The appeal and evaluation of "Hana no Ko Lunlun": Reevaluating a nostalgic anime classic

Flower Child Lunlun - Looking back on the nostalgic witch series

"Lunlun, the Child of Flowers," broadcast from 1979 to 1980, was the eighth in Toei Animation's Witch Girl series and was loved by many viewers. This anime, which depicts the journey of the prince of Planet Flowernu in search of the "seven-colored flowers" necessary to ascend to the throne, was set in various European countries and gained popularity by conveying the appeal of overseas travel, which was not yet common in Japan at the time. In this article, we will take a closer look at the appeal, background, characters, story, and subsequent influence of "Lunlun, the Child of Flowers."

■Overview of the work

"Lunlun, the Flower Child" is a 50-episode series that airs on TV Asahi every Friday from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. It was written by Jinbo Shiro and produced by Toei Animation. The main character, Lunlun, travels around Europe in search of the "seven-colored flowers" that are necessary for the prince of Planet Flowernu to ascend to the throne. During her journey, Lunlun encounters incidents caused by humans and gets involved in them with her natural curiosity. After the incidents are resolved, "flowers of a rich heart" bloom in the hearts of the humans, and Lunlun herself grows as a person.

■ Story

Lunlun travels to various European countries with Cato and Nouveau in search of the "Seven-Colored Flower" that is necessary for the prince of Planet Flowernu to ascend to the throne. In the cities they visit, they encounter incidents caused by humans, and Lunlun gets involved in the cases due to her natural curiosity. After the incidents are resolved, "flowers of rich hearts" bloom in the hearts of the humans, and Lunlun herself grows as a person. In each episode, Lunlun uses the "Flower Key" pendant to perform magic to change her outfit, giving the work a fashionable image. Another unique feature is that at the end of the story, the language of the flower associated with that episode is explained.

■ Characters

"Lunlun, the Flower Child" features many unique characters. The main character, Lunlun Flower, is a 12-year-old girl with flower fairy bloodline who can transform into various fashions using the "Flower Key". Cato is a white cat who can speak human language and is an emissary from the planet Flowernu. Nubo is a dog who can speak human language and is an emissary for the king of the planet Flowernu. Serge Flora is the first prince of the planet Flowernu, who travels around the country as a photographer under cover of his true identity, specializing in taking pictures of flowers. Togenisia is a thorny flower fairy from the planet Flowernu who follows Lunlun and her friends and plots to steal the "Seven-Colored Flowers". Yabouki is a demonic raccoon who serves Togenisia and can transform and disguise himself using his trademark black umbrella.

■Cast

The cast of "Flower Child Lunlun" is as follows:

• Happy: Mari Okamoto
• Cato: Fuyumi Shiraishi
• Nouveau: Takuzo Kamiyama
• Serge: Yu Mizushima
• Yabouki: Hase Sanji
• Togenisia, Narration: Michie Kita

■ Main staff

The main staff of "Hana no Ko Lunlun" are as follows:

• Original author: Shiro Jinbo
• Planning: Higashi Kasuga, Yasuo Yamaguchi, Yuyake Usui
• Producer: Akira Sasaki
• Screenplay: Noboru Shiroyama, Hirohisa Sota, Yoshiaki Yoshida, and others
• Chief Director: Hiroshi Shitara
• Directed by: Yoshikata Nitta, Atsutaka Takagi, Katsuhiko Honjo, and others
• Original character: Michi Himeno
• Chief Designer: Eiji Ito
• Music: Hiroshi Tsutsui

The theme songs are the opening song "Hana no Ko Lun Lun" and the ending song "Onna tte" with lyrics by Kazuya Chika, music by Asei Kobayashi, and arrangement by Nozomi Aoki. The opening song is sung by Mitsuko Horie and The Chavs, and the ending song is sung by Yuko Inomata and Asei Kobayashi.

■Subtitle

There are 50 episodes of "Flower Child Lunlun" with subtitles. Some of them are listed below.

• Episode 1: A Mysterious Visitor
• Episode 2: A dream brought on by a spring storm
• Episode 3: Rainbow-colored flowers blooming in an old castle
• Episode 4: My Big Sister is the Queen of Roses
• Episode 5: A town without flowers
• Episode 6: The Vineyard Granny
• Episode 7: Flowers Blooming in Villene
• Episode 8: The Little Columbus Dream
• Episode 9: Sunset in Mallorca
• Episode 10: A small box of love in Madrid

■ Related works

The following works are related to "Flower Child Lunlun."

• Theatrical production "Flower Child Lunlun"
• Theatrical production "Flower Child Lunlun: Hello, Cherry Blossom Country"

■The appeal of the work

The appeal of "Lunlun, the Flower Child" is undoubtedly its fashionable image and stories set in various European countries. By conveying the appeal of overseas travel, which was not yet common in Japan at the time, the show impressed viewers with a fresh perspective. Also, the scene in which Lunlun uses the "Flower Key" pendant to perform magic to change her outfit became an envy for children. Furthermore, at the end of each episode, the meaning of the flower associated with that episode is explained, which not only educated viewers but also added depth to the story.

■ Background of the work

"Lunlun, the Flower Child" was produced as the eighth work in Toei Animation's Little Witch Series. Many works in the Little Witch Series were produced from the 1960s to the 1980s, and were loved by children. "Lunlun, the Flower Child" was particularly popular among them for its fashionable image. It also impressed viewers with a fresh message by conveying the appeal of overseas travel, which was not yet common in Japan at the time.

■ Influence of the work

"Hana no Ko Lunlun" was loved by many viewers and influenced subsequent anime works. In particular, its influence can be seen in later anime works as a work with a fashionable image. In addition, the storyline set in various European countries not only conveyed to viewers the appeal of overseas travel, but also taught the importance of cross-cultural understanding. Furthermore, the feature of explaining the flower language of the flower related to that episode at the end of each episode not only provided viewers with knowledge, but also added depth to the story.

■ Evaluation of the work

"Lunlun, the Child of Flowers" is a work that has received high praise from many viewers. In particular, its fashionable image has made it an object of admiration for children. In addition, the storyline, which is set in various European countries, provided viewers with a fresh and moving experience. Furthermore, the feature of explaining the flower language associated with the episode at the end of each episode not only educated viewers, but also added depth to the story. It can be said that these elements have made "Lunlun, the Child of Flowers" a work that is loved by many viewers.

■Recommending a work

With its fashionable image, "Lunlun, the Little Flower Girl" became an object of admiration for children. In addition, the storyline, which was set in various European countries, provided viewers with a fresh and moving experience. Furthermore, at the end of each episode, the meaning of the flower associated with that episode was explained, which not only educated viewers but also added depth to the story. It can be said that these elements have made "Lunlun, the Little Flower Girl" a work that is loved by many viewers. We recommend that you give it a watch at least once.