The appeal and evaluation of "Ring ni Kakero 1": A monumental boxing anime

"Ring ni Kakero 1" - A boxing anime about youth and fighting spirit

"Ring ni Kakero 1" is a TV anime series based on the timeless manga by Masami Kurumada. Broadcast on TV Asahi from October 7 to December 16, 2004, this 12-episode series is a moving story about youth and fighting spirit through boxing.

story

The protagonist, Takamine Ryuji, is one of two siblings who aim to become champions, carrying on the wishes of their father, a boxer who died of illness. His older sister, Takamine Kiku, trains him as a boxer, and Ryuji grows stronger through fighting many rivals. The story begins as he heads towards the finals of the Tokyo Junior High School Boxing Tournament, where he begins his fierce battle with his arch rival, Kenzaki Jun.

Commentary

"Ring ni Kakero 1" was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump for four years from the late 1970s, and is a work that has made its mark in the history of boys' manga. Its TV anime adaptation this fall was a long-awaited event for fans. The character designs were done by Shingo Araki, an animator who also worked on "Saint Seiya," and the anime beautifully expresses the hot fighting spirit of the original work.

cast

• Ryuji Takamine - Masakazu Morita
• Takamine Chrysanthemum - Rie Tanaka
• Jun Kenzaki - Ryutaro Okiayu
• Katori Ishimatsu - Takeshi Kusao
• Shinatora Ichijo - Hideo Ishikawa
• Takeshi Kawai - Hiroshi Kamiya

Main Staff

• Original work: Masami Kurumada (Shueisha JCDX "Ring ni Kakero 1" published by Shueisha)
• Series Director - Toshiaki Komura
• Series Composition - Yosuke Kuroda
• Character design: Shingo Araki, Michi Himeno
• Chief animation director - Araki Productions
• Art design - Yukiko Iijima
• Color design - Kunio Tsujita
• Music - Masu Ueda
• Production manager - Ikko Matsuzaka
• Producer – Shrek Hedwig
• Produced by: TV Asahi
• Produced by: Toei Animation, Marvelous Entertainment
• Cooperation - Toei Agency

Main Characters

• Ryuji Takamine - He started boxing under the guidance of his older sister Kikue, but after meeting Jun Kenzaki, he became absorbed in boxing and his talent blossomed.
• Takamine Kiku - Ryuji's older sister and trainer. She has a genius sense for boxing and is trying to pass it all on to Ryuji.
• Jun Kenzaki - Born as the son of the Kenzaki Conglomerate, Jun Kenzaki is a boxing genius. He recognizes Ryuji as his greatest rival and puts everything on the line to compete in the finals of the Tokyo tournament.
• Takeshi Kawai - He believes in brilliant technique. He is also a pianist who holds recitals. Like Ryuji, he studied under his sister Takako.
• Shinatora Kazushiro - A Kansai champion with superb defensive skills. Born into a family that inherited the Shinatora Kage-ryu school of swordsmanship.
• Katori Ishimatsu - Nicknamed the "Battle Boss" of Chiba. In the anime version, Ishimatsu's surprising relationship will be revealed...

subtitle

• Episode 1 - Brilliant Youth (2004/10/06)
• Episode 2 - Farewell to the Golden Arm (2004/10/13)
• Episode 3 - Its Name is Boomerang (2004/10/20)
• Episode 4 - Champion Carnival Opens (2004/10/27)
• Episode 5 - Roar! Boomerang Hook (2004/11/03)
• Episode 6 - Rolling Thunder (2004/11/10)
• Episode 7 - Tomorrow (2004/11/17)
• Episode 8 - A Man's Pride (2004/11/24)
• Episode 9 - Lightning and Boomerangs (2004/12/01)
• Episode 10 - The Gong of Destiny (2004/12/08)
• Episode 11 - Voyage to Victory (2004/12/15)
• Episode 12 - Formation! Golden Japan Jr. (2004/12/15)

Related Titles

• Ring ni Kakero 1: Japan-US showdown
• Ring ni Kakero 1 Kagemichi Hen
• Ring ni Kakero 1 World Tournament Edition

Theme songs and music

• OP1
  • Fighting spirit for tomorrow
  • Lyricist: Koji Matsuo
  • Additional lyrics - Masami Kurumada
  • Composer - Kacky
  • Arrangement - Kacky
  • Song - Marina del ray
• ED1
  • TAKE MY SOUL FOREVER
  • Lyricist: YOFFY
  • Composer: YOFFY
  • Arrangement - YOFFY&KOISHI
  • Song - Psychic Lover

Review

"Ring ni Kakero 1" is a work that depicts youth and fighting spirit through the sport of boxing. The original author, Masami Kurumada, is known as a master of shounen manga, and his work has been loved by many readers. The animated version of "Ring ni Kakero 1" also inherits the hot fighting spirit of the original work and is a work that moves viewers.

The story centers on the rivalry between Takamine Ryuji and Kenzaki Jun. Ryuji learns boxing from his sister Kiku, and his talent blossoms after meeting Kenzaki Jun. Meanwhile, Kenzaki Jun is a natural genius who recognizes Ryuji as his greatest rival and fights him with all his might. The showdown between these two makes a strong impression on viewers and leads to the climax of the story.

The character designs for the anime were created by Shingo Araki, and faithfully reproduce the images of the original work. In particular, Ryuji's growth and Jun Kenzaki's strength are visually expressed, deeply moving viewers. In addition, the powerful music by Masu Ueda adds excitement to the story and draws viewers in.

"Ring ni Kakero 1" is a moving story about youth and fighting spirit, and a human drama told through the sport of boxing. This is a work that is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for anime fans. Be sure to watch "Ring ni Kakero 1" during the long autumn nights and enjoy the heated battle between Ryuji and Kenzaki Jun.

Recommendation

"Ring ni Kakero 1" is a work that depicts youth and fighting spirit through the sport of boxing. The original author, Masami Kurumada, is known as a master of shounen manga, and his work has been loved by many readers. The animated version of "Ring ni Kakero 1" also inherits the hot fighting spirit of the original work and is a work that moves viewers.

This work is especially recommended for teenagers and sports fans. It depicts various human dramas such as the rivalry between Ryuji and Kenzaki Jun, the bond between siblings, and the friendship between teammates, and will deeply move viewers. In addition, the fighting spirit and effort depicted through the sport of boxing will give viewers courage and hope.

Furthermore, "Ring ni Kakero 1" is a work that is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for anime fans. It is filled with the charm unique to anime, such as character design and music, and has the power to attract viewers. Be sure to watch "Ring ni Kakero 1" during the long autumn nights and enjoy the hot battle between Ryuji and Kenzaki Jun.