TAIMAN BLUE: Naoto Shimizu - Review and impressions of the masterpiece anime that depicts the world of realistic street fights

"Taiman Blues: Naoto Shimizu Edition": A story of youth and struggle in the 1980s

In the late 1980s, a new media format called OVA revolutionized the Japanese anime industry. One of the most notable works is Taiman Blues: Naoto Shimizu. Based on the manga of the same name by Yu Furusawa, the work was released as a three-episode OVA from 1987 to 1989. Below, we will introduce detailed information about the work, its reviews, and recommended points.

Overview

"Taiman Blues: Naoto Shimizu" is an OVA released by Geibunsha, based on a manga by Furusawa Yu. It is directed by Yotsuji Takao and produced by Geibunsha, Bloomier International, and Shaft. It consists of three episodes, each with a subtitle as follows:

• Naoto Shimizu Edition 1 (April 5, 1987)
• Naoto Shimizu Edition 2 (October 10, 1988)
• Naoto Shimizu Edition 3 (April 25, 1989)

Each episode is 30 minutes long and was first released on November 25, 1987. The story is about youth and struggle, and follows the protagonist, Naoto Shimizu, as he faces various challenges.

story

The story of "Taiman Blues: Naoto Shimizu" revolves around the protagonist Naoto Shimizu's daily life as a high school student. Naoto Shimizu grows through friendship, romance, and above all, "taiman" (one-on-one fights). The story depicts him facing off against various rivals and sticking to his own beliefs.

The first episode begins with Shimizu Naoto's first one-on-one fight. He challenges an opponent stronger than himself and is defeated. However, he learns from that defeat and gradually becomes stronger. In the second episode, Shimizu Naoto faces a new rival and is confronted with issues of friendship and love. Then, in the third episode, Shimizu Naoto takes on the final battle, and his growth and determination reach a climax.

character

The characters in "Taiman Blues: Naoto Shimizu" are all unique and charming. Below are the main characters:

• Naoto Shimizu : The protagonist. Although he is a high school student, he has strong beliefs and faces various difficulties. His growth is at the center of the story.
• Kenji Yamamoto : Naoto Shimizu's best friend. He supports Naoto Shimizu and sometimes scolds him with harsh words. The depth of their friendship is depicted.
• Mika Takahashi : Naoto Shimizu's lover. She supports Naoto Shimizu's growth and is sometimes troubled by his behavior. She is an important character who adds a romantic element.
• Ryuji Kuroda : Naoto Shimizu's rival. He has strong skills and challenges Naoto Shimizu. He encourages Naoto Shimizu's growth through their battles.

Animation and performance

The animation of "Taiman Blues: Naoto Shimizu" is of very high quality for an OVA from the 1980s. Takao Yotsuji's direction portrays the emotions and movements of the characters realistically, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. The depiction of the one-on-one scenes in particular is extremely realistic and has the power to draw the audience in. The use of backgrounds and colors is also skillful, helping to enhance the atmosphere of the story.

The music is also one of the elements that enhances the appeal of this work. The background music effectively expresses the excitement of youth and the tension of battle, stirring the emotions of the viewer. The music in the one-on-one scenes in particular has the power to grab the audience's attention.

Rating and Recommended Points

"Taiman Blues: Naoto Shimizu" is one of the most highly acclaimed OVAs of the 1980s. Below are the reasons why and some recommended points.

• Theme of youth and struggle : This work depicts the universal theme of youth and struggle, which will resonate with many viewers. Naoto Shimizu's coming-of-age story teaches us the importance of sticking to our own beliefs.
• Realistic one-on-one fight scenes : The depiction of the one-on-one fight scenes is extremely realistic and has the power to draw the audience in. In particular, the scene where Naoto Shimizu confronts his rival is tense and exciting.
• Appealing characters : Each character is unique and charming, making a strong impression on the viewer. In particular, the growth of Naoto Shimizu, as well as the elements of friendship and romance, enrich the story.
• High-quality animation : The animation is very high quality for a 1980s OVA, with Takao Yotsuji's direction being outstanding. The backgrounds and use of color are well-crafted, helping to enhance the atmosphere of the story.
• Musical Effects : The background music effectively conveys the excitement of youth and the tension of battle, stirring the emotions of the audience. The music in the one-on-one scenes in particular has the power to grab the audience's attention.

Related works and recommendations

For those who enjoyed "Taiman Blues: Naoto Shimizu Edition," we also recommend the following related works. These works also have stories about youth and struggle, and are sure to leave a strong impression on viewers.

• "Ashita no Joe" : A youth drama with a boxing theme. It depicts the protagonist's growth and struggles.
• Fist of the North Star : A story of struggle set in a post-apocalyptic world, featuring the protagonist Kenshiro facing off against a variety of foes.
• "Hajime no Ippo" : A youth drama with a boxing theme. It depicts the growth of the main character, Makunouchi Ippo.

summary

"Taiman Blues: Naoto Shimizu" was a highly acclaimed OVA from the 1980s. Many elements enhance the appeal of this work, including a story themed on youth and struggle, realistic one-on-one scenes, attractive characters, high-quality animation, and effective music. This is a work that is highly recommended for viewers who want to feel the excitement of youth and the tension of struggle. You can also get even deeper impressions by watching related works.