Animal Yokocho: Reevaluating Classic Anime

Animal Alley: A heartwarming anime that depicts the extraordinary in the ordinary

"Animal Alley," which aired from 2005 to 2006, is a heartwarming anime series that depicts the extraordinary that suddenly appears in the midst of the ordinary. The original is a manga by Maekawa Ryo that was serialized in Shueisha's "Ribon" magazine, and was broadcast on TV Tokyo for a total of 102 episodes. The anime tells a humorous and warm story centering on the interactions between Ami-chan, a kindergarten-going girl, and the mysterious animals that appear in her room.

story

Ami-chan appears to be a normal girl, but she has a secret that she can't tell anyone about. That secret is the daily life she spends with the strange animals that visit her room almost every day. These animals are residents of a village called "Animal Alley" in another dimension, and for some reason, they come through a "secret door" in Ami-chan's room.

The residents of Animal Alley are a diverse group of characters, including the airhead rabbit Iyo, the straight man bear Kenta, and the laid-back panda Issa. At first glance, they look cute, like stuffed animals, but they confuse Ami with their unconventional behavior. Furthermore, mysterious characters from Animal Alley appear one after another, making the story even more exciting.

character

The main character, Ami-chan (Matsuzaki Ami), is a kind and caring girl who attends kindergarten. Through her interactions with the residents of Animal Alley, she gains various experiences and grows as a person. Iyo is a mysterious rabbit with a characteristic airheaded personality. Kenta is a straightforward tsukkomi type who is quick to anger but also lonely. Issa is a gentle panda who is strong despite his appearance.

In addition, there are many other characters with unique personalities, such as Yamanami-san, who has many different faces, from a cheerful older brother to Santa Claus to a black market mail order merchant, kindergarten teacher Aomori Ako-sensei, and fashion leader Shima Shimako. The comedy and moving story woven by these characters has a charm that draws viewers in.

Background

"Animal Yokocho" was animated by Gallop and Douyu Animation with production support from Dentsu Tech. The general directors were Yukio Nishimoto and Nam Jong-sik, and the character designs were by Kenta Mizutani and Lim Hyungjin. The music was composed by Fuminori Iwasaki, with music production by Geneon Entertainment.

The series aired from October 4, 2005 to September 26, 2006, with a total of 102 episodes. The broadcast times were every Tuesday from 18:30 to 19:00 from October 4, 2005 to March 28, 2006, and every Tuesday from 18:00 to 18:30 from April 4 to September 26, 2006.

Theme songs and music

The two opening themes are "Tobitemo Nothing Doki☆Doki Animal Yokocho no Uta no Maki" and "Love Chu You!!". The lyrics for "Tobitemo Nothing Doki☆Doki Animal Yokocho no Uta no Maki" were written by Mike Sugiyama, the music was composed by Tanaka Kohei, and the arrangement was by Murase Yasuhisa, and the songs were performed by Erika, Shishido Rumi, Nagasawa Nanako, and Sato Yuko (Ami with Iyo, Kenta, and Issa). The lyrics, music, and arrangement for "Love Chu You!!" were written, composed, and arranged by unicorn table, and sung by Ribbon Girl.

The two ending themes used were "Fantasista Girl" and "Sweetie." The lyrics for "Fantasista Girl" were written by Taoka Miki, the music was composed and arranged by Ichikawa Yuichi, and the song was performed by the Indigo. The lyrics for "Sweetie" were written by Orikasa Fumiko, the music was composed and arranged by Ueno Yoko, and the song was also performed by Orikasa Fumiko. These songs are important elements in creating the atmosphere of the anime.

episode

"Animal Alley" is a long series consisting of 102 episodes, each with a different theme and story. For example, in the first episode, "Doki☆Doki: New Friends/Doki☆Doki: Opening the Door," Ami meets the residents of Animal Alley for the first time. In the 15th episode, "Doki☆Doki: Ku-chan's First Appearance/Doki☆Doki: Kenta's Truth," Ami's best friend Ku-chan appears and Kenta's secret is revealed. In the 51st episode, "Doki☆Doki: The Day the Door Disappears/Doki☆Doki: The Final Episode," Animal Alley's doors are in danger of disappearing, leading to a touching finale.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Animal Alley" is a work that is loved by a wide range of people, from children to adults. The humorous story and the unique characters entertain the viewers. In addition, the setting of an extraordinary situation that suddenly appears in the everyday gives the viewers a fresh surprise and excitement.

This anime is also recommended as a work that the whole family can enjoy together. It is especially loved by many people as a story of friendship and growth for children, and as a work that brings back memories and comfort to adults. Furthermore, the music of the anime is also one of its attractions, and the theme songs and insert songs are characterized by melodies and lyrics that resonate with the hearts of viewers.

"Animal Alley" is a heartwarming anime that depicts the small joys and emotions that lie in our everyday lives. Please give it a watch and experience its charm.