The appeal and evaluation of "Otogi-zoshi": A classic world that still resonates today

"Otogi-zoshi" - A grand story that connects the Heian period and the present

"Otogi Zoushi" is a TV anime series that aired on Nippon Television from 2004 to 2005. Originally created by Production IG and Nippon Television and directed by Nishikubo Mizuho, ​​this work depicts an epic tale of a legendary magatama set in the Heian period and modern-day Tokyo. The anime, which consists of 26 episodes, is divided into two parts, the Heian period and the Tokyo period, and the story progresses while intertwining different historical backgrounds and characters.

Heian Period - In Search of the Legendary Magatama

The Heian chapter is set in the middle of the Heian period. In the capital devastated by famine and epidemic, samurai and onmyoji are fighting for supremacy. Meanwhile, the Imperial Court orders Minamoto no Yorimitsu, a master archer, to search for the legendary magatama, which has mysterious spiritual powers that will bring peace to the capital. However, when Yorimitsu falls ill with the epidemic, his sister, Hikari no Kimi, sets out on a journey to search for the magatama in place of her brother. Hikari continues her journey disguised as a man, meeting various people such as her loyal subordinate Watanabe no Tsuna, the handsome young sarugaku performer Manzairaku, and the mysterious onmyoji Abe no Seimei, as she throws herself into the battle for the magatama.

The appeal of the Heian chapter lies above all in the historical background and the depth of the characters. The customs and culture of the Heian period are depicted in detail, drawing viewers into the beautiful worldview. The human drama of the characters, including Hikari no Kimi, is also not to be missed. The individuality of each character, such as Hikari no Kimi's growth, the faint love between her and Banzairaku, and the mysterious presence of Abe no Seimei, enrich the story.

Tokyo Edition - Mysterious incidents occurring in modern-day Tokyo

The Tokyo chapter is set in modern-day Tokyo in 2004. The protagonist, Hikaru, is a 17-year-old high school girl who attends a high school in Tokyo. After losing her parents, she lives as the landlord of an apartment building in Okubo called "Genso." A unique group of lodgers gather at Genso, including Tsuna, a freelance writer; Sadamitsu, a cabaret club scout; Kintaro, a child who loves food; and Urabe, a suspicious fortune teller. One day, Hikaru spots her brother, Raiko, in the streets of Tokyo, but Tsuna is unable to see Raiko. After that incident, people around Hikaru start going missing one after another.

The appeal of the Tokyo chapter is the mysterious events that take place in the familiar setting of modern-day Tokyo, and the connection to the Heian chapter. It is suggested that Hikaru is the same person as the Princess of Light in the Heian chapter, and viewers are drawn into the intertwining of her past and present. The unique characters of the boarders at Genso also add to the excitement of the story, giving it a different appeal from the Heian chapter.

Characters and cast

The characters of Otogi Zoushi show different faces in both the Heian and Tokyo chapters, but they share a common depth of depiction. The protagonist of the Heian chapter, Minamoto Mitsu (Lord of Light), is voiced by Mizusawa Fumie, while his brother Minamoto no Yorimitsu and Watanabe no Tsuna are played by Miki Shinichiro and Miyake Kenta. The story is also supported by a stellar cast, including Tokumaru Kan as Abe no Seimei and Miki Shinichiro as Banzairaku. In the Tokyo chapter, some of the cast members overlap with those from the Heian chapter, such as Mizusawa Fumie as Hikaru, Sugiyama Dai as Tsuna, and Mizuta Wasabi as Kintaro, playing an important role in connecting the two eras.

Staff and production

Otogi Zoushi was produced by Production IG and Nippon Television Network, and directed by Nishikubo Mizuho. Series composition was by Sakurai Keiki, character design and general animation direction was by Kise Kazuya, art was by Kobayashi Shichiro and Nakamura Takashi, color design by Yusa Kumiko, cinematography by Sakuma Miki, editing by Hamautsu Taeko, sound direction by Wakabayashi Kazuhiro, and music by Taniuchi Hideki and Kawai Kenji. Additionally, Hongo Kazuto participated in historical research, and Nakatani Toshio, Kanno Yoshinori, Inada Kiyoto, and Morishita Katsuji were among the producers. This staff worked together to create Otogi Zoushi, which captivated viewers with its beautiful visuals and intricate story development.

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music of "Otogi Zoushi" also add to the appeal of the work. The opening theme "Zen" is sung by ATTACK HAUS, with lyrics and music by MASASHI. The second season's opening theme "Tomorrow is the same future as today" is sung by GOMES THE HITMAN, with lyrics and music by Yamada Toshiaki. The ending themes "☆ ni negai wo" and "cry baby" are sung by Kawabe Chieko, with the former written and composed by Kato Daisuke and the latter by Hinata Megumi. The insert song "little wing" is also sung by Kawabe Chieko, with lyrics by deuxunni, music by Hinata Megumi, and arrangement by Kato Daisuke. These songs add to the atmosphere of the story and enhance the emotions of the viewers.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Otogi Zoushi" is a work that depicts an epic tale of a legendary magatama set in two time periods: the Heian period and modern-day Tokyo. Its beautiful visuals, intricate story development, and deep character portrayals have the power to draw viewers in. Also, don't miss the connection between the Heian and Tokyo chapters, and the human drama of each character. The theme song and music also add excitement to the story and stir the emotions of the viewer.

This work is especially recommended for history and fantasy buffs. It will also be enjoyed by those who are interested in the customs and culture of the Heian period, and those who are interested in mysterious incidents set in modern-day Tokyo. It is also recommended for those who enjoy beautiful visuals and music, and those who enjoy deep character portrayals. Please try experiencing the world of "Otogi Zoushi" at least once.

Subtitles and episodes

Don't miss the subtitles and episodes of "Otogi Zoushi." The Heian chapter, from the first act "Raikou" to the thirteenth act "Hikari," depicts the journey of Hikari no Kimi in search of the legendary magatama. The Tokyo chapter, from the fourteenth act "Tokyo" to the twenty-sixth act "Miyako," depicts Hikaru confronting mysterious incidents occurring in modern-day Tokyo. Each episode advances the story and draws the viewer in.

The Heian period episodes depict the growth of Hikari no Kimi, the faint love between her and Banzairaku, and the mysterious presence of Abe no Seimei. The Tokyo period episodes also feature the intertwining of Hikaru's past and present, and the unique characters of the boarders at Genso, adding excitement to the story. These episodes pile up one by one to form the epic tale of Otogi Zoushi.

Conclusion

"Otogi Zoushi" is a work that depicts an epic tale of a legendary magatama, set in the Heian period and modern-day Tokyo. Its beautiful visuals, detailed story development, and deep character portrayals have the power to draw viewers in. Also, don't miss the connection between the Heian and Tokyo chapters, and the human drama of each character. The theme song and music also add excitement to the story and stir the emotions of the viewer. This work is especially recommended for history and fantasy fans. We encourage you to experience the world of "Otogi Zoushi" at least once.