The appeal and reviews of "Futari Taka": A must-see anime

"Futari Taka" - A monumental example of 80's motorcycle anime

"Futari Taka", which aired from 1984 to 1985, is a motorcycle-themed anime that continues to be loved by many viewers. The original work of this anime is a manga by Kaoru Shintani, serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. When it was made into a TV anime, it was broadcast as a 36-episode series, co-produced by Kokusai Eigasha and Fuji Television.

story

The story of "Futari Taka" is about two young men, Sawatari Taka and Tojo Taka, who meet through motorcycles. They share the same name, "Taka," and while they recognize each other's talents, they also repel and are attracted to each other as they compete in the world of motorcycle racing. Although the two men have contrasting personalities and living environments, they were surprisingly born on the same day of the same month in the same hospital. This fact hides a secret about their births that neither of them knew about.

Commentary

"Futari Taka" is not only about the thrill of the race, but also about the humorous exchanges between the main characters, a father and son, and the drama surrounding the secret of the birth of the two hawks. Part of the opening scene uses live-action footage of a motorcycle endurance race, filmed with the cooperation of the Suzuka Circuit and Tsukuba Circuit. The film also depicts realistic motorcycle culture, with real-life rider David Aldana appearing as a character in the film.

cast

The voice cast includes Toru Furuya as Taka Sawatari and Kaneto Shiozawa as Taka Tojo, along with Yoshiko Fujita as Hisako Sawatari, Kenji Utsumi as Akemi Hanazono, Akio Nojima as David Aldana, Michie Tomizawa as Patricia Weller, Masako Miura as Mia Tojo, and Keiko Toda as Ruka Okada.

Main Staff

The original story is by Shintani Kaoru, produced by Tsubota Juzo, planned by Tsubota Shigeo and Tsuchiya Tokizo, produced by Udagawa Seiya and Kameyama Chihiro, audio director and general director is Yotsutsuji Takao, music by Hisaishi Joe, character design by Murata Shiro, art director Katsumata Geki, mechanical design by Nakanishi Akira and Sugiyama Bungo, directors of photography are Moriguchi Yosuke and Sugaya Hideo, editing by Yoshida Emiko and Kamiya Mutsumi, casting cooperation by Aoni Production, research cooperation by Suzuka Circuit and Tsukuba Circuit, and production by Kokusai Eigasha and Fuji Television.

Main Characters

Sawatari Taka is a motorbike rider whose talent shines amidst his roughness, and he starts out as a street rider and then steps into the world of racing. He is constantly fighting with his mother, Hisako, but deep down he cares for her. Meanwhile, Tojo Taka is a young racer with genius talent, and the son of the president of Toa Motors. He has a cool personality, but is traumatized by the fire accident that occurred at his birth. After meeting Sawatari Taka, he grows as they compete against each other. Sawatari Hisako is a famous and beautiful hairdresser, with a big sister-like personality and a bold personality. She lost her husband in a fire at the hospital during childbirth, but she poured her deep love into her son Taka and raised him alone.

Main Robot Items

Taka Sawatari's car is a Kawasaki Z400FX, a medium-sized motorcycle manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan. Hisako Sawatari's car is a Chevrolet Corvette Stewart, an American sports car manufactured by General Motors Corporation's Chevrolet brand. These bikes and cars play important roles in the story.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Futari Taka" are as follows:

• Episode 1: Tough Mom vs. Mama's Boy Son (1984/09/27)
• Episode 2: Shut up! Dependent family!! Mom's secret plan to get through the entrance exam
• Episode 3: The secret now revealed: The mystery of his birth that disappeared in flames
• Episode 4: The Hot-Hearted Biker Girl and the Fake Keychain
• Episode 5: The terrifying entrance test and the hellish journey
• Episode 6: Race against time! Hurry! The Lifesaving Triangle
• Episode 7: We don't have any money! Wanted! Part-time job information
• Episode 8: Akemi's hilarious transformation!? Taka's first thrilling experience!!
• Episode 9: A Memorial Found in Tokachi: The Vow of the Holy Maiden, Nagisa
• Episode 10: Red flames and white breasts: a big reversal! A race around the school!
• Episode 11: A lullaby dedicated to a rival: A mother's love is the cure?
• Episode 12: Panties of Tears!! A fierce battle royale of love
• Episode 13: Mother-complex guesthouse and intensive weight loss training!!
• Episode 14: A man's pride!? A medal covered in scratches
• Episode 15: Blast Goal! 24 Hours of Storm Endurance
• Episode 16: Akemi's passionate wedding road
• Episode 17: Gambling Guys Challenge Race!
• Episode 18: Men's friendship engraved on their helmets!
• Episode 19: Mother and Child, Riding on the Journey
• Episode 20: Circuit of Fire! A cry for eternity
• Episode 21: Roar! A new machine with a heart
• Episode 22: The Devil's Final Corner
• Episode 23: Go Fast! Youth Freeway
• Episode 24: A New Challenge! Young Hawks Run Wild
• Episode 25: Two Youths, a Vow for Glory
• Episode 26: Tough Road!! Pure and Fierce Battle Edition
• Episode 27: Red Rush! The Dirty Angel's Sweet Trap
• Episode 28: Mia's shock and the truth hidden in her heart
• Episode 29: Mom's remarriage blues
• Episode 30: Mysterious Run!? Akemi's Rival Race
• Episode 31: Fast and Furious! Breaking the Rules at Suzuka
• Episode 32: Dash! Midday's Time Limit
• Episode 33: An outlaw race of honor and humanity
• Episode 34: Bank Robbery: Two Hawks!?
• Episode 35: A new rival appears
• Episode 36: Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race - The Glorious Finish Line is Near (1985/07/12)

Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "Heartbreak Crossin'" with lyrics by Masayuki Ueno, music and arrangement by Hiroaki Serizawa, and singing by Takanori Jinnai. The ending theme is "Don't Say Goodbye" with lyrics by Masayuki Ueno, music and arrangement by Hiroaki Serizawa, and singing by Takanori Jinnai. These songs are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of 80's motorcycle anime.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Futari Taka" is highly acclaimed not only as a motorcycle anime, but also as a youth drama. In particular, the friendship and rivalry between Sawatari Taka and Tojo Taka, as well as the drama surrounding the secret of their birth, deeply moved viewers. Other highlights include the realism of the racing scenes and the unique portrayal of the characters.

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

• For motorbike enthusiasts : The realistic racing scenes, featuring real circuits and riders, are a must-see for motorbike enthusiasts.
• For fans of youth dramas : It depicts a story of friendship, family love, and growth, so it can also be enjoyed as a youth drama.
• For 80's anime fans : This is a nostalgic work that will give you a taste of the 80's.
• For voice actor fans : With a stellar cast of voice actors, you can enjoy the performances of the voice actors.

"Futari Taka" is a masterpiece anime that depicts the story of motorcycles and youth, and continues to be loved by many viewers. Please give it a watch.