YAWARA! Go for it, cowardly kids!! - Evaluation and recommendation of a masterpiece anime depicting the charm of judo and the brilliance of youth

The appeal and evaluation of "YAWARA! Go Cowardly Kids!!"

■Overview of the work

"YAWARA! Let's Go, Cowardly Kids!!" is an animated feature film released on August 1, 1992, and is based on the popular manga "YAWARA!" by Urasawa Naoki. The original was serialized in "Big Comic Spirits" and was later adapted into an animated TV series, which gained huge popularity. This feature film was produced in response to that success. It was directed by Tokita Hiroko and produced by Nippon Television Network, Yomiuri Television Network, VAP, and Kitty Film, with production cooperation from Madhouse. The 60-minute film follows the new challenges faced by a female judoka named Inokuma Yawu.

■ Story

One day, Inokuma Yuzuru, who has grown to become one of Japan's leading female judo players, meets some boys and girls from a small judo club. Their coach is ill and unable to practice, so Yuzuru takes over as temporary instructor. However, the boys have lost motivation after losing to a rival judo club. Yuzuru overcomes various challenges to help them regain the joy and confidence in judo. This story is an original idea by the original author, Urasawa Naoki.

■ Characters

The main character, Inokuma Jyuu, is a girl who has devoted herself to judo training since she was a child. While she dreams of ordinary love and fashion, she distinguishes herself in the world of judo. Her voice is provided by Yuko Minaguchi, who realistically portrays Jyuu's growth and struggles. Inokuma Shigegoro, Jyuu's grandfather and judo master, is voiced by Ichiro Nagai, and is portrayed as a strict but warm character.

■ Staff

The director of this work is Hiroko Tokita, and the script is by Toshiki Inoue. The director is Morio Asaka, the animation director is Katsunori Kimizuka, the art director is Yuji Ikeda, and the music is by Masahide Sakuma. The production team includes Ryuji Kamata, Kei Ijichi, and Makoto Hasegawa, the planning team includes Shigekazu Ochiai and Michihiko Suwa, and the producers are Michihiko Suwa, Satoshi Suzuki, Tatsuya Mukai, Shigeaki Komatsu, and Masao Maruyama. This team of staff worked together to bring out the best in the original work.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Daisuki na Shirt" was written, composed and arranged by DOUBLE K'O' CORPORATION, and sung by Mari Watanabe. The inserted song "WHAT'S THE PARADISE?" was written by Yoshiaki Okada, composed by Hidenobu Matsuhashi, and arranged and sung by THE MINKS. These songs play an important role in livening up the atmosphere of the work.

■ Evaluation and appeal

"YAWARA! Let's Go, Cowardly Kids!!" skillfully depicts the human drama and passion of sports from the original work. In particular, the process in which Inokuma Yawu helps the boys from a small judo club regain their joy and confidence in judo is moving yet humorous. In addition, as it is an original story written by the original author Urasawa Naoki, it will be fresh even for fans of the original work.

The portrayal of character development and human relationships is also superb, and in particular, the conflict and growth of Inokuma Yawara captures the hearts of viewers. Yuko Minaguchi's acting is also superb, and she portrays Yawara's emotions realistically. Inokuma Shigegoro's character, who combines strictness and warmth, is also given more depth by Ichiro Nagai's voice.

The talent of the staff is also not to be overlooked. All the elements, including Tokita Hiroko's skill as director, Inoue Toshiki's script, Asaka Morio's direction, Kimizuka Katsunori's drawings, Ikeda Yuji's art, and Sakuma Masahide's music, are fused together at a high level. In particular, the beauty of the drawings and art greatly enhances the visual appeal.

The theme song and insert songs are also important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. "My Favorite Shirt" and "What's the Paradise?" have the power to stir emotions and draw the viewer in as the story unfolds.

■ Recommendation points

"YAWARA! Let's Go, Cowardly Kids!!" is not only a sports anime, but also an excellent human drama. Through the growth and struggles of Inokuma Yawara and his interactions with the boys of a small judo club, it depicts the fun and rigor of judo, as well as the depth of human relationships. It is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like sports anime and human dramas.

In particular, the following points are the reasons for the recommendation:

• Original story by author Naoki Urasawa
• A realistic portrayal of Inokuma Yu's growth and struggles
• Beautiful drawings and art by highly skilled staff
• Emotionally stirring theme songs and insert songs
• Fusion of sports and human drama

This work has been loved by many fans since its release in 1992. Please watch the movie version of "YAWARA! Let's Go, Cowardly Kids!!" and experience its charm for yourself.