Genmu Senki Leda: A deep look into the fascinating story and characters

A comprehensive review and recommendation of Genmu Senki Reda

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Release date

March 1, 1985

■Release and sales

Toho

■Frequencies

72 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■ Director

Kunihiko Yuyama

■ Production

Produced by Toho, Kaname Productions

■ Story

Yoko Asagiri, a 17-year-old ordinary high school student, has a crush on a boy. Yoko records a piano piece that expresses her feelings for him on a cassette tape, and while listening to the piece on her headphone stereo, she walks down a tree-lined street to confess her feelings to him. Then, she is suddenly transported to Ashanti, a parallel world. With the guidance of Lingam, a dog that can speak human language, Yoko learns of the power of Leda, which makes it possible to travel to another dimension. She then decides to search for the headphone stereo, which is the key to returning to her original world.

■Explanation

A science fiction fantasy about a high school girl who gets lost in another world and fights with the power of a legendary goddess. The protagonist, Asagiri Yoko's trademark bikini armor, had a huge influence on later anime and games. This work became a hit immediately after its release. It was also released in theaters on December 21st of the same year, and became a landmark work in the early days of OVAs. The production of a sequel, Genmu Senki Leda II, was also announced, but the production company, Kaname Productions, went bankrupt and this work was never produced.

■Cast

Yoko Asagiri/Hiromi Tsuru/Zell/Shuichi Ikeda/Lingam/Kei Toyama/Yoni/Chinatsu Sakamoto/Chishalm/Masato Tsujimura

■ Main staff

Director: Kunihiko Yuyama Screenplay: Sumi Takegami, Kunihiko Yuyama Character design and animation director: Mutsumi Inomata Art director: Tadami Shimokawa Music: Shiro Sagisu ED01
・"Serenade of the Wind and Bouquet"
Lyrics: Yuho Iwasato; Composition: Koji Makaino; Arrangement: Shiro Sagisu
・Song: Rio Akimoto

■ Main Characters

The protagonist is Yoko Asagiri. She is an ordinary 17-year-old high school girl. She stumbles into another world, Ashanti, and becomes a "Warrior of Leda," inheriting the power of the goddess Leda who rules that land.

A handsome young man who is the commander of Zel Ashanti. He is trying to obtain the Leda Power in order to invade Yoko's world. He has the ability to control the minds of others.

A dog who speaks the language of the Lingam people. A scholar who travels the world to learn about everything, he is interested in Yoko and accompanies her.

Yoni: A surviving priestess of Leda in the form of a young girl. She was waiting for the appearance of Leda's warriors.

■ Theme songs and music

・ED01
・"Serenade of the Wind and Bouquet"
Lyrics: Yuho Iwasato; Composition: Koji Makaino; Arrangement: Shiro Sagisu
・Song: Rio Akimoto

・IN01
・"The Lonely Dreamer"
Lyrics: Arisu Sato; Composition: Koji Makaino; Arrangement: Shiro Sagisu
・Song: Rio Akimoto

・IN02
・"Missing Hearts"
Lyrics: Arisu Sato Music and Arrangement: Shiro Sagisu
・Song: Rio Akimoto

■Detailed evaluation

"Leda: War of Genmu" was released as an OVA in 1985, and its innovative visuals and storytelling left a strong impression on viewers at the time. In particular, the bikini armor worn by the main character, Yoko Asagiri, had a major influence on later anime and games, and her character was loved by many fans.

The story skillfully incorporates typical fantasy elements, with an ordinary high school student being transported to another world where she inherits the powers of a legendary goddess. However, Yoko's growth and emotional changes are carefully depicted, evoking deep empathy from viewers. In particular, the sight of Yoko fighting in the other world while keeping her unrequited love for a boy in her heart captured the hearts of many viewers.

The character designs were created by Mutsumi Inomata, whose unique style is still popular with many fans. Yoko's bikini armor in particular is highly praised for its design that combines beauty and functionality. Zel's charm as a handsome young man and Lingam's intelligent character also enrich the story.

In terms of music, the ending theme "Serenade of the Wind and Bouquet" composed by Sagisu Shiro is particularly memorable. This song's beautiful melody reflects Yoko's feelings and is perfectly matched with Akimoto Rio's singing voice, leaving a deep impression on viewers. Additionally, the inserted songs "A Lonely Dreamer" and "Missing Hearts" are also important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

Director Kunihiko Yuyama has fully demonstrated his talent in this film, maintaining an exquisite balance between visual beauty and storytelling. In particular, the depiction of the otherworldly world of Ashanti has the power to draw the viewer in as well as providing a strong visual impact. Furthermore, the team of screenwriters Takegami Sumi and Yuyama Kunihiko has added depth to the story's development, with many ingenious ideas put into place to keep the viewer from getting bored.

After being released as an OVA, this work was also shown in theaters on December 21st of the same year, proving its popularity. However, although the production of a sequel, "Leda II," was announced, it never came to fruition due to the bankruptcy of the production company, Kaname Productions, which was a huge disappointment for fans. Nevertheless, this work remains beloved by many fans as a landmark work in the early days of OVAs.

■Recommendation details

I highly recommend Leda to anyone who enjoys sci-fi fantasy and character development. It is especially a must-see for those who are drawn to the bikini armor worn by the main character, Yoko Asagiri, and the beautiful visuals of the otherworldly world of Ashanti. It is also recommended for those who are particular about music and character design.

Here are some things to look out for when watching this film:

• Yoko's growth and emotional changes
• The design and influence of Bikini Armor
• Visuals and worldview of the alternate world of Ashanti
• Shiro Sagisu's music and Rio Akimoto's singing voice
• Kunihiko Yuyama's talent as a director

For a deeper understanding of this work, please refer to the following related works and materials:

• Other character designs by Mutsumi Inomata
• Other Musical Works by Shiro Sagisu
• Other films directed by Kunihiko Yuyama
• Other landmark works from the early OVA era

"Leda: War of the Night" is a work that leaves a strong impression on viewers with its innovative visuals and storytelling. Please watch it and experience its charm for yourself.