The appeal and reviews of "Mashhin Hero Wataru": A deep look into the legendary anime

Mashin Hero Wataru: A look back at the classic anime of the late '80s

"Mashin Hero Wataru," a TV anime series produced by Sunrise that aired from 1988 to 1989, was loved by many children. In this article, we will explain in detail the overview of the work, its appeal, and subsequent developments, and introduce recommended points for fans and new viewers.

Overview

"Mashin Hero Wataru" is an adventure fantasy anime starring a fourth-grade boy named Senbe Wataru. On his way home from school, Wataru meets a golden dragon at a pond and is taken to Monja Village in the other world of the Shinbekai. There, Soukai Mountain, where the gods live, is ruled by Doakuda, the king of the demon world, and Wataru must fight to restore peace there as its savior.

Wataru uses the Sword of the Hero entrusted to him by the old woman of Monja Village to summon the demon "Ryujinmaru", a symbol of the savior. Together with Himiko of the ninja clan, his sword master Shibaraku, and the bird-like Kurama, he begins his adventure to reach the top of Mount Soukai while fighting enemy demons with Ryujinmaru.

Broadcast information

• Media : TV anime series
• Original Media : Anime original
• Broadcast period : April 15, 1988 to March 31, 1989, every Friday from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• Broadcasting station : Nippon Television
• Duration : 30 minutes
• Episode count : 45
• Original author : Hajime Yatate
• Director : General Director Shuji Iuchi
• Produced by : ASATSU, Sunrise
• Copyright : ©Sunrise R

story

On his way home from school, Wataru Senbe meets a golden dragon at a pond and is taken to Monja Village in the other world of the Shinbe World. In the Shinbe World, the king of the demon world, Doakuda, has taken control of Soukai Mountain, where the gods live. Wataru is told by Obaba of Monja Village that he has been called as a savior to bring peace back to Soukai Mountain. Wataru is surprised by this sudden turn of events, but with the sword of the hero entrusted to him by Obaba, he succeeds in summoning the demon "Ryujinmaru", the proof of the savior. Then, with the addition of Himiko of the Ninja clan, his sword master Shibaraku, and the bird-shaped Kurama to his team, Wataru aims to reach the top of Soukai Mountain while fighting the enemy demons with Ryujinmaru.

Commentary

"Mashhin Hero Wataru" is a fantasy adventure story targeted at younger audiences. The robots piloted by the main characters are three-headed, making them familiar to children. Another distinctive feature is the use of video game-style presentation methods, such as expressing enemy strength as a number. The main theme of the story is the growth of the main character Wataru and the friendship he has with his companions, but in addition to the unpredictable story development, the gags spun by the unique characters aim to create a refreshing and entertaining production.

After the TV series ended, the OVA "Shin Mashin Hero Wataru: Mashin Mountain Arc" was released in 1989, followed by the TV series "Mashhin Hero Wataru 2" in 1990. The OVA "Mashhin Hero Wataru: The Tale of Owari Naki Toki" was released in 1993, and a new TV series "Cho Mashin Hero Wataru" was produced in 1997, making it a long-running title.

cast

• Wataru Senbe: Mayumi Tanaka
• Himiko Shinobu: Megumi Hayashibara
• Sword section Shibaraku: Tomomichi Nishimura
• Ryujinmaru: Tesshō Genda
• Kurama Watanabe: Koichi Yamadera
• Ninja Genryusai: Kenichi Ogata
• Tiger King (Sho Ryuko): Kazue Ikura
• Doorkinder: Shozo Iizuka
• EX Man: Naoki Tatsuta, Yumiko Shibata, Konami Yoshida

Main Staff

• Planning: Sunrise
• Planning cooperation: Red Company
• Original author: Hajime Yatate
• Chief writer: Takao Koyama
• Character design: Toyoo Ashida
• Mechanical design: Kazunori Nakazawa
• Art Director: Shigemi Ikeda
• Director of photography: Atsushi Okui
• Edited by Yumiko Fuse (Inoue Editorial Office)
• Sound Director: Sadayoshi Fujino
• Music: Junichi Kanesaki, Satoshi Kadokura
• General Director: Shuji Iuchi
• Producers: Hidehiko Takei, Hibiki Ito (NTV), Yuko Sagawa (ASATSU), Takayuki Yoshii (Sunrise)

subtitle

• Episode 1: "The Savior is a Fourth Grader"
• Episode 2: "Found the Mysterious Item, the Hentama!"
• Episode 3: "Beware of Kurama!"
• Episode 4: "The Scary Party in Garagara Village"
• Episode 5: "Sound! Kamibe's Flute"
• Episode 6: "Upside-Down Strange Things"
• Episode 7: "Does the Werewolf Like Omaru?"
• Episode 8: "The Vampire is a Cross Collector"
• Episode 9: "Surprise! The Mirror Detector of the Century"
• Episode 10: "Wait! Is this really the mirror of truth?"
• Episode 11: "A Hot, Burning Battle"
• Episode 12: "Mariannet's Exciting Anniversary"
• Episode 13: "Burning Fighting Spirit! 9 x 9 = 81 Attacks!"
• Episode 14: "Hyakunin Power is Hermit Power"
• Episode 15: "Revive! Fire Dragon"
• Episode 16: "The Tragic Aurora Legend"
• Episode 17: "The Frozen Sword That Cannot Be Drawn"
• Episode 18: "Hot, hot, fly away!"
• Episode 19: "Ryujinmaru Flying, Flying!"
• Episode 20: "Ryujinmaru Falls at the Hiehie Temple!"
• Episode 21: "The Demon World Prince, Tiger King, Appears!"
• Episode 22: "Must See! The Birth of Ryuomaru"
• Episode 23: "Sorry to keep you waiting! Genjinmaru's true identity"
• Episode 24: "Running like crazy! Wataru Genji's big race"
• Episode 25: "Minimini Wataru's Great Adventure"
• Episode 26: "Whoaaaa! There's a Green Dragon Over There"
• Episode 27: "I'm Glad It's Okay"
• Episode 28: "Magic Uh-Hun! Professor Shibaraku"
• Episode 29: "Transformation! Wataru's Lady and the Tramp"
• Episode 30: "The Ghost Army of the Demon God's Graveyard"
• Episode 31: "Himiko's Babysitting Mission"
• Episode 32: "The Strongest Magician, Ara Vian's Counterattack"
• Episode 33: "Sweet Temptation: The Terrifying Magic Gate"
• Episode 34: "Difficult and unusual question, the Demon Wind Gate!"
• Episode 35: "Rise to the Heavens! Demon Gate"
• Episode 36: "Good Kid? Naughty Kid? Demon Gate"
• Episode 37: "Wataru and Himiko's Hot Adventure"
• Episode 38: "Brilliant! The Hero Zorori Arrives"
• Episode 39: "Toraoh is my destined rival!"
• Episode 40: "Clash! Ryuohmaru vs. Jakukomaru"
• Episode 41: "Appearance! The Demonic Temple of Terror"
• Episode 42: "Fight, Wataru! The Battle at the Demon Temple"
• Episode 43: "Final Battle! Doakuda vs. Wataru"
• Episode 44: "Shine! The Rainbow of Mount Soukai"
• Episode 45: "Spring Festival in Monja Village"

Appeal of the work

The biggest appeal of "Mashin Hero Wataru" is its unique worldview and the individuality of its characters. The main characters, including Wataru, grow and deepen their friendships through their adventures in another world. The enemy demons are also unique, so viewers never tire of the show. In particular, the designs of the demons, such as Ryujinmaru and Torao, were very appealing to children.

The story also had many unexpected developments, often surprising viewers. For example, the episodes in which Wataru turns into a miniature or transforms into a dog were a big hit with children. There were also plenty of comedy elements, and phrases such as Shibaraku's "Uh-huh!" and Kurama's "Beware of Kurama!" are still loved by many fans today.

music

The music of "Mashhin Hero Wataru" is also an important element that enhances the appeal of the work. The opening theme "Adventure Boy" features the impressive lively singing voice of Tanaka Mayumi, and has the power to draw the viewer into the world of adventure. The ending theme "Dream Adventure" features a gentle melody that conveys Wataru's growth and the bond with his friends. The background music also plays a role in heightening the tension and excitement of the adventure, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the work.

Subsequent developments

Many spin-off works of Mashin Hero Wataru were produced even after the TV series ended. In 1989, the OVA Shin Mashin Hero Wataru: Mashin Mountain Arc was released, depicting Wataru's new adventures. In 1990, the TV series Mashin Hero Wataru 2 was aired, showing the start of a new challenge for Wataru and his friends. In 1993, the OVA Mashin Hero Wataru: The Tale of Owari Naki Toki was released, and in 1997, a new TV series, Cho Mashin Hero Wataru, was produced, making this a long-running title.

These spin-offs have delighted fans with stories about Wataru's growth, the appearance of new characters, and further adventures. The series has also been adapted into various media, including games and comics, and is loved by a wide range of people.

Recommended points

"Mashin Hero Wataru" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The following points are especially recommended.

• Unique worldview : The settings of other worlds such as the Shinbe world and the Demon world are fascinating and have the power to draw viewers in.
• Unique characters : The main characters, including Wataru, as well as the enemy demons, all have unique personalities that keep viewers entertained.
• Unexpected story developments : Many unexpected developments, such as gags and transformations, will surprise the audience.
• Music : The opening, ending and background music enhance the atmosphere of the work.
• Spin-offs : Even after the TV series ended, many spin-offs were produced, allowing you to enjoy new adventures for Wataru.

"Mashhin Hero Wataru" is a classic anime from the late 80s that is still loved by many fans today. Whether you're watching it for the first time or rewatching it out of nostalgia, you'll definitely want to enjoy the charms of this work.