Prefectural Earth Defense Force: A moving review that traces the trajectory of youth and battle

"Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun": The appeal of slapstick sci-fi and its background

Released as an OVA on April 1, 1986, "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" is based on the manga of the same name by Yasunaga Koichiro and directed by Hayakawa Keiji. The four-part series is a slapstick sci-fi anime about the Prefectural Defense Force's exploits as they fight against the Electric Pole Gang, which is disrupting the government of a certain prefecture in Kyushu. Below, we will take a deeper look at the appeal and background of this work, as well as the details of its content.

Overview of the work

"Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" was produced as an original video animation (OVA) and released by Toshiba Video Software. It consists of four episodes, each about 45 minutes long. It was produced by OB Planning and Studio Gallop, and the copyright is held by Yasunaga Koichiro and Shogakukan.

story

The story of "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" consists of the following four episodes.

Episode 1: Prefectural Operation No. 1

Sanchin, an Indian man who was taken to Hazama Medical College after a traffic accident, is transformed into an 8,000 horsepower cyborg by Dr. Inoue as a hobby. However, in a fit of rage, he destroys the medical college. Meanwhile, the Electric Pole Group declares their intention to take over the prefecture, and the governor appoints Imatsuru High School baseball team members Morita, Takei, Akiko, and coach Roben as the "Prefectural Earth Defense Force." Sanchin appears at the apartment where the defense forces are gathered, and the Electric Pole Group also brings Scope Tsurusaki. After a three-way battle, the apartment is completely destroyed, and Sanchin shouts, "I hate the Japanese!"

Episode 2: Fly to the Devil's Shop

The Defense Forces, finding out that the lumber wholesaler Kisoya is the headquarters of the Electric Pole Group, begin an investigation. Meanwhile, General Chilsonia of the Electric Pole Group devises a plan to seduce Baradaki with a robber and eliminate him from society. Miyuki, the secretary to the prefectural governor, interviews Chilsonia, but various events become intertwined and the situation becomes chaotic.

Episode 3: Cyborg Boogie

In order to fight against Sanchin, Chilsonia takes Yuko's father, Inoue, hostage and transforms Yuko into a cyborg. Sanchin doesn't want to fight girls, but Morita and his friends control him with a radio control, and a battle between Sanchin and Yuko unfolds. However, the two of them have to undergo surgery to return to human form. As a result of the surgery, Sanchin is turned into a woman and Yuko into a man, causing a commotion.

Episode 4: The Food-Eating Woman's Revenge!!

This is a bonus episode that appears after the end credits, and although the specific contents are not revealed, it contains some humorous scenes.

Commentary

"Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" is a slapstick science fiction anime about the Prefectural Defense Force's battle against the Electric Pole Gang, which is disrupting the government of a certain Kyushu prefecture. It was produced as a theatrical version of an original video animation, and is presented in an omnibus format of three episodes. It is based on the manga of the same name by Yasunaga Koichiro, the screenplay was written by Ito Kazunori, who also wrote "Magical Angel Creamy Mami: Long Goodbye", and the director was Hayakawa Keiji. The theme song is "S.F.," sung by Imawano Kiyoshiro, Johnny, Louis & Char, and injects humor and energy into the entire work.

cast

The cast of "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" is as follows:

• Baradagi (Ryuko Harataki) / Hiromi Tsuru
• Kisoya Chilsonian Bunzaemon Jr. / Shuichi Ikeda
• Hiroaki Morita/Toru Furuya
• Carmi Sanchin/Hiroshi Suzuoki
• Sukekubo Takei/Tetsuaki Genda
• Toshiyuki Roben/Hideyuki Tanaka
• Yuko Inoue/Yoshiko Fujita
• Miyuki Oyama/Keiko Han
• Akiko Ifukube/Rika Fukami
• Scope Tsurusaki/Takeshi Aono
• Dr. Inoue/Kohei Miyauchi
• Dr. Mafune/Koji Toya
• Foodie, Principal / Masaharu Sato
• Prefectural Governor / Kozo Shioya

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: Prefectural Operation No. 1
• Episode 2: Fly to the Devil's Store!
• Episode 3: Cyborg Boogie
• Episode 4: The Food-Eating Woman's Revenge!!

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music for "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" are as follows.

• OP: SF/Kiyoshiro Imawano, Johnny, Louis & Char
• IN: Private / Kiyoshiro Imawano, Johnny, Louis & Char
• ED: Hide and Seek/Kiyoshiro Imawano & Char

Appeal of the work

The greatest appeal of "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" is its humorous and energetic storytelling. Although each episode is a standalone anthology, the show maintains a consistent tone and tempo throughout. In particular, the slapstick antics of the cyborg-transformed characters are successful in conveying deep messages while still providing laughs to the audience.

The voice actors in the cast are also impressive, bringing out the individuality of each character to the fullest. In particular, the character of Kami Sanchin, played by Hirotaka Suzuoki, captures the hearts of viewers with his complex emotions that mix humor and sadness. The theme song "S.F." by Kiyoshiro Imawano, Johnny, Louis & Char is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work.

Background and impact

"Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" was produced during the OVA boom of the 1980s, and its unique style and humor surprised audiences at the time. Utilizing the new media format of OVA, this work was also a success as a theatrical release, and it can be said to have had a major influence on later OVA works.

The original manga by Yasunaga Koichiro already had a large fan base, but its anime adaptation made it even more popular. Screenwriter Ito Kazunori and director Hayakawa Keiji both cited "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" as an important work in their careers.

Recommendations and ratings

"Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" is highly regarded as a masterpiece of slapstick sci-fi anime. Its humorous and energetic storytelling, all-star cast, and memorable theme song make a lasting impression on viewers. It is also regarded as a pioneering work that utilized the new media format of OVA, making it a must-see for fans of 1980s anime.

The reasons why I recommend this work are as follows:

• Storytelling filled with humor and energy
• A gorgeous cast and unique characters
• Impressive theme song and music
• A pioneer of the new media format known as OVA
• A deep message and social satire

"Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" is a work that conveys deep messages while providing viewers with laughter and emotion. It is a work that can be enjoyed not only by anime fans of the 1980s, but also by modern viewers, so we recommend that you give it a watch.

Further information and supplementary information

The following points can be cited as detailed information and supplements for "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun."

Background

The production of "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" took place during the OVA boom of the 1980s. OVAs offered greater freedom than television broadcasts, allowing for more creative productions. Taking advantage of this background, "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" was a work that pursued its own unique style and humor.

Character Settings

Each character in "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" has their own unique and attractive background. In particular, Kami Sanchin is set to be Indian, and the cultural gap is depicted in a humorous way. Characters such as Yuko Inoue and Hiroaki Morita also make a strong impression on viewers through their backgrounds as a baseball club member and a cyborg.

music

The music for "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" was composed by Kiyoshiro Imawano, Johnny, and Louis & Char, and is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the theme song "S.F." is a song that symbolizes the energy and humor of the work, and is a memorable song for viewers.

Social satire

Although "Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" is a slapstick science fiction anime, it also contains deep social satire. In particular, the setting of the Electric Pole Gang's conquest of the prefecture satirizes the social issues of the time and makes the viewer think. In addition, the story of the characters being transformed into cyborgs depicts the progress of science and technology and the ethical issues involved.

Viewers' reactions

"Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" was highly praised by viewers. In particular, its humorous and energetic storytelling, all-star cast, and memorable theme song made a lasting impression on viewers. It is also recognized as a pioneering work that utilized the new media format of OVA, making it a must-see for fans of 1980s anime.

Conclusion

"Kenritsu Chikyu Boueigun" is a slapstick sci-fi anime released as an OVA in 1986 that made a strong impression on viewers with its humorous and energetic storytelling, stellar cast, and memorable theme song. It is also considered a pioneering work that utilized the new media format of OVA, making it a must-watch for fans of 1980s anime. With its deep message and social satire, it will make you laugh, move you, and make you think. Watch it and experience its charm for yourself.