Earth SOS Go Kororin - A thorough analysis of the appeal and educational value of children's animation

Earth SOS Let's Go Kororin - The appeal and significance of an anime themed around environmental protection

"Earth SOS Let's Go, Kororin," an environmentally themed animated series that aired on NHK ETV from 1992 to 1993, was created to teach children about the importance of the global environment. Viewers can learn about the importance of environmental protection through the character Kororin's actions as he confronts various environmental issues on Earth.

Overview

"Chikyu SOS Soreike Kororin" was broadcast every Wednesday from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. from April 8, 1992 to March 10, 1993. It consists of 26 episodes, each 30 minutes long. The anime was co-produced by NHK, Gakken, and Studio Gallop, and was directed by Norihiro Takamoto. The character designs were by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, and the theme song was sung by Kaori Homma.

Story and Themes

The story depicts Kororin, who comes from the planet Oasis, struggling to solve the Earth's environmental problems. Kororin confronts various villains to protect the Earth's natural environment and teaches children the importance of environmental protection. Each episode deals with a specific environmental issue, such as garbage problems, water pollution, ozone layer destruction by fluorocarbons, and deforestation.

For example, episode 1, "Kororin, the ogre from Oasis Planet!", begins with Kororin arriving on Earth and facing an environmental problem for the first time. Episode 2, "Showdown! Kororin on the Yodomi River," depicts Kororin's struggle to clean up a polluted river. Episode 7, "CFCs vs. Ozone: Korori, the Fated Rival," deals with the issue of ozone layer destruction caused by CFCs, and informs viewers of its dangers.

character

The main characters are Kororin (voiced by Mami Koyama), Eko Rojita (voiced by Akiko Hiramatsu), Clean Syndrome (voiced by Nobuyuki Hiyama), and Dirty Demon Kurio (voiced by Tsutomu Kashiwakura). Kororin is the main character who fights to protect the Earth's environment, and is characterized by his bright and cheerful personality. Eko Rojita is Kororin's friend, and they stand up against environmental issues together. Clean Syndrome and Dirty Demon Kurio appear as villains who cause environmental problems, and confront Kororin.

Background and significance of the production

This anime was produced to teach children about the importance of environmental issues. In the early 1990s, environmental issues such as global warming and ozone layer depletion began to attract worldwide attention, and this anime was produced in response to that trend. As it was jointly produced by NHK and Gakken, it has a strong educational element and allows children to learn about environmental issues while having fun.

This anime also has a strong sense of the production team's dedication, such as the use of Yoshikazu Yasuhiko in character design. Yoshikazu Yasuhiko is an animator known for his character designs in works such as Mobile Suit Gundam, and his design for Kororin was a success as a character beloved by children.

Episode details

Below are details about each episode.

• Episode 1: Kororin, the one from the planet Oasis! (1992/04/08)

  In this episode, Kororin comes to Earth from the planet Oasis. It depicts him facing the Earth's environmental problems for the first time and struggling to solve them.

• Episode 2: Showdown! The Yodomi River Killer (1992/04/15)

  This episode is about Kororin's struggle to clean up the polluted Yodomi River. The highlight is the showdown between the Clean Syndrome and the Dirty Death Demon Kurio.

• Episode 3: Gomira vs. Gomiko's Death (1992/04/22)

  This episode focuses on the garbage problem. Kororin works with characters Gomira and Gomiko to think of ways to reduce garbage.

• Episode 4: The Campsite is in an Uproar! (1992/04/29)

  An episode depicting environmental issues at a campsite. You can see Kororin's efforts to protect the nature at the campsite.

• Episode 5: Subtitle TBA (1992/05/06)

  The specific subtitle has not yet been decided, but the film will depict content related to environmental issues.

• Episode 6: No Matter How Many Times You Cut It, It's a Mudagami Mirror! (1992/05/13)

  A character called Mudagamirar appears in this episode, and the theme is wasteful use of resources. Kororin confronts Mudagamirar and appeals for more efficient use of resources.

• Episode 7: Freon vs. Ozone: The Fated Rivals (1992/05/20)

  An episode on the theme of ozone layer destruction caused by CFCs. Kororin conveys the importance of protecting the ozone layer through a battle between CFCs and ozone.

• Episode 8: Rain Mask Has Arrived (1992/05/27)

  This episode introduces a character called Rain Mask and depicts the importance of water resources. Kororin cooperates with Rain Mask to protect water resources.

• Episode 9: Manpuku attacks gourmet food (1992/06/03)

  This episode focuses on the food issue. Kororin confronts a character called Manpuku and thinks about ways to prevent food waste.

• Episode 10: Subtitle TBA (1992/06/10)

  The specific subtitle has not yet been decided, but the film will depict content related to environmental issues.

• Episode 11: The Car is Destroyed (1992/06/17)

  This episode focuses on air pollution caused by automobiles, and shows Kororin taking on the problem of automobile exhaust fumes.

• Episode 12: Even birds get angry (1992/06/24)

  This episode depicts Kororin's struggle to protect bird habitats, and conveys the importance of protecting bird ecosystems.

• Episode 13: Grandma's Wisdom Solves the Problem (1992/07/01)

  An episode about using grandma's wisdom to solve environmental problems. It depicts Kororin learning from grandma's wisdom and confronting environmental issues.

• Episode 14: A Butterfly Ghost Surprises Me! (1992/07/08)

  This episode depicts Kororin's struggle to protect the butterfly ecosystem. A butterfly ghost character appears and conveys the importance of nature conservation.

• Episode 15: Angry Akashio! (1992/09/02)

  This episode features a character named Akashio and has the theme of marine pollution. Kororin confronts Akashio and shows how they protect the marine environment.

• Episode 16: Dad is a Saving Hero (1992/09/09)

  An episode with the theme of saving resources. Kororin's dad appears as a saving hero and appeals for the efficient use of resources.

• Episode 17: Will the ice in Antarctica melt? (1992/09/16)

  This episode is about the melting of Antarctic ice due to global warming, and depicts Kororin's struggle to protect the Antarctic ice.

• Episode 18: Beware of shiny vegetables (1992/09/23)

  This episode focuses on the issue of pesticides. Kororin confronts a character called "Pikapika Yasai" and explains the dangers of pesticides.

• Episode 19: The Forest is Everyone's Treasure (1992/10/07)

  An episode themed on forest conservation, depicting Kororin's struggle to protect the forest.

• Episode 20: Korori on Thanksgiving for Electricity (1992/10/14)

  An episode themed on the effective use of electricity. It depicts Kororin's efforts to convey the importance of electricity.

• Episode 21: A Grudge and a Bald Slap! (1992/10/21)

  This episode features a character called Hagechabinta and has a theme of environmental destruction. Kororin confronts Hagechabinta and appeals for the importance of protecting nature.

• Episode 22: Idols are clean freaks! Koroli (1992/10/28)

  An episode themed on idol cleanliness, depicting Kororin working with the idols to keep the environment clean.

• Episode 23: Recycling Makes It On TV (11/11/1992)

  A recycling-themed episode in which Kororin appears on TV through recycling.

• Episode 24: Hungry, Hungry, and Crazy! (1992/11/18)

  This episode focuses on the energy issue, and shows Kororin working with a character called Hatsudenki to think of ways to save energy.

• Episode 25: What is the scariest animal? (1992/11/25)

  An episode themed around animal protection, depicting Kororin's struggle to protect the ecosystem of animals.

• Episode 26: Turning the Desert Green (1992/12/02)

  An episode themed on desert greening, depicting Kororin's struggle to turn the desert green.

• Episode 27: Subtitle TBA (1992/12/09)

  The specific subtitle has not yet been decided, but the film will depict content related to environmental issues.

• Episode 28: The Fall of Yodomi River (1993/01/06)

  A rebroadcast episode. It shows Kororin's efforts to clean up the Yodomi River.

• Episode 29: Showdown! The Yodomi River Killer (1993/01/13)

  A rebroadcast episode. It shows Kororin's efforts to clean up the Yodomi River.

• Episode 30: The Ozone Destroyer Appears! (1993/01/20)

  A rebroadcast episode in which Kororin confronts the Ozone Destroyer and protects the ozone layer.

• Episode 31: Grandma's Wisdom Solves the Problem (1993/01/27)

  A rebroadcast episode in which Kororin uses her grandmother's wisdom to solve environmental problems.

• Episode 32: Angry Akashio! Koroli (1993/02/03)

  A re-broadcast episode in which Kororin confronts Akashio and protects the marine environment.

• Episode 33: The ice in Antarctica is melting (1993/02/10)

  A rebroadcast episode. It shows Kororin's struggle to protect the ice of the Antarctic.

• Episode 34: Beware of the Shiny Shopkeepers (1993/02/17)

  A re-broadcast episode. Kororin confronts Pikapika Yasai and tells him about the dangers of pesticides.

• Episode 35: Turning the Desert Green (1993/02/24)

  A re-broadcast episode showing Kororin's struggle to turn the desert green.

• Episode 36: I saw the future of Earth! (1993/03/03)

  An episode that looks at the future of the Earth. It shows Kororin seeing the future of the Earth and reaffirming the importance of current environmental issues.

• Episode 37: Kororin's Final Battle (1993/03/10)

  The final episode shows Kororin fighting his final battle and doing his best to protect the Earth's environment.

Evaluation and impact

"Earth SOS Go Kororin" has been highly praised as an anime created to teach children the importance of environmental issues. It has been particularly praised for the way it tackles specific environmental issues in each episode and makes it easy for viewers to understand the issues. It has also been praised for the fact that the character Kororin is beloved by children and effectively conveys the message of environmental protection.

This anime reflected the growing awareness of environmental issues in the early 1990s, and had a social impact by appealing to viewers about the importance of environmental protection. In particular, the content, which allowed children to learn about environmental issues while having fun, was of high educational value and was watched in many schools and homes.

Recommendations and how to watch

"Earth SOS Go! Kororin" is a recommended anime for people who are interested in environmental issues and parents who want to teach their children the importance of environmental protection. Currently, it can be viewed on DVD and through internet distribution services. Some episodes are also available on the NHK official website, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.

This anime is designed to teach about environmental issues while having fun, providing viewers with deep inspiration and learning. Why not use Kororin's adventures as an opportunity to think about what you can do to protect the future of the Earth?