A thorough review of Kyogoku Natsuhiko's "Konson Hyaku Monogatari"! Explaining its appeal and recommended points

Natsuhiko Kyogoku: 100 Tales of the Streets - Kyougokunatsuhiko Kousetsuhyakumonogatari

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

novel

■ Broadcast period

October 3, 2003 - December 26, 2003

■Broadcasting station

Chubu Nippon Broadcasting

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 13

■Original Story

Natsuhiko Kyogoku

■ Director

Hideki Tonokatsu

■ Production

Animation Production: Tokyo Movie

■Works

©Natsuhiko Kyogoku/TMS, Toho, CBC, RKB, RCC

■ Story

At the end of the Edo period, when peace was faltering, there was a sinister trio who undertook to solve cases that had been buried in the dark. Mataichi the Imperial Guard, Ogin the Wildcat Hunter, and Nagamimi the Bird Attractor... With the words "Official Actions," they carried out revenge on criminals that the authorities could not bring to justice, blaming them on monsters. Yamaoka Hyakusuke, a writer of thoughtful stories, was drawn to the group by chance and became deeply involved in their "plot."

■Cast

Hyakusuke Yamaoka: Toshihiko Seki / Mataichi: Ryusei Nakao / Ogin: Sanae Kobayashi / Nagamimi: Norio Wakamoto / Hakuan, Kuroan: Masako Nozawa / Kyogokutei: Natsuhiko Kyogoku and others

■ Main staff

Planning: Shunzo Kato (TMS), Masamichi Fujiwara (Toho), Yujiro Hara (CBC) / Producers: Yudo Oishi, Yuichi Murata, Takeyuki Okazaki / Series Composition: Yoshinobu Fujioka / Screenplay: Yoshinobu Fujioka, Hiroshi Takahashi, Sadayuki Murai, Yutaka Kanbara / Character Design: Shigeyuki Miya / Storyboard: Hideki Tonokatsu, Shigeyuki Miya, Masaharu Okuwaki, Koki Kudo, Masahiro Hosoda, Hideaki Ohba, Hidetoshi Namura / Director: Hideki Tonokatsu, Kazuo Nogami, Masahiro Hosoda, Hideaki Ohba, Fumihiro Ueno, Yoshihiro Sugai, Ryo Miyata / Animation Directors: Eiji Ishimoto, Tomohiro Koyama, Takeshi Yamazaki Others / Art Director: Takashi Miyano / Color Design: Kayoko Nishi / Director of Photography: Satoshi Otsubo / Editor: Yuriko Sano / CG Director: Shingo Shimoyama / Literary Director: Toshiyuki Takada / Assistant Producer: Yu Jyoen / Music: Kuniaki Hiijima / Sound Director: Tooru Nakano

■ Theme songs and music

[OP] Song title: The Flame / Singer: Keiko Lee / Lyrics: Donny Schwekendiek / Composition: Keiko Lee / Arrangement: Keiko Lee
[ED] Song title: The Moment of Love / Singer: Keiko Lee / Lyrics: Donny Schwekendiek / Music: Keiko Lee / Arrangement: Keiko Lee

Review

Natsuhiko Kyogoku's "Konson Hyaku Monogatari" is a masterpiece novel depicting the mysteries and human psychology of the Edo period, and its anime adaptation was eagerly awaited by many fans. Broadcast in 2003, the anime has been praised for its visual appeal and deep storytelling while faithfully recreating the atmosphere of the original work.

The story is set in the unstable times of the late Edo period and follows the exploits of a sinister trio, Mataichi the Miyuki, Ogin the Wildcat Hunter, and Nagamimi the Bird Catcher, who solve cases buried in the dark. With the words "Gossokuho", they have a unique worldview in which they carry out revenge on criminals who the authorities cannot bring to justice by blaming them on monsters. This setting skillfully expresses the strangeness of the original work and the depths of human psychology, and the anime also brings out its charm to the fullest.

Of particular note is the process in which the protagonist, Yamaoka Hyakusuke, becomes embroiled in Mataichi and his group. Yamaoka Hyakusuke appears as the author of the ideas, and through some unexpected coincidences, becomes involved in Mataichi and his group's "traps." Seeing Mataichi and his group's actions from his perspective offers the viewer a new perspective, adding depth to the story. Furthermore, the process in which Yamaoka Hyakusuke becomes attracted to Mataichi and his group depicts the complexities of human relationships and psychological conflicts, and has the power to draw the viewer in.

As for the cast, the voice actors for each character, such as Yamaoka Hyakusuke played by Seki Toshihiko, Mataichi played by Nakao Ryusei, Ogin played by Kobayashi Sanae, and Nagamimi played by Wakamoto Norio, bring out the individuality of each character. In particular, the dual roles of Shiroan and Kuroan played by Nozawa Masako further emphasize the mysterious atmosphere and contribute to the overall atmosphere of the work. Another point that fans will be happy about is that the original author Kyogoku Natsuhiko appears as Kyogokutei.

The main staff, including director Hideki Tonokatsu, character designer Shigeyuki Miya, and composer Kuniaki Haijima, are professionals in various fields, and their high quality is reflected in the entire work. In particular, the participation of a wide variety of staff in storyboarding and directing plays an important role in realizing the individuality of each episode and consistent storytelling.

As for the theme songs, Keiko Lee's "The Flame" and "The Moment of Love" are beautiful songs that match the atmosphere of the work and leave a deep impression on viewers. Her singing voice simultaneously expresses the mystery and beauty of the work, further enriching the viewing experience.

Recommendation

"Kyogoku Natsuhiko's One Hundred Tales" is a work that features a profound story depicting the supernatural and human psychology, beautiful visuals, and an excellent cast and staff. It is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period, those who like supernatural novels and mysteries, and those who are looking for deep human drama. Also, those who have read the original novel will be able to enjoy the visual appeal and new interpretation that only an anime can provide.

This work is valuable not only as entertainment, but also as a means of exploring the depths of human psychology. After watching it, you may find yourself reflecting on your own inner thoughts. Please give it a watch.