Detailed review and rating of Ring ni Kakero 1: Japan-US showdown

The full story and appeal of "Ring ni Kakero 1: The Battle Between Japan and the United States"

"Ring ni Kakero 1: Japan-US Decisive Battle" is a TV anime series based on the popular manga "Ring ni Kakero 1" by Masami Kurumada. Broadcast on TV Asahi from April 7 to June 23, 2006, this 12-episode series depicts a passionate youth drama with a boxing theme. Here, we will explain the whole picture and its appeal in detail, as well as introduce related information and recommended points.

■Overview of the work

"Ring ni Kakero 1 - Japan-US Showdown" tells the story of the Japanese Junior Team, who have just finished the Champion Carnival, facing off against the US Junior Champion Black Shaft. The 5-on-5 Japan-US showdown took place at the Nippon Budokan, attracting attention from all over the world. The members of the Japanese team hone their skills at a training camp and aim to win, but Black Shaft prioritizes elimination over victory, and takes on the Japanese team with an extraordinary team. This is a moving story about youth and friendship, and the skills and spirit of boxing.

■ Story

After the Champion Carnival, the Japanese Junior team is faced with the US Junior champion Black Shaft. The 5-on-5 Japan-US showdown begins, and the members of the Japanese team hone their skills at a training camp, aiming to win. However, Black Shaft prioritizes elimination over victory, and takes on the Japanese team with an extraordinary team. Despite feeling discomfort in his left elbow, Japan Junior champion Ryuji Takamine and his teammates give it his all. As the super blows that put everything on the line roar at the Nippon Budokan, the site of the Japan-US showdown, the boys take flight into the world.

■ Characters

Many unique characters appear in "Ring ni Kakero 1: Japan-US Decisive Battle". The main characters are introduced below.

Ryuji Takamine

A boy whose father is the professional boxer Takamine Go. He starts boxing under his sister's guidance, and his talent blossoms when he meets Kenzaki Jun. Despite suffering from discomfort in his left elbow, he and his friends take on the Japan-US showdown.

Jun Kenzaki

Born into the Kenzaki Conglomerate, he displays unparalleled talent in boxing. He recognizes Ryuji as his greatest rival and puts everything on the line to compete in the Tokyo tournament finals.

Takeshi Kawai

A boxer who believes in brilliant technique. He is also a pianist who gives recitals. Like Ryuji, he studies under his sister Takako.

Shinatora Ichijo

A Kansai champion with superb defensive skills, he was born into a family that inherited the Shinatorakage school of swordsmanship.

Katori Ishimatsu

Nicknamed "Chiba's Fighting Champion," he takes on the US-Japan showdown with his powerful punches and fighting spirit.

Takaminegiku

She is Ryuji's older sister and also serves as his trainer. She has a genius sense for boxing and is trying to impart all of it to Ryuji.

Black Shaft

The US Junior Champion. He prioritizes elimination over victory, and will be taking on the Japanese team with an exceptional team of players. He is feared as a ruthless strategist.

■ Production staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "Ring ni Kakero 1: Japan-US Decisive Battle". The main staff members are introduced below.

original work

Masami Kurumada (Shueisha JCDX "Ring ni Kakero 1" published by Shueisha)

producer

Kenji Ota (TV Asahi), Mutsumi Kido (Toei Animation), Hiroshi Tsuji (Marvelous Entertainment)

Series Composition

Kuroda Yosuke

Production Manager

Ikko Matsuzaka

Character Design

Shingo Araki and Michi Himeno

Chief animation director

Hidemi Kubo

Art Design

Yoshiyuki Shikano

Color design

Kunio Tsujita

music

Ueda Masu

Series Director

Yukio Kaizawa

Production

TV Asahi

Production

Toei Animation, Marvelous Entertainment

cooperation

Toei Agency, Shueisha Super Jump

■ Episode

"Ring ni Kakero 1 - Japan-US Decisive Battle Edition" consists of 12 episodes, and the story progresses with each episode. Below are the subtitles and broadcast dates for each episode.

• Episode 1: Start! Golden Japan Jr. (2006/04/06)
• Episode 2: Under the Flag of Oath (2006/04/13)
• Episode 3: Go to Battle! Fighting Champion (2006/04/20)
• Episode 4: Putting the Soul in Your Fist (2006/04/27)
• Episode 5: Break Through the Storm! (2006/05/04)
• Episode 6: Temptation! The Devil's Eyes (2006/05/11)
• Episode 7: Climb the Musical Scale! (2006/05/18)
• Episode 8: Natural Born Madness (2006/05/26)
• Episode 9: The Fierce Tiger (2006/06/01)
• Episode 10: Superstar (2006/06/08)
• Episode 11: Black Flash (2006/06/15)
• Episode 12: And the boy takes flight into the world (2006/06/22)

■ Theme songs and music

The theme song and insert songs of "Ring ni Kakero 1 - Nichibei Kessen Hen -" are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work. The theme song and insert songs are introduced below.

Opening Theme

"Fighting Spirit for Tomorrow"

• Lyrics: Masami Kurumada, Koji Matsuo
• Composer: Kacky
• Arrangement: Kacky
• Sung by: Marina del ray

Ending Theme

"Shining like gold: Fragments of memories"

• Lyrics: Masami Kurumada, Koji Matsuo
• Composer: Kacky
• Arrangement: Kenichiro Oishi
• Sung by: Marina del ray

■ Related works

"Ring ni Kakero 1: Japan-US Decisive Battle" is based on the original manga "Ring ni Kakero 1" by Masami Kurumada. Here are some related works:

• Ring ni Kakero 1
• "Ring ni Kakero 1: Shadow Road Edition"
• "Ring ni Kakero 1: World Tournament Edition"

■ Evaluation and recommendation points

"Ring ni Kakero 1: Nichibei Ketsusen" is a highly acclaimed youth drama with a boxing theme. Below are the reviews and recommended points.

evaluation

This work has been praised as a moving story about youth and friendship, and the skill and spirit of boxing. It has been particularly praised for the way the characters' growth, the depth of friendship, and the tension of the matches strongly appeal to the viewer. It has also been praised for faithfully recreating the appeal of the original work while adding even more depth with the expressiveness that only anime can provide.

Recommended points

Here are some reasons why we recommend Ring ni Kakero 1: The Battle Between Japan and the United States.

• Appeal as a youth drama : The story of the boys' growth and friendship moves the audience. In particular, the scenes of the training camp and games leading up to the Japan-US showdown make you feel the passion of youth.
• Boxing Technique and Soul : The boxing match scenes are a realistic depiction of the clash of technique and soul. In particular, the matches where the individuality of each character stands out are worth watching.
• Appealing characters : The story is made more exciting by the unique characters. In particular, the growth and friendship of Ryuji Takamine and Jun Kenzaki strongly appeal to viewers.
• Musical appeal : The opening and ending themes are important elements in creating the atmosphere of the work. In particular, Marina del Ray's singing voice captures the hearts of viewers.
• Authenticity to the original work : The charm of the original work is faithfully reproduced, while the expressiveness unique to anime adds even more depth. This is a must-see work, especially for fans of the original work.

■How to watch

You can watch "Ring ni Kakero 1: The Battle Between Japan and the United States" in the following ways:

• Television broadcast : You can watch all 12 episodes broadcast on TV Asahi. However, you need to check whether there will be reruns.
• Video/DVD : Videos and DVDs are available for purchase and viewing.
• Streaming services : It is available on some streaming services. Please check the official website or the official website of each streaming service for specific services.

■ Summary

"Ring ni Kakero 1: Japan-US Showdown" is a highly acclaimed coming-of-age drama with a boxing theme. This moving story about the growth and friendship of young boys, as well as the skill and spirit of boxing, has a strong impact on viewers. In particular, the appeal of the characters, the appeal of the music, and the faithful reproduction of the original work have been highly praised. Please watch this work and experience the passion of youth and the excitement of boxing.