Karate Baka Ichidai: A thorough review of the passionate youth martial arts anime

A comprehensive review and recommendation of Karate Baka Ichidai

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

October 3, 1973 - September 25, 1974

■Broadcasting station

Japan Educational TV

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 47

■Original Story

Original story by Ikki Kajiwara, illustrations by Jiro Tsunoda

■ Production

Animation production: Japan Educational Television, Tokyo Movie

■Works

©Kazuo Kajiwara, Jiro Tsunoda/Kodansha, TMS

■ Story

Asuka Ken, a survivor of a suicide squad who was demobilized, lost his purpose and relied on his karate skills, spending his days committing violence as a bodyguard for the Glenn Corps. But one day, he came across a novel by Eiji Yoshikawa about the life of the master swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, and found his way in life. After undergoing rigorous training, Ken participated in a karate tournament, where he exploded with anger at the stop-before-the-best rule that had become common in the karate world. He set out on a quest to become a superhuman.

■Cast

Ken Asuka: Nobuo Tanaka / Shogo Ariake: Akira Kamiya / Igarashi: Osamu Kato / Great Togo: Masashi Amemori / Kuroki: Takeshi Aono / Takatsu: Tomoharu Takeo / Narration: Tamio Oki and others

■ Main staff

Planning: Tokyo Movie / Director: Eiji Okabe, Osamu Dezaki / Screenplay: Ken Hazama, Yoshiaki Yoshida, Akinori Matsumoto, Shichijomon, Yukie Yoshihara, Atsushi Imura, Shizuo Komori / Storyboard: Hideo Takayashiki, Eiji Okabe, Sakimakura, Masahiro Sasaki, and others / Animation Director: Keiichiro Kimura, Kazuhiko Udagawa, Masayoshi Nakajima, Takeshi Osaka, Kazuhiro Taga, and others / Animation Supervision: Daikichiro Kusube / Art Director: Takamura Mukuo / Literary Director: Kenya Oda / Director of Photography: Tatsumasa Shimizu, Hirotaka Takahashi / Sound Director: Susumu Aketagawa / Editor: Kazuo Inoue / Producer: Eisuke Ozawa (Japan Educational TV), Nobuo Inada / Live-action photography: Kazuo Inoue, Takuma Nishikawa / Live-action cooperation: Kyokushin Kaikan Foundation / Music: Mitsuru Kotani

■ Theme songs and music

[OP] Song title: Karate Baka Ichidai / Singer: Oyasu Ren, Pioneer Children's Choir / Lyrics: Kajiwara Ikki / Composer: Hirao Masaaki / Arrangement: Kotani Mitsuru [ED] Song title: Karate-do, Otoko-do / Singer: Yamazaki Terutomo, Chorus Royal Knights / Lyrics: Kajiwara Ikki / Composer: Kotani Mitsuru / Arrangement: Kotani Mitsuru

■ Evaluation

"Karate Baka Ichidai" is a TV anime series that aired from 1973 to 1974, and is based on a manga by Ikki Kajiwara. The story is about the protagonist Asuka Ken, a survivor of a special attack unit who returns from the mobilization and pursues his own path to becoming a superhuman through karate. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and features of this work.

The appeal of the story

The story of "Karate Baka Ichidai" centers around the growth and transformation of the protagonist, Asuka Ken. Unable to recover from the trauma of war and giving in to violence, Ken is inspired by Eiji Yoshikawa's "Miyamoto Musashi" and finds a new path in life through karate, a process that deeply moves viewers. Also, his rebellion against the inch-stop rule, which is common in the karate world, and his pursuit of the path to becoming a superhuman leaves a strong impression on viewers. This story is not just about martial arts, but also has great depth as a human drama.

Character Appeal

Tanaka Nobuo, who plays the main character Asuka Ken, realistically portrays Ken's suffering and growth, and has the power to make viewers empathize with him deeply. Kamiya Akira, who plays his rival Ariake Shogo, also brings out the charm of the character. The supporting characters, such as Kato Osamu as Igarashi and Amemori Masashi as Great Togo, are also unique and play an important role in adding excitement to the story.

Drawing and directing

The animation of "Karate Baka Ichidai" faithfully reproduces the original work by Tsunoda Jiro, while incorporating movements and expressions unique to anime. In particular, the karate match scenes are a perfect blend of powerful animation and direction, drawing the viewer in. The skills of directors such as Okabe Eiji and Dezaki Osamu also shine, smoothly advancing the story's development while creating a visual impact.

Music and theme song

The music for "Karate Baka Ichidai" was composed by Kotani Mitsuru, and plays an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. The opening theme, "Karate Baka Ichidai," is particularly impressive with its powerful singing by Oyasu Ren and the Pioneer Children's Choir, and inspires the viewers. The ending theme, "Karate-Do, Otoko-Do," features a magnificent chorus by Yamazaki Terutomo and the Royal Knights, deeply expressing the theme of the story. These songs are elements that further enrich the worldview of the work.

Social impact

"Karate Baka Ichidai" was popular with many viewers when it was first broadcast, and it became a catalyst for raising interest in karate and martial arts. In addition, the life and beliefs of the main character, Asuka Ken, gave courage and hope to many people, making it a work with social influence. Furthermore, this work had a major influence on later anime and manga with a martial arts theme, contributing to the development of the genre.

■Recommendation

"Karate Baka Ichidai" is recommended not only for those who are interested in martial arts and karate, but also for those who want to enjoy human drama and stories of growth. In particular, it is a must-watch for those who want to empathize with the protagonist Asuka Ken's suffering and growth, and be moved by his pursuit of the path to becoming a superhuman. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the animation, direction, and music of 1970s anime.

Related Titles

For those who enjoyed "Karate Baka Ichidai," we also recommend the following related works.

• "Kick Demon" - an anime adaptation of a martial arts manga also written by Ikki Kajiwara. It depicts the protagonist's growth and passion for martial arts.
• "Ashita no Joe" - A masterpiece by Ikki Kajiwara, it is a moving story about boxing. It depicts the protagonist's growth, failure, and comeback.
• "Grappler Baki" - a manga and anime series with a martial arts theme, featuring superhuman fights and the charm of its characters.

How to watch

"Karate Baka Ichidai" can now be purchased on DVD and Blu-ray. It can also be viewed on some video streaming services. If you're interested, please try watching it in these ways.

summary

"Karate Baka Ichidai" is a moving work that combines martial arts and human drama, depicting the growth of the protagonist Asuka Ken and his path to becoming a superhuman. The excellent drawings, direction, and music leave a strong impression on viewers. By watching this work, you will be able to deepen your understanding of martial arts, as well as learn about the importance of personal growth and beliefs. It is a work that I would like many people to see.