Norakuro-kun #2/Pierrot version - Reevaluation and appeal of a classic anime

"Norakuro-kun": A slapstick comedy that combines nostalgia and modernity

"Norakuro-kun," which aired from 1987 to 1988, is a TV anime series produced by Studio Pierrot based on the masterpiece manga "Norakuro" by Suiho Tagawa. While respecting the atmosphere of the original work, this work has a new appeal as a slapstick comedy arranged in a modern style. Here, we will take a detailed look at the appeal, production background, characters, story, music, etc., as well as introducing recommended points for viewers.

■Overview of the work

"Norakuro-kun" begins with the story of the Kinoshita family, a family of office workers living in Tokyo. In order to help out financially, the Kinoshita family decide to rent out their six-tatami room on the second floor to a tenant. A stubborn old dog named Norakuro Kurokichi and his grandson Norakuro-kun appear there. The two take up residence in the Kinoshita household and open the "Norakuro Detective Agency," but spend their days causing trouble and neglecting their clients.

This anime was broadcast on Fuji TV from October 4, 1987 to October 2, 1988, every Sunday from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., with a total of 50 episodes. It was produced by Studio Pierrot, produced by Yuji Nunokawa, and directed by Masami Anno. The original work was written by Suiho Tagawa, and the copyright is Suiho Tagawa/Kodansha, Pierrot.

■Production Background

The production of "Norakuro-kun" was based on the popularity and universal appeal of the original "Norakuro." The original was serialized from 1931 to 1941 and was loved by many readers from before the war to after the war. As a result, the original has a wide fan base, and the work was produced as a piece that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Studio Pierrot aimed to reach a new audience by modernizing the original characters and reimagining them as slapstick comedy. In particular, by making Norakuro-kun the grandson of the original protagonist, Norakuro Kurokichi, they were able to achieve storytelling that transcends generations.

■Character Introduction

The characters in "Norakuro-kun" retain the charm of the original work while also creating new personalities and stories. The main characters are introduced below.

Norakuro

Voice actor: Chinatsu Sakamoto

He is the grandson of Norayama Kurokichi and the main character, a young dog. Although he is bossed around by his stubborn and energetic grandfather, he lives a bright and strong life. Although he opens a detective agency, he often causes more trouble than he gets cases, but his proactive and friendly personality are what make him so appealing.

Kurokichi Norayama

Voice actor: Joji Yanami

He is the original Norakuro, a veteran of the war, and a former army corporal. Although he is old, he is confident that he can still be of use to society. He has a stubborn and energetic personality, and often leads Norakuro-kun around, but he also shows a caring side for his family.

Keita Kinoshita

Voice actor: Yuko Mita

The 10-year-old only son of the Kinoshita family. At first he is confused by the strange lodger, but he soon makes friends with Norakuro and is often at the center of the commotion. He is an innocent and curious boy.

Rika Sawaguchi

Voice actor: Naoko Matsui

A lively girl who lives next door to the Kinoshita family. She does aerobics and sports day and night, and is always trying to maintain and develop a nice body. She has a bright and lively personality, and often gets caught up in the troubles of Norakuro and his friends, but she values ​​friendship.

Keisuke Kinoshita

Voice actor: Tesshō Genda

The head of the Kinoshita family, a 39-year-old ordinary businessman. He is a good father and husband, but things have become a little out of whack since Norakuro and his friends started living with him. He loves his family, and although he sometimes gets caught up in their troubles, he fights to protect them.

Keiko Kinoshita

Voice actor: Mika Doi

She is the housewife of the Kinoshita family, 30 years old. Although she is worried about the mortgage and Kurokichi and his friends' reckless behavior, she is the unsung hero who bravely protects the Kinoshita family. She has the strength and kindness to support her family.

■ Story

The story of "Norakuro-kun" depicts a different commotion or incident in each episode, and humorously depicts the daily life of the Kinoshita family and Norakuro and his friends. Below are the subtitles of each episode.

• Episode 1: Here Comes the Terrifying Lodger!!
• Episode 2: The Phantom Thief Appears! The Mystery of Goemon Ishikawa
• Episode 3: The terrifying Yatchan amateur baseball game!
• Episode 4: The Great Labyrinth! Search for Underground Treasure!!
• Episode 5: Momotaro Born in a Can?
• Episode 6: Pure Yacchan in Love with Autumn
• Episode 7: When will Dracula's dream come true?
• Episode 8: The French Doll Has Disappeared!?
• Episode 9: Birth of Mama Cinderella!
• Episode 10: Midday Meow Meow Riot!!
• Episode 11: Kinto Cloud, a Very Nice Guy
• Episode 12: Santa's star shining in the night sky!!
• Episode 13: Suddenly!! Young Master
• Episode 14: Protect the New Year's gifts from Butagawa!!
• Episode 15: Warm and steamy! The hot spring brings about a storm
• Episode 16: Intense training! Waking up early is hard
• Episode 17: The Mysterious Curse of the Village of Five Graves
• Episode 18: Yuri-chan likes pants
• Episode 19: Tears!! A tearful Valentine's Day!!
• Episode 20: Keita-kun's Sundays are a no-go
• Episode 21: Jimmy Butagawa, the Evil Phoenix
• Episode 22: Fight! Ultra Keitaman
• Episode 23: Rika's Ghost Busters
• Episode 24: Dr. Shinkoiwa on the JR Muneta Line!!
• Episode 25: Butagawa-san is the Queen of Fat People!?
• Episode 26: The Strongest Hot-Blooded Teacher in History!!
• Episode 27: Eh! There are lots of Norakuros
• Episode 28: Boiling Water! The Battle of Ramen Valley!!
• Episode 29: Catfish Climbing Children's Day!
• Episode 30: The Beloved Panda Race!!
• Episode 31: Clash! Matchmaking Battle!!
• Episode 32: The annoying robot is back!
• Episode 33: Dangerous Chinese Trick!!
• Episode 34: Boss Norakuro of the Flowering Edo!!
• Episode 35: Matchmaking Star Wars!!
• Episode 36: Don't call me Shinkoiwa's daddy
• Episode 37: Mom, you were a pig too
• Episode 38: I want to be scolded by my mother
• Episode 39: What! Keita is Shingen!!
• Episode 40: Run! Dad's Ramen Stand
• Episode 41: Complete walkthrough of Norakue III!!
• Episode 42: Masterpiece! The Old Man, Me, and the Sea
• Episode 43: Because you're a cow at heart
• Episode 44: Chigusa Sensei, the Legend of Love
• Episode 45: Mayonnaise is the taste of friendship!!
• Episode 46: Got it! The secret of the medals
• Episode 47: Siblings are difficult!?
• Episode 48: Licca-chan chooses a boyfriend!
• Episode 49: Give back nature! The giant mushroom monster
• Episode 50: I can't say goodbye

Each episode depicts a different theme or incident, so viewers will not get bored. In addition, many characters from the original work appear, so even fans of the original work can enjoy the content.

■Music

The music for "Norakuro-kun" was composed by Yusuke Homma, and many of the theme songs and insert songs were also attractive. The theme songs are listed below.

Opening Theme

(No. 1 to No. 32)

• "You! You! You!"
• Lyricist: Yukinojo Mori
• Composer: Ichiro Haneda
• Arrangement: Masaaki Omura
• Sung by: BaBe

(No. 33 to No. 50)

• "JUNK BOY"
• Lyricist: MEGU
• Composer: Yoshio Tatano
• Arrangement: Jun Sato
• Sung by: MEGU

Ending Theme

(No. 1 to No. 32)

• "Hold ME!"
• Lyricist: Fonny De Wolf
• Composer: Fonny De Wolf
• Arrangement: Masaaki Omura
• Sung by: BaBe
• Japanese translation: Yukinojo Mori

(No. 33 to No. 50)

• "BE MY BOY!"
• Lyricist: Tomoko Asaoka
• Composer: Kaoru Ohori
• Arrangement: Masaaki Omura
• Sung by: MEGU

The music was produced by Fuji Pacific Music Publishing and Canyon, and the director was Kazuhiro Nagaoka. Music is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the anime, and many attractive songs were created to capture the hearts of viewers.

■ Staff

Many staff members were involved in the production of "Norakuro-kun." The main staff members are introduced below.

• Producers: Kenji Shimizu (Fuji Television), Kyotaro Kimura (Yomiuri Advertising Agency), Yoshitaki Suzuki (Studio Pierrot)
• Planning: Kazuo Shimamura (Yomiuri Advertising Agency), Kenichiro Haraoka (Fuji Television Network)
• Series Composition: Yoshio Urasawa
• Character design: Yuji Moriyama
• Art Director: Torao Arai
• Animation directors: Takeshi Osaka, Hiroshi Kawabata, Hiroyuki Ikegami, Masayuki Uchiyama
• Director of photography: Hidekazu Kojima
• Edited by: Seiji Morita, Masaki Sakamoto (Morita Editorial Office)
• Production manager: Takuji Yamauchi
• Music: Yusuke Homma
• Sound Director: Fusanobu Fujiyama
• Sound effects: Junichi Sasaki (anime sound)
• Selection: Osamu Nakamura
• Adjustment: Kiyoshi Matsuzawa
• Background: Production Eye
• Animation photography: Studio Furumi
• Recording studio: Shinzaka Recording
• Recording Production: Zac Promotion
• Photo lab: Tokyo Photo lab

All of these staff members worked together to successfully bring out the charm of "Norakuro-kun" to the fullest.

■Recommended points for viewers

"Norakuro-kun" is enjoyable not only for fans of the original work, but also for viewers experiencing the work for the first time. Below are some recommended points for viewers.

1. A fusion of nostalgia and newness

"Norakuro-kun" is a fascinating work that combines nostalgia and newness by recreating the original characters in a modern style as a slapstick comedy. Fans of the original will enjoy the atmosphere while experiencing new storylines and character development. First-time viewers will also be drawn into the humorous storyline and unique characters.

2. Depiction of family love and friendship

The relationship between the Kinoshita family and Norakuro and his friends is a heartwarming story of family love and friendship. The grandfather-grandson relationship between Norakuro-kun and Kurokichi, the family ties of the Kinoshita family, and the friendships between friends will touch the hearts of viewers. This is especially recommended for viewers who want to cherish the bonds between family and friends.

3. A humorous story

Each episode depicts a different commotion or incident, so viewers will never get bored. The antics of Norakuro and his friends and the humor in the daily life of the Kinoshita family will make you laugh. This is a perfect show for viewers who want to laugh and forget about stress.

4. Charming music

Many attractive theme songs and insert songs are also produced, which liven up the atmosphere of the anime. In particular, the theme songs sung by BaBe and MEGU will capture the hearts of viewers. It is also recommended for viewers who love music.

5. Wide audience

"Norakuro-kun" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The original work has a wide fan base and is also developing a new audience. It is also recommended to watch it with the whole family.

■ Summary

"Norakuro-kun" is a TV anime series produced by Studio Pierrot based on the classic manga "Norakuro" by Suiho Tagawa. While respecting the atmosphere of the original work, it has a new appeal as a modern slapstick comedy. It is full of elements that will keep viewers entertained, such as a heartwarming story about family love and friendship, humorous commotion in each episode, and charming music. It is a work that is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for viewers who are experiencing it for the first time. Please give "Norakuro-kun", a crossroads between nostalgia and newness, a try.