Good Morning! Spank - Reevaluating classic anime

The appeal and evaluation of "Good Morning! Spank"

"Good Morning! Spank" is a TV anime series that aired from 1981 to 1982, originally written by Yukimuro Shunichi and illustrated by Takanash Shizue. This is a detailed review of this long-running series, which ran for 63 episodes, but was loved by viewers.

Story and Characters

The story centers on Morimura Aiko, a second-year middle school student whose father goes missing while out on a yacht. When her mother goes to Paris for work, Aiko moves with her beloved dog Papi to live with her uncle Fujinami, a painter. However, shortly after the move, Papi dies in a traffic accident, leaving Aiko deeply depressed. Then, a strange bipedal dog named Spank appears before her. Spank is clumsy and meddlesome, but he heals Aiko's heart with his cuteness and humor. Through living with Spank, Aiko begins to smile again.

Noriko Tsukase's performance as the voice of Spank was particularly impressive, bringing out Spank's cuteness and humor to the fullest. Mari Okamoto, who plays Aiko Morimura, also carefully expresses Aiko's growth and emotional changes, delivering an acting performance that viewers can empathize with deeply. Other characters with unique personalities, such as Kei Tomiyama as Fujinami and Naoko Kyoda as Osaki, add excitement to the story.

Production and staff

Tokyo Movie was in charge of animation for "Good Morning! Spank," and the producers were Yoshihiko Murazawa (Asahi Broadcasting), Hiroshi Ogino (Asahi Tsushinsha), and Shigehiko Sengoku (Tokyo Movie). The animation director was Takao Kosai, the art director was Noboru Tatsuike, the sound director was Etsuji Yamada, the cinematographer was Yukio Miyauchi, and the music was by Koji Makaino and Tetsuo Ueno. The script was written by Yutaka Kaneko, Yoshimi Shinozaki, Masaaki Sakurai, Chihitsu Asakura, and Akifumi Yoshida, and storyboards and direction were shared among many other staff members. Thanks to the cooperation of these staff members, the work was able to be delivered to viewers while maintaining a high level of quality.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme, "Good Morning! Spank," is sung by Inoue Nozomi, with lyrics by Araki Toyohisa, and composed and arranged by Makaino Koji. This song's bright and lively melody will liven up viewers' mornings. The ending theme, "Da-row Spank," is used from episodes 1 to 28, sung by Tsukase Noriko, with lyrics by Kuraku Kaneto and Araki Toyohisa, and composed and arranged by Makaino Koji. From episodes 29 to 63, "Spank's Hundred Faces" is used, sung by Tsukase Noriko, with lyrics by Tachihara Mio, composed by Fujiyama Setsuo, and arranged by Makaino Koji. These songs are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the work.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Good Morning! Spank" was loved by many viewers for its lovable characters and heartwarming storyline. Spank's humor and loving actions were especially well received by a wide audience, from children to adults. The story of Aiko's growth and the family bond also deeply touched viewers.

This work depicts universal themes such as family love, friendship, and growth, and can be enjoyed even today. I especially recommend it to people who have pets and those who want to cherish the bonds with their family. I also recommend it to people who want to watch a nostalgic anime again. It is available on DVD and streaming services, so please give it a watch.

More Information

Broadcast period: March 7, 1981 to May 29, 1982 Broadcast station: Asahi Broadcasting Running time: 30 minutes Number of episodes: 63 episodes Original story: Original story / Yukimuro Shunichi, Illustration / Takanash Shizue Animation production: Tokyo Movie Copyright: © Takanash Shizue, Yukimuro Shunichi / Kodansha, TMS

cast

Spank: Noriko Tsukase Aiko Morimoto: Mari Okamoto Osaki-san: Naoko Kyoda Fujinami: Kei Toyama Mama: Eiko Masuyama Cat: Hiromi Tsuru Torakichi: Yoneko Matsukane Rei Ikegami: Yu Mizushima Ryoichi Shinoda: Kazuhiko Inoue Yoshimura Shinako: Rihoko Yoshida Gen-san: Hiroshi Yoriyama and others

Main Staff

Producers: Yoshihiko Murazawa (Asahi Broadcasting Corporation), Hiroshi Ogino (Asahi Press), Shigehiko Sengoku (Tokyo Movie)
Animation Director: Takao Kosai Art Director: Noboru Tatsuchi Sound Director: Etsuji Yamada Director of Photography: Yukio Miyauchi Music: Koji Makaino, Tetsuo Ueno Music Selection: Sei Tojo Beppu Production Manager: Ritsugu Mukaitsubo Literary Director: Takayuki Yamazaki Chief Director: Shigenori Yoshida Screenplay: Yutaka Kaneko, Yoshiyoshi Shinozaki, Masaaki Sakurai, Senhitsu Asakura, Akifumi Yoshida Storyboards: Yasumi Mikamoto, Saburo Kawashima, Masaharu Okuwaki, Nao Hashimoto Director: Shigenori Yoshida, Shuji Iuchi, Susumu Ishizaki, Satoshi Dezaki, Masaharu Okuwaki, Naoto Hashimoto, Hidenori Yamaguchi, Yasuo Yamayoshi, Masato Ano, Yuzo Aoki, Hajime Terada, Yoshito Hata Production and copyright: TMS Entertainment

Theme songs and music

[OP] Song title: Good morning! Spank / Singer: Nozomi Inoue / Lyrics: Toyohisa Araki / Composer: Koji Makaino / Arrangement: Koji Makaino [ED1] Song title: Spanks starting with D (#1-28) / Singer: Noriko Tsukase / Lyrics: Kaneto Kurahisa, Toyohisa Araki / Composer: Koji Makaino / Arrangement: Koji Makaino [ED2] Song title: Spank's Hundred Faces (#29-63) / Singer: Noriko Tsukase / Lyrics: Mio Tachihara / Composer: Setsuo Fujiyama / Arrangement: Koji Makaino

Other Information

"Good Morning! Spank" has been supported by many fans since it was first broadcast, and its popularity has not waned even today. In particular, Spank character goods and related merchandise are sometimes traded at high prices among collectors. In addition, the theme of the show, family love and friendship, deeply moved viewers, making it a work that remains in the hearts of many people.

Furthermore, this work was broadcast overseas and was highly acclaimed, especially in Asia. It can be said that it helped to spread Japanese anime culture around the world. Currently, it can be viewed on DVD and Blu-ray, as well as through video streaming services, and has become a work loved by a new generation.

"Good Morning! Spank" is not just an anime for kids, but a work that the whole family can enjoy. Spank's humor and loving actions, the story of Aiko's growth and family ties will bring smiles and emotions to viewers. Please give it a watch.