"Tenjo Tenge" Review: Delving into the world where myth and reality intersect

"Tenjo Tenge": The glamorous world of martial arts and the trajectory of youth

"Tenjo Tenge" is a TV anime series based on the popular manga by Ohgure Ito, and was broadcast on TV Asahi from April 2nd to September 17th, 2004. This work, which consists of 24 episodes, depicts martial arts battles and youth dramas that unfold at Toudou Academy. Here, we will introduce in detail the appeal, highlights, and recommended points of the series.

Overview

"Tenjo Tenge" is set in a special school called Toudou Academy. The story depicts students at this school training themselves and growing through martial arts. The story draws viewers in as the unique characters, including the protagonist Soichiro Nagi, master various martial arts while also battling for power within the school and achieving personal growth.

Character Introduction

Modern era

Nagi Souichirou <br> A first-year student at Toudou Academy and a member of the sword and kettle club. As he is descended from a family of exorcists, he is said to have extremely high potential. Souichirou's growth and fighting style are the central themes of the story.

Bob Makihara <br> A good friend of Soichiro and a Capoeira practitioner. His fighting sense, with the supple muscles and springiness that are unique to black people, is so great that even Mayo, the captain of the Judo and Sword Club, acknowledges it.

Takayanagi Masataka <br> A second-year student at Toudou Academy and a member of the Judo and Swords Club. Born into the Takayanagi family, a renowned martial arts family, he was raised drilled into martial arts. He falls in love with Aya at first sight, and the story depicts him following through on that feeling.

Natsume Maya <br> A third-year student at Toudou Academy, and captain of the Judo and Swords Club. She usually appears as a small girl to prevent unnecessary release of her "ki", but her abilities are overwhelming.

Natsume Aya <br> Mayo's younger sister, a first-year student at Toudou Academy. She has feelings for Souichirou, and grows up in a delicate relationship with her sister. She is a practitioner of the Natsume Goshin style and possesses the Dragon Eye.

Tsutomu Ryuzaki <br> A third-year student at Toudou Academy and a member of the executive committee. He uses the fire energy "Enki" from the "Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water" elements to punish Soichiro and Bob for their rampage on the first day of school.

Konoike Chiaki <br> Bob's girlfriend, she has known Soichiro and Bob since middle school. She is a good cook and participated in the judo and kendo club training camp as the cook.

Emi Isuzu <br> A third-year student at Toudou Academy and vice president of the executive committee. She fights using weapons called "secret weapons," and is commonly referred to as "Isuzu of the Secret Weapon."

Saga Mask <br> A third-year student at Toudou Academy, he is the president of the Pro Wrestling Research Club and a member of the executive committee. He calls himself the most violent enforcer of punishment at the school, and is what Sagara calls him when he wears the mask.

Shiro Tagami <br> A member of the executive committee who calls himself a samurai and is an expert in stick fighting. Contrary to his appearance, which is covered with skulls, he prefers to fight fair and square.

Kagurazaka <br> The captain of Mitsuomi's guard and the only gay character. He may be quite skilled, as he puts up a good fight with Masataka at the bowling alley.

Tawara Bunshichi <br> He is an advisor to the executive committee at Toudou Academy and a 20-year-old third-year high school student who is in his third year. Although he is somewhat conspicuous for his erotic side, he also plays a key role by stopping Mitsuomi's rampage and beginning to tell the whole story of the past.

Takayanagi Mitsuomi <br> A third-year student at Toudou Academy, he is the chairman of the executive committee and the current head of the Takayanagi family. He boasts the strongest abilities, but due to an attack he received from Natsume Shin in the past, he has difficulty fighting for long periods of time.

Past

Natsume Maya <br> In the present day, Maya maintains her dignity as the captain of the Judo and Sword Club, but in the past she is unable to stand up to her brother, Shin. She is in love with Mitsuomi, and is the key person who is torn between the two.

Takayanagi Mitsuomi <br> The eldest son of the Takayanagi family, who have the power to control the Japanese martial arts world, and a candidate to become the next leader of the gang "KATANA". In the past story, he was close to Mayo and respects Makoto.

Natsume Shin <br> Aya and Maya's older brother and leader of the bandit gang "KATANA." He was the executive chairman of Toudou Academy two years ago and the founder of the soft sword club. He possesses the same "Dragon Eye" as Aya and is also a user of the "Shikito Reihi," but is gradually being corrupted by the power of the Dragon Eye.

Tawara Bunshichi <br> Makoto's best friend and the vice-captain of the gang "KATANA". Nicknamed "Double Impact Tawara", he is one of the founding members of the Judo and Kendo Club. Despite his erotic appearance, he also shows a caring side for his friends.

Kuzuha Mao <br> Shin's girlfriend, she has mastered the art of healing using needles called Kuzuha acupuncture. Despite being Shin's girlfriend, she sometimes behaves in a mysterious way, such as by trying to seduce Mitsuomi.

Story and highlights

The story of "Tenjo Tenge" is divided into a modern-day arc and a past arc. The modern-day arc begins with Souichirou enrolling in Toudou Academy and joining the Judo and Kendo club. He overcomes various challenges together with Maya, Aya, Bob, and others. Meanwhile, the past arc depicts the youth of Shin, Mitsuomi, Maya, and others, revealing their growth and conflicts.

The highlight of this work is undoubtedly the dynamic and spectacular fighting scenes. The animation production by Madhouse brings out the power and beauty of the fighting to the fullest. The individuality and growth of the characters are also part of the appeal, drawing the viewer into the human drama of the characters.

Production staff and cast

The original author of "Tenjo Tenge" is Ohgure Ito, and the director is Kawase Toshifumi. The animation was produced by Madhouse, and the production was handled by TV Asahi and Avex Mode. The cast includes a stellar line-up of voice actors, including Hoshi Souichirou as Nagi Souichirou, Chihara Minori as Natsume Aya, and Miki Shinichiro as Bob Makihara.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "Bomb A Head! V" and is sung by mcA・T. The lyrics are by mcA・T, the music is by Akio Togashi, and the arrangement is by DJ FUMIYA. The ending theme is "Aishitene♥Motto" and is sung by Aiko Kayo. The lyrics are by C&F, the music is by FUMIHIKO, and the arrangement is by Takahiro Ando. These songs are also important elements that add to the atmosphere of the work.

Related Titles

"Tenjo Tenge" has a related work called "Tenjo Tenge ULTIMATE FIGHT", which is a sequel to the original comic, and you can enjoy even deeper storylines and fighting scenes.

Recommended points

"Tenjo Tenge" is particularly highly regarded among other martial arts-themed works, and the following points are the reasons for its recommendation:

1. Quality of the Fighting Scenes <br> The fighting scenes, animated by Madhouse, are drawn with extremely high quality. Each character's technique and movement are realistically reproduced, providing plenty of visual enjoyment.

2. The appeal of the characters <br> The human drama woven by the unique characters has the power to draw viewers in. In particular, the growth and struggles of Soichiro, Aya, Maya and others evoke empathy as symbols of youth.

3. Depth of the story <br> The story, which intertwines the present and the past, is not just about martial arts, but also has depth as a story of human relationships and growth. By learning about the characters' past and present, viewers can become more immersed in the work.

4. The appeal of the music <br> The opening and ending songs are important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the opening song "Bomb A Head! V" enhances the power of the fighting scenes.

As mentioned above, "Tenjo Tenge" is loved by many fans as a work that depicts the glamorous world of martial arts and the trajectory of youth. It is recommended not only for those who like martial arts, but also for those who like youth dramas and human dramas. Please watch this work and experience its charm.