"The Tree of Hidamari" review: A heartwarming story and beautiful images

The appeal and reputation of the sunny tree - Hidamari tree

Introduction

"Hidamari no Ki" is a TV anime series based on the manga by Tezuka Osamu, which was broadcast on Nippon Television and other stations from April 4 to September 19, 2000. This work is a story about the friendship and growth of the doctor Tezuka Ryoan and the swordsman Ibuya Manjiro, set against the backdrop of the turbulent times of the late Edo period. Below, we will introduce the appeal, reviews, and recommended points of this work in detail.

story

The story of "The Tree in the Sun" revolves around the lives of the two main characters, Tezuka Ryoan (later Ryosen) and Ibuya Manjiro. Tezuka Ryoan is a real person who was a doctor in the late Edo period and is known as the founder of a vaccination center. He is also Tezuka Osamu's great-grandfather. Meanwhile, Ibuya Manjiro is a low-ranking samurai blessed with a talent for swordsmanship, with a strong sense of justice and a straightforward personality. The two are depicted growing as people, sometimes becoming rivals in love and sometimes forming friendships, against the backdrop of the most dramatic period in Japanese history, the end of the Edo period.

The story depicts Ryoan studying Dutch studies at Tekijuku and working with his father Ryosen to establish a vaccination center, while Manjiro aims to reform the shogunate but remains loyal to it as it falls. Various characters also appear, including Oseki, whom the two men fall in love with, and Onkon, a nighthawk whom Ryoan meets in Osaka, enriching the human drama.

character

The charm of "The Tree of Hidamari" lies above all in its characters. Tezuka Ryoan is portrayed as a womanizer with a frivolous personality, but also as a passionate and skilled doctor. His humane character evokes deep sympathy from the viewer. Meanwhile, Ibuya Manjiro is portrayed as impulsive and bad at getting along in life, but has first-rate sword skills and aspires to reform the shogunate. His sense of justice and loyalty leave a strong impression on the viewer.

Oseki also appears as a love rival between Ryoan and Manjiro, and her humanity and conflicts add depth to the story. Okon has a strong bond with Ryoan and is an important character who supports his growth as a doctor. Other unique characters, such as Ushikubo Tobei and Ibuya Senzaburo, add excitement to the story.

Production and staff

"Hidamari no Ki" was animated by Madhouse, planned and produced by Nippon Television Network, and produced by VAP and Shogakukan. The director was Sugii Gisaburo, the series composition was Urahata Tatsuhiko, the character design and chief animation director was Eguchi Marisuke, the art director was Kanemura Katsuyoshi, the cinematographer was Shirai Hisao, the color design was Kodama Naoko, the music was Matsui Keiko, and the sound director was Fujiyama Fusanobu. This staff worked together to bring out the charm of the original work to the fullest.

In particular, the directorial skills of Sugii Gisaburo have been highly praised, and his direction has realistically depicted the historical background of the end of the Edo period and the feelings of the characters. In addition, Eguchi Marisuke's character designs faithfully reproduce the images of the original work while adding a unique charm that can only be achieved through anime. Matsui Keiko's music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story.

Recognition and Awards

"Hidamari no Ki" has received high praise, including winning the Excellence Award in the Animation Division at the 4th Japan Media Arts Festival organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. This award is proof that the work's artistic merit and the quality of its storytelling have been recognized, and also indicates that it has received strong support from viewers. Another factor that has contributed to the work's high acclaim is that it is based on a popular work that was serialized for a long time in "Big Comic."

It has been highly rated by viewers, especially for the realistic portrayal of the characters' humanity and growth, and the historical background. In addition, as an animated version of Osamu Tezuka's original work, it has been praised for faithfully retaining the charm of the original.

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music of "Hidamari no Ki" are also important elements that enhance the appeal of the work. The opening theme, "Hidamari no ki~Manazashi~", was composed and arranged by Keiko Matsui, and features a beautiful melody that enhances the atmosphere of the story. The ending themes for episodes 1 to 13 are "Hikari no Mukou e" (lyrics, composition, and arrangement by KEN NAKAMURA, sung by Charcoal), and for episodes 14 to 25, "High Drive" (lyrics, composition, and arrangement by Banri Shiraiwa, sung by Charcoal), and the melody that matches the development of the story captures the hearts of viewers.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "The Tree of Hidamari" symbolize the development of the story. Below are the subtitles for all 25 episodes.

• Episode 1: Three Hundred Hills
• Episode 2: Ryoan sets sail
• Episode 3: Sonezaki Shinchi
• Episode 4: Before the Storm
• Episode 5: The Ansei Earthquake
• Episode 6: Smallpox Hospital
• Episode 7: Harris arrives
• Episode 8: Bad news and excommunication
• Episode 9: Showdown on the Kanda River
• Episode 10: Petition
• Episode 11: An audience with the Shogun
• Episode 12: The House Physician
• Episode 13: Establishment of a smallpox clinic
• Episode 14: Koroli arrives
• Episode 15: Imprisonment
• Episode 16: Spring Storm
• Episode 17: Return
• Episode 18: Farewell
• Episode 19: The Visitor
• Episode 20: The ward doctor
• Episode 21: The infantry squad marches into battle
• Episode 22: Dawn's Assault
• Episode 23: The Choshu Expedition
• Episode 24: Direct Appeal
• Episode 25: Dawn

cast

The cast of "Hidamari no Ki" is also an important element in enhancing the appeal of the work. The main cast is introduced below.

• Ryoan Tezuka: Koichi Yamadera
• Manjiro Ibuya: Mitsuru Miyamoto
• Oseki: Fumiko Orikasa
• Ryosen Tezuka: Ichiro Nagai
• Kon: Rika Matsumoto
• Tobei Ushikubo: Rokuro Naya
• Senzaburo Ibuya: Tamio Oki

The cast adds depth to the story by realistically portraying the personalities and emotions of the characters. In particular, Koichi Yamadera as Ryoan and Mitsuru Miyamoto as Manjiro have been highly praised.

Broadcast information

"Hidamari no Ki" was broadcast on Nippon Television and other stations from April 4th to September 19th, 2000. The broadcast times are as follows:

• Nippon Television, Miyagi Television, Kumamoto Prefectural Television: April 4, 2000 to September 19, 2000, every Tuesday from 24:50
• Fukuoka Broadcasting: April to September 2000, every Wednesday from 25:20
• Chukyo TV: September 2000 to February 2001, every Tuesday from 25:25

The series will consist of 25 episodes, each 30 minutes long.

Recommended points

"Tree in the Sun" is a recommended work for the following reasons:

• Deep human drama : The human nature and conflicts of various characters are depicted realistically, centering on the friendship and growth of Ryoan Tezuka and Manjiro Ibuya. Viewers can learn a lot from their lives.
• Realistic depiction of the historical background : Set against the backdrop of the turbulent times of the end of the Edo period, historical events and customs are depicted in detail, allowing viewers to experience the Japanese society of that time in a realistic way.
• Original work by Osamu Tezuka : As an animated adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's original work, it has retained the charm of the original work. It is a must-see for fans of Osamu Tezuka.
• Highly acclaimed staff : The high production skills of the staff, including Gisaburo Sugii, have raised the quality of the work. Viewers can enjoy their skills.
• Beautiful music : Keiko Matsui's music is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. The audience will be soothed by the beautiful melodies.

summary

"Hidamari no Ki" is an animated adaptation of the original work by Tezuka Osamu, and is a fascinating work that combines the depth of human drama, realistic depiction of the historical background, highly acclaimed staff, and beautiful music. Viewers can learn a lot from the friendship and growth of Tezuka Ryoan and Ibuya Manjiro. In addition, the story, set against the backdrop of the turbulent times of the end of the Edo period, will arouse historical interest in viewers. Please watch this work and experience its charm for yourself.