Ojamanga Yamada-kun - Appreciated for its unique blend of humor and deep themes

"Ojamanga Yamada-kun": The appeal of this satirical animated film depicting the everyday lives of ordinary people

■Overview of the work

"Ojamanga Yamada-kun" is a Japanese anime film released on March 14, 1981. It is based on the manga of the same name by manga artist Ishii Hisaichi, and was a popular TV anime that achieved high viewer ratings, which was then made into a film. It was distributed by Nippon Herald Films, produced by Herald Enterprises, Visual '80, and Tsuchida Productions, and the copyright is owned by ADK and Kadokawa Pictures. It is a 27-minute short film with a complete story in one episode.

■ Story and Theme

"Ojamanga Yamada-kun" is centered around the daily life of the Yamada family, who live in Higashi-Edogawa 3-chome, Tokyo. The Yamada family is a typical working-class household, with a lazy, good-natured father, two mothers who are obsessed with education, and two dropout sons. Although they lament the small size of their house and the high cost of living, they live their lives with a mix of humor and satire. This hilarious satire of the working class unfolds with a cast of unique characters, including the Three Stooges trio of college students and the Okada family.

■Character Introduction

Each member of the Yamada family has their own unique personality, and the following characters appear:

• Yamada Yoshio (father) : He hangs around every day since retiring, but is a busybody who likes to help out with various things both inside and outside the house.
• Yamada Ine (mother) : The breadwinner of the Yamada family and caretaker of the Yamada So apartment. She has a hard time having a weirdo in the family.
• Shigeru Yamada (eldest son) : A perennial ronin aiming to get into Tokyo University, he is on the verge of going crazy. The word "Ochiru" (fail) is taboo in front of him.
• Noboru Yamada (second son) : A member of the Higashi Edogawa High School baseball team who aims to play in the Koshien tournament and become a professional baseball player. He dreams of fame and fortune, but his motivation is not matched by his ability.
• Yamada Minoru (third son) : He appears to be a common-sense person, but he's a bit off the mark in middle school and hates studying.
• Yamada Yoneko (eldest daughter) : She helps her mother and devotes herself to being a housewife for the Yamada family. She supports her unreliable husband, Yoneo.
• Yamada Yoneko (Son-in-law) : Yoneko's son-in-law. A typical salaryman working in the sales department of a third-rate company called "Sanryu."
• Sanae Yamada (granddaughter) : Daughter of Yoneo and Yoneko. A tomboy who surprises everyone with her eccentricities.

In addition to the Yamada family, the following characters also appear:

• Yoshida : The leader of the Three Stooges trio of Yamada-so. He is active but has no initiative. He is a student at Edogawa University in Tokyo along with Ikeda and Fukuda.
• Ikeda : A self-deprecating, somewhat delusional, irrational theorist. A staff officer.
• Fukuda : A complete idiot whose only purpose in life is to eat. But somehow you can't hate him. Soldier-like.
• Okada-san : Professor at Higashi Edogawa University and head of the Yakult cheering squad. The eccentric boss of a group of eccentrics who live near the Yamada family.
• Dr. Oyabu : Doctor.
• Mr. Ishihara : Captain of the Higashi Edogawa High School baseball team.
• Mr. Goto : The coach of the Higashi Edogawa High School baseball team. He has no motivation and has seriously given up on winning.
• Kinoshita Keiko : A girl that Minoru likes. Although she appears cute at first glance, she is always making fun of Minoru and is harsh.
• Yutaka Kawakami : Minoru's friend. A very ordinary, sensible person.
• Ojama-inu (aka Cockroach-inu) : A useless dog that lies around all day. He prefers to sleep. He has been staying at the Yamada household since he saved Yoshio's life. He is good at yawning. He is expected to miraculously find a lover(?) this spring. He will make his debut in the episode airing on April 12th, but there are rumors that it is doubtful how long this sweet spring will last. The name and color of his lover, a female dog, have not yet been decided, but she is too cute for a Cockroach-inu.
• Ojama Mushi : An unidentified insect that appears in "Yamada-kun". Some say it is a cockroach, but this is not certain. It appears everywhere, and recently it has become equally popular with Ojama Inu. Nothing is known about it other than that it has a strong appetite and loves music.

■ Production staff

The following staff members are involved in the production of this work:

• Original author : Hisaichi Ishii
• Produced by : Hirozo Furukawa
• Planning : Hiroshi Akieda
• Chief Director : Hiroaki Mitsunobu
• Directed by : Koichi Sasaki
• Animation director : Hiroji Kanazawa
• Art : Mariko Kado
• Producer : Tadayoshi Watanabe
• Screenplay : Yutaka Kaneko, Tamiko Baba, Tomoko Kaneharu
• Storyboard : Hiroaki Mitsunobu, Tetsuya Yasumi, Daizo Takeuchi

■Cast

The voice cast includes familiar faces including Columbia Top and Yasushi Suzuki.

• Yoshio Yamada : Columbia Top
• Yoshida : Yasushi Suzuki
• Noboru Yamada : Kaminarimon Kenbo
• Yamada Ine : Reiko Suzuki
• Minoru Yamada : Yuko Maruyama
• Ikeda : Mitsuo Senda
• Yamada Yoneko : Yokoyama Emiko
• Mr. Okada : Akira Oizumi

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Ojamanga Yamada-kun" is a work that depicts the daily lives of ordinary people with humor and satire, and its realistic portrayal and laughter have been well received by many viewers. Its popularity can be seen from the fact that the TV anime version recorded high viewer ratings of over 20% every episode. The movie version also maximizes the appeal of the original work and adds special production features that are unique to the movie.

The greatest appeal of this show is undoubtedly the individuality and humor of the characters. The worries and dreams of each member of the Yamada family, and their ability to turn them into laughter, are overflowing throughout the show. Unique characters such as the nuisance dog and the nuisance bug also provide laughs to the audience, enhancing the appeal of the show.

The voice actors are also superb, with veteran voice actors such as Columbia Top and Yasushi Suzuki bringing the characters to life. Their acting skills further highlight the personalities of the characters and leave a deep impression on the audience.

■ Recommendation points

"Ojamanga Yamada-kun" is a satirical anime that depicts the daily lives of ordinary people and can be enjoyed by a wide range of generations. It is especially recommended for the following viewers:

• People who like humor and satire : This film depicts the daily lives of ordinary people with humor and satire, making you laugh and sympathize.
• People who want to feel the bond of family : You can feel the bond of family through the worries and dreams of each member of the Yamada family.
• For those who want to enjoy nostalgic anime : Although this work was made in 1981, it still has a timeless charm even when viewed today, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy nostalgic anime.
• People who like unique characters : In addition to the members of the Yamada family, unique characters such as the nuisance dog and the nuisance bug also appear, so people who like unique characters will enjoy it.

■ Related works and information

"Ojamanga Yamada-kun" is based on the manga of the same name by Ishii Hisaichi. It was also adapted into a TV anime series that aired from 1980 to 1982. Ishii Hisaichi's other well-known works include "Ganbare!! Tabuchi-kun!!" These works also depict the daily lives of ordinary people with a touch of humor and satire, and share the same appeal as "Ojamanga Yamada-kun."

In addition, the production staff and voice actors of this work are also active in other anime works. For example, director Hiroaki Mitsunobu has also been involved in works such as "Doraemon" and "Sazae-san", and animation director Hiroji Kanazawa is known for his work on "Lupin the Third" and "Captain Tsubasa". Voice actor Columbia Top has been active in many works, including the role of Namihei in "Sazae-san" and the role of Gian in "Doraemon". These works are also recommended as works that have a common charm with "Ojamanga Yamada-kun".

Conclusion

"Ojamanga Yamada-kun" is an anime film that has been loved by many viewers as it depicts the daily lives of ordinary people with humor and satire. This film, which allows you to laugh and empathize with the unique characters and feel the family bond, is a work that can be enjoyed by a wide range of generations. Please give it a watch.