"Kodomo no Jikan": A thorough analysis of the appeal and controversy of this controversial work

"Kodomo no Jikan" - A controversial work depicting the radical daily lives of elementary school students

Kodomo no Jikan is a 2007 anime TV series based on the manga by Isaya Kaoru. It aired from October 12 to December 28, 2007 on KBS Kyoto and Chiba TV. It has 12 episodes, each 30 minutes long, and was broadcast on UHF stations. Animation was done by Studio Barcelona, ​​and production was handled by the Kodomo no Jikan Production Committee (Bandai Visual, Lantis, Movic, Futabasha). It was directed by Suganuma Eiji, with series composition and scenario by Okada Mari, and character design and general animation director Ishikawa Masakazu.

story

"Kodomo no Jikan" is set at Futatsubashi Elementary School. It depicts Aoki Daisuke, a new teacher who becomes the homeroom teacher of Class 3-1 midway through the semester, as he deals with the problematic children. The story revolves around his encounter with a precocious girl named Kokonoe Rin. Rin tells Aoki, "From today, I'll be your girlfriend," toying with him. The main theme of the work is whether Aoki, despite his lack of experience, can bring the problematic students together.

cast

The voice actors for the main characters are as follows:

• Kokonoe Rin - Kitamura Eri
• Black Mirror - Kei Shindo
• Usa Mimi - Kadowaki Mai
• Daisuke Aoki - Junji Mashima
• Kyoko Houin - Ryoko Tanaka
• Kokonoe Reiji - Tomokazu Sugita
• Kokonoe Autumn - Yuri Amano

Main Staff

Many staff members were involved in the production of this work. The main staff members are introduced below.

• Original author - Kaoru Wataya
• Director - Eiji Suganuma
• Series composition, scenario - Mari Okada
• Character design, chief animation director: Masakazu Ishikawa
• Art design - Kazuhira Kanehira
• Art Director: Ayu Kawamoto
• Color Coordination - Tomoe Takaya
• Director of photography - Kenji Takahashi
• Edited by Rie Matsuhara
• Sound Director - Miwa Iwanami
• Music - Masala Nishida
• Music producer: Yoshiyuki Ito
• Producers - Toyota Todoroki, Kensuke Kido, Daisuke Hagiwara, Goichi Nonaka, Tetsuro Satomi
• Line Producer - Sekiyama Akihiro
• Animation Production - Studio Barcelona
• Produced by: Kodomo no Jikan Production Committee (Bandai Visual, Lantis, Movic, Futabasha)

Main Characters

We will introduce the main characters of this work in detail.

Kokonoe Rin

Rin is a student in class 3-1 at Futatsubashi Elementary School, and is an overly mature girl. She toyed with Aoki with her sexual behavior and actions that are hard to believe for a third grade elementary school student. Her best friends are Kuro and Mimi, and she has a bright personality, but in fact she has a complicated family background. Rin's mother, Kokonoe Aki, passed away before she started elementary school, and she currently lives with her cousin, Reiji.

Mirror Black

A student in class 3-1 at Futatsubashi Elementary School, she is a beautiful girl with shiny black hair. She is usually cool and quiet, but she can also be tough and stubborn. She has feelings for Rin that go beyond friendship, and supports her even though she is at the mercy of her actions.

Usa Mimi

A shy and timid girl in class 3-1 at Futatsubashi Elementary School. She loves reading, but has less sexual knowledge than Rin and the others. She refused to go to school because of bullying from her previous teacher, but was saved by Aoki. Mimi is grateful to Aoki and is obedient to his guidance.

Daisuke Aoki

He is a new teacher who has been assigned to class 3-1 at Futatsubashi Elementary School. He is earnest, kind, and has a strong sense of justice. Although he often makes mistakes due to his lack of experience, he is a passionate man who is relentless and passionate about his ideals. Even as he is being pursued by Rin every day, he watches over the girls' growth.

Kyouko Houin

She is the homeroom teacher for class 3-2 at Futatsubashi Elementary School, and is a kind senior who warmly guides Aoki. She is a tomboyish and easygoing woman, and her defining feature is her large breasts, which makes her very popular with the students. She usually wears tracksuits.

Kokonoe Reiji

He is the cousin of Aki Kokonoe, Rin's mother. He lost his parents in an accident, and was taken in by Aki and became her lover. After Aki passed away, he lived with Rin, who became the one to whom he poured all his love. Reiji supports Rin as her guardian, but he can be strict at times.

Kokonoe Autumn

Aki's mother died when Rin was in elementary school. While living alone in Tokyo, Aki took in her cousin Reiji, who had lost his parents in an accident and was being looked after by his relatives, and later became his lover. Aki's death has had a major impact on Rin's life.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• 1st period - One step of friendship (2007/10/11)
• 2nd period - A smiling reward (2007/10/18)
• 3rd period - Growing up (2007/10/25)
• 4th Period - My Mother (2007/11/01)
• 5th period - Summer vacation friends (2007/11/08)
• 6th Period - Memories (2007/11/15)
• 7th period - Rinkan School (2007/11/22)
• 8th period - Hug me tight (2007/11/29)
• 9th period - Jealousy Drill (2007/12/06)
• 10th Period - Be Kind to People (2007/12/13)
• 11th Period - Everyone Gets Along (2007/12/20)
• 12th Period - Children's Time (2007/12/27)

Related Titles

The following works are related to "Kodomo no Jikan."

• Children's time Vacation time What you gave to me
• Children's Time 2nd semester
• Children's Time Children's Summer Time

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs for this work are as follows.

Opening Theme

• Let's hold the princess!
• Lyricist: Aki Hata
• Composer - Hiroyuki Maezawa
• Arrangement - nishi-ken
• Sung by: Kokonoe Rin (Kitamura Eri), Kagamikuro (Shindo Kei), Usami (Kadowaki Mai)

Ending Theme

• Hanamaru Sensation
• Lyricist: Little Non
• Composer: Little Non
• Arrangement - nishi-ken
• Song - Little Non

• kind
• Lyricist: Chata
• Composed by: Nijine
• Arrangement - Nijine
• Song - Chata

• I'm an Otome Chic beginner
• Lyricist: Aki Hata
• Composer: Tomokazu Tashiro
• Arrangement - Akio Kondo
• Sung by: Kokonoe Rin (Kitamura Eri), Kagamikuro (Shindo Kei), Usami (Kadowaki Mai)

Evaluation and recommendation of "Kodomo no Jikan"

"Kodomo no Jikan" has been a work that has caused controversy due to its radical content. In particular, there are many scenes in which the main character, Kokonoe Rin, is a third-grader in elementary school, making sexual remarks and actions, which has led to criticism from viewers. On the other hand, however, the story of Aoki Daisuke's growth, Rin and her friends' friendship, and their complicated family situations have touched many viewers.

The appeal of this work lies in the individuality and growth of the characters. At first glance, Rin's extreme behavior may seem problematic, but by learning about her background and feelings, you will be able to understand the reasons for her actions. In addition, the relationships between each character are depicted in depth, such as Aoki Daisuke's struggles as a new teacher, Kyoko's gentle guidance, and the friendship between Kuro and Mio.

The animation quality is also high, with beautiful character designs and background art. Rin's facial expressions and gestures are especially appealing thanks to the voice acting of Eri Kitamura. The music was also composed by Masala Nishida, and many songs are used that match the story.

"Kodomo no Jikan" is a work that depicts a profound human drama, even while depicting radical content. Some viewers may find parts difficult to accept, but the story, which depicts the growth of the characters, friendship, and the difficulties of education, will make many people think. In particular, educators and parents raising children will have a lot to learn from Aoki Daisuke's struggles.

Related works include "Kodomo no Jikan: Holiday Time - What You Gave Me," "Kodomo no Jikan: Second Semester," and "Kodomo no Jikan: Children's Summer Time." By watching these works together, you can enjoy the world of "Kodomo no Jikan" even more deeply.

Lastly, the theme songs and insert songs also add to the charm of this work. In particular, the opening theme "Let's! Hold the Princess" is a song that symbolizes Rin and the others' bright characters, and the ending themes "Hanamaru Sensation," "Yasashii," and "Otome Chikku Shojo Desu" are also wonderful songs that match each scene. By enjoying these songs together, you will be able to experience the world of "Kodomo no Jikan" even more deeply.