"Ninpen Manmaru": A story of penguin ninja training and friendship ■Overview of the work "Ninpen Manmaru" is a TV anime series that aired on TV Asahi from July 5, 1997 to March 28, 1998. It was based on a manga by Igarashi Mikio and produced by Shin-Ei Animation. The 63-episode series aired in a 30-minute slot every Saturday night from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. The story follows Manmaru, a penguin who comes to the "mountain" from the zoo, as he begins training in the Nengaryu school of animal ninjas, and his friends as he trains. ■ Story Manmaru, a penguin, is taken from the zoo by his grandfather, the director, to "Oyama," where he witnesses an amazing world. "Oyama" is a place where animals who, like Manmaru, speak human language and walk on their own two legs live. Manmaru enters the Nenga-ryu school of animal ninjas and begins training under the master bear carpenter, Nenga. Manmaru trains hard every day with his senior raccoon dog Tanutaro and fox Tsunejiro. However, one day, he encounters animal ninjas from a different school who are plotting to take "Oyama" for themselves, and gets caught up in a fight. Together with his friends, Manmaru grows as he overcomes obstacles. ■ Characters - Manmaru (voiced by Haruna Ikezawa)
The main character is a penguin. He comes from the zoo to the "mountain" and begins training as a Nengaryu ninja. He has a pure and kind personality, and faces difficulties together with his friends.
Tanutaro (voiced by Yamaguchi Kappei)
He is Manmaru's senior and a raccoon ninja. He is a bit of a joker and a bit of a scatterbrain, but he cares for his friends.
- Tsunejiro (voiced by Tomokazu Seki)
Manmaru's senior, a fox ninja. He has a calm and intelligent personality, and becomes a good advisor to Manmaru.
・Lord Nenga (voiced by Jurota Kosugi)
He is the head of the Nengaryu school and a bear ninja. Although he is a strict leader, he keeps a warm eye on Manmaru and the others. ■ Staff Original story : Mikio Igarashi; Director : Tetsuo Yasumi; Chief animation director : Yuichiro Sueyoshi; Art director : Takashi Nakamura; Director of photography : Shuichi Ito; Sound director : Katsuyoshi Kobayashi; Music : Akihiro Otani, Norio Ito; Production : TV Asahi, Shin-Ei Animation; Screenplay : Taeko Okina; Animation production : Shin-Ei Animation ■ Episode Ninpen Manmaru is a series of 63 episodes, each with a unique story. Here are some highlights: - Episode 1A "A strange ninja appears!?" (1997/07/05)
Manmaru comes to the mountain and begins his first training as a Nengaryu ninja. He meets Tanutaro and Tsunejiro and takes on his first mission. - Episode 1B "Idolization Plan"
A plan is made for Manmaru to debut as an idol. The story depicts her struggle with her friends. - Episode 1C "Perfectly Round Picture Diary!"
This is an episode in which Manmaru writes about his daily events in a picture diary. It depicts life on the mountain from Manmaru's perspective. - Episode 2A "Shirosa-sama is my life! Ranko appears (tentative)" (1997/07/12)
A new enemy, Ranko, a subordinate of Shirosa, appears. Manmaru and his friends must face off against her schemes. - Episode 2B "Hello Borot-kun (tentative title)"
A new friend, Borot-kun, appears and joins Manmaru and the others on their adventure. - Episode 3A "Manmaru's First Errand (tentative title)" (1997/08/02)
Manmaru takes on his first errand. Although he gets into various troubles, he completes the mission safely with the help of his friends. - Episode 3B "Nennen is a friend (tentative title)"
A new character named Nen-nen appears. This is the episode where he deepens his friendship with Manmaru and the others. - Episode 4A "Is Tanutarou the culprit? (tentative)" (1997/08/09)
In this episode, Tanutaro is suspected of being the culprit of some crime. Manmaru and his friends struggle to uncover the truth. - Episode 4B "Superhero Arrives (tentative title)"
This is the episode where Manmaru and his friends act as superheroes. They strive to be heroes to children. - Episode 5A "Aim to become an apprentice at a beauty salon" (1997/08/16)
This is the episode where Manmaru begins his training at a beauty salon. He struggles to learn new skills. - Episode 5B: "The Giant Monster Lottery Strategy"
In this episode, Manmaru and his friends draw lots to decide whether to face a giant monster. They face off in a fateful showdown. - Episode 6A "Anger Origami Ban!!" (1997/08/23)
In this episode, origami is banned on the mountain. Manmaru and his friends stand up against this absurd order. - Episode 6B "Ohohoho...the girl on the run!!"
A new character, a girl on the run, appears, and Manmaru and his friends struggle to discover her secret. - Episode 7A "A Storm is Coming! The Mysterious Heavenly Flute (Part 1)" (1997/08/30)
This episode features the mysterious Tenyo Flute. Manmaru and his friends struggle to unravel its secrets. - Episode 7B: A Storm is Coming! The Mysterious Heavenly Flute (Part 2)
This episode reveals the secret of the Tenyo Flute. Manmaru and his friends use its power to overcome a crisis. - Episode 8A "Don't call me Dobe!!" (1997/09/13)
In this episode, Manmaru is upset when he is called "Dobe." He struggles with his friends and grows as a person. - Episode 8B "Make a wish on the ball..."
An episode in which Manmaru and his friends go on an adventure together to find a ball that will grant wishes. - Episode 9A "Manmaru's New Power!!" (1997/10/04)
This is the episode where Manmaru gets a new power and uses it to help his friends. - Episode 9B "Borot No. 2 Loves to Dance"
In this episode, Borot No. 2 tries his hand at dancing. He has a great time with Manmaru and the others. - Episode 10A "Where's the flute? A flashy and powerful enemy appears!! (Part 1)" (1997/10/11)
This is the episode where the battle for the Tenyo Flute begins. Manmaru and his friends face off against a formidable enemy. - Episode 10B: Where's the flute? A flashy, powerful enemy appears!! (Part 2)
This episode reveals the whereabouts of the Tenyo Flute. Manmaru and his friends use its power to overcome the crisis. - Episode 11A "It's the Ninja Exam! Everyone Assemble" (1997/10/18)
This is the episode where Manmaru and his friends take the Shonin Exam. They struggle together with their friends and grow. - Episode 11B: Here Comes the Frightening Laughing Bee!
This episode features a new enemy, the laughing bee. Manmaru and his friends face this fear. - Episode 12A "The Wrath of Heaven! The Mysterious Flute Finally Appears!! (Part 1)" (1997/10/25)
This episode reveals the true power of the Tenyo Flute. Manmaru and his friends use its power to overcome a crisis. - Episode 12B: "The Wrath of Heaven! The Mysterious Flute Finally Appears!! (Part 2)"
In this episode, they use the power of the Tenyo Flute to take on the final battle. Manmaru and his friends aim to win. - Episode 13A "Invitation to Harigane Land" (1997/11/01)
In this episode, Manmaru and his friends are invited to Steel Land, and a new adventure begins. - Episode 13B: Lost in the Forest of Spirits
In this episode, Manmaru and his friends get lost in the Spirit Forest. They meet new friends and go on an adventure. - Episode 14A "Antarctic Adventure with Dad!" (1997/11/22)
In this episode, Manmaru goes on an adventure to the Antarctic with his father. They enjoy the adventure while deepening the bond between father and son. - Episode 14B: Wanted! Manmaru is worth 100 million yen?
In this episode, Manmaru is put on the wanted list. He and his friends struggle to clear up the misunderstanding. - Episode 15A "The Strongest!! Gio Appears! (Part 1)" (1997/11/29)
This episode introduces a new enemy, Gio. Manmaru and his friends face off against his powerful power. - Episode 15B: The Strongest!! Gio Appears! (Part 2)
This episode sees the battle against Gio reach its climax. Manmaru and his friends aim for victory. - Episode 16A "Terror... The Art of Lettering!!" (1997/12/06)
In this episode, a new enemy uses magic using letters. Manmaru and his friends face this fear. - Episode 16B "Burn! Onigiri Brothers"
An episode featuring the Onigiri Brothers. They spend a fun time together with Manmaru and the others. - Episode 17A "First Love Antarctic Memory" (1997/12/13)
This is the episode where Manmaru experiences his first love in Antarctica. A heartwarming story unfolds. - Episode 17B: "Komaru-chan is my pet?!"
This is the episode where Manmaru meets his new pet, Komarutchi, and enjoys an adventure with his new friend. - Episode 18A "The Great Floccopter Air Battle!!" (1997/12/20)
In this episode, Manmaru and his friends take part in a huge aerial battle using a Flocopter. They fight hard together with their friends. - Episode 18B: Fierce Battle! Nenga vs. Shirosa
This episode depicts the fierce battle between Nenga and Shirosa. Manmaru and his friends get caught up in the fight. - Episode 19A "Dark Trap! The Secret of Nennen (Part 1)" (1997/12/27)
This is the episode where Nen-Nen's secret is revealed. Manmaru and his friends struggle to uncover the secret. - Episode 19B: The Dark Trap! The Secret of Nennen (Part 2)
In this episode, all of Nen-Nen's secrets are revealed. Manmaru and his friends use their powers to overcome the crisis. - Episode 20A "Birth of Paopaoland (Part 1)" (1998/01/10)
This episode tells the story of the birth of a new theme park, Paopaoland. Manmaru and his friends help open it. - Episode 20B: Birth of Paopaoland (Part 2)
In this episode, the opening of Paopaoland is a success, and Manmaru and his friends share their joy. - Episode 21A "It's decided! You're the leader" (1998/01/17)
In this episode, Manmaru is chosen as the leader and together with his friends, he faces new challenges. - Episode 21B "Come on, eat me..."
A new character appears in this episode, and challenges Manmaru and his friends. They overcome the challenges together with their friends. - Episode 22A "The Rival Returns!!" (1998/01/24)
This episode sees the return of Manmaru's rival, who joins forces with his friends to take on the challenge. - Episode 22B: Shock!? Tanutaro's Engagement Announcement
In this episode, Tanutaro announces his engagement. Manmaru and his friends share his joy. - Episode 23A "Level Up!! Dobe Army" (1998/01/31)
This is the episode where Manmaru and his friends level up as the Dobe Army. Together they face new challenges. - Episode 23B "The Switcher Sentakumaru"
This episode features a new enemy, Sentakumaru. Manmaru and his friends face off against his power. - Episode 24A "Counterattack! Gio's Giant Battleship!! (Part 1)" (1998/02/14)
In this episode, Gio uses a giant battleship to strike back. Manmaru and his friends must face off against the mighty force. - Episode 24B: Counterattack! Gio's Giant Battleship!! (Part 2)
This episode sees the battle against Gio reach its climax. Manmaru and his friends aim for victory. - Episode 25A: "Scoop! Nenga-sama awakens!!" (1998/02/21)
This is the episode where Nenga awakens to a new power. Manmaru and his friends use that power to overcome a crisis. - Episode 25B: Chase the Giant Monster Fish, Taroji!
This is an episode where Manmaru and his friends chase the giant monster fish, Taroji. They face the challenge together with their friends. - Episode 26A "Ranko's Mufufu Plan" (1998/02/28)
This is the episode where Ranko launches her big Mufufu plan. Manmaru and the others stand up to her scheme. - Episode 26B: "The emotions never stop!"
This is an episode where Manmaru and his friends experience joy, anger, sadness and happiness. They share those emotions with their friends. - Episode 27A "Manmaru's Secret Exploration Diary" (1998/03/07)
An episode in which Manmaru writes a secret expedition diary. Through that diary, life on the mountain is depicted. - Episode 27B: "Horrifying!! Nenga Assassination Plan"
In this episode, a plot to assassinate Nenga is revealed. Manmaru and his friends overcome the crisis. - Episode 28A "Fateful Showdown!! Nenga vs. Gio" (1998/03/14)
This episode depicts the fateful showdown between Nenga and Gio. Manmaru and his friends get caught up in the battle. - Episode 28B: "Departure! Get the flute back!!"
This is the episode where Manmaru and his friends set out on a journey to retrieve the Tenyo Flute. Together, they take on the challenge. - Episode 29A: "Charge! That's Rashomon!!" (1998/03/21)
This is the episode where Manmaru and his friends enter Rashomon and take on the challenge together. - Episode 29B: Charge! That's Rashomon!!
This episode sees the battle at Rashomon reach its climax. Manmaru and his friends aim for victory. - Episode 30A "A Bright Future, a Bright Star (Part 1)" (1998/03/28)
This episode is about Manmaru and his friends striving for a brighter future, and facing that challenge together with their friends. - Episode 30B: Bright Future, Bright Stars (Part 2)
In this episode, a bright future becomes reality. Manmaru and his friends share their joy.
■ Evaluation and impressions "Ninpen Manmaru" was a very popular children's anime. In particular, Manmaru the penguin was a cute character beloved by children. Also, the setting in which animals speak human language and walk on two legs stimulated children's imaginations. Although each episode is a self-contained story, the story of growth and friendship is depicted throughout, making it a very worthwhile work. The characters are also rich in personality, and each one is charmingly drawn, such as Tanutaro's humorous side, Tsunejiro's calmness, and Nenga's strictness. The enemy characters are also unique, so viewers will not get bored. In particular, enemy characters such as Gio, Shirousha, and Ranko play an important role in highlighting the growth of Manmaru and his friends. The music is also an element that enhances the appeal of the work, and the background music by Akihiro Otani and Norio Ito enhances the atmosphere of each scene. The opening and ending songs are also memorable and leave a lasting impression on the viewers. ■Recommendation "Ninpen Manmaru" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. In particular, the story about friendship and growth can teach children a lot. In addition, the humorous interactions between animals and the unique characters will entertain viewers. It is a work that is perfect not only for anime fans but also for families to watch, so please give it a try. In addition, this work has been released on DVD and Blu-ray, making it easy to watch. It is also available on streaming services, so you can enjoy it easily. Please experience the adventures and growth of Manmaru and his friends through "Ninpen Manmaru". |
