Grenadier: Smile Senshi - Review of attractive characters and epic story

Grenadier: Smiling Senshi: A new heroine and her journey in the Warring States period

Grenadier: Smile Senshi is a TV anime series that aired from 2004 to 2005 and is based on the manga of the same name by Kaise Sousuke. The series is an action comedy set in Japan during the Warring States period, and follows the journey of a beautiful blonde girl, Tendo Rushana, as she tries to strip off her "heart armor." Her journey involves putting into practice the teachings of the Emperor of Japan, which teaches us to win without fighting, and she meets various characters along the way, which helps her grow as a person.

Broadcast information

"Grenadier: Hohoemi no Senshi" was broadcast on WOWOW from October 15, 2004 to January 14, 2005. It was broadcast on terrestrial TV on tvk from January 8 to March 26, 2005. The WOWOW version was broadcast every Thursday from 24:30 to 25:00, and the tvk version was broadcast every Saturday from 25:00 to 25:30. Please note that the broadcast dates and theme songs are different between the WOWOW and terrestrial TV versions.

Production Staff

The series is directed by Kojina Hiroshi, with series composition and scriptwriting by Okeya Akira. Character design and general animation director is Inoue Hideki, art director Abe Yukio, color design by Mogi Miki, cinematography by Maruyama Tetsuo, editor Oka Yuji, sound director Kameyama Toshiki, and music by Iwasaki Fuminori. Animation is handled by Studio Live and Group TAC, and the series is produced by Grenadier Production Project (Toshiba Entertainment, Shochiku, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, Pony Canyon).

story

Sengoku period. Tendo Ryuusha, with her golden hair and beautiful figure, is a girl who loves taking baths. She is a Senshi with a genius shooting skill, and has set out on a journey to put the teachings of the Emperor into practice. The teachings of the Emperor are to strip away the "armor of the heart," which is the strongest tactic. Ryuusha continues her journey as the "Smiling Senshi," with these teachings in her heart.

character

・Tendou Rushana : A girl who loves bathing and always has a smile on her face. She is a "great gunwoman" who can deflect bullets from her impressive chest and load her gun in mid-air. She is on a journey to practice "winning without fighting" under the orders of the Emperor. She is voiced by Takahashi Mikako.
・Torajima Yajiro : A samurai who is a perfect fit for the word wild warrior. He continues his journey as Ryuzuna's companion, and believes that he must take over the world in order to rectify the disorder in the world. He is called the "rear guard tiger" due to his performance in the most recent battle. His voice actor is Nakai Kazuya.
・Tenshi : A wise woman who governs the central city of Tento, she preaches that the ultimate strategy is to "win without fighting." In order to put an end to conflicts between countries, she sends Ryuushana on a journey and assigns a group of skilled Senshi called the "Ten Tensen" to protect her. She is voiced by Honda Chieko.
・Mikan Beni : A girl who can use balloons with ease. After her parents were killed by the opposition, she was picked up by former Tentensen "Momo Beni" and became a member of the "Toukarou" brothel. When Ryuushuuna and the others stopped by Toukarou, they set off on a journey together. She is voiced by Yuki Matsuoka.
・Momoka Beni : The proprietress of the brothel "Toukarou" and a former Tensen "Fist Spear Senshi". Her voice actor is Mami Kosuge.
・Clown : As the name suggests, he is a mysterious enemy wearing a "clown" mask. He appears as an aide to the young king of the Barbarian state of Taranokuni, "Fuuryuuou", and wields a weapon called "Ma no Sen". His true identity is unknown. He is voiced by Kazuhiro Nakata.

episode

・Episode 1: Smiling Senshi (14/10/2004): This is the episode where Ryushana's journey begins. Her purpose and character are introduced.
Episode 2: Ryuusha is Targeted (10/21/2004): As Ryuusha is targeted by the enemy, her fighting abilities are depicted.
Episode 3: The Demonic Flash (2004/10/28): This is the episode in which the clown appears and confronts Ryuzuna.
Episode 4: The Town That Doesn't Smile (November 4, 2004): The story depicts the battle to bring back smiles in a town that Ryushuna visits.
Episode 5: Explosion! Fist Spear Flash - Beni Momoka (11/11/2004): This episode reveals Beni Momoka's past and her fighting style.
Episode 6: Balloon User Mikan's Revenge (2004/11/18): This episode depicts Mikan's fight to avenge her parents.
Episode 7: On to Tento (November 25, 2004): This is the episode in which Ryushun and the others head to Tento.
Episode 8: Memories of an Enemy, Aizen Teppa (December 2, 2004): This episode depicts Ryuuna's reunion with a past enemy.
Episode 9: When the Snow Flowers Dance... (December 9, 2004): This is the episode in which Ryushu and the others face a new enemy.
Episode 10: Entering Tento (December 16, 2004): This is the episode in which Ryuuna and the others arrive in Tento and come face to face with Tenshi.
Episode 11: Confrontation with the Emperor (06 January 2005): This depicts the confrontation between Ryuuna and the Emperor.
Episode 12: What I learned on my journey (2005/01/13): This is the final episode, depicting the results and growth of Ryushuhana's journey.

Theme song

●WOWOW version OP1 KOHAKU
Lyrics: Masami Okui Composition: Toshiro Yabuki Arrangement: Toshiro Yabuki Vocals: Mikuni Shimokawa

・ED1 Don't give in to sadness Lyrics: Shimokawa Mikuni Composition: Shimokawa Mikuni Arrangement: Sin
Sung by: Shimokawa Mikuni

●Terrestrial TV version OP1 Soaring through the Akatsuki sky Lyrics: Noriyasu Agematsu Music: Junpei Fujita Arrangement: Junpei Fujita Vocals: Hiromi Sato

・ED1 Like a Flower Lyrics: Hiromi Sato Music: Noriyasu Agematsu Arrangement: Junpei Fujita Vocals: Hiromi Sato

・ED2 Don't give in to sadness Lyrics: Shimokawa Mikuni Composition: Shimokawa Mikuni Arrangement: Sin
Sung by: Shimokawa Mikuni

Related Titles

"Grenadier: Smile Senshi" is related to "Grenadier: Smile Senshi Meanwhile Theater." This work contains episodes that are told from the perspectives of other characters and the behind-the-scenes of Ryuusha's journey.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Grenadier: Smile Senshi" has won many fans with its unique worldview and charming characters. In particular, the theme of stripping off Ryuusha's "heart armor" deeply moves viewers. In addition, the action scenes set in Japan during the Warring States period are also worth watching, providing visual enjoyment.

This work is recommended for those who want to enjoy an action comedy set in the Sengoku period and those who want to follow the growth story of an attractive heroine. In particular, those who like the character of Ryushu will be able to feel a lot of emotion and laughter throughout her journey. The theme song is also memorable, and you can enjoy the afterglow after watching it.

Furthermore, this work is characterized by its unique humor and erotic elements, and while it can be watched light-heartedly, it also contains deep themes. Therefore, it can be said to be a work that can be enjoyed from various perspectives.

Overall, Grenadier: Smile Senshi is a worthwhile piece that depicts a new heroine and her journey in the Sengoku period. I highly recommend giving it a watch to experience its charm.