The appeal and evaluation of Plawres Sanshiro: A thorough explanation of this masterpiece of pro-wrestling anime

Plawres 3 Shiro - A Plawres battle of youth and friendship

Overview

The TV anime series "Plawres Sanshiro", which aired from 1983 to 1984, is based on the manga of the same name written by Ushijiro and illustrated by Kamiya Minoru. The series is a coming-of-age drama set in the world of "Plawres", a fighting sport using plastic models, and follows the protagonist Sogata Sanshiro as he grows up with his friends. The series aired from June 5, 1983 to February 26, 1984, with a total of 37 episodes airing on TBS every Sunday from 5:00 to 5:30 pm. Animation was produced by Kaname Production, and copyright is owned by Akita Shoten, Toho, and Asahi Tsushin.

■ Story

Sanshiro Sogata is a young boy who is well versed in electronics and mechanical engineering and has excellent skills in building plastic models. He takes on the challenge of the Plastic Wrestling Championship, where plastic wrestlers fight each other, using his plastic wrestler Jyuohmaru, which he has carefully crafted. Sanshiro gradually develops friendships with the powerful opponents that appear one after another, but he soon becomes embroiled in a conspiracy hidden within the World Plastic Wrestling Federation, which controls plastic wrestling.

■Explanation

This TV anime is based on the manga of the same name that was serialized in "Weekly Shonen Champion" (Akita Shoten). Plastic wrestlers are figures with built-in super LSIs that can be moved by radio control via PC. The show depicts the passionate battles and friendships of young people who bet their youth on plastic wrestling, a sport in which they control these figures and fight against each other in a battle between models. The anime version made an impression on viewers by depicting more dynamic battle scenes and character growth while retaining the essence of the original work.

■Cast

• The Three Shiro Forms: Satomi Mashima
• Kennosuke Sogata: Hidekatsu Shibata
• Kaoru Motogata: Akiko Inose
• Machiko Sogata: Tomoko Honda
• Fubuki Kyoko: Arisa Ando
• Shota Yamaguchi: Noriko Tsukase
• Tetsuya Hasegawa: Naoki Tatsuta
• Shinji Murao: Kanehito Shiozawa
• Narita Synog: Toru Furuya
• Gengo Kurosaki: Shozo Iizuka
• Sheila Misty: Yo Inoue
• Ballestella: Ken Fujimoto

■ Main staff

• Original author: Ushijiro, Kamiya Minoru
• Series Composition: Keisuke Fujikawa
• Chief Director: Kunihiko Yukawa
• Character design: Mutsumi Inomata
• Mechanical design: Shohei Obara, Takahiro Toyomasu
• Art director: Junichi Mizuno, Geki Katsumata
• Sound Director: Noriyoshi Matsuura
• Music: Yasushige Tsuchida
• Edited by: Shuichi Kakesu
• Animation production: Kaname Production
• Produced by Toho Co., Ltd. and Asahi Tsushinsha

■ Main Characters

• The protagonist of Sogata Sanshiro , the owner of the plastic wrestler Juomaru. Influenced by his late father, who was an authority on bioengineering, he has a knowledge of mechanical engineering that is hard to believe for a junior high school student. Once he puts his mind to it, he never gives up, and is a hot-blooded, impulsive man.
• Fubuki Kyoko is the daughter of a sushi restaurant owner, a childhood friend of Sanshiro, and a girl who is like an elder sister to him. She serves as the assistant instructor at Sanshiro's family's judo dojo.
• Narita Sinogu
  He is a senior at Sanshiro's school and the owner of the plastic wrestler Icarus Wing. He is a beautiful boy with bangs that fall over one eye, and is very popular with the ladies.
• Sheila Misty is a mysterious beauty who appears out of nowhere. She always wears sunglasses.

■ Main robot items

• Juomaru
  A plastic wrestler controlled by Sanshiro. It is characterized by its speedy movements and high level of balance in both offense and defense. The helmet-shaped head protector has the letter J engraved on it.
• A plastic wrestler created by Narita Shinogu of Icarus Wing . It has a sharp and smart style that resembles a futuristic arrangement of the armor worn by Western knights.
• Mad Hurricane is a large super heavyweight plastic wrestler with a tough body and overwhelming power.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: Juomaru - This is Pla-Wrestling!! (1983/06/05)
• Episode 2: Deathmatch: Kurosaki vs. 3 Shiro!!
• Episode 3: The Genie Power Attack!!
• Episode 4: Take the Fireball Challenge
• Episode 5: Danger! Sanshirou in a pinch!!
• Episode 6: Finally! A female plastic wrestler!!
• Episode 7: The Iron Masked Assassin!? Lullaby of Death!!
• Episode 8: Defeat your rivals!! Narita vs. the 3 Shiro!!
• Episode 9: Mad Hurricane of Revenge! Stand Up, Juomaru!
• Episode 10: Clash!! Skateboard Kid, the Challenger from Hawaii!!
• Episode 12: Killer Stardust! Juomaru is the target!!
• Episode 13: Plawres Wars! Juomaru aims to be the champion!!
• Episode 14: Fated Rivals! Fierce Battle with Juomaru!!
• Episode 15: A strong opponent appears! Kung Fu vs. Juomaru!!
• Episode 16: Duel in Diorama City! Juomaru 2 vs 1!!
• Episode 17: The Magnificent Challenger! Juomaru's Beast Dance!!
• Episode 18: Highway Battle! Juomaru's Desperate Battle!!
• Episode 19: A new dawn! Resurrect Juomaru!!
• Episode 20: Heart & Machine!! Juomaru! The Long Road!
• Episode 21: The Space Shuttle Trap! Fly into Space, Juomaru!
• Episode 22: Kurosaki's determined challenge! Can Juomaru survive?
• Episode 23: The Great Pla-Wrestling War! Let Juomaru shine in Asia!
• Episode 24: The Tower of Execution! Juomaru, fight with rage!!
• Episode 25: The champion from America! Juomaru sets off towards tomorrow!!
• Episode 26: Juomaru! Western Fight in the Middle of the Day!!
• Episode 27: Juomaru! Run towards tomorrow!!
• Episode 28: Devil's Night! Juomaru, tear through the darkness!!
• Episode 29: Stage of Death! Awaken! Juomaru!!
• Episode 30: Juomaru! A Promise for Tomorrow!!
• Episode 31: Juomaru! The burning spirit of Plawres!!
• Episode 32: Enemy planes overhead! Jump, Juomaru!!
• Episode 33: This is brainwave induction! Run, Juomaru!!
• Episode 34: Juomaru! The Road to the Champ!!
• Episode 35: Juomaru! This is the day the world will change!!
• Episode 36: Juomaru! Plawres Forever!!
• Episode 37: Juomaru! Warrior of Hope!! (1984/02/26)

■ Related works

"Plastic Wrestler VAN"

■ Theme songs and music

• OP1
  • Dream Manipulation PMP1
  • Lyricist: Ushijiro
  • Composer: Yoshitetsu Jahana
  • Arrangement: Yasushige Tsuchida
  • Vocals: Keiichi Katagiri
• ED1
  • Craft Love
  • Lyricist: Ushijiro
  • Composer: Yoshitetsu Jahana
  • Arrangement: Yasushige Tsuchida
  • Vocals: Keiichi Katagiri

■Detailed review

"Plawres Sanshiro" is a work that captured the hearts of boys in the 1980s, and its appeal has not faded even today. The main character, Sogata Sanshiro, is depicted growing up and building friendships and rivalries through building plastic models. His straightforward, hot-blooded personality made a strong impression on viewers, and he has spawned many fans.

The anime version has impressed viewers by retaining the essence of the original work while depicting more dynamic battle scenes and character growth. In particular, the confrontation scene between Juomaru and Icarus Wing was praised for its visual impact and clever storytelling. Sanshiro's interactions with his family and friends also add depth to the story.

In terms of music, the opening theme "Dream Manipulation PMP1" and the ending theme "Craft Love" sung by Keiichi Katagiri are important elements that liven up the atmosphere of the work. The music by Yasushige Tsuchida, who composed the music, skillfully incorporated the electronic sounds of the 1980s and captured the hearts of viewers.

■ Recommendation points

"Plawres Sanshiro" is recommended not only for those who are interested in making plastic models and fighting sports, but also for those who want to enjoy youth dramas and stories of friendship. It is especially a must-see for those who like 80s anime and those who want to reevaluate nostalgic works. The beauty of the character and mechanical designs is also not to be missed. Inomata Mutsumi's character designs create unique and attractive characters, while Obara Wataru and Toyomasu Takahiro's mechanical designs realistically depict the movements and details of the plastic wrestlers.

Furthermore, this work depicts the fun of building plastic models that children are engrossed in, and the joy of taking on challenges with friends, giving courage and hope to the audience. Through the story of Sanshiro's growth, you will be able to feel the courage to move forward toward your own dreams and goals.

■ Summary

"Plawres Sanshiro" is a masterpiece anime that depicts youth, friendship, and the fun of building plastic models. The growth of the main character, Sogata Sanshiro, as a passionate man, the bond he forms with his friends, and the battle scenes between the plastic wrestlers will move and excite viewers. This is a must-see for fans of 80s anime and those who want to enjoy a youth drama. Nostalgia and freshness coexist in this work, and it is sure to be enjoyable no matter how many times you watch it.