Review of "Hakaima Sadamitsu": A fascinating story and deep character development

Review of "Hakaima Sadamitsu": A fascinating story and deep character development

A comprehensive review and recommendation of Hakai Masada Mitsu

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

January 17, 2001 - March 21, 2001

■Broadcasting station

WOWOW

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 10

■Original Story

Masahiko Nakahira "Destruction Demon Sadamitsu" (serialized in Shueisha's "Ultra Jump")

■ Director

Koichi Ohata

■ Production

Studio Deen

■Works

©2001 Masahiko Nakahira, Shueisha/SME Visual Works

■ Story

detail

Space criminals, known as "exiles," are supposed to be wandering the universe for all eternity. For some reason, 20 million of these exiles suddenly land on Earth. A delinquent boy, Tsubaki Sadamitsu, encounters a data lifeform, known as an "escort," that has come to Earth to retrieve the exiles. Due to a misunderstanding on Sadamitsu's part, the escort's body is destroyed and it becomes immobile. Feeling obligated, Sadamitsu puts on the escort's head (commonly known as "Ponkotsu") and witnesses the recovery of the exiles as they land one after the other, but...

■Explanation

detail

This is an anime adaptation of the comic "Hakaima Sadamitsu" currently being serialized in "Ultra Jump", but since the original has many ongoing mysteries, it will be an original story. While being careful not to ruin the atmosphere of the original, original characters and exiles will appear. It will be a parallel "anime version of Hakaima Sadamitsu" based on the world view of the first volume of the original.

■Cast

detail

・Tsubaki Sadamitsu/Ueda Yuji/Kamishiro Yayoi/Tanaka Rie/Ponkotsu/Yamaji Kazuhiro/Tsubaki Akinobu/Kosugi Jurota/Detective Gomimaru/Matsuyama Takashi/Thor/Iwanaga Tetsuya/Noriyasu/Ietomi Yoji/Kokonoe Chieko/Kajiwara Mayumi/Takasugi Mitsuko/Nogawa Sakura/Cron/Yamazaki Ikenori/Hisajin/Mori Norihisa/Bancho/Kaneko Harii/Michio/Saito Nobuyuki/Sekkyo/Okite Porsche (Roman Porsche.)

■ Main staff

detail

・Original work: Masahiko Nakahira "Hakaima Sadamitsu" (serialized in Shueisha's "Ultra Jump")
・Director, Storyboard: Koichi Ohata ・Series Composition, Script: Masahisa Akaboshi ・Creature Design: Tamotsu Shinohara ・Character Design: Akira Kikuchi ・Director: Makoto Noriza ・Chief Animation Director: Ryuji Shiomae ・Art: Ishigaki Productions ・Color Design: Takeshi Mochida ・Music: Surf Coasters, Taku Iwasaki ・Music Director: Takashi Kodama ・Animation Production: Studio Deen

■ Main Characters

detail

・Tsubaki Sadamitsu

Thor

・Noriyasu

・Bancho

・Hisajin

・Michio

・Yayoi Kamiyo

・Chieko Kokonoe

Vulture

・Dance

Luger

Agni

・Gorai

Ido

Muzan

■Subtitle

detail

1/ Fighting is the best! Sadamitsu arrives 2/ A flash of defeat! Collection complete 3/ The birth of a younger brother, the runaway 4/ A man's burning soul 5/ Women are men's grim reapers 6/ Cherry blossoms are men's lost flowers 7/ Men, take the fist of life!
・8/ Men, Tears of an Umbrella ・9/ Men's Love is a Fight to the Death ・10/ A Man's Constellation Shining in the Sky

■ Theme songs and music

detail

・OP1
・Theme of the Destruction Demon Sadamitsu・1~9
・Composition: Shigeo Naka ・Arrangement: Shigeo Naka

・OP2
・The way of a man is the way of fighting・10
Lyrics by Koichi Ohata, Music by Shigeo Naka, Arrangement by Shigeo Naka, Singer by Sadamitsu Tsubaki (Yuji Ueda)

・ED1
・Like a favorite song
1 to 10
Lyrics: Yuriko Mori; Composition: Tamiya Terashima; Arrangement: Tamiya Terashima; Singer: Rie Tanaka

■ Evaluation

"Hakaima Sadamitsu" is a TV anime series that aired in 2001, originally based on a manga serialized in "Ultra Jump" by Masahiko Nakahira. The story begins with the bizarre premise that a space criminal "exile" lands on Earth, and follows the delinquent boy Tsubaki Sadamitsu's attempt to retrieve him. While the anime version is based on the worldview of the original work, it also incorporates original stories and characters, making it enjoyable for both fans of the original work and new viewers.

Director Ohata Koichi takes great care not to ruin the atmosphere of the original work, while still advancing the story from his own perspective. In particular, the character setting of Tsubaki Sadamitsu and the scene where he puts on the escort body's "Ponkotsu" head are brilliantly directed, fusing humor and action that are unique to anime. In addition, the collaboration between creature designer Shinohara Tamotsu and character designer Kikuchi Akira makes the visuals of the exiles and escort bodies very impressive, leaving a strong visual impact.

The cast is also impressive, with the performances of the voice actors, including Yuji Ueda as Sadamitsu Tsubaki and Rie Tanaka as Yayoi Kamishiro, adding excitement to the story. In particular, Yuji Ueda's performance as the hot-blooded character of Sadamitsu Tsubaki is particularly impressive, capturing the hearts of viewers. Additionally, Kazuhiro Yamaji, who plays the head of the escort unit, Ponkotsu, is charming in his humorous yet occasionally serious character.

In terms of music, the background music by Surf Coasters and Taku Iwasaki enhances the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the opening theme "Hakaima Sadamitsu no Theme" is a powerful song that symbolizes the theme of the work, composed and arranged by Shigeo Naka. In addition, the ending theme "Suki datta Uta no Youni ~Like a Favorite Song~" features the gentle voice of Rie Tanaka, soothing the hearts of viewers.

The storyline draws viewers in by depicting the growth of Sadamitsu and his battles with different exiles in each episode. As the subtitles suggest, the human drama of Sadamitsu's masculinity, friendship, and romance is particularly well-drawn, making it more than just an action anime; it is a story with depth. The final episode, "A Man's Constellation Shining in the Sky," movingly depicts Sadamitsu's growth and the bond he shares with his friends, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

■Recommendation

"Hakaima Sadamitsu" is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like action and science fiction, and those who want to enjoy human drama. In particular, it is an anime that should be watched by those who can empathize with the character of Tsubaki Sadamitsu and those who want to see a delinquent boy grow up. In addition, those who are interested in the design of the escorts and exiles will be drawn in by the visual appeal.

This work was broadcast on WOWOW, so you will need to purchase a DVD or use a streaming service to watch it, but it is well worth it. In particular, even though it was made in 2001, the quality and story remain current and even modern anime fans can enjoy it.

In addition, by reading the original work "Hakaima Sadamitsu" as well, you can enjoy the differences and similarities with the anime version. The original work is currently being serialized in "Ultra Jump" and many mysteries are still unfolding, so one way to enjoy it is to compare the anime version with the original work.

Overall, "Hakaima Sadamitsu" is a worthwhile anime that combines a unique worldview, fascinating characters, and a deep storyline. Please give it a watch and experience its charm for yourself.

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