"STAR DRIVER: Kagayaki no Takuto" Review: An epic tale of youth and adventure

"STAR DRIVER: Kagayaki no Takuto": A story of an island where youth and robots intersect

"STAR DRIVER: Kagayaki no Takuto" is a TV anime series that aired from 2010 to 2011, and was created and produced by BONES. This anime has a unique worldview where youth and robot battles intersect, and is known for its fascinating story and characters that draw viewers in. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as recommended points.

Overview

"STAR DRIVER: Kagayaki no Takuto" is a story set on Southern Cross Island, an island south of Japan. One night, a boy named Tsunashi Takuto washes up on the island and enrolls in Southern Cross Academy's high school division. Takuto has a bright and optimistic personality and deepens his friendships with the students on the island, but the island is hiding a big secret: the existence of giant humanoid statues called "Cybodies" sleeping underground and the mysterious secret society "Glittering Star Cross Organization" surrounding them. It is revealed that Takuto himself is also hiding a big secret, and a story of youth and adventure unfolds.

Broadcast information

"STAR DRIVER: Kagayaki no Takuto" was broadcast on Mainichi Broadcasting System (MBS) and 27 JNN stations from October 3, 2010 to April 3, 2011. It was a 25-episode series that aired every Sunday from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. for 30 minutes. It was also streamed online and could be viewed on GYAO!, the official MBS promotional site, Bandai Channel, and Anime Mobi.

Staff and cast

The director was Takuya Igarashi, the series composition was by Youji Enokido, and the character design and general animation direction was Yoshiyuki Ito. The music was by Satoru Kanzaki and MONACA, and the production was by BONES. The main cast includes a stellar line-up of voice actors, including Mamoru Miyano as Tsunashi Takuto, Jun Fukuyama as Shindou Sugata, and Saori Hayami as Agemaki Wako.

story

After washing ashore on Southern Cross Island, Takuto enrolls in the island's school, Southern Cross Academy High School, where he meets Agemaki Wako and Shindou Sugata. However, on the night he enrolls, Wako is attacked by members of the Glittering Cross, and Takuto gets caught up in the attack. They are taken to underground ruins, where they encounter giant humanoid statues known as Cybodies. As the "Galactic Beautiful Boy," Takuto approvoises (forms a relationship) with the Cybody "Tauburn" and sets out to confront the Glittering Cross's conspiracy.

character

The main character, Tsunashi Takuto, is a 15-year-old boy who came to the Southern Cross Island to enjoy his youth. He has a bright and positive personality and quickly becomes popular at school. Agemaki Wako is the girl who helped Takuto and is one of the "Four Priestesses" who keep the Cybodies sealed. Shindou Sugata is Wako's fiancé and the heir to a prestigious family on the Southern Cross Island, a master of ancient martial arts. Many other unique characters also appear, including Head, a member of the Kiraboshi Crusade, and Keta's Priestess.

Main robot and items

The main robot in this work is "Tauburn", which Takuto approvoises. Tauburn has techniques such as "Tau Galaxy Beam", which releases the energy gathered in its chest all at once, and possesses two star swords, Emrod and Saphir. In addition, various Cybodies controlled by members of the Kira Seijudan appear and engage in fierce battles.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme was "GRAVITY Ø" by Aqua Timez (episodes 1-13) and "" by 9nine (episodes 14-24). The ending theme was "Cross Over" by 9nine (episodes 1-13, 25) and "Pride" by SCANDAL (episodes 14-25). In addition, insert songs such as "Monochrome" by Keta no Miko (Tomatsu Haruka) and "Komorebi no Contact" by Agemaki Wako (Hayami Saori) were used to liven up the story.

Rating and Recommended Points

"STAR DRIVER: Kagayaki no Takuto" has been praised for its unique worldview where youth and robot battles intersect, and for the story woven by its charming characters. In particular, Takuto's bright and positive personality, as well as his friendship with Wako and Sugata, and his love life, left a strong impression on viewers. Also, don't miss the suspense elements that unravel the conspiracy of the Kiraboshi Crusaders and the mystery of the Cybodies.

The recommended points include the following:

• The refreshing feeling of youth : The story of youth centered around Takuto gives viewers a refreshing feeling of emotion. There are many heartwarming scenes depicting friendship, love, and the pursuit of dreams.
• Powerful robot battles : The battle scenes between the Cybodies are extremely powerful thanks to BONES's high level of animation technology. The unique designs and techniques of each Cybody are also a highlight.
• The fun of solving mysteries : The process of unraveling the mystery of the Kira Seijuu Sect and the Cybodies provides a suspenseful experience. The unpredictability of the story keeps the viewer engaged.
• A luxurious cast : A luxurious cast of voice actors, including Mamoru Miyano, Jun Fukuyama, and Saori Hayami, plays the characters. The acting skills of the voice actors also enhance the appeal of the work.
• Music quality : The theme songs and insert songs by popular artists such as Aqua Timez, 9nine, and SCANDAL add to the atmosphere of the story. The quality of the music has also been highly praised.

Related Titles

There are other related works for "STAR DRIVER: Kagayaki no Takuto," such as the special program "Star Driver Night Party" and the movie "Star Driver: The Movie." By watching these works together, you can enjoy the story even more deeply.

Conclusion

"STAR DRIVER: Kagayaki no Takuto" is a work that is appealing for its unique worldview where youth and robot battles intersect, and the story woven by its charming characters. It is filled with a youth story that will leave a refreshing impression on viewers, powerful robot battles, and the fun of solving mysteries. The gorgeous cast and high-quality music also enhance the appeal of the work, so we highly recommend that you watch it at least once.