Midori no Makibao: A touching story of a racehorse and a thorough evaluation of its appeal

Midori no Makibao: A unique sports anime depicting the dreams and fighting spirit of a racehorse

■Overview of the work

"Midori no Makibao" is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Tsunoda. A total of 61 episodes were broadcast on Fuji TV every Saturday from 18:30 to 19:00 from March 2, 1996 to July 12, 1997. Although this work is based on horse racing, it is a sports anime with a unique story development that mixes humor and seriousness, and unique characters.

■ Story

The main character, Midori Makibao, is a small, white-furred racehorse. He has a small body like a donkey and disproportionately large nostrils, making him a strange-looking horse that is hard to believe he is a thoroughbred. However, contrary to his appearance, he takes on every race with his fierce fighting spirit and natural speed.

At first, Makibao was in doubt as to whether he would even be able to debut as a racehorse due to his appearance and a number of shortcomings. However, there was someone he really wanted to race against. That was Makibao's strongest and eternal rival, the super horse Cascade, who is the same age as him. Makibao continues to run today in order to repay the ranch's debts, to bring his mother, who was separated from him at a young age, back to her home ranch, and to surpass his rival Cascade.

■Explanation

This animated work is based on the manga of the same name by Tsunoda Maru. It is a unique sports anime with a well-balanced story that is both humorous and serious, and that draws attention with unique ideas such as distinctive spectators and talking racehorses. While making the most of the charm of the original work, the anime adds even more depth with its unique direction and characters.

■Cast

・Midori Makibao/Inuyama Inuko・Chuubei/Chiba Shigeru・Iitomi Masaru/Takayama Minami・Iitomi Masatora/Iizuka Shozo・Iitomi Genji/Ogata Kenichi・Yamamoto Sugasuke/Sakurai Tomonori・Saeeda Tomonori/Ishida Akira・Cascade/Genda Tesshō・Midoriko/Arima Tanka

■ Main staff

・Planning / Shimizu Kenji, Nunokawa Yuji ・Producers / Kaneda Koji, Takiyama Matoka, Hagino Ken ・Series Composition / Hashimoto Yuji ・Screenplay / Hashimoto Yuji, Nishizono Satoru ・Direction / Abe Noriyuki, Mizuno Kazunori, Takayanagi Yoshihito ・Character Design / Obara Shuichi, Suzuki Fujio ・Animation Director / Suzuki Fujio, Wakabayashi Atsushi, Kobe Yoko ・Art Director / Art Setting / Takada Shigeyuki ・Director of Photography / Fukushima Toshiyuki, Miyagawa Harutoshi ・Sound Director / Mizumoto Kan ・Music / Iwashiro Taro ・Editing / Falcon ・Adjustments / Narikiyo Quantity ・Effects / Kato Shoji ・Background / Studio Y.S. ・Cinematography / Takahashi Productions ・Music Production / ZACK Promotion ・Recording Studio / Sound Editing Studio ・Development Lab / Tokyo Developing Lab

○ Theme song

Theme song
Opening song name: Run Makibao (original song: Run Kotaro)
Lyrics by Kenkichi Ikeda (alternative words by Issui Ota)
Composition: Kenkichi Ikeda, Nobuo Maeda Arrangement: Takahiko Ishikawa Vocals: F.MAP (Kenji Fukui, Masaharu Miyake, Tatsuya Aoshima)

Ending song title: Tottemo Umanami Lyrics: Sanji Awaya Composition: Awaya n'Jiro, Bontako n'Taro Arrangement: MEN'S5
・Song: MEN'S5

■ Main Characters

Midori Makibao: Childhood name Unkotarezo. Despite his appearance, he is literally a thoroughbred, descended from a famous horse.
・Chubei Makibao is a mouse who is looked up to as his boss. With advice from Chubei, Makibao grows into a racehorse.
・The only son of Katsugenjiro Iitomi. He believes in Makibao's potential more than anyone else. An original character from the anime.
・Iitomi Masatora Genjiro's older brother. A talented horse racing trainer, he noticed Makibao's hidden talent as a racehorse early on.
Genjiro Itomi is the owner of Midori Ranch, the birthplace of Makibao. He is in a lot of debt and the business is struggling, but he is surprisingly calm.
Sugasuke Yamamoto: He had to give up his career as a jockey due to an accident during a race, but he made a comeback after meeting Makibao and riding him.
Tomonori Saegusa A young man who works at Midori Ranch. He takes care of Makibao. Genjiro calls him "Wakazou."

■Subtitle

・Episode 1: I was scared when I was born!
・Episode 2/Unkotarezo!
・Episode 3: The Demon Trainer!
・Episode 4/Cascade appears!
・Episode 5/It's no good!
・Episode 6: Stand up, Tarezo!
・Episode 7: Who's on board?
・Episode 8/The King of Midori Farm ・Episode 9/I'm Going to Get Stronger!!
・Episode 10: Arashi's Debut!!
Episode 11: Come at me! Tarezo!!
・Episode 12: Who's Stronger?
・Episode 13/The Black Assassin!
・Episode 14/Don't be so spoiled!!
・Episode 15/No more confusion!
・Episode 16: It worked!!
Episode 17: Scrimp! Muddy!!
・Episode 18/Go!! Ballerina Strategy・Episode 19/Cascade Debut・Episode 20/The Devil's Triangle・Episode 21/200% Willpower!!
・Episode 22/Haha Kitoku ・Episode 23/Rain of Trials! The Morning of the Asahi Cup!!
・Episode 24: 1600m Survival!!
Episode 25: The Three Strongest Racers!! Who will win?
Episode 26: The match is over! Sugasuke's tearful whip!
・Episode 27/To the white grasslands, Mongolia!
・Episode 28: Duel in the Wilderness!!
Episode 29: Awaken!! The power of the wild!!
Episode 30: Tarezo: A life-threatening sprint!!
Episode 31: Charge!! A furious fight to the death!!
・Episode 32: The Devil's Lucky Horse ・Episode 33: Foul Play! Arrow's Tenacity!!
Episode 34: Showdown! A dangerous race!!
Episode 35: Clash!! A spirit covered in scars!!
Episode 36: Two Traps! The Satsuki Sho begins!
Episode 37: Make a White Miracle!
Episode 38: Horror!! An invisible enemy!!
Episode 39: Fierce Battle! The Japanese Derby!
Episode 40: Reach the goal of becoming number one in Japan!
・Episode 41: Visiting Mother at the Ban'ei Horse Racing ・Episode 42: The Ambitions of the Archrivals, Bearded Father and Son ・Episode 43: A Challenge from Makibako!
・Episode 44/Farewell Mommy!!
・Episode 45: Secret training in the mountains!!
Episode 46: Something strange!? Tarezo's big transformation!?
Episode 47: The start of the race! The determined Kikuka Sho!
Episode 48: The first move is sure to win!! Sugasuke's big gamble!!
Episode 49: Collapse!! The Legend of the Black Emperor!!
・Episode 50: New Coach Zabidel!!
Episode 51: Clash!! The decisive battle at the Arima Kinen!!
Episode 52: A life-threatening final spurt!!
Episode 53: Pour all your energy into the final showdown!
Episode 54: Hungry! The Tarezo Trial!!
・Episode 55: Makibao in America!!
・Episode 56: The Captive Makibako!!
・Episode 57: Discovery! The Mythical Strongest Horse ・Episode 58: The Fearsome Magnet Strategy ・Episode 59: Rampage! Escape from the Amazon!
・Episode 60: The Biggest Race in History!!
Episode 61: Run!! Makibao of the World!!

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Midori no Makibao" is a work that has a unique story development that combines comedy and seriousness while being based on the sport of horse racing. The main character, Makibao, has a strong fighting spirit and speed despite his appearance, and is depicted taking on various races. This work is enjoyable not only for horse racing fans, but also for those who like sports anime and comedy anime.

Another attraction of this work is the unique characters. Characters such as Makibao's rival Cascade, Chubei who supports him, and Iitomi Masaru add excitement to the story. Chubei in particular plays an important role in supporting Makibao's growth, leaving a deep impression on viewers.

Furthermore, the anime's original production and additional characters further enhance the appeal of the original work. The anime's original character, Iitomi Masaru, and the various racing scenes are designed to keep viewers entertained.

In terms of music, the theme songs "Run Makibao" and "Totemo Umanami" are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the opening song "Run Makibao" is a parody of the original song "Run Kotaro", and it is a song that will stay in the viewers' hearts.

■ Recommendation points

"Midori no Makibao" is a sports anime themed around horse racing, but its unique story development, where comedy and seriousness intertwine, is what makes it so appealing. The growth and fighting spirit of the main character Makibao, the unique characters, and the anime's unique production and music are all elements that draw viewers in. This is a work that is recommended not only for horse racing fans, but also for those who like sports and comedy anime.

In particular, various episodes such as the confrontation scene with Makibao's rival Cascade, his friendship with Chubei, and the support of Iitomi Masaru will impress viewers. Also, the original characters and productions of the anime are not to be missed. Please give it a watch.