Hey! Ryoma - A great combination of history and adventure

Hey! Ryoma - A great combination of history and adventure

"Hey! Ryoma": A moving story where history and youth intersect

"Oi! Ryoma" is a TV anime series that aired on NHK General TV from 1992 to 1993. The work depicts the childhood of Sakamoto Ryoma, a hero of the late Edo period, and is based on a manga by Takeda Tetsuya and Koyama Yu. The 39-episode series skillfully blends historical background with youth drama, deeply moving viewers.

Overview

"Hey! Ryoma" is a story that follows the growth of Sakamoto Ryoma from childhood to adolescence. Ryoma grows up through meeting and parting with various people while training at a swordsmanship dojo. The story is set in the turbulent period of the end of the Edo period and depicts Ryoma's growth as a person and the dreams and hopes he harbors.

Background

This anime was produced by NHK and co-produced by Nippon Herald Films and Animation 21. It was directed by Yutaka Kagawa, general director Hiroshi Sasagawa, and character design and animation direction was by Katsumi Hashimoto. The theme song is sung by Tetsuya Takeda, which adds to the atmosphere of the work.

story

The story begins in Tosa, where Ryoma was born. As a child, Ryoma faces many difficulties while training at a sword-fighting dojo. However, he never gives up and grows together with his friends. The story is closely linked to historical events, such as Ryoma's journey to Edo, where he trains at the Chiba dojo, and the impact of the arrival of the Black Ships. The story concludes with Ryoma escaping from his domain and setting off on a journey with dreams of the world.

character

The protagonist, Sakamoto Ryoma, is portrayed as a brave boy with a strong sense of justice. Although he has a talent for swordsmanship, he also values ​​the bonds he has with his friends, and it is impressive to see how he overcomes difficulties. Ryoma's family and friends are also unique, enriching the story. In particular, the teachings of his mother and his relationship with his father have a major impact on Ryoma's development.

Evaluation and impact

"Oi! Ryoma" was highly praised as a coming-of-age drama, even though it depicted a historical background. In particular, the portrayal of Ryoma's growth and human relationships deeply moved viewers. The work also had high educational value, stimulating children's interest in history. Furthermore, the theme song by Takeda Tetsuya became a hot topic, further enhancing the appeal of the work.

Recommended points

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

  • A fusion of history and youth : A work depicting a youth drama set against the backdrop of the history of the late Edo period is rare, and will give viewers a fresh and moving experience.
  • Character growth : Not only the main character, Ryoma Sakamoto, but the surrounding characters are also unique and their growth process is depicted realistically.
  • Educational value : By illustrating historical events and people, it stimulates children's interest in history.
  • Music : Tetsuya Takeda's theme song sets the mood of the film and touches the hearts of viewers.

Detailed episode introduction

Below are details about each episode.

■Subtitle

Episode 1: The Birth of Ryoma (working title) (1992/04/07)
Episode 2: Cowardly Ryuma - Which do you prefer, the cram school or the dojo?! (1992/04/14)
・Episode 3: The Soul of a Swordsman - A Flaw! Is Ryoma still a genius? (1992/04/21)
Episode 4: Failure as a Student: The first character I learned, "sea," has my mother in it (1992/04/28)
Episode 5: Upper class and lower class (provisional title) (1992/05/05)
Episode 6: Ryuma the Coward (1992/05/12)
Episode 7: Rivalry Match (1992/05/19)
Episode 8: The Showdown Is Over! (1992/05/26)
Episode 9: Defeating the Tengu (1992/06/02)
Episode 10: Desperate Situation (1992/06/09)
Episode 10: Desperate Situation (1992/06/16)
Episode 11: Big Show (1992/06/23)
Episode 12: Three Days and Three Nights of Will (1992/06/30)
Episode 13: Mother's Teachings (1992/07/07)
Episode 12: Three Days and Three Nights of Will (1992/07/14)
Episode 13: Mother's Teachings (1992/07/21)
Episode 14: Before the Dawn of Youth (1992/09/01)
Episode 15: The Hero in My Heart (September 8, 1992)
Episode 16: Father and Son (1992/09/22)
Episode 17: Serious Love Battle (1992/10/06)
Episode 18: Edo Sword Training (1992/10/13)
Episode 19: The Black Ships (1992/10/20)
Episode 20: Edo souvenirs in the palm of your hand (1992/10/27)
Episode 21: Become a passionate Japanese patriot (1992/11/03)
Episode 22: Hachihei's Last Lesson (1992/11/10)
Episode 23: Match in Front of the Emperor (1992/11/17)
Episode 24: The winner is decided, one body shot! (1992/11/24)
Episode 25: Takuma, you can't die! (1992/12/01)
Episode 26: Farewell Edo, Farewell Chiba Dojo (1992/12/08)
Episode 26: Farewell Edo, Farewell Chiba Dojo (1993/01/12)
Episode 27: This is Hokushin Itto-ryu! (1992/12/15)
Episode 27: This is Hokushin Itto-ryu! (1993/01/19)
Episode 28: Explosive Battle! Upper Class vs. Lower Class (1992/12/22)
Episode 28: Explosive Battle! Upper Class vs. Lower Class (1993/01/25)
Episode 29: We, the Tosa Imperial Party (1992/12/29)
Episode 29: We, the Tosa Imperial Party (1993/02/02)
Episode 30: The Love Letter Written by Izo (1993/01/15)
Episode 30: The Love Letter Written by Izo (February 9, 1993)
Episode 31: Dreams of sailing the world's oceans... (1993/02/16)
Episode 32: Farewell to Tosa! Ryoma's Escape (1993/02/23)
Episode 33: Aim for Nagasaki, board the Black Ships (1993/03/02)
Episode 34: Welcome to the Reunion on the Boat (March 9, 1993)
Episode 33: Aim for Nagasaki, board the Black Ships (1993/03/16)
Episode 34: Welcome, Ryoma, Reunion on the Ship (1993/03/23)
Episode 35: First Steps into the World's Oceans (1993/03/30)
Episode 36: Hanpeita's Final Trump Card (1993/03/30)
Episode 37: What I Saw in the Foreign Land I Longed for... (1993/03/30)
Episode 38: Stand Up, My Friends! (1993/03/30)
Episode 39: To Japan (1993/03/30)

Production Staff

■ Main staff

・Original story: Tetsuya Takeda, Yu Koyama ・Produced and written by NHK
Co-produced by NHK Enterprises Animation production by Nippon Herald Films, Animation 21
・Screenplay: Nobuaki Kishima, Michiyo Yoshida ・General Director: Hiroshi Sasagawa ・Director: Yutaka Kagawa ・Direction: Yutaka Kagawa, Fumio Ikeno ・Character Design: Katsumi Hashimoto ・Chief Animation Director: Katsumi Hashimoto ・Art Director: Jiro Kono ・Theme Song: Tetsuya Takeda

Broadcast information

"Oi! Ryoma" was broadcast on NHK General TV every Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. on April 7, 1992 to March 30, 1993. It consists of 39 episodes, each 30 minutes long.

Conclusion

"Hey! Ryoma" is a moving work that skillfully combines history and youth drama. The portrayal of Sakamoto Ryoma's growth and human relationships deeply touches the viewer and has high educational value. Takeda Tetsuya's theme song also enhances the appeal of the work. This work is recommended not only for those who are interested in history, but also for those who want to enjoy a youth drama. Please give it a watch.

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