The appeal and evaluation of "Earth Girl Arjuna": A pioneering anime with an eco-theme

Earth Girl Arjuna - Earth Girl Arjuna

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

January 9, 2001 - March 27, 2001

■Broadcasting station

TV Tokyo

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 13

■Original Story

Original author: Shoji Kawamori

■ Director

Director: Shoji Kawamori

■ Production

Produced by: Satellite

■Works

©2001 Arjuna Production Committee

■ Story

A girl awakens to save the Earth from the brink of destruction due to environmental destruction.

The girl's name is Ariyoshi Kina.
After a near-death experience that gives her a glimpse of a future in which the Earth will be destroyed, Kina, with the help of a mysterious boy named Chris, is able to synchronize her mind with the Earth and gain the power to freely control the earth's aura.

Then, clad in the dazzlingly shining Aura Suit, Kina engages in a fierce battle with the Raaja clan, ominous monsters who are plotting the extinction of humanity.

What will the girl see in this world at the end of the century, on a path of destruction?

And what will be the fate of the Earth...?

■Explanation

This is a unique work by director Kawamori Shoji, who raises issues for people living in modern society. When high school student Kina is left near death after a motorcycle accident, she is given a mission by the consciousness of a young boy named Chris and survives. She transforms and fights a monster called Raja... and up until this point, it seems like a superheroine story. However, when it becomes clear that Raja must not be killed, a unique development begins. The dirt that Kina must cleanse refers to the various problems that arise from modern civilization, which has progressed in a way that is entirely focused on convenience, in violation of the laws of nature. Through Kina's perspective, the audience is confronted with issues such as nuclear power, fast food, genetic modification, and classroom collapse. A unique drama unfolds with beautiful action scenes that make extensive use of CG, a specialty of production company Satelight. [Anime critic Hikawa Ryusuke]
Source: Bandai Channel

■Cast

・Kina Ariyoshi / Asami Higashiyama / Tokio Oshima / Tomokazu Seki / Chris Hawken / Yuji Ueda / Cindy Klein / Mayumi Shintani / Teresa Wong / Yoko Sawami / Onizuka / Tessho Genda / and others

■ Main staff

Original work: Shoji Kawamori・Director: Shoji Kawamori・Assistant Director: Eiichi Sato・Series Composition: Shoji Kawamori, Hiroshi Ohnogi・Character Design: Takahiro Kishida・Art Director: Dai Ota, Masanobu Nomura・Color Design: Miyoko Kasamori・CG Motion Supervision: Ichiro Itano・Digital Coordination: Yasuaki Takeuchi・Sound Director: Masafumi Mima・Music: Yoko Kanno・Production: Satelight

■ Main Characters

・Kina Ariyoshi・Tokio Oshima・Chris Hawken・Cindy Klein・Theresa Wong・Onitsuka

■Subtitle

・Chapter 1/"Drops of Time"
・Chapter 2/"Blue Light"
・Chapter 3/"Tears of the Forest"
・Chapter 4: "Reincarnation"
Chapter 5: "The Voice of the Small Ones"
・Chapter 6: "The First One"
Chapter 7: "Invisible Words"
Chapter 8: "Distant Rain"
Chapter 9 (not shown on TV) / "From Before I Was Born"
Chapter 10: "Fluctuating Genes"
Chapter 11: "The Day That Never Returns"
Chapter 12: "The Country is Destroyed"
・Chapter 13 (Final episode)/“Now”

Earth Girl Arjuna - Detailed Review and Recommendation

■ Background and creative intent of the work

"Arjuna: Earth Girl" is an original anime directed by Shoji Kawamori, and was broadcast on TV Tokyo in 2001. While Shoji Kawamori is known for his mecha designs and robot anime, he has also worked on many works themed around social issues, and this is one of them. The intention behind the production was to arouse viewers' awareness of the environmental issues of modern society and the negative effects of the progress of civilization. In particular, by depicting the destruction of the Earth's environment and the disasters caused by human ego through the main character, Kina, the series aims to convey a profound message to viewers.

■Story development and theme

The story begins when high school student Ariyoshi Kina has a near-death experience in a motorcycle accident and sees the future of the Earth. With the help of a mysterious boy named Chris, she awakens as "Arjuna" by resonating her heart with the Earth and fights monsters called the Raaja Clan. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that defeating the Raaja Clan is not the only way to save the Earth. Kina witnesses the problems of modern civilization and tries to find a true solution by facing her own inner self. This theme provides deep insight into environmental and social issues and has the power to make viewers think.

■Character Analysis

The story depicts the growth of the main character, Kina Ariyoshi, from an ordinary high school student to her awakening as Arjuna. Her character is pure and strong-willed, and is at the center of the story. Chris Hawken is Kina's guide and an important character who supports her growth. Additionally, the surrounding characters, such as Tokio Oshima, Cindy Klein, Theresa Wong, and Onizuka, are all unique and add depth to the story. In particular, Onizuka's character leaves a strong impression on viewers as he is portrayed as a symbol of the problems of modern society.

■Video and Music

"Arjuna, Earth Girl" is characterized by its beautiful, extensive use of CG produced by Satelight. In particular, the scenes in which Kina fights as Arjuna make maximum use of CG technology, creating a visual impact. Yoko Kanno's music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the film. Her music skillfully expresses the theme of the story and the feelings of the characters, evoking emotions in the viewer. In particular, the background music used in the film provides deep insight into environmental and social issues, emphasizing the theme of the film.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"Arjuna: Earth Girl" has been highly praised as a work that tackles environmental and social issues. In particular, the visual beauty of the film, which combines Director Shoji Kawamori's unique perspective with Satelight's beautiful CG technology, is visually appealing. Yoko Kanno's music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, and enhances the emotions of the viewer. The story development and character growth are also depicted in depth, making it powerful enough to make the viewer think. In terms of recommended audiences, we recommend this film to those who are interested in environmental and social issues, those who want to enjoy deep themes, and those who want to enjoy beautiful images and music. We also recommend this film to anime fans and fans of Director Shoji Kawamori.

■ Related works and recommendations

Other works by director Shoji Kawamori, like "Earth Girl Arjuna," include the "Macross Series" and "Aquarion." These works also have elements of mecha design and robot anime, but also depict deep themes, and are recommended for fans of "Earth Girl Arjuna." In addition, "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and "Ghost in the Shell" are also recommended as works that deal with environmental and social issues. These works also depict deep themes, but have the power to draw viewers in with beautiful images and music. In addition, for those who want to enjoy Yoko Kanno's music, "Cowboy Bebop" and "Wolf's Rain" are also recommended. In these works, Yoko Kanno's music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work.

■ Summary

"Arjuna: Earth Girl" is a deep work on the theme of environmental and social issues, and is characterized by its beautiful visuals that combine director Shoji Kawamori's unique perspective with Satelight's beautiful CG technology. Yoko Kanno's music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, and enhances the emotions of the viewer. The story development and character growth are also depicted deeply, and have the power to make the viewer think. In terms of recommended audience, it is recommended for those who are interested in environmental and social issues, those who want to enjoy deep themes, and those who want to enjoy beautiful images and music. It is also a work that should be seen by anime fans and fans of director Shoji Kawamori. Other related works that can be recommended include the "Macross Series," "Aquarion," "Neon Genesis Evangelion," "Ghost in the Shell," "Cowboy Bebop," and "Wolf's Rain." These works also have the power to draw viewers in with beautiful images and music while depicting deep themes.