The appeal and reviews of "Cat's Eye": A classic that resonates today

Cat's Eye: A look back at the classic 80s anime

"Cat's Eye," which aired from 1983 to 1984, is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Hojo Tsukasa. The series depicted the three Kisugi sisters as the phantom thieves known as Cat's Eye, and captivated viewers. Below, we will introduce detailed information about the series and its appeal.

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

July 11, 1983 - March 26, 1984

■Broadcasting station

Nippon Television

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 36

■Original Story

Hojo Tsukasa's "Cat's Eye" (serialized in Shueisha's "Weekly Shonen Jump")

■ Production

Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha

■Works

©Hojo Tsukasa/Coremix・TMS 1983

■ Story

Detective Toshio continues to hang out at Cat's Eye, a cafe run by the three Kisugi sisters: his girlfriend Hitomi, her older sister Rui, and her younger sister Ai. He complains about being outwitted by a mysterious phantom thief who has been making waves in the world. However, the three people in front of him are in fact "Cat's Eye," a phantom thief who specializes in masterpieces and who always manages to catch his prey as he predicts! Tonight, the Cats fly through the moonlit night to retrieve the last work of their father, Heinz, a world-famous painter, and uncover the truth behind his death!

■Cast

Hitomi Kisugi: Keiko Toda / Rui Kisugi: Yoshiko Fujita / Ai Kisugi: Chinatsu Sakamoto / Toshio Utsumi: Yoshito Yasuhara / Section chief: Kenji Utsumi / Mitsuko Asatani: Yoshiko Sakakibara

■ Main staff

Producers: Norio Hatsukawa, Shunzo Kato / Music: Kazuo Otani / Theme song: Yuichiro Oda / Series composition: Junichi Iioka / Character design: Akio Sugino / Animation director: Satoshi Hirayama / Art director: Toshiharu Mizutani / Director of photography: Hirotaka Takahashi / Sound director: Satoshi Kato / Music director: Seiji Suzuki / Production manager: Motoyoshi Tokunaga / Chief director: Hiroo Takeuchi

■ Theme songs and music

[OP] Song: CAT'S EYE / Singer: Anri / Lyrics: Tomoko Miura / Composer: Yuichiro Oda / Arranger: Kazuo Otani [ED1] Song: Dancing with the sunshine (#1-12) / Singer: Anri / Lyrics: Tomoko Miura / Composer: Yuichiro Oda / Arranger: Kazuo Otani [ED2] Song: Dancing with the sunshine (#13-36) / Singer: Cathy Lin / Lyrics: Tomoko Miura / Translation: Brian Richy / Composer: Yuichiro Oda / Arranger: Kazuo Otani

Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Cat's Eye" is one of the unforgettable works for fans of 80's anime. Its appeal lies above all in the characters of the three Kisugi sisters and the thrilling story of their activities as phantom thieves. The three sisters Hitomi, Rui, and Ai each have their own unique personalities, but they are portrayed as working together for a common goal. In particular, Hitomi's relationship with her boyfriend, detective Toshio, is an important element that draws viewers in.

In addition, the mission behind the work, to recover the work of his father Heinz, provides the viewer with a consistent storyline, and while each episode is enjoyable, the structure draws the viewer into the overall story. The exploits of the phantom thief Cat's Eye are also visually appealing, showing the evolution of animation technology in the 1980s.

Music-wise, "Cat's Eye" is also noteworthy. The opening theme "Cat's Eye" is sung by Anri and composed by Yuichiro Oda, further enhancing the atmosphere of the work. The ending theme "Dancing with the sunshine" is also known as a memorable song for viewers. In particular, the version sung by Cathy Lin in the later episodes has a different appeal.

Character Analysis

Hitomi Kisugi

Hitomi Kisugi is the eldest of three sisters and the leader of the Cat's Eye thieves. Her calmness and leadership are essential to the team's success. Her relationship with her boyfriend, detective Toshio, adds depth to her character. Hitomi's character is portrayed as a charming presence, combining strength and kindness.

Tears of Rebirth

Rui Kisugi is the second of the three sisters and plays an important role in supporting the team on the technical side. Her knowledge and skills contribute greatly to the success of their phantom thieving activities. Rui's character is cool and intelligent, yet she also has a deep love for her sisters.

Love Kisugi

Ai Kisugi is the youngest of the three sisters and is a bright and energetic character. Her drive and positive personality bring vitality to the team. Ai's character also brings smiles to viewers' faces, but also plays an important role in serious situations.

Toshio Utsumi

Toshio Utsumi is Hitomi's lover and a detective who is pursuing Cat's Eye. His character is depicted as torn between his conflict with Cat's Eye and his love for Hitomi. Toshio's character is an important character that gives the viewer complex emotions.

Background of the production and the achievements of the staff

"Cat's Eye" was produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha. Producers Norio Hatsukawa and Shunzo Kato decided the overall direction of the work and worked hard to make it enjoyable for the audience. Kazuo Otani, who was in charge of the music, played an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. Akio Sugino, who was in charge of character design, provided designs that brought out the charm of the three Kisugi sisters to the fullest.

Series composer Junichi Iioka skillfully constructed the storylines for each episode, delivering compelling storytelling that draws viewers in. Animation director Satoshi Hirayama used 80s animation techniques to create many visually stunning scenes. Art director Toshiharu Mizutani provided visual beauty through the background and set designs of the series.

Director of photography Takahashi Hiroto worked hard to improve the quality of the images, while Sound Director Kato Satoshi supported the voice actors to bring out the best in their performances. Music Director Suzuki Seiji pursued the fusion of music and images, further enhancing the appeal of the work. Production manager Tokunaga Motoyoshi managed the progress of production and contributed to the completion of the work. Chief Director Takeuchi Hiroo oversaw the entire project, guiding it to success.

Influence and Evaluation of the Work

"Cat's Eye" had a huge impact on the anime industry in the 1980s. In particular, it left a fresh impression on viewers as a work with a female character playing the lead role. In addition, the theme of a phantom thief influenced subsequent works, and became a genre beloved by many fans.

The show was very well received, with high viewer ratings. In particular, the appeal of the characters and story of the three Kisugi sisters left a strong impression on viewers. The quality of the music and animation was also highly praised, and the show is considered a milestone in 80s anime.

Recommendations and related works

If you enjoyed Cat's Eye, we also recommend the following:

Lupin the Third

"Lupin the Third" is also recommended as a work with the theme of a phantom thief. Fans of "Cat's Eye" will also enjoy Lupin the Third's exploits and humorous story.

City Hunter

Another of Hojo Tsukasa's masterpieces, "City Hunter," is also a must-see for fans of 80s anime. The exploits of the main character, Ryo Saeba, and the charm of the characters surrounding him share elements in common with "Cat's Eye."

Detective Conan

"Detective Conan" is recommended for viewers who enjoy mysteries and detective stories. Conan's exploits and the resolution of various cases will provide new appeal for "Cat's Eye" fans.

Conclusion

"Cat's Eye" is a special work for fans of 80's anime, and its appeal has not faded even today. The characters of the three Kisugi sisters and the story of their activities as phantom thieves made a strong impression on viewers. The quality of the music and animation was also highly praised, and it is positioned as a monumental work of 80's anime. If you have not seen "Cat's Eye" yet, please give it a watch. And rediscover the charm of 80's anime.