"The Three Stooges": A thorough review of the humorous and friendly adventure

"The Funny Trio": A timeless classic that captures the hearts of children

"Let's Go! The Zukkoke Trio" is a children's literature series written by Masamoto Nasu and first published by Poplar Publishing in 1978. This popular work has won numerous awards, including the Iwaya Sazanami Literary Award and the Noma Children's Literary Award, and has expanded into a series. In 2004, it was broadcast as an anime series on TV Tokyo and was loved by many children. In this article, we will introduce "Let's Go! The Zukkoke Trio" from various angles, from the appeal of the original work to the background of its anime adaptation, details about the characters, and recommendations for viewers.

The appeal of the original

The Zukkoke Trio series is a huge hit, with 48 volumes and a total of over 21 million copies in circulation. The secret to its popularity is said to be that the main characters are depicted as they really are, and that it is not just an entertainment novel, but also satisfies the desire for knowledge. Its popularity, so great that elementary school students are willing to buy it with their own pocket money to read it, is unparalleled.

The Zukkoke Fan Club, which was formed in 1987, has over 43,000 registered children from across the country who support the series. A manga series also began serialization in Poplar Publishing's Monthly Pre-Comic Bunbun, which was launched in December 2003, and is just as entertaining as the original, so it continues to attract new fans, especially from elementary and junior high school students. Furthermore, children who read the series when it first came out are now parents themselves, and it is supported as a book they would like their children to read.

Background of the anime

"Soreike! Zukkoke Sanningumi" was broadcast on TV Tokyo from April 4th to October 3rd, 2004. The 26-episode series aired every Sunday morning for 30 minutes from 9am. The popularity of the original work and its universal themes were a major factor in its anime adaptation. By expressing the appeal of the original work through the new medium of anime, it was possible to convey its fun to many more children.

The anime was produced by TV Tokyo, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, and Nippon Animation, and directed by Shigeo Koshi. It faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original work while bringing out new charms with the expressiveness that only anime can offer.

Character Introduction

The main characters of "Soreike! Zukkoke Sanningumi" are Hachibee, Mo-chan, and Hakase, a trio in class 6-1 at Hanayama Second Elementary School. Although they are always involved in chaos, they are portrayed as being positive, energetic, and friendly, and able to face anything.

• Hachiya Ryohei (Hachibee) : Small and dark-skinned. Wanting to be popular with girls, he often flirts with the girls in his class, but they never pay him any attention. He's a bundle of energy, but he jumps to conclusions. His voice actor is Takano Urara.
• Shotaro Yamanaka (Hakase) : He likes reading and science experiments and is very knowledgeable. He likes studying, but his grades may not be very good??? His voice actor is Sachi Matsumoto.
• Miki Okuda (Mo-chan) : A good-natured boy who is a glutton and laid-back. He can be a bit timid, but he has a big heart. His voice actor is Satoshi Tsuruoka.

Other unique characters that appear in the series include Ando Keiko (voice actor: Yokoyama Chisa), the energetic girl in Class 6-1; Arai Yoko (voice actor: Konno Hiromi), the heroine of the class that Hachibee admires; Enomoto Yumiko (voice actor: Kanda Akemi), a graceful Japanese beauty; and Takuwa Gentarou (voice actor: Tsuji Shinpachi), a teacher with 30 years of experience.

Stories and episodes

The story of "Soreike! Zukkoke Sanningumi" depicts the trio's growth as they get caught up in various incidents and adventures. Each episode deals with a wide range of themes, from children's everyday life to fantasy.

For example, in episode 1, "The Zukkoke Trio on the Move!!," the trio is shown working together for the first time to solve a case. In episode 10, "The Zukkoke Trio vs. Phantom Thief X," a showdown with Phantom Thief X is depicted, testing the trio's teamwork. In episode 16, "The Zukkoke Trio Goes to Hawaii," the trio goes on a dream-like trip to Hawaii.

Each episode depicts the world from the children's perspective in a realistic way, with a story that is a mix of humor and friendship. Viewers can feel the excitement of watching the trio's friendship and cooperation being put to the test.

Music and theme song

The theme songs for "Soreike! Zukkoke Trio" are the opening theme "↑UP3 (Up Up Up)" and the ending theme "Gyutto Shitai Na." Both songs were written and composed by Ryuichi Kawamura and sung by the Zukkoke Girls (Ura Takano, Chisa Yokoyama, and Suzutomo). These songs are characterized by powerful melodies and lyrics that not only liven up the atmosphere of the anime, but also energize the viewers.

The opening theme, "↑UP3," is an up-tempo song that symbolizes the trio's adventurous spirit, drawing the viewer into the world of the story. Meanwhile, the ending theme, "Gyutto Shitana," is a warm song that evokes friendship and bonds, leaving the viewer with a pleasant aftertaste. These theme songs are important elements that further enhance the appeal of the anime.

Recommendation to viewers

"Soreike! Zukkoke Sanningumi" is a work that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. This series, which recreates the charm of the original work in an animated form, will provide viewers with laughter and emotion while telling stories of friendship, adventure, and growth. In particular, the episodes that realistically depict the daily lives and dreams of children will resonate with many viewers.

This anime not only teaches children the importance of friendship and cooperation, but also provides an opportunity for them to learn the attitude of working hard towards their own dreams and goals. In addition, the knowledge and information scattered throughout each episode stimulates children's intellectual curiosity and makes them feel the joy of learning.

Furthermore, fans of the original work can enjoy the story from a new perspective by being made into an anime. The expressiveness and voice acting that only anime can provide is also one of the highlights. In particular, the performances of the three voice actors portray the personalities of the characters more clearly.

"Soreike! Zukkoke Sanningumi" is a timeless classic that captures the hearts of children and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Please enjoy this anime and experience the wonder of friendship and adventure.

summary

"Let's Go! The Zukkoke Trio" is a wonderful work that recreates the charm of the original work in the form of an anime. The story of the trio's friendship, adventure, and growth will provide viewers with laughter and emotion, and teach children a lot. The theme song and the individuality of the characters are also highlights, making it a work that the whole family can enjoy together. Be sure to watch this anime and experience the world of the Zukkoke Trio.