feelings for her.
Bull: A white bulldog who is the commander of the Fierce Dog Regiment. He gives Norakuro a hard time.
・Moll: A terrier and the captain of the fierce dog regiment. He is a good advisor to Norakuro.
・Megane: A white dog who is Norakuro's best friend and a contemporary of his. A private in the Fierce Dog Regiment.

■ Theme songs and music

・OP: "The Tail is Growing"
Lyrics: Takashi Yanase Composition: Takeo Yamashita Sung by: Nobuyo Oyama, Masashi Amemori Ending 1: "Where do I come from"
Lyrics: Takashi Yanase Music: Takeo Yamashita Sung by: Fusako Tenchi Ending theme 2: "Ai Ai Miko-chan"
Lyrics: Takashi Yanase Music: Takeo Yamashita Sung by: Fusako Tenchi, Nobuyo Oyama, Yoshiko Matsuo

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Norakuro" was loved by a wide range of people, from children to adults, for its humorous storyline and charming characters. In particular, Norakuro's repeated failures and successes provided viewers with empathy and laughter, making the show something to look forward to every week. Also, Miko-chan's presence added color to the military life of an all-boys army, warming the hearts of viewers.

The animation quality was also high, and for a color animation in the 1970s, it was very vivid and provided visual enjoyment. The music was also impressive, and the opening theme "Shippo wa Gugunto" in particular left a deep impression on viewers. The acting by the cast was also excellent, and Nobuyo Oyama's performance as Norakuro was especially praised.

■ Historical background and influence

Norakuro is based on a classic manga that dates back to before the war, so its historical background is also important. It is a work that reflects the state of Japanese society from before the war to wartime, and its popularity did not decline even during the postwar reconstruction period. The TV anime adaptation in the 1970s was an opportunity to convey its appeal to an even larger audience.

This work had a huge influence on later anime works. In particular, it can be said to have influenced subsequent works as a pioneer of comedy anime set in the military. Furthermore, the character designs and storytelling techniques were often adopted by later anime works.

■ Responses from viewers

When "Norakuro" was first broadcast, the response from viewers was overwhelming. Children in particular were fascinated by Norakuro's adventures and looked forward to the weekly broadcasts. Adults also empathized with the humor and emotional impact of the show, making it enjoyable for the whole family. There were also many letters and fan mail from viewers, and the production staff was said to have been surprised by the response.

■ Related products and media development

Due to the popularity of "Norakuro", many related products were released. Character goods, picture books, and comic books were especially popular. Reruns were also aired after the show ended, giving many viewers the opportunity to experience the charm of the show once again. Furthermore, DVDs and Blu-ray discs were also released, allowing the show to be enjoyed even today.

■ Recommendation and Summary

"Norakuro" is a TV anime series based on a classic manga that has been running since before the war, and its humorous storyline and charming characters have entertained many viewers. In particular, Norakuro's repeated failures and successes have provided viewers with empathy and laughter, making the show something to look forward to every week. Also, Miko-chan's presence has added color to the military life of an all-boys population, warming the hearts of viewers.

The animation quality was also high, and for a color animation in the 1970s, it was very vivid and provided visual enjoyment. The music was also impressive, and the opening theme "Shippo wa Gugunto" in particular left a deep impression on viewers. The acting by the cast was also excellent, and Nobuyo Oyama's performance as Norakuro was especially praised.

Norakuro is a very valuable work, including its historical background and influence. It is based on a classic manga that has been around since before the war, so its historical background is also important. It is a work that reflects the state of Japanese society from before the war to wartime, and its popularity did not wane even during the postwar reconstruction period. The TV anime adaptation in the 1970s was an opportunity to convey its appeal to an even larger audience.

This work had a huge influence on later anime works. In particular, it can be said to have influenced subsequent works as a pioneer of comedy anime set in the military. Furthermore, the character designs and storytelling techniques were often adopted by later anime works.

The response from viewers was overwhelming, with children especially becoming fascinated with Norakuro's adventures and looking forward to the weekly broadcasts. Adults also empathized with the humor and emotional impact of the show, making it enjoyable for the whole family. There were also many letters and fan mail from viewers, and the production staff was said to have been surprised by the response.

Due to the popularity of "Norakuro", many related products were released. Character goods, picture books, and comic books were especially popular. Reruns were also aired after the show ended, giving many viewers the opportunity to experience the charm of the show once again. Furthermore, DVDs and Blu-ray discs were also released, allowing the show to be enjoyed even today.

As mentioned above, "Norakuro" is a very valuable work in all respects, including its historical background and influence, the reaction from viewers, and the development of related products. Please watch it and experience its charm.