Go Tabuchi!! A thorough review of the second installment of the fierce pennant race!

Ganbare!! Tabuchi-kun!! The 2nd Fierce Pennant Race - Ganbare!! Tabuchi-kun!! The 2nd Fierce Pennant Race

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

May 3, 1980 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

Toho Towa

■ Eirin Number

110049

■Frequencies

90 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Ishii Hisaichi

■ Director

Tsutomu Shibayama

■Works

©Hisaichi Ishii/Futabasha, TMS

Review

"Ganbare!! Tabuchi-kun!! 2nd installment of the Fierce Battle Pennant Race" is an anime film released in 1980, based on the manga series "Ganbare!! Tabuchi-kun!!" by Ishii Hisaichi. This film is a comedy about the struggles of Tabuchi-kun, a character modeled after professional baseball player Tabuchi Koichi, and was produced as the second installment of the series. Directed by Shibayama Tsutomu and distributed by Toho-Towa, each film is 90 minutes long and self-contained in one episode.

The story is about the Seibu Lions, a team that regularly ranks low in the league, who hold a "Tabuchi Day" to bring Tabuchi-kun to the forefront and attract spectators. For this event, an absurd plan is developed in which Tabuchi-kun plays every position in one game. The show is full of humorous scenes that make the most of Tabuchi-kun's character, and it succeeds in entertaining the audience.

A distinctive feature of this film is that it incorporates many more scenes other than baseball compared to the previous film. There are also episodes set in golf and at home, depicting Tabuchi-kun's daily life and interactions with his family. This allows Tabuchi-kun's character to be explored in greater depth, which has the effect of making him more relatable to the audience. The composition of the film, which combines short stories, follows the same technique as the previous film, and the story progresses at a good pace, so it never gets boring.

In terms of the cast, the performances of the voice actors, such as Toshiyuki Nishida as Tabuchi, Terumi Niki as Miyoko, and Takeshi Aono as Yasuda, liven up the work. In particular, Toshiyuki Nishida's exquisite performance as the humorous character of Tabuchi-kun draws laughter from the audience. Furthermore, Terumi Niki's gentle voice as Miyoko also adds a warm touch to Tabuchi-kun's domestic scenes.

In terms of the main staff, Director Tsutomu Shibayama controls the tone of the entire work, and the scriptwriters skillfully develop the story. Animation directors Osamu Kobayashi and Minoru Maeda carefully draw the characters' movements and expressions, providing visual enjoyment. In terms of music, Hiroki Inui's composition enhances the atmosphere of the work, and the theme songs "Ganbare!! Tabuchi-kun!!" and "Ganbareraba Ai" are used impressively.

The main character, Tabuchi-kun, is a catcher for the Seibu Lions, but is too heavy to play well on the field. However, he is a strong batter and plays well as a designated hitter. Although he has some sloppy aspects, he has a calm and lovable personality. Miyoko is Tabuchi-kun's wife, and is portrayed as a good wife, being beautiful and stylish, listening to her husband's boasting stories and admonishing him for his lazy lifestyle. Yasuda is Tabuchi-kun's bad friend, and as a pitcher for the Yakult Swallows, he throws magic pitches, but he often has problematic behavior and does not get along with the coach. Coach Nemoto is the coach of the Seibu Lions, and although he gives Tabuchi-kun and his friends a lot of headaches, he trusts him as a person. Owner Tsutsumi is the president and owner of the Seibu baseball team, and although he gives Tabuchi-kun and his friends a lot of headaches, he plans various events, but they often backfire. Hirooka is the former manager of the Yakult Swallows, and although he appears intelligent and cool-headed, he is actually a passionate person and does not get along well with Yasuda.

Recommendation

"Ganbare!! Tabuchi-kun!! Part 2: Fierce Battle in the Pennant Race" is a comedy anime based on professional baseball that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. It is especially recommended for baseball fans and those who like comedy anime. The humorous character of Tabuchi-kun and the scenes depicting his interactions with his family and friends are heartwarming. In addition, the composition of short stories progresses at a good pace, so you can enjoy it without getting bored. Furthermore, the voice actors' performances and music add to the excitement of the work, making it a work that can be enjoyed both visually and aurally. Please watch this work and experience Tabuchi-kun's struggle and humor.