The appeal and reviews of "Trouble Chocolate": an anime experience not to be missed

Trouble Chocolate - A Sweet and Charming Adventure

The TV anime series "Trouble Chocolate", which aired from 1999 to 2000, attracted many fans with its unique worldview and the charm of its characters. The work is known for being created by Harada Tsunefumi and directed by Tominaga Tsuneo. It aired from October 9, 1999 to March 25, 2000, with a total of 20 episodes broadcast on ANB. Each episode was 45 minutes long, providing viewers with time to enjoy the deep story and character development.

Story and worldview

The setting of "Trouble Chocolate" is a special school called MG Academy. At this school, students grow by solving various "troubles". At the center of the story are a group of unique characters, including Cacao, Hinano, Ghana, Truffle, Deborah, and Almond. Although each of them has a different background, they all strive towards a common goal.

The story unfolds with a different theme each time, such as the deployment of the Science Special Investigation Unit, the arrival of a transfer student, and a school contest. Particularly impressive is how new troubles arise in each episode, such as "The Science Special Investigation Unit is on the Move!" in episode 2 and "The Transfer Student is Mega-Rich" in episode 3, and how the characters grow in the process of resolving them. Additionally, episodes 5 and 6 focus on the deeper aspects of human relationships, such as romance and friendship, in episodes such as "The Invincible Lovey-Dovey Couple" and "How About Some Matcha and Azuki Beans?".

Character Introduction

Cacao (voice: Tomoki Yanagi)
Kakao is a student at MG Academy and one of the main characters of the story. He is brave, has a strong sense of justice, and is charming in his attitude of standing up to trouble. Kakao's growth is a great inspiration for the viewers.

Hinano (voiced by Sakura Tange)
Hinano is Cacao's best friend and has a bright and cheerful personality. Her drive and positive attitude bring brightness and vitality to the story. Hinano's presence is an important factor in supporting Cacao's growth.

Ghana (voice: Tomohiro Tsuboi)
Ghana is a calm and intelligent character. His analytical skills and strategic thinking are essential in solving problems. Ghana's presence keeps the team balanced.

Truffle (voiced by Yasuyuki Kase)
Truffles is a bit clumsy, but his humor and kindness warm the hearts of those around him. His presence adds a comedic element to the story and entertains the audience.

Deborah (voiced by Kyoko Hikami)
Deborah is a cool and beautiful character. Her calmness and beauty add depth to the story. Deborah's presence gives the viewer a new perspective.

Almond (voiced by Ikue Otani)
Almond is a kind and caring character. Her kindness and support are key factors in strengthening the unity of the team. Almond's presence gives viewers a warm feeling.

Production staff and background

"Trouble Chocolate" was produced jointly by Step Eizo and ANB, with animation produced by AIC. Original story writer Harada Tsunefumi created a unique worldview and character settings, while director Tominaga Tsuneo worked hard to bring that worldview to life on screen. Sonoda Hideki, who was in charge of composition and scriptwriting, skillfully depicted the themes and character growth of each episode. Additionally, chief animation director Takaoka Junichi, character design supervisor Kitazume Hiroyuki, and character designer Kusakabe Chizuko supported the visual aspects of the characters.

The production background reflects the trends in the anime industry from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. During this period, there was an increase in long-form anime series, and a trend to provide viewers with deep stories and character development. "Trouble Chocolate" was one of those series, and aimed to provide viewers with long-lasting entertainment. In addition, by depicting the theme and character development of each episode, we aimed to impress and sympathize with viewers.

Evaluation and impact

"Trouble Chocolate" has been highly praised since it was first broadcast. In particular, the appeal of the characters and the depth of the story have earned it many fans. In addition, by depicting the theme of each episode and the growth of the characters, it has succeeded in moving and sympathizing with the viewers.

The influence of this work can be seen in subsequent anime works. In particular, the character development and deep portrayal of human relationships influenced many works. It is also praised for setting a trend for feature-length anime series.

Recommendations and related works

Viewers who enjoyed Trouble Chocolate might also like:

"Love Hina"
"Love Hina" is a work that is characterized by its character growth and deep depiction of human relationships. In particular, the protagonist's growth and romantic elements are common to "Trouble Chocolate."

"Fruits Basket"
"Fruits Basket" is a work that stands out for its character development and deep portrayal of human relationships. In particular, it shares themes of family and friendship with "Trouble Chocolate."

"Cardcaptor Sakura"
"Cardcaptor Sakura" is a work that is characterized by its character growth and deep depiction of human relationships. In particular, the theme of the protagonist's growth and friendship is common to "Trouble Chocolate."

Conclusion

"Trouble Chocolate" is a work that has attracted many fans with its unique worldview and the charm of its characters. By depicting the theme of each episode and the growth of the characters, it succeeded in moving and empathizing with the viewers. In addition, it is a work that reflects the efforts of the production staff and the production background, and has influenced subsequent anime works. We hope that viewers will enjoy this work and also check out related works.