The appeal and reputation of BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD: A story of music and youth

"BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD": A story where youth and music intersect

"BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD" is a TV anime series that aired on TV Tokyo from 2004 to 2005, and is based on the popular manga of the same name by Harold Sakuishi. The work has a theme of music and youth, and depicts the protagonist Yukio Tanaka (nicknamed Koyuki) meeting the band "BECK" and growing up. Below, we will introduce detailed information and the appeal of this work.

■Overview of the work

"BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD" aired for a total of 26 episodes from October 6, 2004 to March 30, 2005. It aired for 30 minutes every Wednesday night from 1:30 am, and was produced by Madhouse and the BECK Production Committee. Directed by Osamu Kobayashi, it faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original work while drawing viewers in with the unique expressions of anime.

■ Story

Tanaka Yukio (Koyuki) is an ordinary 14-year-old boy who feels that his days are boring and monotonous. However, one day he happens to come across a dog named BECK and rescues it, which leads to him meeting its owner, Minami Ryusuke. Koyuki believed that Okinawan idol Kuniyoshi Chiemi was the best music, but Ryusuke made him listen to the music of Dying Breed, a charismatic band that has an influence on young people across the United States, and he became interested in rock. He then became involved in the band Ryusuke formed, BECK.

Koyuki grows from being the band's support member to being the vocalist and side guitarist, and together with his friends, he embarks on a musical journey. His encounters with the band members, his struggles, and his growth through music are depicted, and the brilliance and suffering of youth are realistically expressed.

■ Characters

The appeal of "BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD" lies in its unique characters. The main characters are introduced below.

• Tanaka Yukio (Koyuki) : Voiced by Namikawa Daisuke. He was an ordinary boy, but after meeting Ryusuke, he decided to pursue a career in music. He is the vocalist and side guitarist of the band "BECK".
• Minami Ryusuke (Ray) : Voiced by Yuma Ueno. Guitarist in the band "BECK". He's a good-for-nothing, but he's serious about music.
• Chiba Tsunemi : Voiced by Ohata Shintaro. Vocalist of the band "BECK". A man with a strong attachment to the band and a strong presence.
• Yoshiyuki Taira : Voiced by Kenji Nojima. He plays the bass in the band "BECK". A player with a cool sense of balance.
• Yuji Sakurai (Saku) : Voiced by Toru Nara. Drummer for the band "BECK". Always smiling, he is Koyuki's ally.
• Kenichi Saito (Mr. Saito) : Voiced by Okite Porsche. A former Olympic swimmer with a split personality. He has a big influence on Koyuki.
• Maho Minami : Voiced by Miho Saiki. Ryusuke's younger sister, a returnee. Fluent in English but not good at Japanese. In the midst of a relationship with Koyuki.
• Izumi Ishiguro (Izumi-chan) : Voiced by Miki Maruyama. Koyuki's childhood friend and the person who gave her the nickname Koyuki. She was the one who inspired Koyuki to pursue music.

■ Staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD." The main staff members are listed below.

• Original author : Harold Sakuishi
• Director, series composition, and scriptwriter : Osamu Kobayashi
• Assistant Director : Mitsuyuki Masuhara
• Character design : Motonobu Hori, Osamu Kobayashi
• Art director : Shinichi Uehara
• Color design : Yoshimi Koshikawa, Yoshinori Horikawa
• Producer of photography : Masayuki Narai
• Composite Director : Takaharu Ozaki
• CGI Director : Hiromi Hayashi
• Edited by : Yoshiko Kimura
• Sound Director : Yukio Nagasaki
• Sound effects : Hidekuni Sato
• Music producer : Toru Hidaka
• Executive Producers : Atsushi Moriyama, Yoshiro Kataoka, Yoshiaki Matsumoto
• Producers : Tsuyoshi Yadori, Yoshimi Nakajima
• Animation producers : Shinji Kasai, Masao Morosawa
• Animation Production : Madhouse
• Production : BECK Production Committee

■ Episode

"BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD" is a series consisting of 26 episodes, each of which depicts the growth of Koyuki and the band "BECK". Below are the subtitles of each episode.

• Live 1/14 Year Old Scenes (2004/10/06)
• Live 2/LIVE HOUSE (2004/10/13)
• Live 3/MOON ON THE WATER (2004/10/20)
• Live 4/Strum the guitar (2004/10/27)
• Live 5/BECK (2004/11/03)
• Live 6/Hyodo and Jaguar (2004/11/10)
• Live 7/Lucille (2004/11/17)
• Live 8/School Broadcast (2004/11/24)
• Live 9／The night before LIVE (2004/12/01)
• Live 10/FACE (2004/12/08)
• Live 11/Summer holidays (2004/12/15)
• Live 12/Secret Live (2004/12/22)
• Live 13/Ciel Bleu (2004/12/29)
• Live 14/Dream (2005/01/05)
• Live 15/Back to school (2005/01/12)
• Live 16/Indies (2005/01/19)
• Live 17/Three Days (2005/01/26)
• Live 18/Leon Sykes (2005/02/02)
• Live 19/Blues (2005/02/09)
• Live 20/Grateful Sound (2005/02/16)
• Live 21/Write Music (2005/02/23)
• Live 22/Pre-event (2005/03/02)
• Live 23/FESTIVAL (2005/03/09)
• Live 24/Third Stage (2005/03/16)
• Live 25/Slip out (2005/03/23)
• Live 26/America (2005/03/30)

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs of "BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD" also enhance the appeal of the work. Below are the main songs.

• OP1 : HIT IN THE USA
  • Lyricist: Toru Hidaka
  • Composition and Arrangement: BEAT CRUSADERS
  • Sung by: BEAT CRUSADERS
• ED1 : My World Down
  • Lyricist: Tim Jensen
  • Composition and Arrangement: Ryo Matsui
  • Sung by: meister
• ED2 : MOON ON THE WATER
  • Lyricist: Toru Hidaka
  • Composer: BEAT CRUSADERS
  • Sung by: sowelu

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD" has been highly praised as a work that focuses on music and youth. Below we will introduce its appeal and reviews in detail.

A realistic portrayal of music

The greatest appeal of this work is its realistic portrayal of music. The performance scenes of the band "BECK" are as realistic as an actual live performance, and have the power to draw the viewer in. In addition, the music production process and the relationships within the band are also depicted realistically, so there are many points that music lovers can empathize with.

Character Development

The growth of the characters, including the main character Koyuki, is carefully depicted. In particular, Koyuki's passion for music and the deepening bonds with his friends make this a worthwhile coming-of-age drama to watch. Each character also has a distinct personality, leaving a strong impression on the viewer.

Story Development

The story is told from Koyuki's point of view, and the band "BECK"'s activities progress as he grows. Not only are there live performance and music production scenes, but the conflicts and friendships between the band members are also depicted, creating a dramatic unfolding. The live performance scene in America in the final episode is particularly moving and touches the hearts of viewers.

Animation quality

Madhouse's animation faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original work while incorporating unique expressions that can only be achieved through anime. The movements and colors in the live performance scenes are particularly stunning, visually expressing the energy of music. The characters' expressions and movements are also detailed, depicting emotional changes realistically.

Voice actor performance

The performances of the voice actors also add to the appeal of the work. In particular, the performances of Daisuke Namikawa as Koyuki and Yuma Ueno as Ryusuke express the emotions of their characters realistically, deeply moving the viewers. In addition, the voice actors of each character perform with a rich individuality, further enhancing the appeal of the characters.

■Reasons for recommendation

"BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD" is a work that can be recommended to many viewers as it deals with the themes of music and youth. Below we will explain the reasons in detail.

A must-see for music lovers

For music lovers, the realistic portrayal of music and band activities are appealing. In particular, the live performance and music production scenes allow viewers to feel the energy of music and provide an emotional experience. In addition, various genres of music are featured, allowing viewers to enjoy the breadth of music.

It can also be enjoyed as a youth drama.

It's also worth watching as a coming-of-age drama. It depicts Koyuki's growth, his bond with his friends, and his passion for music, which resonates with viewers. The characters' personalities and relationships are also portrayed realistically, allowing viewers to feel the brilliance and suffering of youth.

High quality animation

Madhouse's animation faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original work while incorporating unique expressions that can only be achieved through anime. The movements and colors in the live performance scenes are particularly stunning, visually expressing the energy of music. The characters' expressions and movements are also detailed, depicting emotional changes realistically.

The voice acting is superb

The performances of the voice actors also add to the appeal of the work. In particular, the performances of Daisuke Namikawa as Koyuki and Yuma Ueno as Ryusuke express the emotions of their characters realistically, deeply moving the viewers. In addition, the voice actors of each character perform with a rich individuality, further enhancing the appeal of the characters.

Related information

"BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD" is also based on a manga and a live-action movie. Here is some related information:

Original manga

"BECK" is a manga by Harold Sakuishi, serialized in Kodansha's "Monthly Shonen Magazine". It is completed in 34 volumes, and its story on the themes of music and youth has captivated many fans, just like the anime version.

Live-action film

"Beck" was made into a live-action movie in 2010. Directed by Takashi Miike and starring Hiro Mizushima, it has been highly praised for its realistic reproduction of the world of the original work. The realistic portrayal of the music scenes and the character development are particularly impressive, making it a movie that can be recommended not only to fans of the original work but also to movie fans.

■ Summary

"BECK MONGOLIAN CHOP SQUAD" is a work that can be recommended to many viewers as a work with the theme of music and youth. The realistic portrayal of music, character growth, animation quality, and voice acting are appealing, and it is recommended not only for viewers who love music, but also for viewers who want to enjoy a youth drama. In addition, there is also an original manga and live-action movie, so you can enjoy the work even more deeply. Please watch this work and experience a story where music and youth intersect.