The appeal and evaluation of the second season of Fujiko Fujio A's "Warau Salesman"

Fujiko Fujio A's "The Laughing Salesman" Season 2 - The Darkest Humor and the Essence of Humanity

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

March 12, 1991 - March 24, 1992

■Broadcasting station

Broadcast: TBS

■Frequencies

10 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 48

■Original Story

・Original work: Fujiko Fujio A

■ Production

Shinei Animation, Studio Look

■Works

©FujikoⒶ/Shinei

■Explanation

The mysterious salesman, Moguro Fukuzo, deals in human hearts. His job is to fill the "gaps in the hearts" of people who are overwhelmed by their daily lives and feel empty and frustrated. No, there is no charge. However, please be sure to keep your promise. Otherwise...
This anime is an adult fable full of black humor, based on the original work by Fujiko Fujio A. Broadcast on TBS's "Gimme a Break" from 1989, this work created a huge boom with its cynical content that captured the fragile nature of human beings and its impactful characters.
If you think anime is for kids, how about a really dry cocktail every now and then? Don't get too drunk... oh ho ho ho.

*Provided by Shin-Ei Animation

■Cast

・Fukuzo Moguro/Toru Ohira

■ Main staff

・Original work: Fujiko Fujio A
・Supervision/Shinichi Suzuki ・General Director/Kunitoshirou ・Director/Yoneya Yoshitomo ・Screenplay/Kaoru Umeno ・Chief Animation Director/Nobuhiro Okasako ・Art Director/Takashi Miyano ・Director of Photography/Hiroaki Yamada ・Sound Director/Akira Okuma ・Music/Kohei Tanaka

■Subtitle

Episode 47: Steam Elegy (1991/03/12)
Episode 48: Kefir (1991/03/19)
Episode 49: The Man Looking Down (1991/04/09)
Episode 50: Golf Freak (1991/04/16)
・Episode 51/Old face, young body (1991/04/23)
Episode 52: Chair Man (1991/04/30)
Episode 53: Decision Stick (1991/05/07)
Episode 54: The Strange Adventures of a Hot Spring (1991/05/14)
Episode 55: Anshin Capsule (1991/05/21)
Episode 56: Self-praise (1991/05/28)
・Episode 57/Home garden (1991/06/04)
Episode 58: Spicy Sake (1991/06/11)
Episode 59: Paradise Bath (1991/06/18)
Episode 60: Rental Girlfriend (1991/06/25)
Episode 61: Memories of the Bar (1991/07/02)
Episode 62: Beloved Wife's Lunch Box (1991/07/09)
Episode 63: Divorce Club (1991/07/16)
Episode 64: My Dream Home (1991/07/23)
Episode 65: Gift of Love (1991/07/30)
Episode 66: Family Reunion (August 6, 1991)
Episode 67: Love Through the Glass (1991/08/13)
Episode 68: Bar-Crawling (1991/08/20)
Episode 69: Long Vacation (1991/08/27)
Episode 70: Wanio's Mysterious Cooking (1991/09/03)
Episode 71: House Lady/Sleep Pillow (1991/09/10)
Episode 72: The Phantom Star (1991/09/24)
Episode 73: Clean Syndrome (1991/10/08)
Episode 74: The Switched Notebook (1991/10/15)
Episode 75: Red or Black!? (1991/10/22)
Episode 76: Sunday Club (1991/10/29)
Episode 77: Life in the Forest (1991/11/05)
Episode 78: Mangania (1991/11/12)
Episode 79: Vacant Lot in the Sky (1991/11/26)
Episode 80: Homeless Advice (1991/12/03)
Episode 81: Super Luxury Carsion (1991/12/10)
Episode 82: Zelkova in the Valley (1991/12/17)
Episode 83: Mysterious Antiques (1991/12/24)
Episode 84: Little Finger Koyori (1992/01/07)
Episode 85: The Phantom Amusement Park (1992/01/14)
・Episode 86/Intravenous disease patient (1992/01/21)
Episode 87: Signboard Girl (1992/01/28)
Episode 88: After 5 Club (February 4, 1992)
Episode 89: Golf Dominoes (1992/02/11)
Episode 90: Silver Bank (1992/02/18)
Episode 91: Light in the Valley/Eternal Residence (1992/03/03)
Episode 92: The Food Sales Man (1992/03/10)
Episode 93: Blue Eye Japanese (1992/03/17)
・Episode 94/Night Train (1992/03/24)

The appeal and evaluation of the second season of "The Laughing Salesman"

Fujiko Fujio A's "The Laughing Salesman" is known for depicting the true nature of humanity with black humor and a cynical perspective. The second season aired from 1991 to 1992, and attracted viewers with a volume of 48 episodes. Let's take a closer look at the appeal and evaluation of this work.

1. Story and Theme

The story of "The Laughing Salesman" is about a mysterious salesman, Fukuzo Moguro, who offers various products to fill the "gaps in people's hearts". However, these products do not always bring happiness, and often lead to dire consequences. The work offers deep insight by depicting human desires, weaknesses, and the price they have to pay.

In the second season, a wider variety of situations and characters appeared, broadening the scope of the human drama. For example, "Yukemuri Elegy" is a story set in a hot spring, and "Golf Freak" depicts the tragicomedy of a man who becomes obsessed with golf. These episodes skillfully portray the desires and conflicts of people that lurk in everyday life.

2. Characters

The central character of this series is Fukuzo Moguro. He is a calm and calculating salesman whose presence leaves a strong impression on the viewer. Voice actor Toru Ohira's performance is also excellent, perfectly expressing Moguro's creepiness and humor.

Additionally, the guest characters that appear in each episode are also fascinating. Each of them has different worries and desires, and it is interesting to see how these change depending on Mokuro's products. For example, "Chair Man" depicts the anguish of a man who cannot sit on a chair, while "Rental Girlfriend" tells the story of a man who rents a girlfriend to fill his loneliness. Through these characters, viewers have the opportunity to look inside their own hearts.

3. Animation and Production

The animation for "The Laughing Salesman" was produced jointly by Shinei Animation and Studio Look. Under the direction of animation director Nobuhiro Okasako, each episode was carefully drawn, with the characters' expressions and movements expressed realistically. Additionally, the background art by art director Takashi Miyano was beautiful, enhancing the atmosphere of the story.

In terms of directing, director Yoshitomo Yonetani's skill shines through. The development of each episode is well-paced, so the viewer never tires of watching. Scriptwriter Kaoru Umeno's storytelling is also excellent, with a perfect blend of black humor and a cynical perspective.

4. Music

The music was composed by Kohei Tanaka, further enhancing the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the theme song for Fukuzo Moguro is a memorable melody that combines creepiness and humor, and will remain in the viewers' memories. The background music for each episode is also used skillfully to match the development of the story, playing a role in enhancing the viewers' emotions.

5. Social impact and evaluation

The Laughing Salesman was well received by many viewers for its depiction of human nature through black humor and a cynical perspective. In particular, it attracted attention in Japanese society in the 1990s as a work that reflected the anxiety and stress after the collapse of the bubble economy. The character of Moguro Fukuzo became a kind of social phenomenon, giving rise to many parodies and derivative works.

Critics praised the film, calling it "a sharp portrayal of human desires and weaknesses" and "a masterpiece of black humor." Viewers also praised it, saying it "prompts thought" and "combines laughter and horror," and it gained support from a wide range of viewers.

Recommended points for the second season of "The Laughing Salesman"

The second season of "The Laughing Salesman" is a work that can be recommended to many viewers as it depicts the true nature of humanity with black humor and a cynical perspective. Below are some points that I would particularly like to recommend it for.

1. Deep insight and dark humor

This series offers viewers deep insight into human desires and weaknesses, wrapped in black humor. Each episode may seem comical at first glance, but there are serious themes hidden underneath, making viewers laugh and think.

2. Diverse characters and stories

The second season will feature a variety of characters and storylines. Each episode will draw viewers in with a different situation, such as "Yukemuri Elegy," set in a hot spring, or "Golf Freak," about a man obsessed with golf. The worries and desires of guest characters are also portrayed realistically, giving viewers an opportunity to reflect on their own inner thoughts.

3. Beautiful animation and production

This animation, a joint production by Shinei Animation and Studio Look, will captivate viewers with its meticulous drawing and beautiful background art. In addition, the skillful direction of director Yoshitomo Yonetani and the excellent storytelling of screenwriter Kaoru Umeno will draw viewers into the story.

4. Impressive music

Tanaka Kohei's music further enhances the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the theme song for Moguro Fukuzo is an impressive melody that combines creepiness and humor, and will surely remain in the viewers' memories. In addition, the background music for each episode is also used skillfully to match the development of the story, and plays a role in enhancing the viewers' emotions.

summary

Fujiko Fujio A's second season of "The Laughing Salesman" is a work that can be recommended to many viewers as a work that depicts the true nature of humanity with black humor and a cynical perspective. It is full of many charms, such as deep insight, diverse characters, beautiful animation and direction, and impressive music. Please give it a watch. I hope you don't get drunk... oh ho ho ho.