Makoto-chan: A thorough review of a story of pure heart and growth

"Makoto-chan": The adventures and growth of an energetic kindergartener

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

July 26, 1980 - January 1, 0000

■Distribution company

Toho

■ Eirin Number

110166

■Frequencies

85 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Kazuo Umezu's "Makoto-chan" (serialized in Shogakukan's "Weekly Shonen Sunday")

■ Director

Tsutomu Shibayama

■ Production

Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha

■Works

©Umezu Pro/Shogakukan, TMS

■ Story

Makoto is an energetic kindergartener who is full of curiosity and loves to play pranks. When his kindergarten teacher tells him about the Good Child Award, he decides to win it. He presents his mother with a play for her birthday, but the content of the play makes her faint. On one occasion, he prevents a woman who looks like Momoe Yamaguchi from getting married by telling her he'll be her lover, and on another occasion, he picks up sparrow eggs and warms them. Will he be able to win the Good Child Award amidst a big commotion that involves everyone around him?

■Cast

Makoto: Kazuko Sugiyama / Mika: Rihoko Yoshida / Dad: Shinichi Yanagisawa / Mom: Noriko Ohara / Makoto Mushi: Kaneta Kimotsuki / Special appearances: Two Beat, Kazuo Umezu and others

■ Main staff

Produced by: Yutaka Fujioka / Producer: Tetsuo Katayama / Screenplay: Noboru Shiroyama / Animation Director: Osamu Kobayashi / Art: Mariko Kado / Cinematography: Hirotaka Takahashi / Editing: Masatoshi Tsurubuchi / Sound: Wataru Date

■ Theme songs and music

[OP] Song: Papa & Mama Rock / Singer: Umezu Kazuo / Lyrics: Umezu Kazuo / Composer: Umezu Kazuo / Accompaniment: Super Police [ED] Song: Samba de Makoto-chan / Singer: Umezu Kazuo / Lyrics: Umezu Kazuo / Composer: Umezu Kazuo / Arrangement: Kawakami Ryo / Accompaniment: Super Police [Insert Song] Song: Bichiguso Rock / Singer: Umezu Kazuo, The Churbs / Lyrics: Umezu Kazuo / Composer: Umezu Kazuo / Arrangement: Uchiyama Osamu

The appeal and evaluation of "Makoto-chan"

"Makoto-chan" is a Japanese anime film released in 1980, based on the manga of the same name by Kazuo Umezu. This is a comedy anime that depicts the various commotions that occur in the process of kindergartener Makoto-chan's quest to win the "Good Child Award." Below, we will take a closer look at the appeal and reviews of this work.

1. The appeal of the story

The story of "Makoto-chan" focuses on Makoto-chan's energetic and inquisitive personality. The various actions he takes in his quest to win the "Good Kid Award" sometimes involve those around him and cause a commotion, but his humor and warmth draw viewers in. In particular, the scene where his mother faints after the excessively extreme performance he gives her for her birthday, and the scene where he tells a woman who resembles Yamaguchi Momoe that he'll be her girlfriend, thereby preventing her from getting married, are full of Makoto-chan's innocence and humor. Also, the scene where he picks up and warms sparrow eggs depicts Makoto-chan's kindness and purity, warming the viewers' hearts.

This story is enjoyable for both children and adults, making it a great movie to watch with the whole family. Makoto's actions cause chaos that you will never get bored of watching, and you will enjoy both laughter and emotion.

2. The appeal of the characters

Each character in "Makoto-chan" is unique and charming. The main character, Makoto-chan, is a kindergartener who is curious and loves to play pranks, but her actions always reveal a pure heart. Kazuko Sugiyama's voice acting is also excellent, and she expresses Makoto-chan's innocence and energy well.

Makoto's family is also a fascinating group of characters. The acting of Shinichi Yanagisawa as the father, Noriko Obara as the mother, and Rihoko Yoshida as Mika all shines, and you can feel the warmth and bond between the family. In particular, the sight of his family loving him despite being at the mercy of his actions warms the hearts of viewers.

In addition, the voice acting of Kaneta Kimotsuki, who plays Makoto Mushi, is also not to be missed. Makoto Mushi is Makoto-chan's friend, sometimes helping him and sometimes teasing him. Kaneta Kimotsuki's humorous acting makes the character of Makoto Mushi even more appealing.

3. The appeal of music

The music of "Makoto-chan" is also one of its great charms. The opening theme "Papa & Mama Rock", the ending theme "Samba de Makoto-chan", and the insert song "Bichiguso Rock" were all written and composed by Kazuo Umezu, and his unique sense shines through. In particular, the opening theme "Papa & Mama Rock" is a song that symbolizes Makoto-chan's energetic personality and gets the audience excited. In addition, the ending theme "Samba de Makoto-chan" evokes Makoto-chan's innocence and humor, making it a fitting song for the end of the movie.

These songs not only enhance the atmosphere of the movie, but also leave a deep impression on the viewers. Kazuo Umezu's unique singing style in particular enhances the individuality of the movie.

4. Evaluation of the production staff

The production staff of "Makoto-chan" have also been highly praised. Director Tsutomu Shibayama has skillfully portrayed Makoto-chan's energetic personality and created a story that will draw viewers in. Additionally, screenwriter Noboru Shiroyama has humorously depicted the chaos caused by Makoto-chan's actions, making viewers laugh as well as moving them. Don't miss the beautiful drawings by animation director Osamu Kobayashi. Makoto-chan's expressions and movements are drawn in detail, capturing the hearts of viewers.

Furthermore, the skills of art director Mariko Kado, cinematographer Hirotaka Takahashi, editor Masatoshi Tsurubuchi, and sound engineer Wataru Date are also highly praised. Their combined skills help to realistically depict the world of "Makoto-chan."

5. Social Evaluation and Impact

"Makoto-chan" was highly praised when it was released. It was especially praised as an anime film for children, but also for its content that adults could enjoy. The character of Makoto-chan was loved by many people and was featured in various media. Furthermore, this work had a great influence on later anime films. Makoto-chan's energetic personality and humor became the model for the main characters of later anime films.

This work was also praised for its depiction of family ties and love. The sight of Makoto's family loving him despite being tossed around by his actions warmed the hearts of many viewers. This theme was also featured in many subsequent anime films, moving viewers.

6. Recommendations and viewing methods

"Makoto-chan" is an animated movie that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. It is especially great to watch with your family. This movie, which allows you to feel Makoto-chan's energetic personality and humor, as well as the family bond and love, will make viewers laugh and be moved. Be sure to watch it with your family and friends and enjoy Makoto-chan's adventures and growth.

"Makoto-chan" can be viewed on DVD and Blu-ray. It can also be viewed on video streaming services. Please choose the method that is easiest for you to watch and enjoy this wonderful work.

summary

"Makoto-chan" is a Japanese animated film released in 1980, based on the manga of the same name by Kazuo Umezu. This is a comedy anime that depicts the various commotions that occur as kindergartener Makoto-chan strives to win the "Good Child Award." This work, which allows you to feel Makoto-chan's energetic personality and humor, as well as the bond and love of his family, is enjoyable for children and adults alike. Be sure to watch it with your family and friends and enjoy Makoto-chan's adventures and growth.