"Kakuza Dad" review: A touching family story and its appeal

Comprehensive evaluation and recommendation of Kakuza Tousan

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

character

■ Broadcast period

January 15, 2007 - March 26, 2007 TV Tokyo January 15, 2007 - March 26, 2007 (Episodes 1-11) Every Monday 17:30-18:00

*Broadcast on TV Tokyo's "Phi Tension Department Store"

■Broadcasting station

TV Tokyo

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 11

■ Director

Sunafue

■ Production

・Production: Sunafue, DLE

■Works

©DLE/Phitension☆Department Store Production Committee, TV Tokyo

■ Story

The world's first sugar cube animation (sugarmation).
A very stubborn, stubborn dad.
The daughter, Touko, who wants to leave her parents, and her fiance create a heartwarming, sweet, slapstick comedy of love, hate, and laughter.

■Cast

・Father Kakuza, Sugaruko / Yorimitsu Sakamoto

■ Main staff

・Director, scriptwriter, and producer: Sunafue ・Music: Saihate
・Art/olo, CLAP!, saihate

■ Related works

・You know! Kakuza Dad ・Proverbs! Kakuza Dad

■ Evaluation

"Kakuza Dad" is known as the world's first sugar cube animation (sugarmation), which aired on TV Tokyo in 2007. The anime depicts the slapstick comedy between a stubborn father, his daughter who wants to leave her parents, and the daughter's fiance. Although it was a short series of only 11 episodes, its unique visuals and storytelling made a strong impression on viewers.

First, let's talk about the visuals of the work. "Kakuza Dad" employs a very unique technique of stop-motion animation using sugar cubes. This technique succeeds in maximizing visual impact, and the comical scenes created by the whiteness of the sugar cubes and their movements have the power to draw the viewer in. In addition, the facial expressions and movements of the characters, which make use of the texture of the sugar cubes, give the viewer a fresh surprise.

The storyline centers around the relationship between a stubborn father and his daughter. As the father's stubbornness clashes with the daughter's desire to become independent, the plot is a mix of laughter and emotion, evoking empathy in viewers. In particular, the appearance of the daughter's fiancé deepens the conflict within the family, creating a dramatic turn of events. Stories depicting family love and hate like this are familiar themes for many viewers, making them easy to empathize with.

Let's also touch on the cast. Sakamoto Yorimitsu, who voiced Kakuza Dad and Touko, brought out the individuality of the characters to the fullest. In particular, his voice acting, which expresses Kakuza Dad's stubbornness and Touko's confusion and hope, leaves a deep impression on viewers. Additionally, the music by saihate plays an important role in livening up the atmosphere of the work. The teamwork between olo, CLAP!, and saihate, who were in charge of art, was also excellent, and they have richly depicted the world of Sugar Cube.

The talent of director, screenwriter and producer Sunafue is also not to be missed. With this work, Sunafue established a new style of expression called sugar cube animation, and succeeded in perfectly balancing visual artistry and storytelling. In particular, the way he depicts the development of each episode and the growth of the characters is ingeniously designed to keep the viewer engaged.

Related works include "You Know! Kakuza Dad" and "Proverbs! Kakuza Dad." These works delve deeper into the world of "Kakuza Dad" and are must-sees for fans. "You Know! Kakuza Dad" focuses on episodes depicting Kakuza Dad's daily life and interactions with his family, while "Proverbs! Kakuza Dad" focuses on episodes themed around Kakuza Dad's famous quotes and lessons. Through these works, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of Kakuza Dad's character.

■Recommendation

"Kakuza Dad" is a heartwarming work that depicts the love, hate, and laughter of a family, and has a strong visual impact, so it is recommended for a wide range of viewers. In particular, young people who are troubled by relationships with their family and adults who are troubled by parental issues will find the story relatable and touching. It is also a work not to be missed by anyone interested in the new expression method known as sugar cube animation.

When watching this film, please pay attention to the following points:

• Stop-motion animation visuals using sugar cubes
• A story about a stubborn father and his daughter's separation from their parents.
• Voice acting by Sakamoto Yorimitsu
• saihate's music
• Sunafue's directing, writing and producing talents
• Related works: "You Know! Kakuza Dad" and "Proverbs! Kakuza Dad"

Although "Kakuza Dad" is a short series, it has the power to draw viewers in with its unique visuals and deep story. Please give it a watch.