The appeal and evaluation of "Ningyo Soushi Ayatsuri Sakon": A look into the depths of this masterpiece anime

"Ningyo Soushi Ayatsuri Sakon": A world of mystery woven by the collaboration of puppets and humans

■Overview of the work

"Ningyo Soushi Ayatsuri Sakon" is a TV anime series that aired on WOWOW from October 8, 1999 to March 31, 2000. It is based on a manga by Sharakuma and illustrated by Obata Takeshi, and was serialized in Shueisha's "Weekly Shonen Jump". It consists of 26 episodes, each 30 minutes long, directed by Matsui Hitoyuki and produced by Tokyo Movie. Copyright belongs to Sharakuma, Obata Takeshi/Shueisha, Flying Dog, and TMS.

■ Story

Sakon, the grandson of the Living National Treasure Bunraku puppeteer Tachibana Saemon, routinely uses the child puppet Ukon to speak for Sakon, who is not good at speaking. In contrast to the shy Sakon, Ukon is lively and talkative, and converses with Sakon as if they were best friends, helping Sakon organize his thoughts greatly. Watching over him are his aunt, detective Tachibana Kaoruko, and his friend, photographer Fujita Zenkichi. For some reason, Sakon and Ukon get caught up in incidents wherever they go, but with the help of Kaoruko and Zenkichi, and their genius insight, they solve many difficult cases.

■ Characters

Sakon Tachibana (CV: Megumi Ogata)
The protagonist. The grandson of Tachibana Saemon, a Living National Treasure Bunraku puppeteer. He is shy and not good at talking, but he uses Ukon to express his feelings. He has a genius insight for solving cases.

Ukon (CV: Kumai Motoko)
A child doll controlled by Sakon. He has a lively and talkative personality and is like a best friend to Sakon. He helps organize Sakon's thoughts and helps solve cases.

Kaoruko Tachibana (CV: Miho Yamada)
Sakon's aunt and a detective. She helps Sakon and Ukon solve cases.

Zenkichi Fujita (CV: Ryotaro Okiayu)
Sakon's friend and photographer. He is in charge of investigating and filming the incident, and supports Sakon.

Akizuki Shiho (CV: Sakura Tange)
He is Sakon's childhood friend and often gets involved in incidents.

Tachibanazaemon (CV: Eisuke Yoda)
Sakon's grandfather, a Living National Treasure Bunraku puppeteer, who teaches Sakon puppet techniques.

Chizuru Tachibana (CV: Shinobu Sato)
Sakon's mother. She is the one who supports Sakon's life.

■ Staff

Producers : Yasumichi Ozaki, Shiro Sasaki, Masaki Kaifu
Music : Norihiro Tsuru, Yuriko Nakamura
Character design : Toshimitsu Kobayashi
Script Producer : Junichi Iioka
Art director : Toru Koga
Color design : Takuya Kawami
Digital Director of Photography : Toshihiro Kawada
Edited by : Tsuyoshi Imai
Sound Director : Katsuyoshi Kobayashi
Sound effects : Masakazu Yokoyama
Assistant producers : Yudo Oishi, Masao Fukuda, Sakie Shimotsu (until #10), Atsuko Somemiya (from #11)

■ Theme songs and music

Opening theme <br> Song title: Go Through the Lightless Night Singer: HUMMING BIRD
Lyrics: Masatoshi Ishikawa Composition: Yoshiki Fukuyama Arrangement: Haruhiko Wada, HUMMING BIRD

Ending theme <br> Song title: Kanaete Singer: Arai Akino Lyrics: Arai Akino Composition: Arai Akino Arrangement: Arai Akino, Matsubayashi Masashi, Sakamoto Shunsuke

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Ningyo Soushi Ayatsuri Sakon" is an appealing work that combines mystery and puppetry in a unique way. The relationship between the two main characters, Sakon and Ukon, deeply moves the viewer. Sakon's timid personality and Ukon's boldness are in contrast, but the way they complement each other depicts the beauty of human relationships. Furthermore, Sakon's genius insight, which he displays in the process of solving the case, is an element that draws the viewer in.

The appeal of the characters is also a major point. The individuality of each character, such as Sakon's growth, his bond with Ukon, and his cooperative relationship with Kaoruko and Zenkichi, enrich the story. In particular, the performance of Kumai Motoko, who voices Ukon, makes the character even more appealing. Also, Ogata Megumi's voice for Sakon exquisitely expresses both shyness and strength.

The music also adds to the charm of the work. The opening theme, "Hikari naki Yoru wo Yuke," features HUMMING BIRD's powerful singing voice and impressive melody, enhancing the atmosphere of the story. The ending theme, "Kanaete," features Akino Arai's gentle singing voice, symbolizing the relationship between Sakon and Ukon.

The attention to detail of the production staff is also not to be missed. The detailed depictions by character designer Toshimitsu Kobayashi and the beautiful background art by art director Toru Koga enrich the worldview of the work. In addition, the direction of sound director Katsuyoshi Kobayashi heightens the tension of the mystery.

■ Recommendation points

"Ningyo Soushi Ayatsuri Sakon" is recommended not only for mystery lovers, but also for those who are interested in puppet shows and human drama. In particular, pay attention to the relationship between Sakon and Ukon, and Sakon's insight shown in the process of solving the case. Also, the characters, music, and the attention to detail of the staff are not to be missed.

This work is perfect for those who enjoy deep human relationships and the fun of mysteries. Please watch it once and experience the world of Sakon and Ukon.

Related information

The original manga, "Ningyo Soushi Ayatsuri Sakon," was serialized in Shueisha's "Weekly Shonen Jump" and is also available in book form. The anime is also available on DVD and Blu-ray, making it a must-have item for fans. Related merchandise and soundtracks are also available, allowing you to enjoy the world of the work even more.

Furthermore, fans often interact with each other at fan events and Comic Markets. Information is also exchanged on social media and fan sites, allowing fans to share the appeal of the series.

■ Summary

"Ningyo Soushi Ayatsuri Sakon" is a work that depicts a world of mystery woven by the collaboration of puppets and humans. There are many charms to this work, such as the relationship between Sakon and Ukon, Sakon's insight shown in the process of solving the case, the characters, music, and the attention to detail of the staff. This work is recommended not only for mystery fans, but also for those who are interested in puppet shows and human dramas. Please watch it at least once and experience the world of Sakon and Ukon.