The appeal and reviews of "Mechakko Dotakon": An anime experience not to be missed

Mechakko Dotakon - Looking back on the nostalgic robot comedy anime

"Mechakko Dotakon," broadcast as a TV anime series in 1981, was a huge hit with children at the time. This anime depicts the slapstick comedy of robots created by Dan Michiru, a genius girl from the Dan Konzern, and has won many fans since its broadcast due to its unique humor and the charm of its characters. In this article, we will take a closer look at this nostalgic work, and introduce its evaluation and recommended points.

■Overview of the work

"Mechakko Dotacon" was broadcast on Fuji TV from April 4th to October 10th, 1981, every Saturday from 6:00pm to 6:30pm. It has 28 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and was produced by Kokusai Eigasha. Takeshi Shirato was the chief director and character designer, and Shunsuke Kikuchi composed the music.

■ Story

Dan Michiru is the only daughter of the Dan Conglomerate, one of Japan's largest conglomerates, and a genius girl with astonishing intelligence. Wanting to have a younger brother and sister, she created a boy-type robot called "Dotacon" and a girl-type robot called "Chopiko." The energetic Dotacons continue to cause trouble in the town today. The story depicts the daily lives of the robots created by Michiru, and how they solve various problems.

■Character Introduction

Dotacon

He is a boy-type robot wearing a costume similar to a school uniform. He was created by Michiru Dan. He has strong mood swings and gets his powers by shouting "Hatchaki, Dotakon!!" It is unique that he is a robot but is somehow 7 years old.

Chopiko

A girl robot created by Michiru Dan, she is Dotacon's younger sister. She has a tomboyish and crybaby personality, and although she was created before Dotacon, she is still set to be 5 years old. Her actions provide many laughs in the story.

Michiru Dan

She is an 11-year-old fifth grader who wears large glasses and is a genius girl who graduated from a prestigious American technical university at the age of 8. She is the granddaughter of Dan Daizo, the head of the Dan Concern, and is the one who created Dotacon and Chopiko. Her inventiveness and wisdom are at the heart of the story.

Danbo

A hat-shaped robot created by Michiru Dan, he is Dotacon's big brother. Danbo's presence adds even more depth to the adventures of Dotacon and his friends.

■Cast

・Dotakon: Kazuko Sugiyama ・Chopiko: Fuyumi Shiraishi ・Dan Michiru: Seiko Nakano ・Danbo: Naoki Tatsuta

■ Main staff

・Producer: Juzo Tsubota・Planning: Shigeo Tsubota・Composition and Supervision: Yu Yamamoto・Music: Shunsuke Kikuchi・Chief Director, Character Design: Takeshi Shirato・Chief Designers: Iwamitsu Ito, Mitsue Ito・Producer: Tokichi Aoki・Production Manager: Tokiji Kabuki・Casting Cooperation: Aoni Production・Editor: Yutaka Senkura・Sound Recordist: Harutoshi Otsuka・Sound Effects: Kazutoshi Sato・Audio Director: Etsuji Yamada・Production Administration: Sumie Oda・Developing: Toei Chemicals・Production: Kokusai Eigasha

■Subtitle

Episode 1: I'm a Dotakon! (1981/04/04)
Episode 2: The Chaotic Family Episode 3: The Naughty Trio Episode 4: The Crappy Invention Episode 5: Hare Hare's Toothache Episode 6: Pikachu's New Student Episode 7: The Big Hawaii Trip Episode 8: Get Out of the Way!
Episode 9: Is this men's friendship?
・Episode 10: An Exciting Marathon ・Episode 11: A Big Camp Village Incident ・Episode 12: A Bad Dad Makes a Big Decision!
Episode 13: The Great Roborobo Battle!
Episode 14: Let's do something good!
Episode 15: The Town is Full of Love Episode 16: Everyone is a Prince Episode 17: Go! Pro Wrestling Spirit Episode 18: Let's Jail Rock Episode 19: Wandering Capone Episode 20: Hara Hara Exhibition Episode 21: Stray Dog!? Pero's Great Action Episode 22: Go Treasure Hunt Episode 23: Monster Gingiraman Episode 24: USA in Bed
Episode 25: I'm a Star!!
・Episode 26: Crazy Sports Day ・Episode 27: Time! Playback ・Episode 28: Counterattack ・Dr. Roborobo (10/10/1981)

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1: Oira Dotakon Lyrics: Yu Yamamoto Composition: Shunsuke Kikuchi Arrangement: Shunsuke Kikuchi Singer: Tairai Isao

・ED1: Chopiko is an Idol Lyrics: Yu Yamamoto Composition: Shunsuke Kikuchi Arrangement: Shunsuke Kikuchi Vocals: Kaoru Fujimon

・Ending 2: Dotakon Ondo Lyrics: Yu Yamamoto Composition: Shunsuke Kikuchi Arrangement: Shunsuke Kikuchi Vocals: Tairai Isao, Kaoru Fujikado

・IN1: Chobiko's Lullaby Lyrics: Yu Yamamoto Composition: Shunsuke Kikuchi Arrangement: Shunsuke Kikuchi Vocals: Kaoru Fujimon

・IN2: Tokimeki no Mechanic Lyrics: Yu Yamamoto Composition: Shunsuke Kikuchi Arrangement: Shunsuke Kikuchi Vocals: Kaoru Fujimon

・IN3: Mechakko Rock'n'Roll Lyrics: Yu Yamamoto Composition: Shunsuke Kikuchi Arrangement: Shunsuke Kikuchi Vocals: Tairai Isao

■ Evaluation and recommendation points of the work

"Mechakko Dotakon" is a Japanese TV anime from the early 1980s that attracted many viewers with its unique humor and charming characters. Below, we will introduce the evaluation and recommended points of the work in detail.

1. Humor and Gags

The greatest appeal of this show is the slapstick comedy that Dotacon and Chopiko unleash. The humor that takes advantage of the robot setting makes it enjoyable for both children and adults. In particular, the scene where Dotacon shouts "Hatchaki, Dotacon!!" left a strong impression on viewers. Also, each episode features a different joke, so you can enjoy the show without getting bored.

2. The appeal of the characters

Characters such as Dotacon, Chopico, Dan Michiru, and Danbo are all unique and charming. The diversity of the characters, such as Dotacon's lively personality and emotional ups and downs, Chopico's tomboyish personality, Dan Michiru's inventive genius, and Danbo's dependable older brother figure, enriches the story. The performances of the voice actors also enhance the charm of the characters. The cast, including Sugiyama Kazuko as Dotacon, Shiraishi Fuyumi as Chopico, Nakano Seiko as Dan Michiru, and Tatsuta Naoki as Danbo, breathe life into the characters.

3. Music

The music is by Shunsuke Kikuchi, and the theme songs and insert songs add to the atmosphere of the series. The opening theme "Oira Dotakon" is particularly impressive with Taira Isao's powerful singing voice and catchy melody. The ending themes "Chopiko is an Idol" and "Dotakon Ondo" are also sung by Fujikado Kaoru and Taira Isao. The insert songs are also selected to match the content of each episode, and play a role in livening up the story's progression.

4. Story and Development

"Mechakko Dotacon" is an omnibus-style work in which a different episode unfolds in each episode. You can enjoy a new story every time, such as the commotion that Dotacon and Chopiko cause in the town, or the trouble caused by Dan Michiru's invention. The final episode also depicts a showdown with Professor Roborobo, which is the climax of the entire series. This type of story development is also an element that keeps viewers from getting bored.

5. The production staff's commitment

The attention to detail of the production staff, including chief director and character designer Takeshi Shirato, can be felt throughout the entire work. The character designs are simple yet unique, making them a visual treat. The direction of each episode and the timing of the gags are also perfect, with many efforts being made to make the audience laugh. The production capabilities of Kokusai Eigasha support the quality of this work.

■ Recommendation points

"Mechakko Dotakon" is a Japanese TV anime from the 1980s that gained many fans for its humor and charming characters. It is especially recommended for the following viewers:

1. People who want to enjoy nostalgic Showa era anime

"Mechakko Dotakon," which aired in 1981, allows you to fully experience the atmosphere of Showa-era TV anime. It is full of the charm unique to Showa-era anime, such as slapstick gags, character personalities, and music. It is a perfect work for those who want to enjoy a nostalgic experience.

2. People looking for anime that the whole family can enjoy

"Mechakko Dotakon" is a show that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Dotakon and Chopiko's slapstick gags will make children laugh, and adults can also enjoy Dan Michiru's inventiveness and the development of the story. It's a show that the whole family can watch and laugh together.

3. People who like robot anime

"Mechakko Dotacon" is recommended for those who like robot anime, as it features gags and stories that make the most of the robot setting. Dotacon and Chopico's robotic characteristics provide a lot of laughs and excitement to the story. Dan Michiru's inventiveness is also appealing to fans of robot anime.

4. People who want to enjoy music

"Mecchakko Dotakon," with the music of Shunsuke Kikuchi, adds to the atmosphere of the work, and is also recommended for those who enjoy music. Each song, such as the opening theme "Oira Dotakon," the ending theme "Chopiko is an Idol" and "Dotakon Ondo," and the inserted songs "Chobiko's Lullaby," "Tokimeki no Mechanic," and "Mecchakko Rock'n'Roll," livens up the story. This is a work that music lovers can enjoy.

■ Summary

"Mechakko Dotacon" is a TV anime series that aired in 1981, depicting the slapstick comedy of robots created by Dan Michiru, a genius girl from the Dan Conzern. It is packed with many elements, including humor, the charm of the characters, music, the story and development, and the attention to detail of the production staff. It is a work that can be recommended to a wide range of viewers, including those who want to enjoy nostalgic Showa anime, those looking for anime that the whole family can enjoy, those who like robot anime, and those who want to enjoy music. Please take this opportunity to enjoy "Mechakko Dotacon".