A thorough review of episode 11 of season 4 of 'GeGeGe no Kitaro' from the 90s!

The appeal and evaluation of the fourth season of "GeGeGe no Kitaro" (90's)

Gegege no Kitaro is a Japanese anime series based on the original work by Shigeru Mizuki, and the fourth season (90's) is known as a particularly memorable work. This period was broadcast from January 7, 1996 to March 29, 1998, and consisted of a total of 114 episodes. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and evaluation of this series, as well as the points that we recommend to viewers.

Broadcast summary and production background

The fourth season of Gegege no Kitaro aired every Sunday morning on Fuji TV. It was produced by Toei Animation and directed by Daisuke Nishio, Takao Yoshizawa, and Hiroyuki Kakudo. It is based on Shigeru Mizuki's Gegege no Kitaro series and supervised by Mizuki Productions. The series reflects a deep understanding and respect for the yokai culture of the original work, while adding a new interpretation to suit the 90s audience.

Main characters and cast

The main characters of this series are Kitaro (voiced by Matsuoka Yoko), Medama Oyaji (voiced by Tanonaka Isamu), Ratman (voiced by Chiba Shigeru), and Catgirl (voiced by Nishimura Chinami). These characters bring out the charm of the original work to the fullest, while also adding their own unique personalities to the anime. In particular, Matsuoka Yoko's voice for Kitaro, which combines strength and kindness, has captured the hearts of viewers. Chiba Shigeru's voice for Ratman, which expresses both humor and depth at the same time, has become an important element of the series.

Stories and episodes

The story of the fourth season follows the basic pattern of a different monster appearing in each episode and Kitaro and his friends fighting against it, but there are also large arch-stories throughout the series. The following are some particularly memorable episodes:

• Episode 1: "Yokai! Miage Nyuudo" This is the opening episode of the series, and the scene where Kitaro confronts Miage Nyuudo is one that viewers will remember.
• Episodes 46 and 47, "The Great Yokai Trial" : This episode, which is made up of two parts, is a must-see as Kitaro gets caught up in a trial by yokai.
• Episode 99: "Final Battle! The Yokai King vs. Kitaro" : This episode can be considered the climax of the series, and depicts the showdown between Kitaro and Nurarihyon.
• Episode 114 "Desperate Situation! The Grim Reaper's Trap" : The final episode depicts Kitaro's fight to escape the Grim Reaper's trap, bringing the series to a moving conclusion.

Animation and Music

The animation fully demonstrates Toei Animation's technical capabilities, with particular attention to detail in the design and movements of the monsters. Araki Shingo was in charge of character design, respecting the image of the original while creating a unique visual for the anime. The music was also created by Wada Kaoru, with the opening and ending theme songs by Yuugadan. The opening theme, "GeGeGe no Kitaro," in particular, is an important element in further enhancing the atmosphere of the series.

Evaluation and impact

The fourth season of Gegege no Kitaro was highly praised by viewers, and is especially memorable for children of the 90s. The story, which skillfully combines a deep understanding of yokai culture with a message for modern society, was popular with both children and adults. This series also had a major influence on the later Gegege no Kitaro series, and is considered a milestone in yokai anime.

Recommended points

The reasons why we recommend the fourth season of "GeGeGe no Kitaro" are as follows:

• Deep understanding of Yokai culture : Faithfully recreating Shigeru Mizuki's original work, the show adds a new interpretation to suit the 90s audience. A different Yokai appears in each episode, and you can learn about its background and culture.
• Attractive characters : The main characters, including Kitaro, have distinctive personalities that draw viewers in. In particular, the voice actors' performances bring out the charm of the characters to the fullest.
• A moving story : Not only each episode has its own story, but there is also an arch story that runs through the whole series, which has the power to draw the audience in. The climax episode in particular is moving and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
• Beautiful animation and music : Toei Animation's technical prowess and Kaoru Wada's music add to the atmosphere of the series. The opening and ending themes in particular are memorable to viewers.

summary

The fourth season of Gegege no Kitaro (90's) is a wonderful work that combines a deep understanding of Yokai culture with attractive characters, a moving story, and beautiful animation and music. It is a memorable work for children of the 90's, and its value has not faded even today. Please watch it once and experience its charm.