The appeal and reviews of "Dash! Yonkuro": A four-wheel drive battle anime that can be enjoyed by both children and adults

"Dash! Yonkuro" - A story about boys racing through the world of mini 4WD

"Dash! Yonkuro", which aired from 1989 to 1990, is an anime series in which a small machine called Mini 4WD plays a major role. The original story was created from a toy made by Tokuda Saurus, and a total of 25 episodes were broadcast on the TV Tokyo network. This work is still loved today as a masterpiece that maximized the appeal of Mini 4WD and captured the hearts of children.

■Overview of the work

"Dash! Yonkuro" is a story about the hero Hinomaru Yonkuro and his friends in the Mini 4WD Grand Prix held all over the country. Yonkuro wins many competitions with his father's keepsake, Boomerang, and forms the "Dash Corps (Warriors)" with some talented boys. Their machines are Dash No. 1 to Dash No. 5, prepared by Sumeragi. Each machine has its own unique characteristics, and Yonkuro and his friends use them to defeat strong opponents.

At the climax of the story, Kidouin Jin, Shikarou's greatest rival, appears. Jin's machine, "Proto-Emperor," is the brother machine of Shikarou's "Emperor," and the battle between the two becomes a fateful one. Shikarou learns of the existence of Dash 0, the root of all machines, and begins to believe that it must be his father, Genkurou's machine. And so the fateful battle begins.

■Character Introduction

Yonkuro: His favorite car is Dash No. 1 "Emperor". He is a genius technician of Mini 4WD and is the central figure of the Dash Corps, who overcomes any crisis with guts. His courage and friendship inspire his comrades and give them the power to win even in difficult situations.

Tankro: His favorite car is the Dash 2 "Burning Sun". He is a good partner to Yonkuro and a man who respects power. His powerful driving is a great support for the team.

Shinkuro: His favorite car is the Dash 3 "Shooting Star". He is a prodigy in modification techniques and is a rich kid, but he also has a tough side. However, he is actually lonely and values ​​the bonds with his friends.

Punklow: His favorite car is the Dash 4 "Cannonball." He's usually quiet, but when he puts on makeup, he changes and shows his true talent. He's also a famous guitarist in a rock band, and is a unique character.

Sumeragi Rinko: Her favorite car is Dash No. 5 "D.D. (Dancing Doll)". She is the only female member of the Dash Corps and Sumeragi's younger sister. Although she sometimes digs her own grave out of kindness, she warms the hearts of her comrades.

Sumeragi: An acquaintance of Shikaro's father, Genkuro, he is a good advisor to Shikaro and his friends who formed the Dash Corps. His knowledge and experience support the growth of Shikaro and his friends.

Kidouin Jin: His favorite car is the "Proto-Emperor". He is a superhuman who owns the "Emperor" of Shikkurō and its sister machine, the "Proto-Emperor", and is the leader of Team U. He stands in the way of Shikkurō and his friends as their greatest enemy.

■Story development

The story of "Dash! Yonkuro" is set in the Mini 4WD Grand Prix. The Yonkuros grow as they face off on various courses and powerful opponents. Particularly memorable episodes include the Underwater Emperor, the Terrifying Pyramid, Escape from the Maze, and the Skullion's Counterattack. These episodes test the friendship and guts of the Yonkuros, leaving viewers in awe.

In the second half of the story, the showdown between Shikuro and Kidoin Jin reaches its climax. Shikuro uses his father's keepsakes, Boomerang and Dash 1 "Emperor", to fight Jin's "Primitive Emperor". This battle is the culmination of Shikuro's growth and friendship, and leaves viewers deeply moved.

■ Production staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "Dash! Yonkuro." The general director was Hiroshi Sasagawa, the director was Hitoshi Namba, and the animation was done by Aubeck. The character design and general animation director was Daiji Suzuki, the music was by Keita Miyahara, and the sound director was Yoshikazu Iwanami. Thanks to the cooperation of these staff members, the work maintained a high quality and became a work that was loved by viewers.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme "BE TOP" inspires viewers with its powerful singing voice by Kitahara Taku, composition by Ike Takeshi, and arrangement by Yoshida Akihiko. The ending theme "Endless Challenge" also symbolizes the challenge of Shikakuro and his friends, with its singing voice by Kitahara Taku, composition by Ike Takeshi, and arrangement by Yoshida Akihiko. These songs deepen the worldview of the work and resonate with viewers.

■ Evaluation and impact

Although "Dash! Yonkuro" is a work based on the Mini 4WD toy, it depicts universal themes such as friendship, guts, and growth, and was loved by many viewers. In particular, the story of friendship and growth of Yonkuro and his friends gave children dreams and hope, and became a catalyst for further increasing the popularity of Mini 4WD.

This work also played a role in spreading awareness of the appeal of Mini 4WD as a competitive sport. Seeing the exploits of Shikakuro and his friends, many children became interested in Mini 4WD and actually began to modify their own machines and participate in races. This resulted in Mini 4WD becoming a toy that maintained long-term popularity rather than a passing fad.

■ Recommendation points

"Dash! Yonkuro" is a work that brings out the charm of Mini 4WD to the fullest, and is enjoyable for both children and adults. In particular, the story of friendship and growth between the Yonkuros will move viewers and inspire their dreams and hopes. The show also depicts the appeal of Mini 4WD as a sport, so viewers who are interested may want to try Mini 4WD for themselves.

Furthermore, this work reflects Japanese culture from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, giving viewers a sense of nostalgia. For those who remember the Mini 4WD boom, this work will be re-evaluated as a piece of nostalgia. For those who are watching it for the first time, this work will provide new discoveries and moving experiences.

Conclusion

"Dash! Yonkuro" is a masterpiece anime that draws out the charm of Mini 4WD to the fullest and tells the story of friendship and growth. The exploits of Yonkuro and his friends have given viewers dreams and hope, and have further increased the popularity of Mini 4WD. This work can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, and also depicts the charm of Mini 4WD as a competition. Please give it a watch.