Clay animation Taiko no Tatsujin Season 2's appeal and reviews

The appeal and evaluation of clay animation Taiko no Tatsujin [Season 2]

Overview

"Clay Animation Taiko no Tatsujin [Season 2]" is the second season of the clay animation series based on Namco Ltd.'s popular game "Taiko no Tatsujin." It aired on Kids Station from December 26, 2005 to April 3, 2006, and featured a short but dense storyline across 13 episodes. Each episode is only five minutes long, but it's packed with the warmth and humor that only clay animation can offer.

■Production Background

"Taiko no Tatsujin" is known as a rhythm game that is loved by a wide range of people, from commercial to home use. With this popularity as a backdrop, we aimed to make the game's worldview enjoyable to even more people by expressing it in the form of clay animation. Clay animation is a technique for creating animation by making characters out of clay and moving them by hand. This technique brings warmth to the characters' expressions and movements, making the work familiar to viewers.

■ Story and Characters

The story of "Clay Animation Taiko no Tatsujin [Season 2]" depicts the daily training of the main character Wada-don and his twin brother Wada-katsu to become a fine "shining golden Japanese drum". Wada-don is a character born when a "soul" with a "Japanese spirit" is infused into a worn-out drum, and his face is 1 shaku 6 sun (48 cm) in diameter and his body is made of zelkova wood. Wada-katsu, on the other hand, is a glutton and has a distinctive blue face.

The characters surrounding them are also fascinating. For example, "Tamashii" always looks sleepy, but he has a lot of "Japanese spirit" inside him. "Otama-sama" is a great man who governs the taiko world "Kuni no Wa" and watches over the growth of Wada-don and his friends. "Bachio Sensei" is the teacher who teaches Wada-don and Wada-katsu, and is proud of his agile movements. "Mecha-don" is a mechanical taiko drum that is rival to Wada-don and his friends, and aims to conquer the world. Other unique characters that appear include Wada-mimizu, lantern eel, chick, Mizumariko, cotton candy, Namahage, cat and spoon, lantern, Donko, turtle, takoyaki, Suzu-don, and masked boy.

■ Production staff

The film was directed, produced and animated by Atsuko Koguma, Takuya Ishida, Hideki Kimura and Hiroyuki Tsuchida. It was produced by NAMCO and the "Takumi Taiko" Clay Animation Production Committee, and the copyright belongs to ©NAMCO/"Takumi Taiko" Clay Animation Production Committee.

■Cast

The voice actors include Yoko Teppozuka, Koji Fukumaki, Kumiko Nishihara, and Hinako Yoshino. Their voices bring the characters to life and enrich the story.

■ Evaluation and appeal

"Clay Animation Taiko no Tatsujin [Season 2]" was loved by viewers for its unique clay animation. The expressions and movements of the characters, which are hand-made, have a warmth that digital animation does not have, making it a work that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Also, each episode is short, at just five minutes, but it is packed with humor and emotion, so viewers will not tire of it.

In particular, the way Wada Don and Wada Katsu grow through their daily training is inspiring to viewers. In addition, the dialogue between the unique characters and the story that cherishes the spirit of harmony also give viewers a chance to re-examine Japanese culture and traditions.

■ Related works

"Clay Animation Taiko no Tatsujin [Season 2]" was produced as a sequel to the first season. The first season was also produced as a clay animation, and the story unfolds with Wada-Don and Wada-Katsu in action. By watching both series together, you can enjoy the world of "Taiko no Tatsujin" even more deeply.

■ Recommendation points

"Clay Animation Taiko no Tatsujin [Season 2]" can be recommended for the following reasons:

• The warmth of clay animation : The facial expressions and movements of characters created by hand have a warmth that digital animation does not have. This gives viewers a sense of familiarity and heals their hearts.
• Short and enjoyable : Each episode is only 5 minutes long, but it is packed with humor and emotion. Even busy modern people can enjoy it easily.
• A story that values ​​the spirit of harmony : Wada Don and Wada Katsu's daily training to become great wadaiko drummers will move viewers. It will also be an opportunity to rediscover Japanese culture and traditions.
• Characters with a wide variety of personalities : You can enjoy the dialogue between Wada-don, Wada-katsu, and other characters with a wide variety of personalities. It has a charm that keeps viewers from getting bored.

■ Summary

"Clay Animation Taiko no Tatsujin [Season 2]" is an appealing work with its warmth and humor of clay animation, and a story that cherishes the spirit of harmony. This moving anime in a short time will be loved by a wide range of people, from children to adults. Please enjoy it together with Season 1.