Judo Club Story 2: A thorough analysis of the sequel's appeal and evolution

A comprehensive review and recommendation of Judo Club Story 2

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

June 25, 1991

■Original Story

・Original work: Makoto Kobayashi

■ Director

・Director: Shinichi Tokai

■ Production

Produced by Nippon Eizo Co., Ltd. Production cooperation: Nippon Animation

■ Story

After a joint training camp with strong schools, the Misaki Commercial High School judo club members practice with renewed determination. And then, at last, the prefectural tournament begins. The Misaki Commercial High School judo club members push forward toward their goals, practicing hard every day and deepening their bonds with their teammates. In particular, the main character, Sangojugo, starts out as a beginner at judo, but with the support of his teammates and his own hard work, he rapidly improves his skills. The prefectural tournament depicts their growth and challenges, and there are many moving scenes. The tension of the matches, the friendships with teammates, and the process of growth are all carefully depicted, making it a work that will deeply move viewers.

■Explanation

This is the second OVA animated adaptation of the manga by Kobayashi Makoto. It depicts the exploits of Misaki Commercial High School's judo club member, Sangojugo. Judo Club Story 2 brings out the best in the original work, while adding depth with the expressive power that only anime can offer. Director Tokairin Shinichi respects the worldview of the original work, while developing the story from his own unique perspective, providing viewers with new emotions. Tokairin Shinichi is also in charge of character design and animation direction, and his attention to detail can be seen everywhere. In particular, the intensity of the match scenes and the detailed expressions of the characters will leave a strong impression on viewers.

■Cast

・Sangojugo/Yasunori Matsumoto/Hiromi Harada/Yoshino Takamori/Ichiro Akiyama/Bin Shimada/Tetsuya Koshiba/Yotsuka Yoshitada

The acting of the cast is also superb, especially Matsumoto Yasunori who plays Sangojugo, who realistically portrays the protagonist's growth and conflict, resonating with viewers. Takamori Yoshino who plays Harada Hiromi also brings out the best in the heroine, and her acting also enhances the appeal of the work. Shimada Bin who plays Akiyama Ichiro and Otsuka Houchu who plays Koshiba Tetsuya also firmly portray the individuality of their respective characters, raising the quality of the work as a whole.

■ Main staff

・Original story/Kobayashi Makoto ・Director/Tokairin Shinichi ・Screenplay/Ike Taiki ・Character design/Tokairin Shinichi ・Animation director/Tokairin Shinichi ・Art director/Miyamae Mitsuharu

The main staff is also impressive, with director Shinichi Tokairin in particular respecting the worldview of the original work while making full use of the expressive power unique to anime to complete the work. Screenwriter Ike Daiki has faithfully reproduced the story of the original work while putting in effort to provide new excitement to viewers. Tokairin Shinichi, who was in charge of character design and animation direction, paid particular attention to the expressions and movements of the characters, creating visuals that leave a strong impression on viewers. Art director Miyamae Mitsuharu paid particular attention to the details of the backgrounds and art, enriching the worldview of the work.

■ Main Characters

・Three hundred and five five (sangojuugo)
The protagonist of the story is a first-year high school student who is a member of the judo club at Misaki Commercial High School. Although he started out as a beginner at judo, his competitive spirit and talent make him rapidly improve his skills. When he concentrates, his face turns into a pouting, hyottoko-like expression. Sangojugo is a character who deeply moves viewers as he is portrayed facing himself and growing through judo. His competitive spirit and consideration for his teammates have resonated with many viewers.

・Hiromi Harada
Jyugo's girlfriend. He has been Jyugo's childhood friend since elementary school. Hiromi Harada is a character who supports Jyugo and warmly watches over his growth. Her kindness and strength give the whole work a warm atmosphere.

・Ichiro Akiyama
Jyugo's best friend since elementary school. He was originally a swimmer, but joined the judo club with Jyugo. Ichiro Akiyama is a good friend of Jyugo's, and the two are portrayed growing together. His friendship and efforts are elements that move viewers.

・Tetsuya Koshiba
A senior in the judo club who recruited Jyugo to join the club. Although small in stature, he is a skilled athlete. Tetsuya Koshiba is an important character who guides Jyugo's growth, and his guidance and advice are essential to Jyugo's development. His skills and humanity will leave a strong impression on viewers.

■ Related works

・Judo Club Story

Judo Club Story 2 is a sequel to Judo Club Story, and while retaining the worldview and characters of the original, it develops a new story. Those who have already watched Judo Club Story will be even more deeply moved by Judo Club Story 2. Also, those who are watching Judo Club Story 2 for the first time will be able to experience the charm of the original, so we hope you will enjoy both works.

■ Evaluation

Judo Club Story 2 brings out the best in the original work, while adding depth with the expressive power that only anime can offer. In particular, the intensity of the match scenes and the detailed expressions of the characters will leave a strong impression on viewers. The acting of the cast is also superb, and Matsumoto Yasunori, who plays Sangoju, realistically portrays the protagonist's growth and conflict, resonating with viewers. Takamori Yoshino, who plays Harada Hiromi, also brings out the best in the heroine, and her acting also enhances the appeal of the work. Shimada Bin, who plays Akiyama Ichiro, and Otsuka Yoshitada, who plays Koshiba Tetsuya, also firmly portray the individual personalities of their characters, raising the quality of the work as a whole.

The main staff is also impressive, with director Shinichi Tokairin in particular respecting the worldview of the original work while making full use of the expressive power unique to anime to complete the work. Screenwriter Ike Daiki has faithfully reproduced the story of the original work while putting in effort to provide new excitement to viewers. Tokairin Shinichi, who was in charge of character design and animation direction, paid particular attention to the expressions and movements of the characters, creating visuals that leave a strong impression on viewers. Art director Miyamae Mitsuharu paid particular attention to the details of the backgrounds and art, enriching the worldview of the work.

Judo Club Story 2 is a moving work that depicts the characters facing themselves and growing through judo. In particular, the growth of the main character, Sangojugo, and the bond he forms with his teammates will leave a deep impression on viewers. Additionally, the intensity of the match scenes and the detailed expressions of the characters are not to be missed and will leave a strong impression on viewers. Judo Club Story 2 is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like anime and sports.

■Recommendation

Judo Club Story 2 brings out the best in the original work, while adding depth with the expressive power that only anime can offer. In particular, the intensity of the match scenes and the detailed expressions of the characters will leave a strong impression on viewers. The acting of the cast is also superb, and Matsumoto Yasunori, who plays Sangoju, realistically portrays the protagonist's growth and conflict, resonating with viewers. Takamori Yoshino, who plays Harada Hiromi, also brings out the best in the heroine, and her acting also enhances the appeal of the work. Shimada Bin, who plays Akiyama Ichiro, and Otsuka Yoshitada, who plays Koshiba Tetsuya, also firmly portray the individual personalities of their characters, raising the quality of the work as a whole.

The main staff is also impressive, with director Shinichi Tokairin in particular respecting the worldview of the original work while making full use of the expressive power unique to anime to complete the work. Screenwriter Ike Daiki has faithfully reproduced the story of the original work while putting in effort to provide new excitement to viewers. Tokairin Shinichi, who was in charge of character design and animation direction, paid particular attention to the expressions and movements of the characters, creating visuals that leave a strong impression on viewers. Art director Miyamae Mitsuharu paid particular attention to the details of the backgrounds and art, enriching the worldview of the work.

Judo Club Story 2 is a moving work that depicts the characters facing themselves and growing through judo. In particular, the growth of the main character, Sangojugo, and the bond he forms with his teammates will surely leave a deep impression on viewers. Additionally, the power of the match scenes and the detailed expressions of the characters are not to be missed and will leave a strong impression on viewers. Judo Club Story 2 is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like anime and sports. Please watch Judo Club Story 2 and experience its excitement and charm.