The appeal and reviews of Toradora!: A thorough analysis of this masterpiece of youth romantic comedy

Toradora! - Toradora - All-round information and reviews

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Light novel

■ Broadcast period

October 2, 2008 - March 26, 2009

TV Tokyo October 2, 2008 to March 26, 2009 (Episodes 1 to 25) Every Thursday 1:20 to 1:50 (Wednesday night)

TV Osaka October 2, 2008 to March 26, 2009 (Episodes 1 to 25) Every Thursday 1:20 to 1:50 (Wednesday night)

TV Aichi October 2, 2008 to March 26, 2009 (Episodes 1 to 25) Every Thursday 1:28 to 1:58 (Wednesday late night)

TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting October 6, 2008 to March 30, 2009 (Episodes 1 to 25) Every Sunday 2:30 to 3:00 (Saturday night)

TV Hokkaido October 7, 2008 to March 31, 2009 (Episodes 1 to 25) Every Monday 1:30 to 2:00 (Sunday late night)

TV Setouchi October 9, 2008 to April 2, 2009 (Episodes 1 to 25) Every Wednesday 1:48 to 2:18 (Tuesday night)

AT-X October 17, 2008 to April 3, 2009 (Episodes 1 to 25) Every Friday 11:30 to 12:00

Kagoshima Television February 27, 2009 to August 21, 2009 (Episodes 1 to 25) Every Friday 2:10 to 2:40 (Thursday late night)

■Broadcasting station

TV Tokyo, AT-X, etc.

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 25

■Original Story

・Original work: Yuyuko Takemiya

■ Director

・Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai

■ Production

・Produced by Genco

・Animation production: JCSTAFF

Produced by: "Toradora!" Production Committee

■Works

©Yuyuko Takemiya/ASCII Media Works/"Toradora!" Production Committee

■ Story

A super-sized slapstick school romantic comedy!
Violent! Selfish! ...But clumsy!
The heroine is a palm-sized tiger!?

Takasu Ryuji, a poor high school student who is mistaken for a delinquent because of his sharp eyes, meets a girl in the spring when he is promoted to the next grade. She is Osaka Taiga, a beautiful girl with an extremely small height, but she is selfish, short-tempered, and no one can control her when she gets violent. Then, after school, Ryuji discovers another side of her when she is left alone in the classroom...

*Quoted from Bandai Channel

■Explanation

Takasu Ryuji, a pitiful high school sophomore whose naturally sharp eyes have led others to mistake him for a delinquent, meets a girl in his new class in the spring of his second year. She is Oisaka Taiga, a beautiful girl of extremely small stature, but who is selfish, short-tempered, and uncontrollable when she gets violent, nicknamed "Palm-sized Tiger." Then, after school, Ryuji discovers another side of "Palm-sized Tiger" when he finds her alone in an empty classroom... A super-high-tension school love comedy about a united front of love between dragon and tiger begins here!

■Cast

・Aisaka Taiga/Kugimiya Rie・Takasu Ryuji/Majima Junji・Kushieda Minori/Horie Yui・Kawashima Ami/Kitamura Eri・Kitamura Yusaku/Nojima Yuji・Haruta Koji/Yoshino Hiroyuki・Noto Hisamitsu/Okitsu Kazuyuki・Takasu Yasuko/Ohara Sayaka・Kihara Maya/Nonaka Ai・Kashii Nanako/Ishikawa Momoko・Koigakubo Yuri/Tanaka Rie・Kano Sumire/Kaida Yuko・Inko-chan/Goto Saori・Kano Sakura/Asumi Kana・Tomiya Kota/Okamoto Nobuhiko・Black Muscle/Kanemitsu Nobuaki・Taiga's mother/Oura Fuyuka・Oisaka Rikuro/Yoshizawa Toru・Grandfather/Aoki Tsuyoshi・Grandmother/Kobayashi Mina・Mitsui Yuriko/Fujita Asami

■ Main staff

・Original story: Yuyuko Takemiya (ASCII Media Works "Dengeki Bunko")
・Original illustrations / Yasu・Director / Nagai Tatsuyuki・Planning / Otsuki Toshimichi, Goto Yasuhiko, Osawa Nobuhiro・Producers / Yamanaka Takahiro, Yuasa Takaaki, Ikeda Shinichi, Kanbe Muneyuki, Matsukura Yuji・Animation Producer / Ohashi Masao・Series Composition / Okada Mari・Character Design / Tanaka Masayoshi・Prop Design / Hiyasui Yukie・Art Director / Shibata Chikako・Color Design / Ishida Miyuki・Director of Photography / Kurosawa Yutaka・Editing / Nishiyama Shigeru・3DCG / Yoshimoto Kenichi, Sakuda Ryo・Brush Art / Sato Atsushi・Visual Art / Mukai Yoshihide・Editing Studio / REAL-T
・Editing Assistant／Hitomi Sudo ・Post-production／Tokyo Development Laboratory (Hiromitsu Seka)
・Sound effects / Katsuhiro Nakano・Sound adjustment / Ayumu Anzai・Sound assistant / Tetsuya Ohga・Recording studio / Prosen Studio・Sound production / Magic Capsule・Sound production manager / Rie Tanaka・Sound director / Jin Aketagawa・Music / Yukari Hashimoto・Music production manager / Junnosuke Miyamoto・Music production / Starchild Records・Music production cooperation / TV Tokyo Music・Program manager / Nao Yoshida (TV Tokyo)
・Program Promotion／Yosuke Aoki (TV Tokyo)
・ Promotion: Akiko Yada, Norimichi Suzuki, Yuko Fujimoto ・ Cooperation: Dengeki Bunko Editorial Department, Dengeki Bunko MAGAZIN Editorial Department ・ Assistant Producer: Chiyoko Hiroto ・ Logo Design: Hideki Satomi ・ Produced by: Genco ・ Animation Production: JCSTAFF
Produced by: "Toradora!" Production Committee

■ Main Characters

・Ryūji Takasu
He is a pitiful second-year high school student who is mistaken for a delinquent by his classmates and people he meets for the first time because of his naturally sharp eyes, probably inherited from his father. In addition to being a serious and kind person, he was raised in a single-parent household, so he is very methodical and good at cooking, laundry, and other household chores, making him a boy who would be a great wife to anyone. He secretly has a crush on his classmate, Minori.
・Aisaka Taiga
Although she is a super beautiful girl with a petite height of 143.6cm, she is selfish, short-tempered, and ferocious, and will quickly bite anyone she dislikes. Because of her name, "Taiga", she is feared by those around her and nicknamed "Palm Tiger". However, she is also a clumsy girl, and has a crush on Ryuji's best friend, Kitamura, and when it comes to Kitamura, she becomes extremely shy and girlish.
・Kushieda Minori
She is Taiga's best friend and goes by the nickname "Minorin". She has a dazzling smile, is passionate to the point of being annoying, and is a natural character who does things at her own pace. She is the captain of the girls' softball team, but she is also a hardworking girl who works multiple part-time jobs after club activities.
・Ami Kawashima
A beautiful girl who is a childhood friend of Kitamura and transfers to Ryuji's class. She is actually a popular high school model and boasts outstanding beauty and style. She also has an incredibly nice personality... but that's just her outward appearance, but underneath she is actually a very sly girl.
・Yusaku Kitamura
Ryuji's best friend. He is the vice president of the student council and the captain of the boys' softball team. He's the perfect example of a genius. He also wears glasses, which has earned him the nickname "Maru-kun" from his classmates. However, he's actually a bit off in terms of personality.

■Subtitle

Episode 1: The Tiger and the Dragon (2008/10/02)
・Episode 2: Ryuji and Taiga (2008/10/09)
・Episode 3: Your Song (2008/10/16)
Episode 4: The Face at That Time (2008/10/23)
・Episode 5/Ami Kawashima (2008/10/30)
・Episode 6: True Self (2008/11/06)
Episode 7: Pool Opening (2008/11/13)
Episode 8: For Whom (2008/11/20)
・Episode 9: Let's go to the beach (2008/11/27)
・Episode 10/Fireworks (2008/12/04)
・Episode 11/Ohashi High School Cultural Festival [Part 1] (2008/12/11)
・Episode 12/Ohashi High School Cultural Festival [Part 2] (2008/12/18)
・Episode 13/Ohashi High School Cultural Festival [Part 2] (2008/12/25)
・Episode 14: Happy Palm-sized Tiger (2009/01/08)
・Episode 15: The Stars Are Far Away (2009/01/15)
・Episode 16: Taking a Step Forward (2009/01/22)
Episode 17: Mercury goes retrograde on Christmas (2009/01/29)
・Episode 18: Under the Fir Tree (2009/02/05)
Episode 19: Christmas Eve (2009/02/12)
・Episode 20: Always like this (2009/02/19)
・Episode 21/Whatever (2009/02/26)
・Episode 22: The Scenery with You (2009/03/05)
Episode 23: The Path to Follow (2009/03/12)
・Episode 24/Confession (2009/03/19)
・Episode 25/Toradora! (2009/03/26)

■ Related works

・Toradora SOS! Hurray for foodies ・Toradora! 150 Ami impersonations in a row!!
・Toradora! OVA

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
・Prepared Parade ・Lyrics by Akiko Watanabe ・Music by Kaoru Okubo ・Arrangement by Mitsuto Suzuki ・Vocals by Taiga Osaka, Minori Kushieda, Ami Kawashima (Rie Kugimiya, Yui Horie, Eri Kitamura)

・OP2
・Silky Heart
Lyrics by Satomi
・Composition: Itsuki Fujisue ・Arrangement: Keita Kawaguchi ・Singer: Yui Horie

・ED1
・Vanilla Salt ・Lyrics by Satomi
・Composition: Funta7
Arrangement: Takeshi Nakatsuka Vocals: Yui Horie

・ED2
・Orange ・Lyrics by Akiko Watanabe ・Music by Funta3
Arrangement: Yukari Hashimoto Vocals: Taiga Osaka, Minori Kushieda, Ami Kawashima (Rie Kugimiya, Yui Horie, Eri Kitamura)

・ED3
・Holy Night・Lyrics by Mari Okada・Composition by Yukari Hashimoto・Arrangement by Yukari Hashimoto・Vocals by Taiga Osaka, Ami Kawashima (Rie Kugimiya, Eri Kitamura)

Toradora! - Toradora - Review and Recommendation

"Toradora!" is a TV anime series that aired from 2008 to 2009 and is based on a light novel by Yuyuko Takemiya. This work is particularly popular in the school romantic comedy genre and is loved by many fans. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and features of "Toradora!", as well as the recommended points.

The appeal of the story

The story of "Toradora!" begins with the meeting of Takasu Ryuji and Aisaka Taiga, both second-year high school students. Ryuji is often mistaken for a delinquent due to his naturally sharp eyes, but in reality he has a serious and kind personality. On the other hand, Taiga is a small, beautiful girl, but she is selfish and short-tempered, earning her the nickname "palm-sized tiger." The story follows the two of them as they meet and grow together as they learn each other's secrets and worries.

The appeal of this work lies above all in the growth of the characters and the changes in their relationships. Ryuji and Taiga's relationship starts out as one of conflict, but they gradually come to understand and support each other. The surrounding characters also have their own unique personalities, which add to the excitement of the story. In particular, the backgrounds and feelings of each character, such as Kushieda Minori, the object of Ryuji's unrequited love, Kawashima Ami, a beautiful but sly model, and Kitamura Yusaku, Ryuji's best friend, are carefully depicted, drawing the viewer in.

Character Appeal

Each character in "Toradora!" is very attractive and unique. The main character, Takasu Ryuji, is a character with a big gap between his appearance and his inner self, and his earnestness and kindness capture the hearts of viewers. In addition, the fact that he is good at all kinds of household chores also enhances his charm.

The heroine, Aisaka Taiga, is selfish and short-tempered, but she also has a clumsy side and a one-sided crush on Kitamura, and her cuteness and human weaknesses are portrayed. Her nickname "Palm Tiger" also symbolizes her character.

Other characters who add excitement to the story include the bright and energetic Minori, the cunning Ami, and the brilliant but slightly off-kilter Kitamura. The appeal of this work is that you can feel the depth of the characters, especially Ami's dual nature and Kitamura's unexpected side.

Production and Music

"Toradora!" was directed by Director Tatsuyuki Nagai. Director Nagai is well known for his ability to portray the emotions of characters in detail, and this skill is on full display in "Toradora!" In particular, there are many scenes in which the emotions of the characters can be read from their facial expressions and behavior, deeply moving the viewers.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of this work. Each song, such as the opening theme "Preparade" and "Silky Heart", and the ending theme "Vanilla Salt", "Orange", and "Holy Night", matches the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the singing by Kugimiya Rie, Horie Yui, and Kitamura Eri, combined with lyrics that reflect the feelings of the characters, resonates with the hearts of viewers.

Recommended points

"Toradora!" is a highly polished school romantic comedy, and is a work that can be recommended to many viewers. Below are some specific recommended points.

1. **Character growth and changes in relationships**: The changes in the relationship between Ryuji and Taiga, as well as the growth of the characters around them, are carefully depicted, deeply moving the viewer.

2. **Unique characters**: Each character is unique and charming, and has the power to draw the viewer in. In particular, the depth of the characters is apparent in the contrast between Ryuji and Taiga, and Ami's dual nature.

3. **Meticulous Direction**: Director Tatsuyuki Nagai's meticulous direction portrays the characters' feelings realistically. In particular, there are many scenes where the characters' emotions can be read from their facial expressions and gestures, deeply moving the viewers.

4. **The appeal of the music**: The opening and ending songs match the atmosphere of the story and resonate with the viewers. In particular, the songs sung by Rie Kugimiya, Yui Horie, and Eri Kitamura reflect the feelings of the characters.

5. **Balance of laughter and emotion**: The balance between the humor of slapstick comedy and the touching scenes is perfect, so viewers will not get bored. In particular, the event scenes such as the school festival and Christmas are full of laughter and emotion, drawing viewers in.

Conclusion

"Toradora!" is a highly polished school romantic comedy that can be recommended to many viewers. It is full of many charms, such as character growth, changes in human relationships, unique characters, detailed direction, charming music, and a balance of laughter and emotion. Please watch it at least once and experience its charm for yourself.