A thorough review of the first season of Fujiko Fujio A's "The Laughing Salesman"!

Fujiko Fujio A's "The Laughing Salesman" Season 1 - Laughter from the Abyss and the Essence of Humanity

Fujiko Fujio A's masterpiece, The Laughing Salesman, was first adapted into a TV anime series that aired on TBS's Gimme a Break slot from 1989 to 1990. The series retains the original's dark humor and cynical perspective while still providing viewers with deep insight and laughter. Below, we'll go into more detail about the anime and what makes it so great.

Overview

"The Laughing Salesman" is a story about a mysterious salesman named Moguro Fukuzo who offers products that fill the gaps in people's hearts. Moguro Fukuzo offers his products without asking for payment, on the condition that the customer keeps one promise. However, if that promise is broken, terrible consequences await. The work depicts human weakness and desires, and satirizes the dark side of society through black humor.

Broadcast information

• Media : TV anime series
• Original Media : Manga
• Broadcast period : October 10, 1989 - September 25, 1990
• Broadcasting station : TBS
• Duration : 10 minutes
• Episode count : 45
• Original author : Fujiko Fujio A
• Produced by : Shinei Animation, Studio Look
• Copyright : ©FujikoⒶ/Shinei

story

Moguro Fukuzo is a salesman who offers products that fill the gaps in people's hearts. His products are meant to soothe the hearts of people who are swamped with emptiness and frustration in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, his products do not require payment. The only condition is that one promise be kept. If the promise is broken, dire consequences await. As an adult fable full of black humor, this work captures the fragile nature of human beings and draws viewers in with its cynical content and impactful characters.

cast

• Fukuzo Moguro : Toru Ohira

Main Staff

• Original author : Fujiko Fujio A
• Supervisor : Shinichi Suzuki
• General Director : Kunitoshirou
• Director : Yonetani Yoshitomo
• Screenplay : Kaoru Umeno
• Animation Director : Nobuhiro Okasako
• Art Director : Takashi Miyano
• Director of photography : Hiroaki Yamada
• Recording Director : Akira Okuma
• Music : Kohei Tanaka

subtitle

• Episode 1 : A Friendly Face (1989/10/17)
• Episode 2 : Easy Driver (1989/10/24)
• Episode 3 : Tomodachiya (1989/10/31)
• Episode 4 : The Ghost Man (1989/11/07)
• Episode 5 : View from the 47th Floor (1989/11/21)
• Episode 6 : Courage is a loss (1989/11/28)
• Episode 7 : Sloth (1989/12/05)
• Episode 8 : The Handcutter (1989/12/12)
• Episode 9 : Woman on the Platform (1989/12/19)
• Episode 10 : Hitomiya (1989/12/26)
• Episode 11 : The Closet Man (1990/01/09)
• Episode 12 : Daydream (1990/01/16)
• Episode 13 : The Pitfall of Yusuri (1990/01/23)
• Episode 14 : Introduction to Golf (1990/01/30)
• Episode 15 : A Woman Who Wants to Get Married (1990/02/06)
• Episode 16 : Cutting (1990/02/13)
• Episode 17 : Chikan-san (1990/02/20)
• Episode 18 : Part-time Job (Secret) Information/After the Dream (1990/03/06)
• Episode 19 : The Guardman (1990/03/13)
• Episode 20 : First Love (1990/03/20)
• Episode 21 : OB couple (1990/03/27)
• Episode 22 : Karate (1990/04/17)
• Episode 23 : Man-hater (1990/04/24)
• Episode 24 : The Light of the House (1990/05/01)
• Episode 25 : The Man in the Backseat (1990/05/08)
• Episode 26 : Beware of Popularity (1990/05/15)
• Episode 27 : Tanuki's Belly (1990/05/22)
• Episode 28 : The Executive and the Window Sitter (1990/05/22)
• Episode 29 : Satsuki disease (1990/05/29)
• Episode 30 : Message Dial (1990/06/05)
• Episode 31 : Single Life (1990/06/12)
• Episode 32 : Stopover (1990/06/19)
• Episode 33 : Kiss Fortune Telling (1990/06/26)
• Episode 34 : Refusal to Board (1990/07/03)
• Episode 35 : Bullpen Ace (1990/07/10)
• Episode 36 : Photo of my beloved wife (1990/07/24)
• Episode 37 : The Collector (1990/07/31)
• Episode 38 : Beauty under the Moon (1990/08/07)
• Episode 39 : Canned Pet (1990/08/14)
• Episode 40 : Owl's Eyes (1990/08/21)
• Episode 41 : Proud of Youth (1990/08/28)
• Episode 42 : Gourmet Volunteer (1990/09/04)
• Episode 43 : Karaoke addict (1990/09/11)
• Episode 44 : Moving Away (1990/09/18)
• Episode 45 : Moonlit Orchid (1990/09/25)

Appeal and evaluation of the work

The Laughing Salesman offers viewers deep insight with its dark humor and cynical viewpoint. Fukuzo Moguro's character is impactful and leaves a lasting impression on viewers. Each episode is independent and portrays various human weaknesses and desires. This gives viewers the opportunity to reflect on themselves and those around them.

The anime adaptation faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the original work while adding depth through visual expression. In particular, the performance of Toru Ohira, who voices Fukuzo Moguro, has been highly praised for his exquisite portrayal of the character's fearsomeness and humor. In addition, the scripts and direction of each episode are also ingenious, drawing in viewers.

Reasons for recommendation

"The Laughing Salesman" is especially recommended for those who enjoy dark humor and a cynical perspective. It is also perfect for those who enjoy works that depict human weaknesses and desires. Each episode is independent, making it easy to watch. Furthermore, it is a must-watch for viewers who want deep insight and laughs.

Related information

"The Laughing Salesman" is not only available as an original manga, but has also been expanded into other media. For example, a new series was broadcast in 2017, spreading its appeal to an even larger audience. In addition, many related books and goods have been released, which fans can enjoy collecting.

This work stands out from other works by Fujiko Fujio A for its unique worldview and black humor. Fujiko Fujio A, who also worked on children's works such as "Doraemon" and "Obake no Q-taro", wrote this work from an adult's perspective, giving viewers new surprises and impressions.

Conclusion

"The Laughing Salesman" is a masterpiece by Fujiko Fujio A, depicting the true nature of humanity with black humor and a cynical perspective. The first animated season brings out the best in the show, providing viewers with deep insight and laughter. Please watch this work and experience the world of Fukuzo Moguro. It will surely leave a deep impression on your mind.