"Togainu no Chi" review: A masterpiece anime with a dark world view and deep story

All-round information and reviews of Togainu no Chi - Togainunochi

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

game

■ Broadcast period

October 7, 2010 - December 23, 2011

■Broadcasting station

TBS, MBS, CBS

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 12

■Original Story

Nitro+CHiRAL

■ Director

Naoyuki Konno

■ Production

・Production: A-1 Pictures
・Production cooperation: Picture Magic ・Production: "Togainu no Chi" Production Committee, MBS

■Works

©Nitroplus / HOBIBOX, Aniplex, Lantis, movic

■ Story

How will Akira, the protagonist who was born and raised in a devastated Japan just after the Third World War, face the fate that befalls him mercilessly? In 2010, the story filled with blood and madness will begin again...!

■Explanation

In February 2005, Togainu no Chi, released by the women's game maker Nitro+CHiRAL, attracted attention for its hard-edged worldview and straightforward depiction of human love and hate, which had never been seen in BL games before. The story, which incorporates the merciless storytelling that Nitroplus, the older brand, is known for, into BL, is still highly regarded as a masterpiece. In 2008, a PS2 version was released with a new scenario added, and the game's sales, including the PC version, reached over 90,000 copies. The world of Togainu is not limited to games, but has been expanded in a variety of ways, including CD dramas, novels, and goods. The currently serialized comic version is also well-received, and this long-running hit continues to fascinate many fans. In 2010, the fifth anniversary of the release of Togainu no Chi, it will finally be made into a TV anime. Director Konno Naoyuki, who is acclaimed for his action films, teams up with series composer Takahashi Natsuko to depict a deadly battle game held in the city of Toshima, and the emotions of men caught between life and death.

■Cast

Akira/Kousuke Toriumi/Keisuke/Tomokazu Sugita/Rin/Jun Fukuyama/Gensen/Kazuya Ichijo/Shiki/Hikari Midorikawa/Albitoro/Kosuke Okano/Kiriwo/Katsuyuki Konishi/Gunji/Kiaki Taniyama/Nano/Takumi Yamazaki

■ Main staff

・Original work: Nitro+CHiRAL
Director, character design: Naoyuki Konno Series composition: Natsuko Takahashi

■ Main Characters

Akira / "The 3rd Division" Unable to adapt to the family system imposed by post-war policy, Akira escapes from an orphanage. He is arrested on suspicion of murder, but in order to be released, he participates in the deadly battle game "Igla". He is approached by a mysterious duo with a deal to defeat the "King (Il Re)" of the drug cartel "Viskio" and eliminate the cartel, and so he heads to Toshima.
・Keisuke: Akira's childhood friend who grew up in an orphanage. He is a hard worker who puts all his effort into everything he does, but he is not good at it and it goes unrewarded. That's why he admires Akira, who can do anything. In order to save Akira, who has entered Toshima, he follows Akira to Toshima.
・Rin: A boy that Akira meets in Toshima. He is a cheerful, lively, free-spirited, and playful person. He has a friendly personality and looks childish, but he also has a strong, manly side. His girlish appearance gives him a past that is hard to imagine, and sometimes, beneath his smile, he shows his other side, which is as cold as ice. He gives Akira a quick tour of the city of Toshima when he arrives there.
Motomi (Gensen): A middle-aged man who is known as the best information broker in Toshima, he has some quirks but is caring and kind. He does not participate in Igura himself, but instead gathers information about the "King (Il-Re)" and the Line, but his true intentions are a mystery. He cares about Akira and the others and gives them advice.
・Shiki: A solitary charismatic figure who is feared and called the strongest by the "Igura" participants. A perfectionist and narcissist who is only interested in improving his own power, he is merciless to those who get in his way and exudes an intimidating presence from his entire body.
・Arbitro: The person in charge of the Vischio drug cartel. He also serves as Igla's judge. He is polite but rude, and always wears a mask. He is very nervous. He finds the greatest joy in training and modifying the bodies of his favorite boys.
Kiriwar: One of the infamous "Viskio" executioner duo who punishes Igura violators. He has the madness to commit murder just for his own enjoyment. His partner is an iron pipe that he named after.
Gunji: An executioner who always works with Kiriwo and punishes those who violate Igura. He is equipped with custom-made claw knuckles and takes pleasure in cutting up his victims with them. He is a person filled with a different kind of insanity from Kiriwo.
・Nano: An unidentified man who appears in front of Akira, leaves behind some enigmatic words, and disappears into the darkness. He has an appearance that is hard to believe he is a resident of Toshima, and an ambiguous presence that is hard to believe is real. His hollow eyes can be blue or purple.

■Subtitle

・Episode 1/Nothingness/LOST
・Episode 2/Dead Town/Toshima
・Episode 3/Madness/igra
・Episode 4/Suspended sentence/case
Episode 5: Crack
・Episode 6/Desire
Episode 7: Sever
Episode 8: Cruelty/Rein
Episode 9: Bond
・Episode 10/Ilre
Episode 11/Aggravation/Conviet
・Episode 12/Douji/beginning

■Detailed evaluation

"Togainu no Chi" is set in a devastated Japan after the Third World War, and follows the protagonist Akira as he takes part in the deadly battle game "Igura" and fights to defeat the drug cartel "Viskio." This anime faithfully reproduces the deep storyline and character humanity of the original game, while adding its own unique appeal to draw viewers in.

First, let's talk about the story. The setting of a devastated Japan after the Third World War leaves a strong impact on viewers. The story begins when Akira escapes from an orphanage and is arrested on suspicion of a murder he did not commit, and gradually unfolds to reveal his past, his bonds with his friends, and the truth hidden behind the deadly game of Igura. In particular, Akira and Keisuke's relationship as childhood friends and his meeting with Rin add depth to the story. Additionally, the personalities of characters such as Shiki and Albitro stand out, and their presence further enhances the story.

The character portrayal is also excellent. Akira is portrayed as a calm and strong-willed protagonist, but his inner loneliness and conflict are depicted, which resonates with the viewer. Keisuke's admiration for Akira and his hardworking side are emphasized, and his growth can be seen as the story progresses. Rin has a bright and free-spirited personality, but she also has a past trauma, and this gap is fascinating. Gensen plays an important role as an informant, but also exudes a mysterious presence. Shiki is a perfectionist, but his narcissistic side is emphasized, and his fight scenes are particularly worth watching. Albitro is portrayed as a ruthless leader, and the madness hidden under his mask draws the viewer in. Kiriwo and Gunji's insane characters are also impressive, and their presence increases the tension in Igura. Nano is portrayed as a mysterious character, and his appearance brings new developments to the story.

In terms of anime production, A-1 Pictures' quality shines. The character designs faithfully reproduce the atmosphere of the original work while adding anime's own unique charm. The depictions of battle scenes in particular are extremely realistic and have the power to draw the viewer in. Additionally, the depictions of the backgrounds and cities are detailed, firmly expressing the worldview of a devastated Japan. Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, with background music and theme songs used effectively in line with the progression of the story.

Director Konno Naoyuki is well-known for his action films, and has succeeded in realistically depicting Igura's battle scenes and character movements. Series composer Takahashi Natsuko has a solid understanding of the original storyline, while adding unique developments for anime, achieving storytelling that viewers will not tire of. The cast is also impressive, with the voice actors for each character, such as Toriumi Kosuke as Akira, Sugita Tomokazu as Keisuke, and Fukuyama Jun as Rin, expressing their individuality well. In particular, the voices of Midorikawa Hikaru as Shiki and Okano Kosuke as Albitro convey the characters' madness and intimidation well.

"Togainu no Chi" is a work that is widely accepted not only by fans of the original game, but also by anime fans. The depth of the story, the appeal of the characters, the quality of the production, and the acting ability of the cast all combine to draw in viewers. In particular, the setting of a devastated Japan after the Third World War and the tension of the deadly game of Igura have a unique appeal not found in other works. In addition, the depiction of the humanity and conflicts of the characters evokes deep sympathy from viewers.

■Recommendation details

Here are some reasons why I recommend "Togainu no Chi":

1. **Deep story and appealing characters**: By faithfully recreating the story of the original game while adding unique developments to the anime, the storytelling has been kept interesting and viewers will not tire of it. In addition, the individuality and humanity of each character is well-drawn, evoking deep empathy in viewers.

2. **High-quality production**: A-1 Pictures' quality shines through in the attention to detail in the character designs, battle scenes, backgrounds, cityscapes, etc. The realism of the battle scenes in particular draws the viewer in.

3. **Awesome Cast**: The amazing cast, including Toriumi Kosuke, Sugita Tomokazu, Fukuyama Jun, Midorikawa Hikaru, and Okano Kosuke, express the individuality of each character well. In particular, the voices of Shiki and Albitro convey the madness and menace of their characters well.

4. **Unique World View**: The setting of a devastated Japan after the Third World War and the tension of the death game Igura have a unique charm that is not found in other works. This world view leaves a strong impact on the viewer.

5. **Music Effects**: Background music and theme songs are used effectively in accordance with the progression of the story, and are an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work.

For these reasons, "Togainu no Chi" is a work that can be widely recommended not only to fans of the original game, but also to anime fans. In particular, the deep story, the charm of the characters, the high-quality production, the luxurious cast, the unique world view, and the musical effects all combine to draw in the viewer. Please give it a watch.