Masked Ninja Akakage: The Appeal and Evaluation of Classic Ninja Anime

Masked Ninja Akakage - A Ninja Story from the Warring States Period

"Masked Ninja Akakage," which aired from 1987 to 1988, is a TV anime series based on the original work by Mitsuteru Yokoyama. This work is an exciting story about the exploits of ninjas set in Japan during the Warring States period. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this anime, as well as recommended points.

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

October 13, 1987 - March 22, 1988 Every Tuesday 19:00-19:30

■Broadcasting station

NTV

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 23

■Original Story

・Original work: Mitsuteru Yokoyama

■ Director

・Chief Director/Susumu Ishizaki

■ Production

Produced by Toei (animation), Yomiuri Advertising Agency

■Works

©Hikari Pro, Toei Animation

■ Story

During the Warring States period, Oda Nobunaga was steadily moving forward with the unification of the country. However, there were still many feudal lords trying to stop him, and in the town of Sakae, which boasted of its wealth from trade with the Southern Barbarians, a mysterious group called "Kinmekyo" appeared. Led by Koga Genyosai, Kinmekyo was a cruel group that would use any means to achieve its goal, and was becoming a major force. Genyosai was supported by countless subordinates, all of whom were masters of unique magic. Sakae was ruled by people called the Kaigoshu, who were concerned about the expansion of Kinmekyo and asked the Kage clan in the "Ninja Village" of Hida to capture the leader of Kinmekyo. The three Kages of Hida ninjas were entrusted with this mission: the young ninja Akakage, the young ninja Aokage, and the veteran ninja Shirokage.

■Cast

・Akage/Toshio Furukawa・Blue Shadow/Masako Nozawa・White Shadow, Narrator/Tetsuo Genda・Yokaisai/Norio Otsuka・Tsuyumaru/Kaneto Shiozawa・Yamabuki/Mika Doi・Oda Nobunaga/Kouji Toya・Jaki/Yusaku Yara・Akane/Yuko Minaguchi・Kaede/Naoko Watanabe

■ Main staff

・Original story by Mitsuteru Yokoyama・Planning by Kazuo Nakamura, Keizo Shichijo, Hidehiko Takei, Seiji Ishikawa・Production by Yutaka Kanda, Hibiki Ito, Yoshie Suzuki・Production desk by Masahiro Toyosumi・Series composition by Yoshiyuki Suga, Toshiki Inoue・Screenplay by Toshiki Inoue, Keiji Terui, Asami Watanabe, and others・Chief director by Susumu Ishizaki・Direction by Kunihisa Sugishima, Guji Katsumata, Eikichi Ogika, and others・Character design by Akihiro Kanayama・Art design by Takashi Miyano・Music by Shunsuke Kikuchi

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
・Masked Ninja Akakage ・Lyrics by Yoko Mita ・Music by Yasuo Kosugi
Arrangement: Kenji Yamamoto Vocals: Koji Akiho

・ED
・In the Morning Glow・Lyrics by Yumi Morita・Music by Takanori Arisawa
Arrangement: Kenji Yamamoto Vocals: Satoko Yamano, Mori no Ki Children's Choir

■ Evaluation and appeal of the work

"Masked Ninja Akakage" is a ninja action anime set in Japan during the Warring States period, and was loved by many viewers. Below, we will take a closer look at the appeal and reviews of this work.

1. The appeal of the story

The story of this work is set in Japan during the Warring States period, and depicts ninjas fighting against the evil organization "Kinmekyo." With Oda Nobunaga unifying the country as a backdrop, the Hida ninjas rise up to thwart the plot of Kinmekyo, which has appeared in a town that prospered from trade with the Southern Barbarians, and the plot has the power to draw viewers in. In particular, the scene in which the three Kage, Akakage, Aokage, and Shirokage, work together to carry out a mission is moving and makes you feel the importance of teamwork. Also, different enemies and missions appear in each episode, adding variety to the story. This allows viewers to experience new excitement and surprises every time.

2. The appeal of the characters

Each character in this work is unique and attractive. The main character, Akakage, is portrayed as a calm and strong-willed young ninja. His leadership and fighting ability leave a strong impression on the viewer. Meanwhile, Aokage is a curious young ninja who grows as he goes along, and his story of growth is not to be missed. In addition, as a veteran ninja with a wealth of experience, Shirogane plays an important role in supporting Akakage and Aokage. The relationships and growth of these characters make the story deep and rich. Furthermore, the characters on the enemy side are also attractive, and in particular the ruthlessness of Koga Genyosai and the unique techniques of his subordinates leave a strong impact on the viewer.

3. The appeal of the action scenes

The action scenes in "Masked Ninja Akakage" are worth watching. The ninja battle scenes are dynamic and fast-paced, making them a visual treat. In particular, the battle scenes in which Akakage wears his mask leave a strong impression on viewers. Another highlight is the fights using the unique techniques and weapons that each character possesses. These action scenes are an important element in adding excitement to the story.

4. The appeal of music

The music in this work is also one of its great attractions. The opening theme, "Masked Ninja Akakage," combines Akiho Koji's powerful voice with Kosugi Yasuo's composition, inspiring the viewer. The ending theme, "In the Morning Glow," features the gentle voices of Yamano Satoko and the Mori no Ki Children's Choir, enhancing the moving story. Furthermore, Kikuchi Shunsuke's background music adds to the atmosphere of each scene, playing a role in evoking the emotions of the viewer. These pieces of music are important elements that enhance the quality of the work as a whole.

■ Evaluation of the work

"Masked Ninja Akakage" has been highly praised for many elements, including the story, characters, action scenes, and music. In particular, the setting of a ninja action story set in Japan during the Warring States period gave viewers a fresh surprise. The exploits of the three kages Akakage, Blue Kage, and White Kage moved and excited viewers. Furthermore, the charm of the enemy characters and the spectacular action scenes have been praised. Music has also been highly praised as an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. As a result of the combination of these elements, "Masked Ninja Akakage" has become a work loved by many viewers.

■ Recommended points

The reasons why we recommend "Masked Ninja Akakage" are as follows:

1. Ninja action set in Japan during the Warring States period

This ninja action film set in Japan during the Warring States period will give viewers a fresh surprise. History buffs will also enjoy the sight of ninjas fighting evil organizations against the backdrop of Oda Nobunaga's unification of the country.

2. Charming characters

The characters, including the three shadows, Akakage, Aokage, and Shirokage, are all unique and attractive. The story of their growth and relationships will move the viewers. The enemy characters are also attractive and will leave a strong impact on the viewers.

3. Great action scenes

The ninja battle scenes are dynamic and fast-paced, making them a visual treat. In particular, the battle scenes in which the ninjas wear Akakage's masks make a strong impression on viewers. Another highlight is the battles using the unique techniques and weapons of each character.

4. The appeal of music

Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, including the opening theme, ending theme, and background music. Hiroshi Akiho's powerful singing voice, Satoko Yamano and the Mori no Ki Children's Choir's gentle singing voice, and Shunsuke Kikuchi's background music enhance the emotions of the viewer.

■ Summary

"Masked Ninja Akakage" was loved by many viewers as a ninja action anime set in Japan during the Warring States period. Many elements of the anime have been highly praised, including the story, characters, action scenes, and music. In particular, the exploits of the three kages Akakage, Aokage, and Shirokage provided viewers with excitement and emotion. The charm of the enemy characters and the impressive action scenes have also been praised. Music has also been highly praised as an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. As a result of the combination of these elements, "Masked Ninja Akakage" has become a work loved by many viewers. This work is recommended for those who want to enjoy ninja action set in Japan during the Warring States period, those who want to enjoy a story that depicts the growth and relationships of attractive characters, those who want to enjoy impressive action scenes, and those who want to feel the charm of music.