Review of "Hanada Shonen Shi": A moving work depicting the brilliance and suffering of youth

Hanada Shonen Shi - A classic anime that combines nostalgia and modernity

"Hanada Shonen Shi", which aired from 2002 to 2003, is a TV anime series based on the comic of the same name by Isshiki Makoto. It was directed by Kojima Masayuki, known for his work on Azuki-chan and Master Keaton, and animated by Madhouse. The series has received high praise, winning the Best Television Series award at the Tokyo International Anime Fair 2003 and the Best Animated Feature Film award at the 8th Asian Television Awards.

story

"Hanada Shonen Shi" is a story of adventure and growth set in a rural town in the Showa era, about the mischievous boy Hanada Ichiro. In an era when color televisions were not yet common, Ichiro was angry that his mother would not buy him a color TV, and spent his days playing pranks. However, one day he was involved in a traffic accident and received a wound in his head that required nine stitches, which allowed him to see terrifying ghosts.

With this ability, Ichiro is approached by ghosts who wish for him to rest in peace, and he is forced to fulfill various requests. Ichiro's daily life is full of interactions with ghosts, such as a request from the ghost of a beautiful girl named Yuki to convey her feelings for Seiji, and a request from Toshizo Yanagihara, also known as the "Dick Old Man," to process a love letter. In the midst of all this, Ichiro grows as a person and deepens his bond with his family as he fulfills the ghosts' wishes.

character

The main character, Ichiro, is voiced by Kumai Motoko, who gives a great performance as a mischievous and energetic boy. Ichiro's childhood friend, Murakami Sota, is played by Kuwashima Houko, who plays an endearing character as a younger brother who follows Ichiro around even though he often cries. Ichiro's family is also unique, with his father, Ojiro, voiced by Yao Kazuki, his mother, Toshie, voiced by Tanaka Mayumi, his grandfather, Tokujiro, voiced by Nozawa Nachi, and his older sister, Tokuko, voiced by Takeuchi Junko, portraying the warmth and humor of the family.

The ghosts are also full of charming characters. The voice actors, such as Aya Hisakawa as Yuki, Ichiro Nagai as Chin Chin Jijii, and Rika Matsumoto as Madame Catherine, all have unique personalities that enrich the ghosts' personalities. The episode about Chin Chin Jijii is especially comical, and his interactions with Ichiro are sure to make you laugh.

Background and Evaluation

Director Masayuki Kojima took great care in producing "Hanada Shonen Shi" to bring out the best in the original work. The realistic portrayal of the scenery and lifestyle of a Showa-era rural town evokes nostalgia in the viewer, while the story of the characters' interactions with ghosts and their growth gives a fresh impression. Madhouse's animation production has also been highly praised, with the beauty of the character designs and background art adding to the appeal of the work.

This work has been highly praised since it was first broadcast, and viewers were particularly moved by the ghost episodes and Ichiro's growth story. The awards it received at the Tokyo International Anime Fair 2003 and the Asia Television Awards are testament to its high acclaim. It was also supported by fans of the original work as an animation that faithfully reproduced the worldview of the original work.

Theme song and music

The opening theme of "Hanada Shonen Shi" was "The One" by the Backstreet Boys, and the ending theme was "Drowning" by the same band. The use of Western music was rare at the time, and it left a fresh impression on viewers. The music was composed by Yoshihisa Hirano, and its gentle melody that evokes the atmosphere of the Showa era enhances the worldview of the work.

Episode introduction

"Hanada Shonen Shi" consists of 25 episodes, each of which tells the story of a different ghost. Below are some of the episodes.

• Episode 1 "The Beginning" : Ichiro is involved in a traffic accident and gains the ability to see ghosts. This is an important episode as it marks the beginning of the story.
• Episode 2 "Yuki the Ghost's Wish" : A beautiful ghost named Yuki appears and asks Ichiro to convey his feelings for Seiji. A touching story unfolds.
• Episode 5, "Dick Old Man" : A comical episode in which Dick Old Man, also known as Toshizo Yanagiwara, appears and asks Ichiro to process a love letter.
• Episode 9, "Madame Catherine" : In this episode, the ghost of a fortune teller named Madame Catherine appears and asks Ichiro for his help in preventing him from going to hell.
• Episode 25 "The Katakuri Flower" : The final episode, in which Ichiro grows through his interactions with the ghosts and deepens his bond with his family.

Reasons for recommendation

"Hanada Shonen Shi" is a masterpiece anime that combines nostalgia and modernity. The story is set in a rural town in the Showa era, and while it brings back memories for the viewer, the story of the boy's interactions with ghosts and his growth gives a fresh impression. The unique characters and comical episodes are also appealing, allowing you to enjoy both laughter and tears.

This is a work that is especially recommended for fans of the original work and those who love the atmosphere of the Showa era. It is also a work that depicts a story of family ties and growth, and is enjoyable for a wide range of generations. Please give it a watch.

Related information

The original comic and DVD of "Hanada Shonen Shi" are also available for purchase, providing even more ways to enjoy the series after viewing. There are also related goods and events being held, providing plenty of information that will delight fans. In addition, there are many reviews and impressions by fans on the Internet, allowing you to reaffirm the appeal of the series.

This work is a masterpiece anime that combines nostalgia and newness, and will continue to be loved by many people in the future. Please watch it at least once and experience its charm.