Review of "Jibetagurashi: The Life of a Duck": An anime that explores the warmth and healing of everyday life

"The Life of Ducks on the Ground" - The fascinating world of birds

"Jibetagurashi: Ahiru no Seikatsu" is a TV anime series that aired on NHK BS Premium from April 7, 2013 to March 30, 2014. It is based on the manga of the same name by Matsuda Yuka, and the series director and character designer was Mino Taiki. The 40-episode series is set on an island inhabited by unique birds, and follows the daily life of a lively and positive duck who cannot fly.

story

The island where the charming curly-haired duck lives is full of unique birds, including the cynical Sakhalin Owl and the gluttonous White-bellied Parrot. Let's take a look at the world of birds together with the lively and positive duck, who can't fly!

Commentary

It has been broadcast on NHK BS Premium every Sunday from 8:00 to 8:29 since April 7, 2013 as part of the program "With Dad." This program is enjoyable for both children and adults, and the stories that depict the ecology and personalities of birds are particularly appealing.

cast

• Duck: Taiki Matsuno
• Uncle Karafuto: Jurota Kosugi
• Robin: Kokoro Kikuchi
• Great Egret: Kuniko Ishijima
• Little Egret: Asami Yoshida
• Japanese night heron: Hirofumi Shimozaki
• Uncle Marabou: Hidenobu Kiuchi
• Narrator: Naoki Tanaka (Cocorico)

Main Staff

• Original story: Yuka Matsuda "Jibetagurashi: The Life of a Duck"
• Series Director, Character Design: Taiki Mino
• Assistant Director: Shu Ting Tak
• Sound Director: Kisuke Koizumi
• Sound production cooperation: Yayoi Tateishi (Jinnan Studio)
• Music: Makoto Miyazaki
• Music Production: Kengo Fukui (Berry Goo)
• Casting cooperation: Mariko Futamura (Nelke Planning)
• Planning and coordination: Yoshifumi Sugisawa (Gonpapa)
• Produced by: "Jibetagurashi" Production Committee

Main Characters

Duck

Although he can't fly, the main character is always positive, a bit naive and laid-back. His curly hair on his bottom is his charm point. In this story, he lives on an island with other birds, but the real duck is kept by humans. The character of Duck-kun is portrayed as someone who gives children dreams and hope. His positive attitude will surely give courage to the viewers.

Uncle Karafuto

Uncle Karafuto is a Great Grey Owl. He has a gentlemanly demeanor, but is unmistakably a bird of prey. He has a large, round face and whisker-like feathers growing from the sides of his beak. Uncle Karafuto is a character who combines strictness and kindness, and adds excitement to the story as a good understanding friend of Ahiru-kun.

Mallard

On the way to a warmer place, we stopped at the island where the duck lives. The male has a green head and a yellow beak, while the female is brown overall. This is the original species of duck. The appearance of the mallard is an important element in depicting the diversity of the natural world and provides the viewer with an opportunity to learn about the ecology of birds.

Robin

The robin has an orange head and neck, and a bright rooster's wings. Perhaps because he is curious, he innocently approaches the bird of prey, Uncle Karafuto. The robin character symbolizes curiosity and a spirit of adventure, giving children the courage to try new things.

Black-eared night gnome

They lie in wait for fish and frogs near the water and catch them by stretching their necks. They sometimes use leaves as bait. In this story, the Japanese night heron is practicing catching fish. The Japanese night heron episode depicts the wisdom and efforts that creatures in the natural world use to survive, and is very moving for viewers.

Pigeons

This story depicts a love story (a male pigeon being rejected by a female pigeon), but pigeons' love season is mainly during the warm season from spring to summer, and it seems to last almost all year round. The love stories of pigeons provide viewers with laughter and empathy, and allow them to have fun comparing them with love stories in human society.

Great Egret

It is the largest of the heron family, with a long beak, neck, and legs. In summer, its beak is black and the area around its eyes is green-blue. In winter, both its beak and eyes turn yellow. The Great Egret that appears in this story is graceful and knowledgeable. The character of the Great Egret symbolizes knowledge and elegance, giving the viewer a sense of culture and beauty.

Little Egret

The smallest of the egrets. In summer, it has two long feathers called "crowns" on its head and ornamental feathers on its back. It seems to admire the Great Egret. It's a bit chatty. The Little Egret character depicts admiration and hard work, and conveys to viewers the importance of having dreams.

subtitle

• Episode 1
• Episode 2
• Episode 3
• Episode 4
• Episode 5
• Episode 6
• Episode 7
• Episode 8
• Episode 9
• Episode 10
• Episode 11
• Episode 12
• Episode 13
• Episode 14
• Episode 15
• Episode 16

Ratings and Recommendations

"Jibetagurashi: Duck Life" is an animated series that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. In particular, the story, which depicts the personalities and ecology of birds, allows viewers to feel the beauty and diversity of the natural world. The charm of each character, from Duck-kun's positive attitude to Uncle Karafuto's strictness and kindness, enriches the story.

This film also contains educational elements, providing a good opportunity to stimulate children's interest in nature and living things. Also, watching it with the whole family can deepen communication between parents and children. It is especially recommended for those who want to learn about the ecology and behavior of birds.

Additionally, the character designs and music are appealing, making this a visually and aurally enjoyable piece. Taiki Mino's character designs capture the unique characteristics of each bird, helping viewers to feel attached to them. Makoto Miyazaki's music adds to the atmosphere of the story and evokes emotions in the viewer.

Overall, Jibetagurashi: Life of a Duck is a great anime with a heartwarming story, colorful characters, and educational elements. Be sure to enjoy it with your family and friends.