The appeal and evaluation of "Kotenkotenko": A must-read review for anime fans

"Kotenkotenko": The adventures and growth of a future king who protects the kingdom of heaven

"Kotenkotenko" is a TV anime series that aired on TV Tokyo from October 6, 2005 to September 28, 2006. It is based on a manga by Atsuko Ueno, serialized in the children's magazine "Tanoshii Youchien" (Kodansha). Animation was by iMove, production was handled by TV Tokyo and NAS, and the director was Susumu Kudo. Set in the land of heaven, the story follows Kotenko, the future king, as he and his friends go on an adventure to protect the planets of heaven.

story

The setting of "Kotenkotenko" is "Heaven's Country" far above the world where humans live. Kotenko, the future king, is responsible for protecting the "Heaven's Star (Angel Star)" where many lives are born for the Queen who will rule Heaven's Country. Kotenko is usually a very good boy, but when he is in a pinch, he "tenshin" (transforms) into the strongest mischief boy "Matenko". Matenko has a personality that is the complete opposite of Kotenko, and he is always doing bad things and causing trouble for everyone. However, by exchanging angel rings, he can return to his original good boy Kotenko. Will Kotenko be able to protect Heaven's Star safely from the bad guys from Earth's Country who are plotting to take over Heaven's Country? Today, Kotenko goes out on patrol with his good friends, the fairies Pick-chan and Nappa.

character

Kotenko: The main character and a candidate to become king in the future. He usually guards the stars in the sky in his car, "Kotengo", which is also his residence. When he's in trouble, he transforms into Matenko, but he can be restored to normal by exchanging the angel ring.

Matenko: Another Kotenko appears when Kotenko is in trouble. He loves to play pranks and does bad things to his friends, but he can't stand up to Pick-chan. He returns to Kotenko by exchanging the Angel Ring, but Kotenko has no memory of when he was Matenko.

Pick-chan: The grandson of the elder of the fairy kingdom and Kotenko's childhood friend. She is strong-willed, cheerful, and has great initiative. She is the only person Matenko cannot defy.

Nappa: Pick-chan's younger brother, and good friends with Koten.

Doon: He is one of Kotenko's six older brothers and is the very serious guardian of Kotenko. He is good-looking and is the only one who is missing.

Queen: She rules the kingdom of heaven and holds all authority. She has a kind personality, but can be scary when angry. She fires the Angel Ring to turn Matenko back into Kotenko.

Bat: The Baron's subordinate who lives in the Baron's hat. Although rebellious, he obeys the Baron's orders.

Noisy Dog: He is the Baron's subordinate and respects the Baron. He is energetic and athletic, but doesn't really listen to what others say.

Broadcast information

"Kotenkotenko" was broadcast every Thursday from 18:00 to 18:30 from October 6, 2005 to March 30, 2006, and again from 17:30 to 18:00 from April 6, 2006 to September 28, 2006. There were 104 episodes in total, two per broadcast. It was broadcast by TV Tokyo, and each episode was 30 minutes long.

staff

Planning and production: GP・GATE
Original story and character design: Atsuko Ueno Serial: Fun Youchien (Kodansha)
Director: Susumu Kudo Series Composition: Yoshimasa Takahashi, Hideki Mitsui, Katsumi Hasegawa Character Design, Chief Animation Director: Junichi Hayama Original Kuriguma character concept: Yoko Katada Art Director: Jiro Kono Color Settings: Eiko Sekine Director of Photography: Shinichi Sasano Editor: Hiroaki Itabe Video Editor: Masashi Nagata Sound Director: Takahiro Hirai Music: Koichiro Kameyama Producers: Toshishi Aoki, Atsuo Sugiyama, Masahiro Kanuka Animation Producer: Toru Ishizaka Animation Production: iMove Production: TV Tokyo, NAS

cast

Kotenko, Matenko: Miyako ItoPick-chan: Akane OmaeNappa: Fumie NakanishiQueen: Chiemi IshimatsuDoon: Motoyuki TsubakiMuumu-san: Masato HijikataBaron: Kazuhiro NakataBat: Wasabi MizutaNoisy Dog: Keiji HimenoGreat Demon King: Hikaru HanadaOtaka-san: Kei HayamiKurikuri: Fumie Ogura

Theme songs and music

OP1: Let's sing together!
Lyrics: Hiroaki Shibata Composition: Hiroshi Iizuka Arrangement: Seiichi Kyoda Singer: Sae

OP2: Go Go! Kotengo Lyrics: Momo Watanabe Music: Koji Makaino Sung by: Tenkara-mail

ED1: Star Story Lyrics: Yuzuki Miyu Composition: Hirama Akihiko Arrangement: Hirama Akihiko Singer: Kawai Eri

ED2: Kotenko Taiso Lyrics: Momo Watanabe Music: Koji Makaino Sung by: Tenkara-mail

episode

Kotenkotenko is a series of 104 episodes, each one depicting the adventures of Kotenko and his friends. Below are some episodes.

Episode 1 "Kotenko ga Matenko?": This is the episode where Kotenko transforms into Matenko for the first time. It shows how Kotenko, who is in a pinch, transforms into Matenko.

Episode 2 "Kotenko is the future king!": This episode reveals that Kotenko is a candidate for the future king. The story depicts Kotenko's mission to protect the stars in the sky.

Episode 3 "First Patrol": Kotenko goes on patrol for the first time. Together with Pick-chan and Nappa, the adventure to protect the planet of Heaven begins.

Episode 4 "The Stars of Heaven are Everyone's Treasure": This episode shows the importance of the stars of heaven. Kotenko struggles to protect the stars of heaven.

Episode 5 "Fun in Fairyland": An episode about visiting fairyland. Kotenko meets new friends in fairyland, Pick-chan's hometown.

Episode 6 "Let's Clean It Up!": An episode in which Kotenko struggles to clean up Heaven's Country. He and his friends are shown picking up trash and cleaning up.

Episode 7 "The Great Takaboshi-Cutting Scissors' Great Passage!": Kotenko chases after Takaboshi-Cutting Scissors. He struggles to stop Takaboshi-Cutting Scissors from cutting the stars in the sky.

Episode 8 "Catch Me in the Dandelion Field": An episode where Kotenko goes on an adventure in a dandelion field. It depicts his struggle to collect dandelion seeds.

Episode 9 "A Big Fuss at Onpu's Castle": An episode in which Kotenko causes a big fuss at Onpu's castle. They go on an adventure at Onpu's castle using the power of music.

Episode 10 "In a pinch! The Koten-go's big operation": The Koten-go is in a pinch. Kotenko struggles to protect the Koten-go.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Kotenkotenko" was a very popular anime for young children. Although the story is simple, it depicts the adventures and growth of Kotenko and his friends, giving children hope and dreams. In particular, the scene where Kotenko transforms into Matenko when he is in trouble left a strong impression on children. In addition, the unique characters such as Pick-chan and Nappa were also charming and loved by children.

The animation quality is high, and the colorful and cute character designs are distinctive. The music also has many melodies that are familiar to children, and the theme songs and ending songs were also popular. In particular, the opening song "Let's sing together!" and the ending song "Star Story" have been sung by children for generations.

This is a quality anime that teaches children the importance of friendship, courage, and justice. Parents and children can watch it together to help children grow. In addition, the story development and character growth are carefully depicted, so adults can enjoy it too. In particular, Kotenko's struggle to protect the stars in the sky and the scene where he transforms into Matenko will move not only children but adults as well.

"Kotenkotenko" is a wonderful anime that gives children dreams and hope. Please watch it with your children and enjoy the adventures and growth of Kotenko and his friends.