Neighborhood Story: A masterpiece anime that depicts the warmth of everyday life and the depth of human relationships

"Gokinjo Monogatari" - A masterpiece anime depicting the brilliance and conflicts of youth

"Gokinjo Monogatari" is a TV anime series that aired from 1995 to 1996, and is based on the manga of the same name by Ai Yazawa. This anime portrayed the brilliance and struggles of youth in a realistic way, and was loved by many viewers. Below, we will introduce detailed information and the appeal of this work.

Overview

"Gokinjo Monogatari" was broadcast on ANB (now TV Asahi) from September 10, 1995 to September 1, 1996 every Sunday from 8:30 to 9:00. The series is made up of 50 episodes, each 30 minutes long. It was produced by Toei (Toei Animation), ANB, and Asahi Tsushinsha, and the copyright belongs to Yazawa Ai/Shueisha, Toei Animation.

Main Staff

The original story was written by Yazawa Ai, and the series was produced by ABC, ASATSU, and Toei Animation. The series was written by Matsui Aya, with the screenplay written by Matsui Aya, Kageyama Yumi, and Yoshimura Motoki. Character design was by Umakoshi Yoshihiko, costume design by Kawamura Toshie, and animation direction by Umakoshi Yoshihiko and Kawamura Toshie. Art design was by Yuki Shinzo and Yuki Yukie, color design by Tsujita Kunio, and music by Kawasaki Masahiro.

story

"Gokinjo Monogatari" depicts the youth of the protagonist, high school girl Ijuin Megumi, and her friends. Together with her childhood friends Tsutomu, Buddyko, Lisa, and others, Megumi faces many problems in love, friendship, and family relationships as she grows up. The story revolves around the girls' everyday and school life, depicting the joys and sorrows of adolescence in a realistic way.

Character Introduction

• Megumi Ijuin - The protagonist, a high school girl. She has a bright and cheerful personality and faces various events together with her friends.
• Tsutomu - Megumi's childhood friend. He has a cool appearance but is a kind-hearted boy who secretly has feelings for Megumi.
• Buddyko - Megumi's best friend. She loves fashion and is proactive in love. She has a boyfriend named Shintaro.
• Lisa - Megumi's friend. She has a cool and mature air about her, but she also has a sensitive side inside.
• Shintaro - Buddyko's boyfriend. He's good at sports, cheerful and popular, but sometimes has troubles.
• Oikawa Ayumu - Megumi's classmate. A cool and mysterious boy who becomes interested in Megumi.

Episode Guide

Below are the subtitles and broadcast dates for each episode.

Appeal of the work

The greatest appeal of "Gokinjo Monogatari" is its realistic portrayal of youth. Characters such as Megumi, Tsutomu, Buddyko, and Lisa worry, rejoice, and grow just like real high school students. The various issues that adolescents face, such as love, friendship, and relationships with family, are depicted realistically, allowing viewers to empathize with the show and relate to their own youth.

The character designs and background art are also incredibly beautiful, with the scenery and fashion of 1990s Japan recreated in minute detail. In particular, Yoshihiko Magoe's character designs faithfully recreate the atmosphere of Ai Yazawa's original work, making for a very visually appealing work.

The music also adds to the appeal of the work. The background music by Masahiro Kawasaki expresses the bittersweetness and sadness of youth, stirring the emotions of the viewer. The opening theme "Vacation of Love" and the ending theme "Just Be Friends" were also popular anime songs at the time.

Evaluation and impact

"Gokinjo Monogatari" was highly praised when it was first broadcast, and was loved by many viewers. In particular, the consistent theme and realistic depiction as a youth anime resonated with many viewers. In addition, the anime was praised for being able to reproduce the unique atmosphere of Ai Yazawa's original work, and it received high support from fans of the original work.

This work had a great influence on later youth anime and girls' manga. In particular, the realistic depiction of youth and the way the characters grow have been depicted have been incorporated into many works. In addition, other works by Ai Yazawa, such as "NANA" and "Paradise Kiss", were also made into anime following the success of this work, and gained even more fans.

Recommended points

Gokinjo Monogatari is a must-watch for anyone who loves teen anime, especially those who:

• People who like youth anime - You will enjoy the realistic portrayal of youth and character growth.
• Fans of Ai Yazawa - You can enjoy this anime that faithfully recreates the atmosphere of the original work.
• Those interested in 1990s Japanese scenery and fashion will enjoy the meticulously recreated background art and character designs.
• Music lovers - You can enjoy the background music, opening and ending themes by Masahiro Kawasaki.

summary

"Gokinjo Monogatari" is a masterpiece anime that realistically depicts the brilliance and conflicts of youth. By following the growth of characters such as Megumi, Tsutomu, Buddyko, and Lisa, viewers can look back on their own youth. The beautiful character designs, background art, and moving music also enhance the appeal of the work. This is a must-see for those who love youth anime.